Blog
11 January 2021
Links to more information are available by clicking on words highlighted in blue.
Bishop’s messages
UPDATE: RESPONSE TO NEW CANON
“I am thrilled and grateful for this action by the Holy Father,” Bishop McKnight said. “Women, by virtue of their baptism, just like lay men, have a right and a responsibility to those ministries which the Church has instituted ‘based on the common condition of being baptized and the regal priesthood received in the sacrament of baptism,’” he explained, quoting from the pope’s document, “Spiritus Domini.” READ MORE HERE
Prayers for civic leaders
Prayers for civic leadersToday, Monday, at noon, Governor Mike Parson will be sworn in as the 57th governor of the State of Missouri at the 2021 Bicentennial Inauguration. I will be praying a benediction at the conclusion of the ceremony, which begins at approximately 11:30 am. You may watch the event at mo.gov/live. More importantly, please join me in praying for our civic leaders as they face many challenges in building a just and flourishing society in our state. After the inauguration, our communications staff will provide the text of my prayer on our social media channels.
DEADLINE TO REGISTER
TODAY BY 7 pm CT!
World Day for Consecrated Life – Feb. 2
Celebrated in parishes Feb. 6-7
In 1997, Pope Saint John Paul II instituted a day of prayer for women and men in consecrated life. This celebration is attached to the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord on Feb. 2. This feast is also known as Candlemas Day; the day on which candles are blessed symbolizing Christ who is the light of the world. So too, those in consecrated life are called to reflect the light of Jesus Christ to all peoples. The celebration of World Day for Consecrated Life is transferred to the following Sunday in order to highlight the gift of consecrated persons for the whole Church.
Prayers of the Faithful
- For those consecrated to God by the vows of chastity, poverty and obedience that they may seek to live their baptismal promises more intensely and have the grace to persevere in their commitment to the Lord and serve with open hearts and willing spirits. We pray to the Lord…
- For those who have responded to the prompting of the Holy Spirit to be a consecrated person that they may experience the support of the Church as they continue their growth in holiness. We pray to the Lord…
To use in bulletins Jan. 30-31 or Feb. 6-7: World Day for Consecrated Life is Feb. 2. Please pray for all those who have made commitments in the consecrated life, and be sure to thank them on their special day. May they continue to be inspired by Jesus Christ and respond generously to God’s gift of their vocation.
New mileage rates
Effective January 1, the IRS has lowered the mileage reimbursement rate to $0.56 per mile. The diocesan rate coincides with the IRS rate, so any mileage incurred on or after Jan. 1, 2021 will be at the new rate. The mileage rate for volunteers is unchanged, remaining at $0.14 per mile. Please find attached the Diocese of Jefferson City Policy on Mileage Reimbursement, enacted Feb. 13, 2020. Please contact Deacon Joseph Braddock if you have questions.
Make parishioner update form a “Favorite”
If you do not want to search the Monday Morning Memo for parishioner update forms, 1) copy this link, (press both keys Ctrl and C at the same time); 2) paste it in your web browser address bar (Ctr / V) then click on the “star” icon in the upper right corner of your browser bar to make this link a bookmark on your browser you can find at all times. The sooner the Chancery staff receives updates, the less return postage expense we share on mail and The Catholic Missourian. We’re “BetterTogether and good stewards of our parishioners’ tithing!
Also, did you know you can find the link to our parishioner and staff update forms on the communications page at diojeffcity.org?
Parishes are encouraged to pray the Prayer to the Immaculate Heart of Mary for Protection from the Coronavirus at the end of each Mass.
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.
Scholarships available
Applications for the 2021-2022 Simon Scholarship are being accepted through March 31, 2021. Applications can be acquired through the pastor or parish life collaborator or may be downloaded at diojeffcity.org/scholarship.
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.