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6 February, 2023

February 6, 2023 |

Celebrating five years as Bishop of Jefferson City

The Most Reverend W. Shawn McKnight was ordained and installed as the Bishop of Jefferson City on Feb. 6, 2018. As we celebrate the fifth anniversary of this historic date in our diocese, we are releasing a series of short videos with reflections from Bishop McKnight about his first five years, and also looking ahead:

The Diocese of Jefferson City will be sharing these videos on our social media accounts this week. All are encouraged to help share the videos as well.

Catholic Missourian — Feb. 3, 2023 issue now available

The latest issue of the Catholic Missourian is out now. This issue has a special focus on the work of the Catholic Charities of Central and Northern Missouri. Click here to read the Feb. 3 issue online. We are always working on the next issue of our diocesan newspaper.

Catholic Charities releases 2022 Impact Report

Catholic Charities of Central and Northern Missouri has published statistics and stories that dive deep into their work in 2022. While a printed version of the 2022 Impact Report was featured as a four-page pull-out in The Catholic Missourian, the interactive digital version also features stories that showcase the compassion and care experienced by neighbors who seek support from Catholic Charities. Parishioners at Catholic parishes across the diocese are invited to click and scroll through the report to learn more about services available to communities across the diocese.

William H. Simon and John L. Warack Scholarship Application Process is OPEN

We are pleased to announce the opening of the application process for the William H. (Bill) Simon Scholarship and the John L. Warack Scholarship, and we hope you will promote this opportunity to your parish families and use this information for a bulletin announcement.

Applications are accepted through March 31, 2023. These scholarships are available to high school seniors or current college students with financial needs who commit to practicing their faith. The John L. Warack Scholarship is specifically for a student attending the University of Missouri-Columbia.
Scholarship eligibility and applications are available at diojeffcity.org/scholarships. If you have any questions, please contact Jessica Hoogveld or Denise Barnes.

Our diocese is blessed to have families committed to the continuing education of our parish families. Please include the Simon and Warack families in your prayers.

Walking Together: Women’s Ministry Newsletter

Barb Prasad, Women’s Ministry Coordinator has penned her first newsletter, click here to read it. This newsletter is designed for:

  • Women working and volunteering in women’s ministry throughout our diocese. The newsletter will keep you abreast of events being offered by the diocese, offer resources for supporting your ministry as these resources are developed, and give you links to send in your successes and ideas to help us build a shared portal of ideas so we can all learn from each other’s successes.
  • Women parishioners wanting ways to get involved in ministry in our diocese or learn about and participate in events that are currently being offered. Plus, as we develop the ministry page more throughout this year, links for prayer and faith formation resources you can use personally or in small group gatherings. 
  • Parish bulletin editors looking for links and resources to add to your bulletin.

If you would like to receive this newsletter direct to your email please click here to subscribe.

Quinceañera retreat information now available

Please post the following announcement for available Quineceañera retreats and post the graphics at the “Download Graphic” button below:
The 2023 Quinceanera Retreats are now available in the following parishes.  Please contact your parish Quinceanera Team or Deacon Castro at ecastro@diojeffcity.org or 573-680-3650 for more information.

Por favor publiquen el siguiente gráfico y anuncio de los retiros de Quinceañera disponibles:

Los Retiros de Quinceañeras 2023 ya están disponibles en las siguientes parroquias. Comuníquese con el Equipo de Quinceañeras de su parroquia o con el Diácono Enrique Castro a ecastro@diojeffcity.org o al 573-680-3650 para obtener más información.

Tribunal training offered in March: Learn how to be an advocate

In March, the Tribunal will be offering an Advocate Training Program for people throughout the Diocese of Jefferson City who are interested in working with the tribunal as advocates in marriage nullity cases. In many parts of the Diocese, additional trained advocates are greatly needed to assist our pastors in working with those who are seeking declarations of nullity.

The training will be offered for those who have no prior experience with the tribunal, but is also recommended for those who are already working with us as advocates. Any of our priests, deacons, and parish life collaborators would also be welcome to attend, and are encouraged to do so.

This training program will initially consist of two sessions: the first session will be on Saturday, March 4; and the second session will be on Saturday, March 11. Both sessions will be held from 10am – 3pm at the Alphonse J. Schwartze Memorial Catholic Center in Jefferson City. Lunch will be provided for those attending in-person. Participation via Zoom will also be an option, but attendance in-person is highly encouraged, if possible.

For those who have not worked as advocates in the past, we will need a recommendation from his or her pastor. The pastor is ordinarily the first point of contact for a person seeking a declaration of nullity. The pastor’s recommendation therefore not only ensures that the potential advocate enjoys a good reputation in the community and is a practicing Catholic, but also ensures that the pastor would be willing to refer people in his parish who are seeking a declaration of nullity to the advocate for assistance through the process.

We would like our pastors to consider inviting people to attend the training who they believe might be interested and capable of working with the tribunal as advocates. Interested parties must be at least 18 years of age, enjoy a good reputation, and be practicing Catholics. Click here to register.

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

Share in bulletins, emails, social media, and websites

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.

New Marriage Preparation Process graphic available in English and Spanish

Please feel free to use this graphic in your bulletin and on your parish Facebook page. The graphic is available to download in both English and Spanish.

Pray with God’s Word this Lent! Get the daily readings sent to your email each morning. Sign up for your free subscription from the USCCB here: https://bible.usccb.org/#subscribe

¡Ore con la Palabra de Dios en esta Cuaresma! Reciba las lecturas diarias enviadas a su correo electrónico cada mañana. Regístrese aquí para su suscripción gratuita de USCCB: https://bible.usccb.org/es#subscribe

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

The Confirmation Retreat in February (Monroe City) is now open for registration! For more information and to register click here. 

Marriage Encounter: Best Western Capital Inn, Jefferson City, February 11-12, Celebrate this Valentine’s Day by discovering a deeper level of satisfaction and joy in your marriage! Marriage Encounter provides the opportunity and the atmosphere for you to focus on and renew the blessings in your marriage.  Don’t let the busyness of life steal them away. Food, lodging, and programming are included in the $75 fee. Register today for the weekend retreat before the event fills up! Visit www.jeffcityme.com for more information and to register, or contact Harry & Cecilia Hentges at 573-619-7416.. 

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.

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/ 

Employment opportunities

The Diocese of Jefferson City is seeking a skilled and dynamic Executive Director to promote the work and mission of Catholic Charities of Central and Northern Missouri. Under the direction of the Board of Directors, this role provides leadership and program support, ensures fiscal responsibility, and represents the agency with partner organizations, parishes, and communities across the diocese. Strong candidates are mission-minded, understanding that all leadership responsibilities are performed in concert with the agency’s vision and Catholic social and moral teaching.

Catholic Charities responds to the needs of people in 38 counties regardless of faith, culture, or situation. This includes services in mental health, food security, health and nutrition education, Hispanic community support, disaster preparation and response, family reunification through immigration legal services, and resettlement of refugees. For more information, visit cccnmo.diojeffcity.org.

Catholic Charities offers a competitive compensation and benefit package, including medical, dental, vision, FSA, matching 403(b) retirement plan plus paid vacation and holidays. Applicants are encouraged to apply through our posting on Indeed.com or you can send your resume to hrdir@diojeffcity.org.

The Diocese of Jefferson City is seeking a highly experienced, self-motivated administrative assistant to provide support for the Vocations and Diaconate offices. This position encourages and champions the ministries of the Vocations and Diaconate office by providing:

  • Clerical support for activities, projects and events
  • Managing director’s calendars
  • Overseeing or assisting with ministry-related check requests, expense forms, supplies, vendor purchases/contracts, etc.
  • Assists with travel arrangements for the assigned director(s)
  • Maintains database, ministry correspondence, records and takes minutes
  • Maintains a comprehensive “task list” with details, looking ahead on the annual calendar 

In addition to serving assigned ministries and directors, the Administrative Assistant also serves as a member of the office team to support and be cross-trained to accomplish the needs of the Chancery office as a whole. Qualified candidates should send their resume to HRDir@diojeffcity.org.

The Diocese of Jefferson City is seeking a Ministry Assistant to provide support to the Director of Youth and Religious Education and the Director of Women’s Ministry. The position requires knowledge of the Catholic Church including in-depth familiarity with its structures, functions and institutions. The successful candidate must be self-motivated with outstanding organizational skills.

  • Requires advanced knowledge of Microsoft Word and Excel, producing mailing labels and reports
  • Will maintain accurate record of fees and parental release forms
  • Manages Director’s calendars
  • Provides clerical support for activities, projects and events
  • Keeps task list, looking ahead to ensure needs are met for the annual calendar
  • Ability to negotiate and secure venue sites and work with vendors on transportation needs
  • Assists the Directors in preparing, verifying, and/or producing ministry-related communications; menu selection, setups, decorations and other needs
  • Prepares program literature and ensures printing needs are completed in a timely manner
  • Must be able to work with volunteers and program leaders
  • Maintains database, ministry correspondence and takes minutes

In addition to serving assigned ministries and directors, the Ministry Assistant also serves as a member of the office team to support and be cross-trained to accomplish the needs of the Chancery office as a whole.  Qualified candidates should send their resume to HRDir@diojeffcity.org.

Holy Family Parish in Hannibal is seeking a Director of Religious Education and Youth Minister. Key responsibilities include:

  • Assist the pastor in the responsibility for the Catholic faith formation for parish youth and adults
  • Implements the Bishop’s confirmation preparation policy
  • Organizes, schedules and oversees religious education in the parish
  • Administers a formation program for catechists that leads to certification and tracks completion
  • In cooperation with Diocesan Director of Religious Education and Youth Minister, orders approved textbooks, liturgy materials and other works that complement the religious education efforts of the parish
  • Provides resources and programs for adult formation

A Bachelor’s degree in theology or religious education is preferred. The pastor is willing to consider either one (1) full-time candidate or possibly two (2) part-time individuals. Resumes can be sent directly to Fr. Alex Gabriel, Holy Family Parish, 218 S. Maple Avenue, Hannibal, MO 63401 or applicants can apply on Indeed.com.

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/.

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

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.