News

27 February, 2023

February 27, 2023 |

St. Patrick’s Day — Decree of Dispensation Offered

Celebrating Catholics are encouraged to observe a suggested alternate penance

The Most Reverend W. Shawn McKnight has issued a decree dispensing the faithful from the obligation of abstinence from meat on the Memorial of St. Patrick, March 17. Please click here to read the full decree.

As stated in the decree, those who choose to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day and take advantage of this dispensation are encouraged observe at least one of three alternative penances on that day: participate at Mass; participate in the devotion of the Stations of the Cross; or pray the Sorrowful Mysteries of the Holy Rosary.

New 2% envelopes arriving soon

Helping our faithful embrace the stewardship way of life

The Diocese of Jefferson City is providing 2% envelopes to the parishes in our diocese. If you have not received them already, these envelopes will soon be arriving at your parish.

The 2% envelopes are offered as a way to help our faithful as they move forward in their personal growth during our process of stewardship renewal.

It is important to remember that the biblical tithe is 10%.  As all of our parishes move in the stewardship way of life, we are asking each Catholic individual and family to prayerfully tithe 8% of their first fruits to their parish and 2% to charities of their choice which promote the common good through Catholic values.

These envelopes address the 2% piece of the equation.

For any parishioner already giving in support of their 2% obligation, these envelopes are not intended to change those giving practices.

But some parishioners may wish to contribute to a charity, national collection or in support of a disaster relief effort using these 2% envelopes. When donations are made via these new envelopes, the parish will support them in making these gifts by forwarding the contributions to the correct recipient.

We hope these envelopes are useful to your parishes as we work to educate our faithful and move forward together — growing in the spirituality of stewardship.

Decree: New Dean named for See City Deanery

The following is the text of a decree from Bishop McKnight:

Having accepted the resignation of the Very Reverend Louis Nelen as Dean of the See City Deanery, effective 16 February 2023, and after having consulted a number of priests in the deanery and considered the circumstances of the region according to canon 553 §2 of the Code of Canon Law, I am pleased to appoint

The Very Reverend Jason T. Doke, S.T.L.

as the Dean of the See City Deanery, effective immediately and until 30 June 2026.
Given at the Chancery in Jefferson City on the 22nd day of February in the year of Our Lord 2023.

Chancellor announces appointments

The following is the text of a recent announcement from Chancellor Ben Roodhouse of appointments made by Bishop McKnight:

As Chancellor I am pleased to announce that the Most Reverend W. Shawn McKnight, Bishop of Jefferson City, has recently made the following appointments to provide the most effective pastoral care of the Diocese of Jefferson City:

PRIESTS

REVEREND COLIN P. FRANKLIN, granted a leave of absence for reasons of health from pastor of
St. George Parish, Linn and Our Lady Help of Christians Parish, Frankenstein, effective 12 February
2023.
REVEREND ANTHONY N. ONYEIHE, from associate pastor of Immaculate Conception Parish,
Jefferson City, to temporary parochial administrator of St. George Parish, Linn and Our Lady Help
of Christians Parish, Frankenstein, effective 12 February 2023 and until the pastor is available to
resume his duties.
REVEREND JOSEPH LUZINDANA, from the Archdiocese of Kampala, Uganda to Associate
Pastor of St. Thomas More Newman Center Parish, Columbia, effective 13 February 2023.

From the Office of the Chancellor,

Mr. Ben Roodhouse, JD, JCL
Chancellor

Looking for a great fish fry?

The Diocese of Jefferson City events calendar is a great way to find Lenten fish fries — as well as many other types of activities all year round. Click here to see all upcoming fish fries and other events.

If you have something going on in your parish, make sure to submit it to our calendar!

Camp Registration is in Full Swing

This summer we have a full month of camp with new options for Camp Lolek.

  • Camp Lolek Session 1 (Junior High Boys) May 29-June 2, 2023
  • Camp Lolek Session 2 (Junior High Girls) June 5-9, 2023
  • Camp Lolek Session 3 (Junior High Boys) June 11-13, 2023
  • Camp Lolek Session 4 (Junior High Girls) June 15-17, 2023
  • Camp Maccabee  (High School Young Men) June 19-24, 2023
  • Camp Siena (High School Young Women) June 25-30, 2023

Please help spread the word that Summer Camps registration is open. Flyers should be out soon!

For More information on Diocesan Summer Camps and to register click here: https://diojeffcity.org/youth-camps/

For Camps to be a success we need help from others:

For High Schoolers interested in Volunteering:

https://diojeffcity.org/camp-lolek-high-school-volunteers/

For Parishioners and Parents interested in Volunteering:
https://diojeffcity.org/adult-summer-camp-volunteers/

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.

Mass settings: Creating a common repertoire

The Diocese of Jefferson City is encouraging all parishioners to be familiar with three Mass settings:

  1. The Chant Mass from the Roman Missal
  2. The revised Mass of Creation
  3. The Mass of St. Frances Cabrini by Kevin Keil

This does not prohibit parishes from using other Mass settings, but for all to be familiar with at least these three to create a common repertoire for diocesan or deanery-wide liturgies.

Bishop W. Shawn McKnight would like all the parishes to use this Lent to become familiar with the Mass of St. Frances Cabrini as it is a setting intended for use in larger, more festive or solemn diocesan liturgies.  

Since the Gloria is not used during Lent (apart from a few Solemnities), please also make use of the Cabrini Gloria during Easter Time, too. 

This is not a mandate to use that Mass setting for every Lenten Mass. The desire is simply that the faithful become familiar enough with it to sing it at diocesan events, specifically the Mass of Rededication at the Cathedral of St. Joseph on May 5, when that setting will be used.

This is a YouTube link to listen to the setting: https://www.youtube.com/embed/Uj6dgstdZK4

And this is a link to the OCP website where the music may be purchased, if needed: https://www.ocp.org/en-us/collections/dg/27/mass-of-st-frances-cabrini

Please share this with your Parish Musicians.

Questions can be sent to Fr. Dan Merz, Chair of the Diocesan Liturgical Commission, at dmerz@diojeffcity.org.

Chrism Mass Holy Oils Request Form 2023

Attention all priests & PLCs: It is time to request your Holy Oils again for the upcoming Chrism Mass taking place at St. Andrews in Holts Summit on Tuesday, April 4th, at 10 a.m.

Please read the memo beside this post and follow the link within the memo — or click this direct link to the Chrism Mass Holy Oils Request Form 2023 — to request the sizes & quantities of Holy Oils you would like.

Electronic forms are due by March 15th.  If you must mail it, please see the information in the memo and postmark it by March 10th.

Contact Jamie Schulte at faithformation@diojeffcity.org or 573-635-9127 ext. 226 for any comments, questions and/or concerns.

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

The deadline to register for training is this Tuesday, Feb. 28

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. Registration for Advocate training ends on Tuesday, February 28. Click here to register.

Catholic Charities Annual Lenten Appeal

Support Catholic Charities of Central and Northern Missouri’s Annual Lenten Appeal with a gift to help provide compassionate social services to those in need across our diocese. The Lenten Appeal a wonderful opportunity to answer the call, as people of faith, to give alms this season. You can learn more about Catholic Charities, and give your secure gift online at cccnmo.diojeffcity.org/give.

Parish Secretaries and Bulletin Editors: Please consider using this graphic in your parish bulletins to help your parishioners become aware of the Annual Lenten Appeal and encourage support of our Catholic Charities agency.

For Lent: Catholic Charities Mercy Moments

As you seek God in the dust and rainbows of your life this season, we are glad to journey alongside you with lenten reflections in our MercyMoments podcast series, created and hosted by Family Immigration Services staffer and DOJ Accredited Representative, Marissa Flores Madden.

As Marissa shares with you her memories, her stories, and her heart, we invite you to examine your own spiritual journey and answer the call to pray, fast, and give alms this Lent. 

You can find season two of Mercy Moments on:  BuzzSprout, Spotify, iHeart Radio, Apple Podcasts and anywhere you listen to podcasts, and in video form on YouTube.

If you’d like to keep receiving episodes in your inbox, please click here to sign and be sure to check the box for 2023 Mercy Moments. By enrolling, you’ll receive an email just like this with a link to the latest episode every Friday during Lent.

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.

The women of the Immaculata Club of Immaculate Conception Church in Jefferson City would like to invite ladies of all ages from your parish to a mini-retreat titled “Invitation to (W)holiness: Nurturing Body, Mind and Spirit as Women of Faith.” The event will be on Saturday, March 18 in Kertz Hall (the cafeteria space) of Immaculate Conception’s school building from 8:45 – noon and all are invited to start the morning together at the 8 a.m. Mass.

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

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 for Parishes is open. To lock in the cost of $650, Parishes must register with the number of registrants by March 15. For more info and to register click here: https://diojeffcity.org/national-catholic-youth-conference/

Employment opportunities

Our Lady of Lourdes Parish and Our Lady of Lourdes Interparish School is seeking a Communications Director to coordinate print, audio/visual, and digital outreach initiatives, including but not limited to websites, Facebook pages, Flocknotes, and print materials. We are seeking someone who desires to promote the Catholic Faith and Catholic Education. Education and experience in a related area or areas is preferred but not required. Qualified candidates should send their resume to frchris@ourladyoflourdes.org. 

A Director of Youth Ministry is sought to create and direct an environment which leads the youth from Newman and Sacred Heart Parishes into a relationship with God through Jesus Christ and the Church in coordination with youth ministry staff at Our Lady of Lourdes through tri-parish high school and middle school youth groups. Click here for more details.

St. Peter Cemetery Association is seeking a Cemetery Groundskeeper Specialist who will aid in the preparation and set up and completion of interments and entombments. This individual will be required to operate a backhoe and other power equipment in their responsibility for the overall appearance of the property and facilities.

Other responsibilities include:

  • snow removal
  • assisting families with the location of graves and crypts
  • setting grave markers and layout for pouring foundations for monuments

As an affiliate of the Diocese of Jefferson City, the employer offers a comprehensive benefit plan including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, long-term disability insurance, paid holidays, vacation, paid sick time, and uniform allowance.

Please see our job posting on Indeed.com or send your resume to alepper@rccjc.org

As an affiliate of the Diocese of Jefferson City, the employer offers a comprehensive benefit plan including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, long-term disability insurance, paid holidays, vacation, paid sick time, and uniform allowance.

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.

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.