News

9 January 2023

January 9, 2023 |

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Masses planned as we mourn Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI

This week the Diocese of Jefferson City continues our observation of the Novemdiales — the nine official days of mourning following the funeral of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI. 

A number of memorial Masses are scheduled across the diocese this week. We are keeping an updated list of Masses at this link.

Tuesday, January 10

  • 7 p.m., St. Clement Parish, 21509 Hwy 161, Bowling Green

Wednesday, January 11

  • 8:15 a.m., St. Patrick Church, 17 St. Patricks Lane, Rolla

Thursday, January 12

  • 6:30 p.m., Our Lady of Lourdes, 903 Bernadette Drive, Columbia

Friday, January 13

  • 7 p.m., St. Peter Catholic Church, 216 Broadway, Jefferson City

Saturday, January 14 

  • 8 a.m., Immaculate Conception Parish, 1206 E McCarty Street, Jefferson City
  • 10 a.m., Sacred Heart Chapel of St. Vincent de Paul Parish, 421 W. Third Street, Sedalia

Bishop McKnight: Living in awe of his many gifts

Bishop W. Shawn McKnight has released a new Making Connections letter to the diocese. Below is a short excerpt, with the full message available at this link in both English and Spanish.

Bishop W. Shawn McKnight

The new year — with the season of giving still fresh in our memories — is an opportune time to reflect on the gifts God has generously given and continues to give us.

Yet I hear and read about how so many people are depressed today. Some talk about feeling the “weight of the world,” and act accordingly. They have a sense of being bound by worldly possessions and expectations.

How can this be, when we have so much?

Perhaps we can answer that question by considering the source of all we have, and the source of who we are. 

God gives us life. He provides us with a community that supports us in our faith and raising our families. He gives each of us unique talents, aptitudes and charisms to make a difference in this world by our participation in the life and mission of the Church. 

When we acknowledge that all comes from God, that all resides in Him — the weight is lifted. 

Click here to read the full message from Bishop McKnight in English and Spanish.

Diocesan Pastoral Plan — Year two assessment

The Diocese of Jefferson City has published an assessment of our second year of progress on our pastoral plan, A Steward’s Journey: Our Call to Greater Communion. Click here to read the assessment.

Barb Prasad to lead diocesan women’s ministry efforts

Barb Prasad, a parishioner of the Cathedral of St. Joseph, has been appointed as women’s ministry coordinator for the diocese. This is a part time position with a focus on supporting and growing opportunities for women throughout the diocese to live and grow in their faith.  Barb is looking forward to using her years of experience in growing her family business now in service to the women of the diocese. If you would like any support in growing women’s ministry efforts in your parishes, please reach out to her and watch for diocesan-wide faith formation opportunities coming later this year.

Barb can be reached at bprasad@diojeffcity.org or by phone at 573.635.9127. You can also schedule a meeting with her at this link.

Catholic Missourian — Jan. 6, 2023 issue now available

The year’s first issue of Catholic Missourian is out now! Click here to read the stories online.

Memorial Mass for Mary Elizabeth Schaffer, the mother of Bishop McKnight

A public memorial Mass will be held for Mary Elizabeth (O’Reilly) Schaffer at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, January 20, 2023 at St. Andrew Parish in Holt Summit. Click here for more information.

Learn about the National Eucharistic Revival

The National Eucharistic Revival is a movement to restore understanding and devotion to this great mystery here in the United States by helping us renew our worship of Jesus Christ in the Eucharist.

The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops has information and resources as the revival continues to unfold over the coming years. This includes the ability to subscribe to the Heart of the Revival newsletter. Click here to learn more.

Jan. 16: Chancery holiday closure

The Chancery office of the Diocese of Jefferson City will be closed for Martin Luther King Jr. Day on Monday, January 16.

Coming in Lent 2023 — A new series on the Mass

In response to Pope Francis’ call for a “serious and dynamic liturgical formation” (ibid, 31), the Federation of Diocesan Liturgical Commissions is pleased to present a five-part Lenten series which will explore the Mass – “Eucharist: The Work of Our Redemption.” This is offered in harmony with the United States Bishops’ campaign for a National Eucharistic Revival.

The series will include some of the nation’s most respected theologians and liturgists. They will offer not merely an exploration of the elements of the Mass but will reflect on its rich theology and identify implications for pastoral practice.

The sessions will be offered live each Thursday in Lent at 12 p.m. Each webinar will be 75 minutes in length and will include time for questions and answers. The sessions will be recorded so that all registered participants may watch it at a convenient time.

These webinars are offered free of charge. Online registration is now open at: www.fdlc.org/eucharistseries2023

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Feb. 2: World Day of Prayer for Consecrated Life

World Day for Consecrated Life will be celebrated in the Church on Thursday, February 2, 2023, and in parishes over the weekend of February 4-5, 2023. 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.

Here are two prayers of the faithful that can be used for this observance:

  • 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…

The Four Pillars of Stewardship is a four-session small group faith sharing experience. It is available in both English and Spanish. Download copies for free at www.diojeffcity.org/stewardship

NCYC (National Catholic Youth Conference) registration is now open for November 2023 in Indianapolis. For more information on the Conference, cost, and flyers and social media posts for advertising click here: https://diojeffcity.org/national-catholic-youth-conference/ 

We are now hiring for summer missionaries! These are paid summer jobs for graduating seniors in high school through college age. Please help spread the word and personally invite young adults that may be a great missionary. To access social media, bulletin and flyer please click here: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1aOiwUhL3qlNGa8M62MrWVpP6x8dP40K0?usp=sharing

¡Atención! La Diócesis de Jefferson City tiene parroquias que ofrecen Misas en español. Los lugares y horarios actualizados los puede encontrar en el siguiente enlace: https://diojeffcity.org/ministerio-hispano/misas-en-espanol/.

Confirmation Retreats for January (Jefferson City) and February (Monroe City) are now open for registration! For more information and to register click here. 

Attention all engaged couples, MPFs and pastors:

2023 Pre-Cana Conference dates & locations:

  • March 11th @ Our Lady of Lourdes: 903 Bernadette Dr, Columbia, MO 65203
  • June 17th @ Chancery Offices: 2207 W Main St, Jefferson City, MO 65109
  • September 23rd @ St. Thomas More Newman Center: 602 Turner Ave, Columbia, MO 65201

2023 Engaged Encounter dates & location are to be determined.

Eventos en Español

CAMBIO DE FECHA: Encuentro de Liderazgo Diocesano: Chancery Offices | Las Oficinas de la Cancillería, Jefferson City (14 de enero; 8:30 am-3:30 pm) El Encuentro de Liderazgo Diocesano es un evento dirigido para el liderazgo parroquial (comité parroquial Hispano, grupo base, etc.) y para el liderazgo diocesano de los movimientos (Renovación Carismática y Cursillos). Para más información contacte a Diácono Enrique Castro al (573) 680-3650 por su celular o WhatsApp o por correo electrónico a ecastro@diojeffcity.org.

Formación para Ministros de Comunión: Las Oficinas de la Cancillería, Jefferson City (4 de febrero, 9 am- 3 pm) Para todos los Ministros Extraordinarios de la Sagrada Comunión que desempeñan este servicio en su parroquia y para nuevos candidatos que hayan sido autorizados por su sacerdote para llevar a cabo este ministerio en un futuro. Cada ministro recibirá conocimiento sobre la liturgia y el ministerio que desempeña, así como herramientas y sugerencias prácticas para llevar a cabo su ministerio de una manera digna y apropiada.  Favor de registrarse por medio del siguiente link: https://diojeffcity.org/ministerio-hispano/formacion-de-ministros-de-comunion/ o llamando al 573-680-3650.

Employment opportunities

St. Peter Catholic Parish in Jefferson City is seeking a full-time Business Manager. This position oversees all financial elements of the parish, school, lunch program and Foundation. The work schedule varies based on needs of tasks at hand. The individual must have good communication skills, experience with various forms of media, and the ability to interact effectively with a variety of religious and secular personnel. Supervision is provided by the pastor. A degree in Business or Accounting or prior parish management experience is preferred. Experience with Microsoft Word and Excel are essential. Knowledge of Paylocity, QuickBooks and Community Church Builder would be helpful. St. Peter Catholic Church offers a comprehensive benefit package including health, dental, vision, vacation, and matching 403b retirement plan. Qualified candidates should email their resume with references to jsecrist@diojeffcity.org. For a detailed job description please visit https://www.saintpeterjc.org/employment/.

The Chancery Office of the Diocese of Jefferson City is seeking a full-time senior bookkeeper with advanced bookkeeping and elementary accounting work in the maintenance, review and analysis of detailed financial records throughout the entire accounting cycle. This individual will perform a variety of moderately complex to advanced bookkeeping/accounting tasks and procedures. Experience with general ledger, investments, insurance administration and payroll is strongly desired. Employer offers a comprehensive benefit package including health, dental, vision, and matching 403b retirement plan. Experience with Sage Intacct accounting system would be considered a plus. Knowledge and preparation of worksheets and financial statements and general ledger account classification is required. Qualified candidates should send their resume to HRDir@diojeffcity.org. 

Since 1882, Sacred Heart School has been committed to formation in the Catholic faith, academic achievement, and the development of the whole person. Serving students from kindergarten through 12th grade, Sacred Heart is the mission of St. Vincent de Paul Parish in Sedalia, Missouri.

The successful candidate for President of Sacred Heart School will be an active Catholic, passionate in advancing the Stewardship Model of Catholic education, fostering Catholic Identity, implementing and expanding the current strategic plan, providing for the financial stability and operational vitality of the school, and building community relationships.

Experience in business financial management and confidence in leading the school’s philanthropic efforts will be essential. The President leverages external and internal influence for the long-term viability of the school. The President serves on and is supported by an Advisory Council and reports directly to the pastor of St. Vincent de Paul.

A demonstrated capacity for strategic planning and institutional leadership can be attained through various career paths, including education, non-profit management, or work in the corporate or public sector. 

If you believe you are called to this ministry, please send a letter of interest to Rev. Joseph S. Corel, Pastor St Vincent de Paul Catholic Church 421 W. Third Street, Sedalia, MO 65301.

St. Andrew Catholic School in Tipton has an opening for a junior high science and literature teacher.  Part-time science and/or literature would be acceptable.  All interested persons can contact the principal, Kara Higgins, at khiggins@saintandrewpirates.com.