News
15 March 2021
Links to more information are available by clicking on words highlighted in blue.
Bishop’s messages
New decree modifying pandemic decrees
On Friday, March 12, I issued a decree modifying restrictions on the use of printed materials and holy water in our churches, and providing guidance for the resumption of social gatherings. It is available in English and Spanish.
There has been some confusion regarding the moral implications of Catholics accepting the coronavirus vaccines. Please see my statement on this matter.
The Holy See’s Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development has provided resources designed to support parish priests and staff in diocesan offices and health and social service agencies. You will find information about the COVID-19 vaccine for varied audiences, resources to support the preparation of homilies, relevant quotes from Pope Francis, links to useful information, and short messages for websites, parish bulletins or other media. A Family Guide to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) is designed to help local communities and to counter misinformation.
NEW DEADLINES!
Marriage preparation trainings for clergy and laity
Our new Marriage Preparation Policy, which becomes effective July 1, requires training. Priests will need to participate in the training (optional for retired clergy) and invite qualified lay people to be trained as marriage prep facilitators. Information on the qualities needed for these lay facilitators, how many are needed, and more can be found HERE.
Please, register for a training by using an online form. There are separate trainings for priests, deacons and lay people (in English and Spanish), with in-person and virtual options. If you need the link for the registration form, request it from Jamie at faithformation@diojeffcity.org or 573-635-9127.
Deadlines and trainings
Registration deadline: March 28
Deacons: April 24 (in-person and virtual)
Laity: May 1 (in-person and virtual)
ESPANOL (Laity and Clergy): May 15 (in-person and virtual)
Registration deadline: May 1
Priests: June 4 (in-person and virtual)
Laity: June 12 (in-person and virtual)
The only charge to the parishes is $50 per lay individual/couple. All costs for priests and deacons are being covered by the diocese. Thank you for your kind attention to this important training.
Thank you to everyone who is joining me in praying the Novena in Honor of St. Joseph. You may also join me on Facebook @DioJeffCity on Friday, March 19, 8 am, when I celebrate the Mass for the feast of St. Joseph.
Parish staff orientation
All parish staff involved in administrative functions are invited to an orientation session hosted by the Chancellor and diocesan offices of Hispanic Ministry and Communications on Tuesday, March 23, 10 am to 1:30 pm (30 minute lunch break) via Zoom. Topics will include sacramental record keeping, letters of good standing, matters concerning Hispanic parishioners, updating parishioners’ contact information, online giving and parish websites. If you have recommendations of topics for future sessions, please let us know by emailing communication@diojeffcity.org. You can join the March 23 session at https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87414860406. Please be sure to identify yourself when you log in, so we can admit you to the meeting!
New Safe Environment policies, PSA material
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.
Catholic Missourian subscriptions
As a reminder, parishes are no longer charged for subscriptions to the Catholic Missourian. Staff are encouraged to send any updates of new parishioners, address changes, marriages, divorces, deaths, etc., as they receive these by using this online form. Please consider bookmarking this form on your desktop and including this in your workflow when you receive updates on your parishioners! If you have any questions, please contact Denise Barnes.
ONE LICENSE Group agreement renews
The Diocese of Jefferson City has a group agreement with ONE LICENSE, which gives our parishes a 20% discount on ONE LICENSE’s rates. Our group agreement renews April 30. If you are interested in joining this group agreement, please contact Helen Osman as soon as possible by email with the name of your parish, average weekly attendance, and the type of license you need (livestreaming only or printing and livestreaming). Reporting is easy via their online tools and ensures composers and artists are compensated for their music. For more information, view a workshop sponsored by our local NPM group and presented by ONE LICENSE.
Please also ensure you provide credit with each use of music, whether in print or online. You can follow this format:
Words: John Doe, © 1988 ABC Music Co.; Music: Jane Doe, © 1990 XYZ Publications. Reprinted with permission under ONE LICENSE #A-xxxxxxx. All rights reserved.
Share in bulletins, emails, social media, and websites
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.
Employment opportunities
Helias High School is seeking a president. More information is available online.
Annunciation Catholic Church, California, Missouri is seeking a financial bookkeeper/secretary. Depending upon hours worked, there is a benefit package available. If interested, please send a resume to Annunciation Catholic Church, 301 South Mill Street. California, Missouri 65018 or respond to Algabri567@gmail.com . The perfect candidate would be proficient in Word, Excel and willing to learn the parish financial computer program. Training would be provided. Confidentiality is of the utmost importance.
The Diocese of Jefferson City is seeking a maintenance worker for its Chancery building, located at 2207 West Main St, Jefferson City. The successful candidate will have at least five years of custodial experience, experience with grounds maintenance, electrical and plumbing repair, hardware, painting, and building maintenance. For more information, visit diojeffcity.org/employment.
Opportunity for experienced, self-motivated, dependable, and hardworking administrative assistant is available within the Chancery office. This is a great fit for someone who enjoys variety within their work day, creative thinking, and problem solving. Organization, team mindset and attention to detail is a must. Candidates are encouraged to apply through indeed.com and complete Word and Excel assessments.
The Diocese of Jefferson City is seeking a 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.
