News
21 December 2020
Links to more information are available by clicking on words highlighted in blue.
Bishop’s messages
New marriage preparation policy
New marriage preparation policyA new diocesan policy for marriage preparation has been promulgated the first Sunday of Advent this year. The policy is available at our diocesan website at https://diojeffcity.org/marriage-preparation/. This policy will be mandatory on July 1, 2021. In the coming months, the diocese will be providing all the resources and trainings for the clergy and those who will be involved in marriage preparation. There is no need for our parishes, priests, deacons, or current people involved in marriage preparation to do anything at this moment. Expect more information and details in January 2021.
Chancery publication schedules, closings for the holidays
There will be no Monday Morning Memo published Dec. 28; the next MMM will be emailed Jan. 4, 2021. The Chancery will be closed Dec. 24-25, Dec. 31, Jan. 1 and Jan. 18. The final 2020 issue of The Catholic Missourian was mailed on Friday, Dec. 18; it will resume publication Jan. 8, 2021. The 2021 publication schedule is available online.
Remembering the dead
When you notify the Chancery of deceased parishioners, it allows us the opportunity to remember their memory in The Catholic Missourian for the surviving family. It also prevents mail from the bishop’s offices being sent to deceased members, which can be very sensitive for survivors. Use this link to notify the Chancery of parishioners who have died.
Updates for Diocesan Directory
Updates for the printed 2020-21 Diocesan Directory can be downloaded by clicking on this link. For your convenience, we have also provided a list of diocesan emails for all priests. Note that some of the pastor appointments are effective Jan 1. You can find all official appointments on our website here.
Parishes are encouraged to pray the Prayer to the Immaculate Heart of Mary for Protection from the Coronavirus at the end of each Mass.
Music licensing requirements
Parishes using the OneLicense group agreement are reminded they are required to report all music usage, both on the Internet and in print, each week. Reporting is easy via their online tools and ensures composers and artists are compensated for their music. For more information, view ONE License’s tutorial videos on reporting.
Please also ensure you provide credit with each use of the music, whether in print or online. You can follow this fomat:
Words: John Doe, © 1988 ABC Music Co.; Music: Jane Doe, © 1990 XYZ Publications. Reprinted with permission under ONE LICENSE #A-xxxxxxx. All rights reserved.
Abiding by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommendations, the use of face masks upon entering the church, during the celebration of Mass except when in place in the pew, during the Communion procession, and upon leaving the church is required. If social distancing cannot be maintained in the pew, then the wearing of face masks is obligatory even in the pew. For more resources, visit https://diojeffcity.org/public-health/.
Share in bulletins, emails, social media, and websites
Women’s ministry video series
The Women’s Ministry of Jefferson City was established to help the women of our diocese connect with each other so that we can support each other in our spiritual journeys. We find inspiration and comfort in praying with each other, in talking with each other, and in sharing the stories of our faith journeys. Some of the women of our diocese have shared their stories in podcasts. These stories (diojeffcity.org/womens-ministry/reflections-from-within/) are from ordinary women doing the best they can to serve their families, their parishes, their communities and, above all, their God. Their experiences tell our story, too, about times of sorrow, challenges, hope, faith, love and joy. Each week, there will be a new podcast on this website. Let us go to our favorite resting places with our favorite beverages and spend some time with our sisters in Christ by listening to these podcasts.
April is Child Abuse Prevention Month
With our new safe environment policies effective Nov. 1, we have developed 12 graphics and a flyer of public service announcements parishes can use in bulletins, mailings and social media to explain the new policies. There is also a tutorial to help people understand how to register in the program. The new policies include new categories for volunteers and training for everyone is emphasized. It is important we provide information to parishioners so they can be engaged in keeping our children safe.
You will find all of these resources at diojeffcity.org/safe-environment. Also the direct links for the graphics are: one column bulletin | two column bulletin | social media. You are encouraged to rotate these, using a new one each month. Please contact Connie Schepers if you have questions or need other resources.
Nutrition counseling in Jefferson City
Catholic Charities of Central and Northern Missouri (CCCNMO) invites you to register for WALK WITH EASE, a six-week virtual program (Jan. 10 – Feb. 4) designed for arthritis sufferers, but all are welcome! Register by Jan. 4 at https://bit.ly/36rUjEr or call Liz Harrison at (573) 445-9792.
January 2021: Bishop McKnight’s prayer intention for our local church
This year the Missouri Catholic Conference canceled its in-person Annual Assembly due to COVID-19. As an alternative, they are offering a podcast series, MCC from the Capitol. MCC executive director Deacon Tyler McClay hosts six great episodes focused on issues of interest and concern to Catholics. You can find the podcasts on their website and Spotify. Below is a description of one of the episodes, addressing Catholic education.
Preserving Catholic education
Our parish schools play a critical role in helping to form our Catholic young people. Yet, challenges abound for parents seeking to provide a Catholic education for their children, especially when teaching and learning must be done remotely. Join Dr. Erin Vader, Superintendent for Catholic schools in the diocese of Jefferson City, and Nicolette Gibson, Executive Director for the Missouri Council of American Private Education as they discuss the challenges faced this past year for educators and parents alike.
Employment opportunities
The Diocese of Jefferson City is seeking a Payroll Specialist who will be responsible for all payroll processes including the management of employee data, ensuring the accuracy of timekeeping records, computing wages, and ensuring employees are paid correctly and on time. This position will also act as a back-up to the Benefits Coordinator. The ideal candidate will have experience processing payroll for a large employer with multiple divisions. Candidates should apply on Indeed.com and include a cover letter identifying their experience with different payroll and accounting software. An excel assessment will be a part of the application process.
The Diocese of Jefferson City is seeking a bi-lingual Director of Religious Education and Youth/Young Adult Ministry administer the curriculum approval process within the Diocese of Jefferson City for parish based religious education. He/she will provide direct support for and development of parish-based young adult leaders and youth ministers in the outreach, evangelization, faith formation and pastoral care of their youth. For more information, visit diojeffcity.org/employment.
Catholic Charities of Central and Northern Missouri has the following career opportunities available: Housing Counselor and Financial Education AmeriCorps Member. Job descriptions and application details can be found at cccnmo.diojeffcity.org/about-us/careers/
Two administrative assistant positions are available at the Chancery and there are several openings in our Catholic schools. Please promote these openings.