Blog

13 February 2023

February 13, 2023 | Monday Memo

Cathedral Rededication set for May 5

Celebration marks the completion of major renovation and expansion.

Public invited to May 7 open house.

The Most Reverend W. Shawn McKnight, Bishop of Jefferson City, has set May 5, 2023, as the date for the Rite of Rededication at the Cathedral of St. Joseph. The diocese is planning a series of events surrounding the rededication, allowing everyone the opportunity to celebrate the successful completion of this major, 16-month renovation and expansion.

The approximately $15 million project addresses numerous mechanical and accessibility issues within the structure while greatly enhancing the cathedral’s hospitality and spiritual functionality. The rededication will also mark the unveiling of new artwork and liturgical features that more fully reflect the beauty of our Catholic faith — as well as vividly tell the story of our diocese as we seek to enter into a new era of thriving Catholic life.

“The rededication of our beloved Cathedral of St. Joseph symbolizes the start of a bright new chapter for the Diocese of Jefferson City. This moment in our history signifies a time of rebirth, renewal and rededication to our church and faith,” said Bishop McKnight. “As we once again open the doors to our cathedral, everyone is invited to experience the beauty of our Catholic faith — and we joyfully welcome home all who have been away. Let our worship in the Cathedral of St. Joseph bring greater glory to God and more fully enable us to lead souls to his mercy.”

Click here to read the full announcement.

Diocese of Jefferson City contributes to earthquake relief in Turkey and Syria

Our Spirituality of Stewardship in Action

On behalf of all Catholics in our region, the Diocese of Jefferson City is sending $10,000 to the Earthquake relief efforts in Turkey and Syria.

“The Diocese of Jefferson City offers our prayers for everyone impacted. We ask God to send his help and comfort as the people of Turkey and Syria work to recover from this tragedy,” said the Most Reverend W. Shawn McKnight, Bishop of Jefferson City. “As we offer our prayers, we also send this gift of financial support, which comes from all Catholics in our diocese through our work to live out a spirituality of stewardship. We have a commitment to help all those in need, and we hope our sacrifice can make a positive impact in Turkey and Syria as recovery efforts continue.”

Catholics who wish to send additional individual contributions are encouraged to donate to Catholic Relief Services or the Catholic Near East Welfare Association.

Longtime diocesan CFO to move into new role supporting, advising parishes

Diocese of Jefferson City to begin search for next Chief Financial Officer

The longtime chief financial officer at the Diocese of Jefferson City is preparing to move into a new role focused on supporting and advising Catholic parishes across the diocese.

Deacon Joseph Braddock has served as the CFO at the diocese since 2004 and is nearing the completion of his fourth, five-year term in the position. Rather than begin another term as CFO — and with retirement on the horizon — Deacon Braddock will transition to helping parishes in a newly-created position: Parish Financial Services Liaison.

“I wholeheartedly commend Deacon Joseph Braddock for his longstanding and continued service to the Diocese of Jefferson City. His leadership as CFO has helped modernize and strengthen the financial systems that support our efforts to share the light of God’s grace across our diocese,” said the Most Reverend W. Shawn McKnight, Bishop of Jefferson City. “Our Chancery office has been blessed by Deacon Braddock’s leadership over the past 20 years, and I am pleased to now offer our parishes the ability to learn from his experience and financial mentorship. This is a tremendous benefit to the parishes across our diocese.”

Deacon Braddock will continue to serve in his current role as the diocese conducts a search for a new CFO with guidance from the Diocesan Finance Council and the Diocesan College of Consultors. Once a hire is made, Deacon Braddock will help familiarize his successor with the CFO position before moving to his new parish-support role.

“It has been an honor to serve the Diocese of Jefferson City as chief financial officer. I greatly appreciate Bishop W. Shawn McKnight for his support, as well as Bishop Emeritus John Gaydos for trusting me with this position nearly two decades ago,” said Deacon Braddock. “As I approach my retirement in the coming years, I’m grateful to have this opportunity to use all I’ve learned to help our parishes. I look forward to welcoming our next CFO as I begin this next chapter in service to God and our diocese.”

Lenten regulations and admonitions for 2023

To foster a greater spirit of penance, reparation for sin, and to encourage self-denial, which guide us more closely in the footsteps of Christ, the Church reminds us of the obligations of fasting and abstinence during Lent and also admonishes us all to deeper prayer and worship. Click here for a detailed overview of lenten regulations and admonitions.

Protecting your parish’s domain name

Your domain name (example: diojeffcity.org) is your parish’s virtual address. However, many people don’t realize that if your domain name registration expires, you could potentially lose your address to an opportunistic scammer who can hold it hostage for a large payout.

We are aware that scammers are actively targeting parishes with this scheme. They have been seeking to purchase parish domain names when they expire so they can sell them back to the parish at an inflated price.

It’s important to be proactive and protect your domain name. To see when when your domain name expires, please check with your IT service or the company that does your domain registration, for example, sites like GoDaddy.com or Domain.com.

As always, the diocesan IT department is here to help. Please contact Richard Riley, IT Coordinator, at 573-635-9217 x270 or rriley@diojeffcity.org if you need assistance in this matter.

Liturgy preparation aid for the Great Ninety Days

Once again, we are pleased to provide a liturgical preparation aid for Lent, the Sacred Paschal Triduum, and the Easter Season. You may access the English and Spanish version here: https://fdlc.org/2023/01/lte2023/

These booklets contain:

The Rite of Reconciliation of Penitents with Individual Confession and Absolution
Music suggestions
Penance suggestions
A Liturgical Calendar Advisory
Lectionary readings for Sundays and Solemnities
Preparation sheets for the Rites during the Period of Purification and Enlightenment
Preparation sheet for Palm Sunday
Preparation sheets for the Sacred Paschal Triduum

PLEASE NOTE: The Reconciliation Service in the English version uses the texts from the revised Order of Penance. This liturgical book may be used as of Ash Wednesday, February 22. It must be used on and after April 16 – The Second Sunday of Easter/ The Sunday of Divine Mercy.

The Reconciliation Service in the Spanish version uses the current Spanish-language text, since the Spanish version of the Rito de la Penitencia has not yet been revised.

Feb. 19: Youth Mass at Immaculate Conception in Jefferson City

Immaculate Conception Parish in Jefferson City offers a Youth Mass on the third Sunday of each month — all are welcome. The next Youth Mass will be at 5 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 19. Anna Porting, youth Minister at St Joseph Cathedral, will give a brief faith witness after the Eucharist. Click here to see the parish website.

Speaking event: Looking for love in all the wrong places?

The Women’s Ministry office would like to extend an invitation — on behalf of the women of St. Joseph Parish in Westphalia — to an event tonight, Feb. 13, click here for more information:

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

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.

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.

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.

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

Catholic Charities of Central and Northern Missouri is seeking a friendly, motivated, and mission-driven Agency Receptionist and Administrative Assistant to answer calls to the agency’s main phone line, direct requests to agency programs or local resources, and collaborate with staff across programs to connect callers to the information and services they need. This role will also support the agency by assisting with calendar management, data input, and digital clerical tasks as assigned. Learn more and apply through the Indeed.com listing online (linked here).

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.