St. James Weekly Lenten Holy Hour Series
Please join the parish community of St. James in St. Joseph for a series of weekly Holy Hours offered by dear friends of Father Harkins, as they honor his memory this Lenten season.
Two years ago, we at St. James Parish were still suffering the grief and shock of the death of our Pastor, Father Harkins, when the pandemic hit. Churches were forced to close and fear of the unknown kept us “socially distanced” for many months. We have spoken with many over the past two years about the fact that we, as a parish community, weren’t afforded a real opportunity to continue to process Father’s passing.
After recent conversations with priests that were close with Father and to our parish, we formed a plan to offer a Holy Hour each week during Lent. At the beginning of each Holy Hour, the priests will give us a Lenten lesson in the context of some of Father Harkins’ assignments and/or share ways in which he inspired them on their spiritual journeys.
What a fitting way to honor Father Harkins’ memory: to spend time before the Blessed Sacrament as a family and to celebrate his life and the gift of his time with us at Saint James. Father was always, in his gentle way, trying to lead us into a more intimate relationship with the Lord.
There will be a small reception in the church basement following each Holy Hour.
HOLY HOUR SCHEDULE
Monday, March 7 – 6 pm
Father King’s home parish is Cathedral of St. Joseph, and he is currently serving as Parochial Vicar at St. Andrew the Apostle Parish in Gladstone with Father Rogers, Pastor.
His reflection will be on the on the deep understanding and respect that Fr. Harkins had for all people, including the communion of Saints.
“Could you not keep watch with me for one hour?” -Jesus Christ
Tuesday, March 15 – 6 pm
Father Malewski’s home parish is our own Saint James Parish, and he is the Pastor of Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish.
His reflection will be on one of Father Harkins’ last assignments, “Lord, I want to live for You”.
“Every one of us needs half an hour of prayer a day, except when we are busy – then we need an hour.” -St. Francis de Sales
Monday, March 21 – 6 pm
Father Kreidler’s home parish is our own St. James Parish, and he is the Pastor of St. Gabriel Parish in Kansas City.
His reflection will be on the Holy Eucharist and the Sacrifice of the Mass.
“Do you realize that Jesus is there in the tabernacle expressly for you – for you alone? He burns with the desire to come into your heart.” -St. Therese of Lisieux
Thursday, March 31 – 6 pm
Father Rueb grew up in Colorado. His home parish in this diocese is St. John LaLande, and he is currently the Chaplain, as well as a teacher, at St. Pius X High School in Kansas City.
Father Rueb will be available to hear confessions following his reflection.
“True, Our Lord hears our prayers anywhere, for He has made the promise, ‘Ask, and you shall receive’, but He has revealed to His servants that those who visit Him in the Blessed Sacrament will obtain a more abundant measure of grace." -St. Alphonsus Liguori
Tuesday, April 5 – 6 pm
Father Armentrout’s home parish is St. Columban in Chillicothe, and he is currently serving as Parochial Vicar at Cathedral and St. Mary parishes in St. Joseph.
His reflection will incorporate Father’s assignment, “Lord, help me. Guide my heart”.
"The only time our Lord asked the Apostles for anything was the night He went into agony. Not for activity did He plead but for an Hour of companionship." -Blessed Fulton Sheen