About Kansas City-Guatemala Alliance

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The Kansas City–Guatemala Alliance was founded in 1985 at St. Thomas More Parish in Kansas City. The pastor and parish leaders believed that engaging in an international mission would broaden parishioners’ awareness of global needs, foster greater generosity, and deepen their understanding of the Gospel lived in a wider world.

The specific relationship with the town of San Andrés began when a St. Thomas More family sponsored a young boy there through a nonprofit organization that coordinates child sponsorships. When the family traveled to San Andrés to meet the boy and his family, they also formed a meaningful relationship with a community of Carmelite nuns living in the town. This encounter laid the foundation for a lasting partnership.

One parishioner, Phil Smith, emerged as a key leader in expanding this connection. He helped invite more individuals and groups to travel to San Andrés, and over time, a well-organized mission trip program took shape. Mission groups stay at the convent, where the nuns provide meals, hospitality, and a welcoming home base. Local residents—some of whom are bilingual in Spanish and English—serve as guides and cultural bridges during the trips. Notably, one of these guides was the very boy sponsored years earlier by the St. Thomas More family.

Since its beginnings, the partnership between St. Thomas More Parish, San Andrés, and other participating groups has resulted in well over 100 mission trips, building enduring relationships rooted in faith, service, and mutual accompaniment.

Kansas City Guatemala Alliance Board Members

Our board members provide guidance, accountability, and prayerful leadership for our mission.

  • Phil Smith

  • Tom Turner

  • Bill Munninghoff 

  • Mary Bauer

  • Nick Porto

  • Nancy Grasse

  • Matt Smith

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