FIRST FLOOR STATE CAPITOL ROTUNDA

SATANISTS VOW TO ENTER THE CAPITOL 

What we know. What you can do. 

By Chuck Weber, Executive Director, Kansas Catholic Conference

Many thanks to all those who have offered their prayers and support as word surfaced over the past few weeks of plans for a Satanic worship ritual scheduled to occur tomorrow at the Kansas State Capitol. It is heartening to see such an outpouring of concern for our Catholic faith, solidarity with our Christian sisters and brothers, and the mutual love of Christ our Redeemer. 

This past Sunday, we issued a comprehensive report about what has taken place since March 1. Read it:  Confronting Evil at the State Capitol.   

Here is a little more about what we know, and ways you can help. 

Let's be honest, this is a publicity stunt. Satanists crave attention. 

We have followed a balanced approach in our response to this despicable act of anti-Catholic bigotry.  We did not wish to give this group any unnecessary attention. The news media loves conflict, especially when it involves the Catholic Church. Ultimately, we felt the need to assure the faithful and provide the facts.    

Kansas State Capitol Police, news media reports and social media postings point to an expected gathering of followers and supporters of the Satanic Grotto of Leavenworth, Kansas taking place tomorrow, Friday, March 28, on the west steps of the State Capitol beginning around 11 a.m. 

It is unclear what this group will do. They have a permit to gather outside on the steps of the Capitol. They vow to distribute 150-170 "black mass bags" (we don't know what's inside, but we suspect they will contain unconsecrated hosts). They are inviting followers to enter the Capitol and go to the first floor Rotunda. 

State Capitol Police tell me they have no legal reason to prevent members of this group from entering the Capitol building.  They assure me that there will be adequate security on hand and action will be taken if rules of conduct inside or outside the Capitol are violated.     

Pray for our law enforcement officers.  They are committed to following the law and ensuring the rights and safety of everyone. 

OUR CATHOLIC RESPONSE    

There will be a Eucharistic Holy Hour beginning at 11 a.m. at Assumption Catholic Church (directly across the street north from the Capitol in Topeka) and at St. Joseph's Catholic Church, (4 blocks north of the Capitol on Van Buren Street).

The Holy Hour will be followed by a noon Mass.  Archbishop Joseph Naumann will be the main celebrant at Assumption Church, with Father Tim Haberkorn at St. Joe's.  A light lunch and drinks will be distributed following noon Mass. 

For anyone in or around the State Capitol grounds tomorrow, we ask that care be taken to not physically or verbally engage or confront the Satanists in any way.  Our response is one of peaceful prayer. 

The Holy Hour and Mass is the Catholic Church's only organized event in Topeka tomorrow. Statewide, there will be a Holy Hour at 11 a.m. followed by noon Mass in the Cathedral in Dodge City, Salina and Wichita tomorrow. Other churches are also hosting Holy Hours and Masses.  Check your local parish for details. 

OTHER PRAYERFUL RESPONSES AT THE CAPITOL

Tonight (Thursday) there is a prayer service and rally scheduled to take place on the south steps of the Capitol from 6-9 p.m. This is being organized by Donna Lippoldt of Culture Shield Network.   

Tomorrow morning (Friday), a Catholic group called Tradition, Family and Property www.tfp.org will have an event on the south steps of the Capitol beginning around 9:30 a.m.  Here is a brief video from Tradition, Family and Property:    https://youtu.be/VXTB-at0enQ

CONCLUDING THOUGHTS AND WHY THIS MATTERS

While the public comments coming from the Satanic group are inconsistent and confusing, one theme seems to be consistent.  They do not like the advocacy of the Catholic Church in Kansas seeking to protect and care for women and preborn babies from the abortion industry.  This is not our only public policy concern, but it will continue to be our #1 public policy priority.  

The Kansas Catholic Conference is grateful to those members of the Kansas House and Senate who voted YES on a non-binding resolution condemning the actions of the Satanic Grotto. 

Please pray for your elected officials.  Please pray for our Kansas Catholic Conference mission at the Kansas Capitol, as we seek justice in public policy.  

St. Joseph, Terror of Demons, pray for us!

We persevere..

Chuck Weber