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St. Pope John Paul II
Rooted in the Gospel values, we seek to form and equip Catholics to serve our broader parish community through individual relationships and organizational partnerships that affirm human dignity and promote the value of life.
About Us
Pope St. John Paul II’s Evangelium Vitae reaffirms that human life, from conception to natural death–at all stages and circumstances is sacred, imbued with the dignity and sanctity of being created in God’s own image. Emboldened by this Gospel of Life, Missionary Disciples for Life seeks to reinvigorate a culture that proclaims with gratitude and joy the truth of the dignity of the human person while protecting and caring for human life, especially the most vulnerable.
Our Vision
Strengthening a local community of personal relationships, rooted in Christian values and the Catholic understanding of human dignity for all people. Churches will serve as gathering places for equipping in personal formation, education, service and unified mission for the purpose of launching into the greater parish community. Local neighborhoods will recognize our parish communities as centers of care and our members as ambassadors of hope and joy.
Our Core Values
Compassion, Truth, Generosity, and Authentic Relationship are the core values that guide all actions of Missionary Disciples for Life.
Compassion
We are driven by our Love of Jesus and Love for our Neighbors.
Truth
Knowing what it means to be fully Catholic and live the Gospel values.
Generosity
Pouring out unconditional and non-judgmental love for others.
Authentic Relationship
Personal connection drives our desire to know, love and serve others.
Our History
"After the defeat of the Value Them Both Kansas Constitutional Amendment in 2022, it became apparent that a new approach was needed for parish pro-life committees to form, educate, and equip Catholics to promote life in a way that is missionary in nature, knowledgeable and based in accompaniment vs. confrontation.
Beginning in early 2023, a group of roughly 20 individuals, all with expertise in varying life issues, in collaboration with the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas Pro-Life Office, met regularly to develop a pro-life approach to living out humanity’s call to “have life and have it abundantly.”
In September of 2023, a lead group presented a vision to His Eminence Archbishop Joseph Naumann. The result, with the blessing of Archbishop Naumann, was the formation of a new apostolate called Missionary Disciples for Life. At the core of this new apostolate is Pope Saint John Paul II’s encyclical, Evangelium Vitae, which finds its roots in the Gospel of Life preached by Jesus Christ.
Beginning in early 2023, a group of roughly 20 individuals, all with expertise in varying life issues, in collaboration with the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas Pro-Life Office, met regularly to develop a pro-life approach to living out humanity’s call to “have life and have it abundantly.”
In September of 2023, a lead group presented a vision to His Eminence Archbishop Joseph Naumann. The result, with the blessing of Archbishop Naumann, was the formation of a new apostolate called Missionary Disciples for Life. At the core of this new apostolate is Pope Saint John Paul II’s encyclical, Evangelium Vitae, which finds its roots in the Gospel of Life preached by Jesus Christ.
Advisory Team
Dcn. Brad
Sloan
Program
Director
Emily
Lopez
Lead Consultant
Adult Evangelization
Debra
Niesen
Lead Consultant
Pro-Life Ministries
Mary
Bibler
Board Chairman
Catholic Community Health
Terry
Dunn
Apostolate
Consultant
Dcn. Ron
Zishka
Sacred Heart
Tonganoxie, KS
“The Gospel of life is at the heart of Jesus’ message”, to be preached as “good news” to all people. In taking on human flesh and coming to Earth, Christ reveals the full meaning of the dignity of all human life.”
- Pope St. John Paul II
Our Threefold Mission
We are Catholics, called by Christ to spread the Gospel of Life through love, hope, and joyful engagement. With the blessing of Archbishop Naumann, our new apostolate, Missionary Disciples for Life, seeks to equip Catholics for local mission, inspiring them to become beacons of Christ’s love in their communities.
Joyful & Compassionate Service
We reach beyond the comfort of our parish walls to serve our communities. By engaging in compassionate service, we show that every person has inherent dignity and worth. Our aim is to connect with and support the most vulnerable among us.
Formation in the Gospel of Life
Through prayer, participation in the Sacraments, and education, we equip Catholics to carry the message of life into the world. We are committed to fostering a culture that values every life and encourages each person to live out their unique calling.
Personal Encounters with Christ
We bring Jesus and His Gospel of Life to others through hope-filled personal encounters. Our mission is to form disciples who develop a personal relationship with Jesus, enriched by the Eucharist and guided by Church teachings.
Missionary Disciples for Life
12615 Parallel Parkway
Kansas City, Kansas 66109
(913) 721-1570
md4l@archkck.org
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About Us
With the blessing of Archbishop Naumann, a new apostolate is being formed to equip Catholics for local mission. Our goal is to form Catholics who are deeply grounded in Church teachings, energized to share the good news, and dedicated to supporting life from conception to natural death. We strive to build a Church that is recognized as caring and compassionate, offering comfort and hope to all those we encounter. Through this outreach, we aim to inspire others to find solace in the arms of the Church, the Bride of Christ.