by Greg Mies
Happy New Year! The start of a new year is a wonderful time for personal renewal, increased hope and continued spiritual growth.
Just as we celebrate the new, we are also called to honor and preserve the old — especially the places, people and traditions that form the heart of our Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas.
Last month, The Leaven published a story about repairs and improvements underway at Savior Pastoral and Retreat Center (SPARC).
One of our primary goals for 2025 is to make SPARC more accessible to those who have historically felt excluded or disadvantaged, for those individuals whose participation in events hosted at SPARC was limited or eliminated due to facility limitations within the walls of SPARC.
This year, we are focusing on providing essential services to offer more opportunities for those with mobility limitations to participate and benefit from the many spiritual gifts offered at SPARC.
Pope Francis directly calls on all of us to care for those who have been marginalized. Specifically, in “Spes Non Confundit” (“Hope Does Not Disappoint”), the official document the pope promulgated last May to proclaim the 2025 Jubilee Year, he states: “Inclusive attention should also be given to all those in particularly difficult situations, who experience their own weaknesses and limitations, especially those affected by illnesses or disabilities that severely restrict their personal independence and freedom.”
“Inclusive attention.” It is more than just welcoming people who have felt excluded — it’s creating a supportive, respectful and equitable environment for everyone. And as good stewards of the treasures we have been given, we continue to maintain, adapt and improve SPARC.
I invite you to become a part of our mission to protect and improve the heart of our archdiocese, Savior Pastoral and Retreat Center. A mission of priority for SPARC is to link all areas of Savior to allow all with a mobility limitation to fully participate in SPARC events.
As Pope Francis shared, the spirit behind “Spes Non Confundit” will guide our actions and decisions for projects. May this same spirit of hope lead you to participate via time, talent or treasure in this amazing process.
Please reach out to me directly by email at: gmies@archkck.org if you would like to participate in our mission.
