News
3 April 2023
Cathedral crucifix to highlight Jesus’s supreme sacrifice
In the latest issue of the Catholic Missourian, Editor Jay Nies writes about master woodworker Ian Byrne, who will soon reenact the crucifixion as part his work on the ongoing expansion and renovation of the Cathedral of St. Joseph.
Nies writes:
Specifically, he’ll fasten an image of Jesus to the new sanctuary cross for the Cathedral of St. Joseph.
“It’s a part of the project that has to be done,” said Mr. Byrne, proprietor and master woodworker of Byrne Custom Woodworking.
“I’ll do it with a lot more kindness than those original Romans did,” he said. “And I’ll make sure the thorns have been sanded well and try to make it as painless as possible.”
Click here to read the full story.
Access the March 31 issue of the Catholic Missourian online.
Learn more about the renovation at the Cathedral of St. Joseph.
Podcast: Giving back to our retired priests and religious
This Easter, the Diocese of Jefferson City will have a special collection to benefit retired priests and religious. This important collection helps us give back to those who have dedicated their lives to sharing the good news of the Risen Christ.
In this month’s podcast, we give you a glimpse inside the life of a retired priest and a retired religious sister in our diocese — and show how they continue to serve us even well into retirement. The podcast features interviews with Fr. Fred Elskamp and Sr. Bernita Wasinger.
Click here to listen to the podcast.
More about the Easter Special Collection
Donations given during the Easter Special Collection will support the Retirement Fund for Religious as well as retired priests in our diocese.
Parishioners will be instructed to make checks out to their parish for this collection. Parishes can then deposit the proceeds locally — please do not send the envelopes directly to the Chancery. After Easter, parishes should then send one check to the diocese comprising the entire collection from that parish.
As we move forward with our diocesan-wide stewardship renewal, the Easter Special Collection will be one of just three annual special collections held in our parishes. The others are the Christmas special collection for our seminarians and infirm priests, and a collection in July in support of our missions.
Chancery staff update
The Chancery recently welcomed two new staff members, and a current staff member has moved into a new role.
- Megan Brondel: Megan is assisting in the vocations office as well as the office for the permanent diaconate.
- Tiffany Shanks: Tiffany is assisting with the youth office and women’s ministry.
- Paula Glynn: Paula has moved from the schools office and now serves in the finance office at the Chancery.
Please help us welcome these staff members into their new roles!
Stewardship meetings offered for school families
In March, Fr. Steven Jones and Fr. Louis Nelen held a series of stewardship meetings with the families of St. Joseph Cathedral School as well as other parishioners. The meetings were intended to give the school families a better understanding of the spirituality of stewardship — and to help parents recognize their critical role in forming the faith of their children.
The priests also informed parents about the plans for the upcoming stewardship renewal at the parish.
Fr. Jones and the diocesan stewardship office would be happy to schedule similar meetings with school parents in other parishes. For more information, contact Fr. Jones at stewardship@diojeffcity.org.
April Women’s Ministry newsletter is now available
Click here to read April’s Walking Together Women’s Ministry newsletter!
As you get ready to walk into Holy Week, get inspired to start a small group book study or faith formation group this summer with our book and faith formation recommendations. Also, registration is now available for our spring pilgrimage on June 10th. Sign up now!
New flyers — Help promote our summer camps
Please help us spread the word that Summer Camp registration is now open. Click here to download flyers you can use to promote our summer camps in your parish.
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/
Share in bulletins, emails, social media, and websites
Help us promote the upcoming events celebrating the rededication of our Cathedral of St. Joseph. There are ways that everyone in our diocese can join in this historic event — and we want your parish to be a part of this occasion.
We will be providing livestream links to watch a vespers prayer service on May 4 as well as the Rite of Rededication on May 5. Watch for more information about the livestream links coming soon.
In addition, we are hosting the free CathedralGLOW event on May 4 for youth, families and young adults.
Also, everyone is invited to come experience the newly renovated Cathedral during an open house planned for 1-4 p.m. on Sunday, May 7.
Our promotional toolkit includes graphics to help your parish get the word out about these events. Click here to access the toolkit.
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.
National Shrine of Mary, Mother of the Church — Virtual or In-Person Retreat Opportunity
Join the National Shrine of Mary, Mother of the Church for a six-week small-group retreat in preparation for Marian Consecration. Based on the popular book by Father Michael Gaitley, MIC, 33 Days to Morning Glory, this journey includes daily readings, prayers, and reflections to help us grow in our relationship with Jesus through Mary. Our journey begins with orientation on April 25 (both in-person and online). Read more about the retreat, find important dates, and register before April 5 at tinyurl.com/MothersShrine33Days or by calling 573-374-MARY (6279).
Attention all engaged couples, MPFs and pastors:
2023 Pre-Cana Conference dates & locations:
- 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. For more info and to register click here: https://diojeffcity.org/national-catholic-youth-conference/
Eventos en Español
Retiro Parroquial de ‘Buena Administración’: St Peter | San Pedro, Marshall (15 de abril, 9am-3pm)
El objetivo de este retiro es ayudar a toda la comunidad parroquial aprender y reflexionar sobre la ‘Buena Administración’, la cual es nuestra respuesta agradecida como discípulos cristianos a compartir todo lo que Dios nos ha dado para compartirlo con los demás.
Para más información contacte al Diácono Enrique Castro al (573) 680-3650 en su celular o en WhatsApp o por correo electrónico a ecastro@diojeffcity.org.
Retiro de Comunidad: Sacred Heart | Sagrado Corazón, Columbia (15 y 16 de abril)
El objetivo de este retiro es brindar a la comunidad un espacio para compartir y reflexionar como comunidad para renovar y fortalecer su espíritu fraterno en el amor de Jesús.
Para más información contacte a Jacqueline de la Cruz al (573) 673-2091 o por correo electrónico a jpuertoplata@yahoo.com o visite https://diojeffcity.org/ministerio-hispano/eventos-diocesanos/eventos-parroquiales/.
Retiro Parroquial de ‘Buena Administración’: St Peter | San Pedro, Jefferson City (22 de abril, 9am-3pm)
El objetivo de este retiro es ayudar a toda la comunidad parroquial aprender y reflexionar sobre la ‘Buena Administración’, la cual es nuestra respuesta agradecida como discípulos cristianos a compartir todo lo que Dios nos ha dado para compartirlo con los demás.
Para más información contacte al Diácono Enrique Castro al (573) 680-3650 en su celular o en WhatsApp o por correo electrónico a ecastro@diojeffcity.org.
Kermes: Saint Patrick | San Patricio, Sedalia (30 de abril, 1pm-3pm)
Esta es una actividad que tiene el fin de recaudar fondos para las distintas actividades del movimiento de Cursillos.
Para más información contacte a Maria Gomez al (660) 620-3405 o Raul Lopez al (660) 287-8920.
Formación de Predicación: St Patrick | San Patricio, Sedalia (6 de mayo, 9pm-5pm)
Esta oportunidad de formación está dirigida a los ministerios de predicación con el objetivo de brindar conocimiento y herramientas prácticas para desempeñar mejor su servicio de transmitir la Palabra de Dios y el mensaje de una manera más efectiva y transformadora.
Para más información contacte a Ilsi Palacios al (316) 530-1004 o por correo electrónico a ComiteDiocesanoRCCH@gmail.com.
Retiro para Preparación de Quinceañera: St. Peter |San Pedro, Marshall (6 de mayo, 10am-4pm)
El Retiro de Quinceañeras es un momento clave en el proceso de preparación de la quinceañera, las damas y los chambelanes antes de la celebración religiosa de los quince años. Los jóvenes pueden asistir al retiro en su parroquia o en otra parroquia en donde se ofrecen.
Para más información contacte el equipo de quinceañera de su parroquia.
PEREGRINACIÓN A ROMA Y TIERRA SANTA del 20 de noviembre al 1 de diciembre del 2023 – Diócesis de Jefferson City (Pilgrimage in Spanish)
¡Acompañe al Padre Cesar Anicama en una gran peregrinación a Roma y Tierra Santa! Volaremos a Roma para visitar sus basílicas, y lugares culturales, audiencia con el Papa, Asís y más. Después volaremos a Tierra Santa donde caminaremos por los lugares santos donde Jesús vivió, incluyendo Tiberíades, Belén, Jerusalén, Galilea y más.
Para hacer una reservación, póngase en contacto con Canterbury Pilgrimages & Tours HOY al: 1-800-653-0017. También por WhatsApp/textos/llamadas al (347) 463-3998.
Contacto local: Diacono Enrique Castro (573) 680-3650.
Employment opportunities
St. Ann Catholic Church, in Warsaw, MO, is seeking a Religious Education Coordinator. This part-time position will also support Ss. Peter & Paul, Cole Camp and St. Bernadette, Hermitage, with formation, as necessary. Key responsibilities include:
- Assist the pastor in the responsibility for the Catholic faith formation for parish youth and adults
- Implements the Diocese preparation policy for sacramental classes
- Organizes, schedules and oversees religious education
- Administers a formation program for catechists that leads to certification and tracks completion
- In cooperation with Diocesan Director of Religious Education, orders approved textbooks, liturgy materials and other works that complement the religious education efforts of the parishes
- Provides occasional support to the parish office
High school diploma or GED required. Bachelor’s degree preferred. Related education and experience to perform basic religious education responsibilities required. Resumes can be sent directly to St. Ann Catholic Church, 30455 W. Dam Access Road, Warsaw, MO 65355 or applicants can email their resumes to stannwarsaw1@gmail.com.
The Diocese of Jefferson City seeks a Chief Financial Officer who can ensure consistency, transparency, and simplicity in the financialsystems of the parishes, schools and chancery. As a member of the Bishop’s cabinet, the CFO provides clear and timely communications of financial and other information throughout the diocese maintaining confidentiality where appropriate.
The CFO is responsible for providing, developing, and maintaining financial accountability standards and ethics for all diocesan entities in order to promote respect and trust among parishioners. The CFO directs, manages, and supervises the financial operations of the Chancery in conjunction with the Bishop and the members of the Corporate Board. The CFO manages the diocesan assets and advises management in financial operations.
The full job listing is available at this link: diojeffcity.org/cfo
To apply, please email your resume to Brent Morton, Vice President, Catholic Recruiter Associates: Brent@CatholicRecruiter.com
St. Joseph Church in Palmyra, Missouri, is accepting applications for a DRE/Youth Minister. Key responsibilities include:
- Responsible for assisting 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
- Working with the pastor, the director will assess the needs of parish youth and organize volunteers to help meet their needs
Bachelor’s degree in theology or religious education is preferred.
This position is flexible and may be offered at either a part-time or full-time status. Group insurance benefits are available for full-time employees (30 hours a week). The pastor is also open to the possibility of two part-time candidates. If you are interested in the position, please apply on Indeed.com or send your resume directly to Fr. Alex Gabriel, St. Joseph Parish, 400 S. Lane St, Palmyra, MO 63461.
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.
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. Click here for more information.
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
Helias Catholic High School in Jefferson City is seeking an art teacher for the 2023-24 school year. Interested candidates should contact Assistant Principal Emma Williams at ewilliams@heliascatholic.com.
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.