News

16 May 2022

May 16, 2022 |

Links to more information are available by clicking on words highlighted in blue or the download graphic

Bishop’s messages

Official appointments

  • The following appointments were made May 11, to provide the most effective pastoral care of the Diocese of Jefferson City.

@DioJeffCity tags spread the Good News!

The Easter season brings many joyous celebrations at our parishes. Please remember to tag @DioJeffCity (and @BpShawnMcKnight when Bishop McKnight is present) when you post on social media, so we can share the joy!

Stained glass appraisals

Associated Crafts/Willet Hauser will be examining the stained glass windows in our parishes this year to evaluate and document the condition of our stained glass and to ensure we have a proper assessed value for insurance purposes. This is something that occurs every 10 years. A company representative will set a time to measure, inspect, document and photograph each of your stained glass windows. Your parish and the diocese will receive a full report and digital copies of the photos. There is no obligation or charge for this service, which can be invaluable if there is a catastrophic loss. Please contact Brad Copeland at 573-680-5379 if you have questions. You can also visit Associated Crafts and Willet Hauser‘s websites to learn more.

Liturgical resources for Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ

The bishops of the United States are calling for a three-year grassroots revival of devotion and belief in the real presence of Jesus in the Eucharist. The Federation of Diocesan Liturgical Commissions offers the following resource for use this year with the Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ. It includes a preparation list, music suggestions and sample intercessions for the Mass of the Solemnity; the protocols for a eucharistic process; prayers, Scripture and music suggestions for adoration and exposition, and more. The ICEL and USCCB have granted permission to share their copyrighted material and FDLC has given permission to share the resource widely. Please contact Father Dan Merz, diocesan liturgical commission chair, with questions.

Resources for parishes regarding US Supreme Court ruling

The U.S. Supreme Court’s ruling in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization has already been receiving much attention in the media and in some communities. We can certainly expect parishioners to be affected in various ways. The USCCB has provided a “Dobbs Parish Leader Kit” and a set of digital “Dobbs Clergy Resources” that I invite you to use, as you find helpful. As I stated at the Midwest March for Life, “We must support the dignity of all human life and never tire of the demands of what it means to be pro-life.” Sadly, too many people see our pastoral response as harsh and rigid, not compassionate and merciful. We can redouble our efforts in communicating how our parishes are truly centers of charity and sanctuaries of mercy for all, regardless of what they have done or failed to do.

New Chancery support

Please welcome Madison Mason, our new payroll specialist and Salina Morgan, administrative assistant to the vicar general and vicar for priests, who began this past week working in the Chancery. Jordan Newham, who will be the administrative assistant to the moderator of the curia and director of Canonical Services, starts on May 24. 

Celebration of feast of Immaculate Heart of Mary on Sunday, June 26

To encourage a greater participation in the celebration of the patronal feast day of our diocese, Bishop McKnight has mandated the transfer of the Memorial of the Immaculate Heart of Mary from Saturday June 25, 2022 to Sunday June 26, 2022, replacing the 13th Sunday of Ordinary Time.  As in previous years, to help with your parish’s celebration of this feast, suggested Scripture readings for the day in English and Spanish, and the responsorial psalm with a musical setting can be downloaded from the link below.  If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact Father Dan Merz.

Survey for women

The Diocese of Jefferson City Women’s Ministry Office invites Catholic women throughout our diocese to take a few moments to complete an online survey before June 1.  All information gathered will be used to discern proper resources, educational formation opportunities, programs and events specifically targeted to women in your parish and throughout the diocese. The results of the survey will be shared with pastors and parish women’s ministry representatives.  To complete the survey online, enter the following link into your browser diojeffcity.org/womensministrysurvey/ or visit the women’s ministry website page at diojeffcity.org/womens-ministry/  For opportunities to get involved in the ministry, please contact your parish women’s ministry representative or LeAnn Korsmeyer, director of Women’s Ministry, by email or 573-635-9127 ext. 222.

One theme constant in our pastoral planning is the desire to engage our young people more in the faith. We’re excited to offer a cadre of opportunities for middle school and high school students, with an emphasis on friendship and joyful fun. Camp Lolek (a childhood nickname of Saint John Paul II) is new this year. Please use the graphics available through the download link below (find the folder labeled “Youth Camps 2022”) to promote Camp Lolek, Camp Maccabee, Camp Siena and CHRISTpower. Dates, registration forms and other information are on our website.

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Healing prayer service in Westphalia

St. Joseph Parish in Westphalia invites you to join us as we ask for God’s blessing of physical, mental, spiritual and emotional healing for ourselves and our loved ones on Sunday, May 22. Adoration and confession at 2 pm; healing rosary 3 pm; Father Mark Bozada will speak at 3 pm and offer the opportunity for individuals to be prayed over after the talk. Healing prayer services may seem a bit foreign to many Catholics. St. Joseph Parish has compiled information at www.stjosephwestphalia.org/special-events.html to help answer any questions. 

Save the date for Basi family concert in Columbia

            SAVE THE DATE to SAVE THE MUSIC! Mark your calendars now for Sunday Sept. 25, 2 pm, for the annual Basi family concert. It’s 2022 and all the music has mysteriously disappeared. Come watch Doc Brown and Marty McFly team up with Bill & Ted as they race to repair the space-time continuum and bring back the music! A free-will offering will be collected to support Down syndrome services in mid-Missouri.

Spanish-speaking events

  • Vigilias de Pentecostés: Varias Comunidades (4 de junio) Las Vigilias de Pentecostés son eventos que toman lugar en las diversas parroquias en los que la renovación carismática está presente. En la vigilia de la solemnidad de Pentecostés, los grupos/asambleas de oración se reúnen para orar intensamente y renovar la unción del Espíritu Santo en sus vidas.
  • Cursillos de Mujeres y Hombres: Sacred Heart School |  Escuela Sagrado Corazón, Sedalia El Cursillo es una experiencia de tres días alejada de la rutina y de las distracciones diarias de la vida. En un espíritu de fraternidad, oración, reflexión y alegría, el equipo de servidores brinda ‘rollos’ (temas) que ayudan al participante a reflexionar y a tener un encuentro consigo mismo, con Dios, con los demás y con la Iglesia de Cristo. Esta experiencia es transformadora y única que nadie se puede perder.  Es necesario registrarse. Para más información o registrarse contacte a Oswaldo Diaz al (660) 829-5213 o por correo electrónico a deleono@sedalia200.org.
    – Cursillo de Hombres: 9 de junio – 12 de junio
    – Cursillo de Mujeres: 16 de junio – 19 de junio

Employment opportunities

Our Lady of Lourdes Parish in Columbia is accepting applications for the position of Director of Youth Ministry. The position includes, but is not limited to, coordinating the High School Life Teen and Middle School Edge programs and the sacrament of Confirmation program, interacting with the students at the interparish K-8 school and Fr. Tolton Catholic High School, and providing additional worship, social, and service opportunities for the youth of the Catholic community. Works closely with the youth director for the Catholic Newman Center and Sacred Heart Parish. Music leadership ability would be great but not required. Full-time, benefits included, salary will vary according to education and experience. Contact Father Chris Cordes at frchris@ourladyoflourdes.org or 573-445-7915 if interested.

Catholic Charities of Central and Northern Missouri (CCCNMO) is launching a micro-lending program alongside an education program that seeks to provide the know-how needed to break the cycle of financial hardship. CCCNMO is seeking applications for an AmeriCorps Member who will serve clients struggling with or stuck in a cycle of debt, made worse by predatory loans. This AmeriCorps Member will use approved curriculum to provide financial education, help clients achieve financial goals, and enroll clients in the new micro-lending program. Learn more about AmeriCorps and this role with Catholic Charities by clicking here.

Catholic Charities of Central and Northern Missouri is seeking applications for an AmeriCorps Member who will provide direct services to our clients impacted by COVID-19. These services will range from case management to basic needs assistance and developing supporting programs that enhance our agency’s capacity to respond to COVID-19 impact in our service area. This position is a part of Catholic Charities USA’s (CCUSA) COVID-19 Response Program, a national intermediary project. This role will join a network of staff serving in similar roles throughout the country to facilitate COVID-19 response plans at member agencies. Learn more about AmeriCorps and this role with Catholic Charities by clicking here.

St. Joseph Church in Palmyra is seeking a Director of Religious Education. The director of Religious Education will be in charge of the religious education activities of all ages in the parish in consultation with the pastor. He or she will be responsible for developing and continuing current youth programs for grades 5-12, including weekly meetings, service projects, mission trips, youth conferences, Vacation Bible School, etc. Responsibilities will also include providing religious education opportunities for the entire parish, coordinating PSR classes, preparing young people of the parish for the sacraments of Penance, Eucharist, and Confirmation and assisting with safe environment training and record keeping. A complete job description may be found at sjpalmyra.diojeffcity.org.

The National Shrine of Mary, Mother of the Church in Laurie is accepting applications for an Administrative and Database Professional reporting to the CEO.  This position manages the input and output of our Blackbaud database, oversees all administrative functions such as processing mail, maintaining corporate records, coordinating meetings, and greeting visitors. Must have experience in general office responsibilities and experience with databases.  Training is provided for Blackbaud.  Ability to work well alone or as part of a team. Must be able to read, write and communicate effectively in both oral and written form.  Salary commensurate with background and experience.  Comprehensive benefit program is included. Reply by May 15, 2022 to Joe G. Gubbels.

St. Andrew Church in Tipton has an opening for a Parish Secretary/Bookkeeper. This is a full time non-exempt hourly position with benefits . We are seeking an individual with at least three years experience in bookkeeping and payroll. Qualified candidates should send their resume by email or U.S. Postal Service to the pastor at 106 W Cooper St., Tipton, MO 65081 or email to algabri567@gmail.com  After screening the applications, interview dates will be communicated to the eligible candidates. 

Immaculate Conception Parish and School in Jefferson City has an opening for a Facilities Manager. Applicant is to be skilled in facilities upkeep and repair, with basic electrical, mechanical and plumbing knowledge. Applicant will work under the direction of the parish pastor and school administrator. Wages depend on experience. All interested persons should complete the application on the diocesan website at diojeffcity.org/employment-opportunities-in-our-catholic-schools/and contact the parish at icchurch@icangels.com.

The Diocese of Jefferson City is seeking an IT Coordinator, responsible for coordinating, planning, and leading computer-related activities within the diocese. This position provides direct support to the chancery office and is a supportive consultant to parishes. The focus of this position will require the coordinator to have hands-on experience with complex data management systems such as Blackbaud, email maintenance, telecommunication systems, website development as well as management and support for telecommunications and audio visual needs of the organization. Qualified candidates are encouraged to send their resume to HRDir@diojeffcity.org.