News

27 June 2022

June 27, 2022 |

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

Bishop’s messages

Diocesan report on Synod listening sessions finalized

Thank you to all who participated in our diocesan phase of the universal Synod, focusing on communion, participation and mission. My letter and our report were in the June 24 issue of The Catholic Missourian and are online. Please take some time to read these and provide this information to parishioners.

Monthly Mass attendance reports requested beginning in August

After consultation with the Presbyteral Council and the deans, in order to obtain a more accurate snapshot for future pastoral planning, parishes are asked to record attendance at every individual weekend Mass/Sunday Celebration in the Absence of a Priest and Holy Day Mass, from Aug. 1, 2022 through July 31, 2023.

An online form has been created for the convenience of pastors and parish staff at diojeffcity.org/mass-attendance. Simply choose your parish, enter all of the statistics for the month, enter your contact information and click “Submit.”

Please submit the form in a timely manner, no later than the 15th of the following month. For example: August statistics should be recorded using the online form no later than Sept. 15. Please contact Salena Morgan. with any questions.

Changes for People Page in Catholic MO

The Catholic Missourian will only accept information for its People Page through an online form, beginning Aug. 1. Parishes or individuals will use the form to submit:

  • Milestone wedding anniversaries (increments of 5 years from 10 through 60, and annually for 60+ years);
  • Birthdays of 90 years or more;
  • Baptisms;
  • Sacraments of initiation;
  • Sacramental weddings;
  • Elections or appointments of parishioners to offices for parish- or Church-related organizations; and
  • special honors bestowed on parishioners.

The change is part of an effort to streamline the process of gathering and verifying of names for the People Page. The current process has grown unwieldly in recent years.

Thank you for helping inform parishioners by either using the graphic or other means in your parish communications.

Statement on Supreme Court ruling

I welcome the decision by the Supreme Court to overturn Roe v Wade, ending 50 years of our federal government defending the killing of the unborn. As I wrote recently, whenever we disregard the dignity of any class of human beings, we impoverish our own dignity and the bonds that hold our nation together suffer. Let us redouble our efforts in the important work of accompanying women with unexpected pregnancies and eliminating the societal causes for abortion.

New mileage rate from IRS

Effective July 1, 2022, the IRS increased the mileage reimbursement rate to $0.625 per mile. The diocesan rate coincides with the IRS rate, so any mileage incurred on or after July 1, 2022 will be at the new rate. The mileage rate for volunteers is unchanged, remaining at $0.14 per mile.

New coordinator of Information Technology at Chancery

Please welcome Richard Riley, who is the new coordinator of Information Technology at the Chancery.  Richard will be coordinating IT needs at the Chancery, and supporting the Blackbaud software applications, along with Denise Barnes and the communications team. Richard has previously filled a similar position for the Archdiocese of Denver for 20 years.

Share in bulletins, emails, social media, and websites

Virtual gathering: Commemoration of the 125th Anniversary of Death of Venerable Augustus Tolton July 8

Join the Tolton Guild and Bishop Joseph Perry, postulator for the cause for canonization for Father Augustus Tolton, on July 8, 6:30 pm for a special event on the anniversary of Father Tolton’s death. Please see the attached flyer for more details, and please consider including the flyer in parish communications.

Pilgrimage July 16 in Laurie

The National Shrine of Mary, Mother of the Church invites all for a pilgrimage on July 16 with the nationally acclaimed speaker, television contributor, radio host and life activist Deby Sansone Schlapprizzi.  Deby will be speaking on “Our Lady, Queen of Splendor” and “Live Your Splendor, Acknowledge the Truth, Radiate Your Faith.” The pilgrimage day starts at 8:30 a.m. and includes the two speaker sessions, the sacrament of Reconciliation, eucharistic adoration, benediction, Rosary and the Divine Mercy Chaplet culminating in Mass at 4:30 p.m.  Lunch is provided. The Shrine is located at the Lake of the Ozarks, 176 Marian Drive, Laurie, MO 65037. Call 573-374-6279 for more information.

Love and Life retreat for couples Sept. 3

Love and Life is a one day retreat where couples explore the truth and beauty of marriage and God’s plan for it. It will be held Sept. 3, 8:30 am to 5 pm, at the Chancery in Jefferson City, 2207 W. Main St. Based on Marriage: Love and Life in the Divine Plan by the US bishops, this retreat will help couples renew their bonds through presentations and periods of prayer. It has helped hundreds of couples reconnect and appreciate each other, their relationship, and their marriage. This retreat is open to all couples (married, engaged & unmarried). Registration for this event is required.  Registration details coming soon!!

Spanish-speaking events

Curso Introductorio de PFN:  St. Patrick | San Patricio, Sedalia (16 de julio, 9 am-12 pm) Este es un curso gratuito sobre el método de planificación familiar natural para todas las parejas. La Fundación Familia de las Américas promueve un método actualizado del Método de Ovulación Billings el cual es un método moderno y científico de planificación familiar natural muy efectivo para concebir o posponer embarazos. Además de ser natural y saludable, este método ayudará a la pareja a fortalecer su comunicación y su relación mutua y con Dios. Para información y registrarse contacte a Enrique o Cristhia Castro al 573-680-3650 / 501-454-8308 o por correo electrónico a Enrique Castro / cmguzman10@gmail.com.

Retiro: Sanando Nuestras Relaciones Fraternas: Sacred Heart School | Escuela Sagrado Corazón, Sedalia (9 y 10 de julio) El vivir en familia, comunidad y como matrimonio es una bendición pero también puede tener retos y crear heridas por las imperfecciones que como seres humanos tenemos. Este retiro brindará herramientas prácticas y un espacio de reflexión y oración que nos ayudarán a sanar nuestras relaciones humanas, sobre todo con aquellos que estimamos y amamos. Contacto: Ilsi Palacios (316) 530-1004. Enlace del evento :https://diojeffcity.org/event/retiro-sanando-nuestras-relaciones-fraternas/

Employment opportunities

St. Peter Parish in Jefferson City is seeking a Parish Volunteer Coordinator. This position provides organization, communication, parishioner engagement and leadership of all St. Peter Parish volunteers, as well as general support for the St. Peter parish office. The candidate must enjoy working with the public with a friendly and helpful demeanor, have excellent organizational and communication skills (both verbal and written), be able to take direction, and initiative to complete tasks with minimal supervision. Please see our website at www.saintpeterjc.org/employment for more detailed information.

St. Peter Parish in Jefferson City is seeking an Organist and Director of Music. The organist and director of music makes critical contributions to St. Peter Parish by his/her ability to engage the parish in the musical celebration of worship and in the timeless beauty of Catholic liturgies.  To accomplish this, the primary functions of the organist and director of music are to assure, direct and facilitate the continuous quality music ministry and to assist the pastor in directing the liturgical functions at St. Peter Parish. Please see our website at www.saintpeterjc.org/employment for more detailed information.

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.