Alvin Brooks Center for Faith-Justice
The Brooks Center exists to create a more just Kansas City through collaborative advancement of right relationship with God, with others, and with creation.
Welcome to the
Alvin Brooks Center for Faith-Justice
Rockhurst University is committed to fostering justice that is rooted in faith, flowing from the Jesuit mission to promote a “faith that does justice.” The Alvin Brooks Center for Faith-Justice serves as a nexus for the University’s service and justice-centered initiatives and as a unifying space for collaboration with community partners, especially those along the Troost Ave corridor. The work of the Brooks Center is aligned with the values of Rockhurst’s Catholic and Jesuit mission, particularly Catholic Social Teaching and the Universal Apostolic Preferences that guide all Jesuit universities.
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What is the Brooks Center?
In addition to being the home of Rockhurst University’s service, community, and justice-centered initiatives, the Brooks Center houses the campus's Mabee Chapel, mission and ministry programs, Offices of Service and Action, and Community Relations & Outreach. KC Common Good and the Ignatian Spirituality Center also reside within the Brooks Center.
The chapel and the center together represent a vision of a “faith that does justice.” They are not only physically joined but, from a mission standpoint, two parts of the same whole. On one side are University departments focused on engaging students in service and partnership with our neighbors, offices for organizations KC Common Good and the Ignatian Spirituality Center, and spaces designed to foster collaboration in pursuit of community solutions.
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Mabee Chapel
On the other side is Mabee Chapel, a new 140-seat worship space for the campus community featuring original artwork by the Rev. Arturo Araujo, S.J., depicting new versions of traditional depictions of the Virgin Mary.
Mabee Chapel provides sacred space for the Rockhurst and KC communities to gather in worship and reflection, strengthening our call to serve as faithful agents of social change in our city and world. It provides students with an environment to deepen their faith. The Chapel’s north-facing window frames a view of the University’s Bell Tower, where our communal call is etched in stone – an ever-present reminder that will shape and inspire prayerful gatherings within its walls.
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Alvin Brooks
The building is named after Alvin Brooks, a living legend in Kansas City who has dedicated his life to fostering understanding and bridging divides. Brooks was among the first Black police officers in Kansas City, Missouri, when he joined the force in 1954. He worked for Kansas City’s public schools, set up City Hall’s first human relations department (becoming the city’s first Black department head), was named assistant city manager, served on the Kansas City Council, and started the Ad-Hoc Group Against Crime, which continues today.
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Community Availability & Room Reservations
Additionally, the Brooks Center provides space for nonprofit community organizations to host meetings and gatherings focused on advancing the well-being of our neighborhood and the greater Kansas City community, particularly those working to create a just society. Organizations interested in requesting spaces must submit an application to begin the reservation process. Rockhurst staff will be in touch to assist you with this process, which includes providing insurance information and a finalized contract.
Contact Alicia Douglas at 816-501-4306 or alicia.douglas@rockhurst.edu for questions or to book a one-time meeting reservation for a room on campus. The University is unable to host recurring meetings during the academic year due to space constraints. Neighborhood organizations and activities, as well as youth-serving nonprofit organizations, will remain a priority for space reservations on campus.
The Alvin Brook Center for Faith-Justice, Est. 2025
Weekly Worship Schedule
Masses are held during fall & spring semesters while classes are in session. Reconciliation may be scheduled at another time by emailing anna.muenchen@rockhurst.edu.
| Event | Location | Time | Days |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sunday Mass | Mabee Chapel | 6 p.m. | Sundays |
| Afternoon Weekday Mass | Mabee Chapel | 12:15 p.m. | Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays |
| Adoration, Benediction, Confession, & Reflection | Mabee Chapel | 8-9 p.m. | Tuesdays |
| Wednesday Mass | Mabee Chapel | 9 p.m. | Wednesdays |
| Sacrament of Reconciliation | Mabee Chapel | 5-5:45 p.m. | Sundays, or by appointment |