News
24 May 2021
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Bishop’s messages
In case you missed it, the appointment of John Knight and Spencer Allen as president and principal, respectively, of Helias Catholic High School was announced on Friday. The pastoral appointments for the upcoming year are also on our website. Please join me in praying for all those serving in leadership and providing pastoral care in our diocese.
Litany of St. Joseph expanded
Pope Francis approved 7 new invocations to Litany of St. Joseph early this month. Read more from Vatican News: https://buff.ly/2RldHhd
COVID-19 protocols
On May 13 the CDC announced that fully vaccinated people no longer need to wear a mask or physically distance in any setting, except where required by federal, state, local, tribal, or territorial laws, rules, and regulations, including local business and workplace guidance. Therefore, the wearing of face masks and social distancing are no longer mandatory in churches for Mass in the Diocese of Jefferson City. Those who have not been fully vaccinated are urged to continue wearing face masks when they cannot maintain social distancing while indoors, in compliance with current CDC guidance. Please further note that no one is to be screened about their vaccination history in order to enter parish buildings.
On May 7 I issued a decree lifting the general dispensation from the obligation to attend Mass on days of precept, and abrogating requirements, restrictions, and special allowances of previous decrees for the COVID-19 pandemic. The decree is on our website. All legitimate national, state or local health directives must be observed. As we continue to respond to the pandemic, parishes are asked to continue some public health safety measures and livestreaming for the good of the community.
To prepare those who have been making use of the general dispensation from attending Mass in person, pastors could consider using the following scripts at the beginning of livestreamed Masses, in parish bulletins and on social media, as deemed appropriate.
MORE “FORMAL”
As more people become vaccinated and the number of COVID-19 cases decline in our area, Bishop McKnight has removed the general dispensation from attending Mass in person, as of June 1. I am happy to invite all who have been away to join us to worship together, in person, and to receive the Body of Christ in Holy Communion, which nourishes our souls and heals us of our sins. That’s why we are obliged to participate in the Sunday liturgy each week. Of course, if you are ill, are traveling, or otherwise dispensed from our obligation to participate in the Mass, please continue to join us, via our livestreaming Mass(es). [Announce schedule}. Otherwise, we look forward to seeing you in person at Mass!
“SOCIAL MEDIA FRIENDLY”
WE MISS YOU! As more people become vaccinated and the number of COVID-19 cases decline in our area, Bishop McKnight has removed the general dispensation from attending Mass in person, as of June 1. Please join us to worship together, in person, and to receive the Body of Christ in Holy Communion, which nourishes our souls and heals us of our sins. We are indeed #BetterTogether! Of course, if you are ill, are traveling, or otherwise dispensed from our obligation to participate in the Mass, please continue to join us via our livestreaming Mass(es). [Announce schedule}. Hope to see you soon!
Moratorium on use of music by David Haas
In early 2020 multiple accusations of sexual abuse and spiritual manipulation were made against the composer/songwriter David Haas. GIA Publications has suspended its sponsorship and publishing relationship with Haas. The Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis is no longer providing him a letter of suitability. Other music publishers have followed suit, and women continue to come forward with additional accusations. On July 8, 2020, the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis announced that it will not use Haas’ compositions at archdiocesan Masses.
Bishop McKnight has placed a moratorium on using any David Haas music throughout our diocese. Please ensure your musicians and song leaders are informed of this. Even though his musical works may already be in your hymns or purchased material, please refrain from using them. Of course, we encourage anyone who has experienced sexual abuse or harassment, whether by David Haas, or any member of the church, to come forward. If you have any questions or concerns regarding the use of David Haas’ music, please contact Father Dan Merz, chair of the Diocesan Liturgical Commission.
Share in bulletins, emails, social media, and websites
VOLUNTERS NEEDED: Mentors for refugee youth and young adults will meet weekly with their mentee (aged 15-24) during the ten weeks of summer between July-September, exact start date to be determined. Mentors will provide friendship and support to the mentee, doing activities of their choosing together, for example: visiting local parks, walking on trails, bike riding, visiting the library, and providing tutoring. Interested? Contact Amber Kemp at akemp@cccnmo.org or (573) 540-1122.
Catholic Charities will host World Refugee Day 2021 on Saturday, June 19, 5 – 8 PM in Columbia MO. This event honors the strength, courage and perseverance of millions of refugees worldwide forced to flee their homes under threat of persecution, conflict and violence, while celebrating with refugee and immigrant families within our community by way of this resource fair and festive event. Sponsorships begin at $100. For recognition you may give online at ccnmo.diojeffcity.org/give, choose “Refugee Resettlement” and type comment, “WRD”. Or you may make your check payable to “Catholic Charities,” memo “WRD.” Please send to: PO Box 104626, Jefferson City, MO 65110. Do you have goods or services you would like to share? Let’s chat! Contact Diana Twombly at dtwombly@cccnmo.org or (573) 540-1123. Some examples: food, raffle prizes, gift cards, music, or activities.
The National Shrine of Mary Mother of the Church will celebrate the feast of Mary, Mother of the Church with a Mass celebrated by Bishop McKnight on May 24. The Shrine is also hosting several pilgrimages this summer. Information that can be used to promote these events can be found at https://thenationalshrineofmarymotherofthechurch.com/events-mass/upcoming-events/
Employment opportunities
Catholic Charities of Central and Northern Missouri is hiring now! For information, please visit cccnmo.diojeffcity.org/about-us/careers.
St. Peter Catholic Church in Jefferson City is seeking an Organist/Director of Music and Liturgy. The primary functions of the Organist and Director of Music are to assure, direct and facilitate the continuous quality of the music ministry and to assist the Pastor in directing the liturgical functions at St. Peter Parish. For a detailed description please go to www.saintpeterjc.org/employment
The Diocese of Jefferson City is seeking an Associate Director of Stewardship, to support the Stewardship Office through comprehensive communications and development programs for the Diocese of Jefferson City, ensuring an integrated development strategy involving all entities of the diocese. Through personal contact, print and non-print media and technology, the associate director, under the supervision of the stewardship director, is instrumental in assisting the bishop in his mission to teach and spread the Good News of Jesus Christ. The primary focus of this position is to assist the Director of Stewardship in moving the diocese to a tithing model. In order to be successful, the candidate must be a practicing Catholic with excellent communication skills. He/she will be an inspiring leader and will facilitate discussions that lead to an increased knowledge and understanding of the activities and roles of the diocesan and parish organizations. Qualified candidates should send letter of interest and resume to HRDir@diojeffcity.org.
St. Thomas More Newman Center Parish in Columbia is seeking a Director of Pastoral Counseling to serve the college students who attend the University of Missouri-Columbia, Stephens College, and Columbia College and 700 households in our parish. The Director of Pastoral Counseling tends to the spiritual, mental, and emotional health of all parishioners (both students and residents). The Director is responsible for coordinating spiritual direction and providing counseling for students and residents. This position also coordinates faith formation for resident parishioners and pastoral care for the homebound. More information can be found at www.comonewman.org/job-openings.
Our Catholic schools are hiring! Go to diojeffcity.org/employment-in-our-catholic-schools/ to learn more!