St. Francis Xavier Parish, Kansas City | Transition announcement

Based on the UCS Province Apostolic Plan for 2020-2030, a declining number of Jesuit priests, and following a comprehensive resource study and review, the leadership of the USA Central and Southern Province of the Society of Jesus will remove its clergy from 7 of the 14 parishes it has staffed in the province. This decision will impact the Jesuits’ presence at St. Francis Xavier Parish in Kansas City, effective July 31, 2024.

The Jesuits have shared with the diocese that they intend to continue their presence at Rockhurst University, Rockhurst High School, and the Ignatian Spirituality Center in Kansas City. Decisions regarding any additional changes will be communicated by the leadership of the Society of Jesus.

Bishop James Johnston intends to assign a diocesan priest as pastor at St. Francis Xavier Parish in Kansas City during the summer of 2024 to continue to provide pastoral and sacramental care to the people of the parish.

“I am grateful for the Society of Jesus’ support of St. Francis Xavier Parish in Kansas City, and especially for the leadership and pastoral gifts that Father Jim Caime has shared with his parishioners for the last two years,” said Bishop Johnston. “During these next 22 months of transition, I know that the staff and parishioners of St. Francis Xavier will continue the good work of their parish mission. Let us keep them all in our prayers.”

The recent Pastoral Plan for Deaneries I, II and XI recognized St. Francis Xavier as an anchor parish in Deanery I, reporting a 14 percent growth in registered households and a 75 percent growth in the number of Baptisms performed between 2015 and 2020. The parish is expected to continue its important ministry work and collaborate with other parishes in Deanery I to expand its reach in the community.

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