News

1 May, 2023

May 1, 2023 | Monday Memo

Rededication of the Cathedral of St. Joseph

Livestream links available — Join us for CathedralGLOW and our Open House

This week, the Diocese of Jefferson City will rededicate and reopen our Cathedral of St. Joseph following an extensive renovation and expansion.

Everyone is invited to join in the celebration.

The Vespers and Mass of Rededication will both be livestreamed online at www.diojeffcity.org.

The Vespers livestream will begin at 5 p.m. on Thursday, May 4 at www.diojeffcity.org
The Mass of Rededication livestream will begin at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, May 5 at www.diojeffcity.org

Parishes are encouraged to host watch parties. If you are planning one, please let us know by emailing jluecke@diojeffcity.org.

We have added graphics promoting the livestream to the rededication promotional toolkit. A new bulletin cover graphic is also included for parishes to consider using.

You are also encouraged to join us in person for these special events at the Cathedral:

The CathedralGLOW youth vigil begins with a BBQ at 5:15 p.m. on Thursday May 4. Click here for more information.
The Cathedral of St. Joseph Open House will be 1-4 p.m. on Sunday, May 7. Docents will be on hand to help interpret and explain the new artwork and features of the cathedral.
A Spanish Mass is planned for 1 p.m. on Sunday, June 18.

Click here to learn more about the renovation of the Cathedral of St. Joseph.

Father Ignazio Medina found guilty in church trial

The Diocese of Jefferson City has concluded a church trial involving mismanagement of funds by a former pastor.

A panel of three judges constituted within the Tribunal of Jefferson City has found Father Ignazio Medina guilty of “abuse of ecclesiastical power” due to financial misconduct while he was pastor of St. Stanislaus Parish in Wardsville.

The verdict concludes a church trial initiated by the Diocese of Jefferson City after an investigation into allegations that Father Medina had transferred approximately $300,000 of church money into personal accounts.

Following the investigation, and as dictated by canon law, Bishop W. Shawn McKnight initiated the church trial in 2022. Judges for the trial were three priests from the Diocese of Springfield in Illinois, all experts in canon law.

In addition to Father Medina’s unauthorized transfer of roughly $300,000 in parish funds into personal accounts, the judges found approximately $20,000 in unexplained cash withdrawals were made from parish funds under Father Medina’s leadership.

On April 6, the judges submitted the guilty verdict via definitive sentence to Bishop McKnight and Father Medina. The judges acknowledged that Father Medina, who no longer holds any office in the diocese, has made full restitution of the missing funds. As a further punishment, they issued a penalty of approximately $26,000, reimbursing the diocese for audit and legal expenses incurred during the investigation and trial. Father Medina has not chosen to appeal this ruling and it is now final.

“As a community of faith, we are stewards of the gifts God has given us,” Bishop McKnight said at the conclusion of the trial. “Living out this commitment means we must be willing to hold one another accountable for actions that hurt our community. The financial misconduct discovered in our investigation of Father Medina and presented during the trial will not be tolerated in our Church — just as it would never be tolerated by a private business or any organization in our society.

“The actions of Father Medina have caused pain in our community. He will never again have access to parish funds. As we move forward together, let us pray for healing. Let us especially keep the parishioners of St. Stanislaus Parish in our prayers, as we seek to move forward together with the grace of God.”

Read the full statement for more details.

Priests, bishop follow in saints’ footsteps in France

In the latest issue of the Catholic Missourian, priests from across the diocese share reflections on a recent retreat in France. In a feature story about the retreat, Editor Jay Nies writes:

Father Matthew Flatley, pastor of Immaculate Conception Parish in Jefferson City, called the retreat “a stroke of genius” — “just what the Divine Physician ordered.”
“As full-time ministers in the Church, and just like many other lay ministers, we come out of the stupendous Holy Week Liturgies exhausted and in need of rest and refreshment,” he said. “This retreat and pilgrimage offered just that and more.”
The bishop and priests said they’re grateful for the sacrifices people made while they were away.
“It’s a blessing to have this time in prayer with priests from our diocese,” said Bishop McKnight. “This has been a time of grace for us on retreat and pilgrimage.”
“It was a wonderful experience filled with inspiration and memories — one that I’m grateful for and will benefit from spiritually for the rest of my life,” said Father Christopher Cordes, pastor of Our Lady of Lourdes Parish in Columbia, and diocesan vicar for priests.
“God bless all those who made it possible for me to be here with brother priests for a retreat and tours,” said Father Henry Ussher, pastor of St. Clement Parish in St. Clement, St. Joseph Parish in Louisiana and the Mission of Our Lady Queen of Peace in Clarksville.

Click here to read the full story about the retreat, including comments from several additional priests. The entire April 28 issue of the Catholic Missourian is available online at this link.

New for May: Women’s Ministry Walking Together Newsletter

May’s Walking Together newsletter is out. Get all the details on our Spring Into Summer Pilgrimage coming June 10th along with other ideas to enhance your devotion to Mary in this Marian month! Click here to read the newsletter.

June 3: Join us as seminarian Christopher Hoffmann is ordained to the transitional diaconate

With praise and thanksgiving to Almighty God, Bishop McKnight and St. Vincent de Paul Parish joyfully announce the upcoming ordination of Mr. Christopher Hoffmann to the transitional diaconate. Mr. Hoffmann is currently a seminarian at Pontifical College Josephinum in Columbus, Ohio.

The faithful of the Diocese of Jefferson City are welcome to attend the ordination on Saturday, June 3 at 10 a.m at the Cathedral of St. Joseph. Please join us in prayer as Mr. Hoffmann continues to discern his vocation to the priesthood.

June Parish Secretaries’ Workshop

Save the Date! – June 7, 2023; 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. (lunch will be provided)

The Offices of the Chancellor and Moderator of the Curia will host our next workshop in-person, as well as via Zoom, to provide the opportunity to network with your counterparts from around the diocese. Pastors are welcome and encouraged to attend.

We are allocating more time for this workshop to provide in-depth presentations on the topics relating to your role as Parish Secretary. Many topics have been covered over the last couple of years, but we want to know:

What topics do we need to address or clarify?
What topics should we revisit, or go into more detail?
What other questions do you have?

Please let us know topic requests and questions by emailing Bernadette Adams at badams@diojeffcity.org. RSVP’s will be requested separately very soon.

National Shrine of Mary, Mother of the Church offers Mass, events honoring mothers

Mothers and their loved ones are invited to enjoy the beauty of The National Shrine of Mary, Mother of the Church on Mother’s Day, May 14. Mother’s Day is a special event for the Mothers’ Shrine, which honors the Blessed Mother, Mary, and all who love with a mother’s love, whether as a mom within a family or as a spiritual mother. The Mothers’ Shrine is adjacent to St. Patrick Catholic Church, 176 Marian Drive in Laurie.

A special Mass will be celebrated on May 14 at 3 p.m. by Father John Schmitz, rector of the Mothers’ Shrine, at the outdoor altar. Following the Mass, the names of more than 60 new honorees for the Mothers’ Wall of Life will be unveiled.

The Mothers’ Wall of Life is a unique aspect of the Mothers’ Shrine. The names of 5,000 women submitted from 44 states and four continents are engraved on a black granite wall on the grounds of the Mothers’ Shrine. Names are added twice a year; submissions are accepted year-round at mothersshrine.com. The next engraving of names will be this fall.

The National Shrine of Mary, Mother of the Church is nestled within the Ozark hills of Missouri on 60 acres in Laurie, Missouri. It is adjacent to St. Patrick Catholic Church at 176 Marian Drive in Laurie. Colloquially known as the “Mothers’ Shrine,” the Shrine is dedicated to Mary, Mother of the Church and features an awe-inspiring 14-foot stainless steel sculpture of Mary, with her arms outstretched to welcome all to her embrace. The platform holding the sculpture of Mary turns 360 degrees every four minutes to face all pilgrims as they enjoy our grounds. The sculpture is positioned among beautiful fountains which flow May through September.

More information can be found at mothersshrine.com or by calling 573-374-MARY (6279).

Attention All Priests, PLCs, Deacons and Lay Certified Marriage Preparation Facilitators

What: Practicum & Follow-Up Workshop on Prepare/Enrich (P/E) Couple Assessment Facilitation

When: Three options: June 30, 1pm-5pm; July 1, 8am-12pm; July 1, 1pm-5pm(español)

Where: Chancery Offices in Jefferson City & via zoom

Details: Although not mandatory, clergy and lay certified MPFs are highly encouraged to attend one of the half-a-day practicum & refresher workshops.

Trainer: Teresita Johnson, from Prepare/Enrich

Registration: Click here to register.

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.

New flyer: Spring into Summer Pilgrimage

Updated flyer! Help share information about our upcoming Women’s Ministry pilgrimage on June 10th. Sign up now!

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/

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/

Quinceañera retreat information now available

Ahora está disponible la información de los retiros de Quinceañera

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.

For more information about celebrating your Quinceañera at a parish in the Diocese of Jefferson City, please visit https://diojeffcity.org/ministerio-hispano/preparacion-de-quinceaneras/ and/or download the following brochure. Soon the Hispanic Ministry office will be mailing these brochures to parishes as well.

Para más información sobre cómo celebrar su Quinceañera en una parroquia de la Diócesis de Jefferson City, visite https://diojeffcity.org/ministerio-hispano/preparacion-de-quinceaneras/ y/o descargue el siguiente folleto. Pronto, la oficina del Ministerio Hispano también enviará estos folletos a las parroquias.

Eventos en Español

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.

Curso Introductorio de PFN: Sagrado Corazón, Columbia (20 de mayo, 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.)
Curso Introductorio de PFN: San Pedro, Marshall (17 de junio, 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.)

Las parejas aprenderán sobre cómo concebir o posponer embarazos de una manera natural, sin los dañinos efectos de todos los métodos artificiales anticonceptivos. Es un curso gratuito, ideal para todas las parejas en preparación matrimonial, casadas o que están viviendo juntos.

Para información y registrarse contacte a Enrique o Cristhia Castro al 573-680-3650 / 501-454-8308 o por correo electrónico a ecastro@diojeffcity.org / cmguzman10@gmail.com.

Noche de Alabanza y Oración para Jóvenes: Sacred Heart, Sedalia (20 de mayo, 4pm-10pm)

El objetivo de este evento es brindar un espacio de reflexión, oración y adoración para adolescentes y jóvenes de nuestra diócesis. Además, será una oportunidad para conocer y convivir con otros jóvenes con los mismos sueños, ideales y retos que tú.
Para más información contacte a Kevin Morales al 660-473-9177.

Retiro para Preparación de Quinceañera: San Pedro, Jefferson City (3 de junio, 9am-3pm)

Formación de Ministerios de Música Part I: St. Peter | San Pedro, Marshall (3 de junio, 9am-12pm)

Todos los músicos litúrgicos, coros, ministerios de música y ministerios de alabanza están invitados a esta formación. Es una oportunidad formarse y obtener conocimiento y herramientas prácticas para poder brindar un mejor servicio a través de ese gran regalo de Dios, la música.
Para más información contacte a Liliana Ruano al (660) 202-0317 o por correo electrónico a nellymruanorn6@gmail.com.

Taller de Cursillo: Sacred Heart | Sagrado Corazón, Sedalia (10 de junio, 9am-4pm)

Este taller está dirigido a todos los cursillistas de la diócesis. Es una oportunidad de formación en el carisma y prácticas propias del movimiento para el fortalecimiento del mismo y de sus miembros. ¡De colores!
Para más información y registrarse contacte a Maria Gomez al (660) 620-3405 o Raul Lopez al (660) 287-8920.

RCC Formación – Ministerio de Evangelización Infantil: St. Patrick | San Patricio, Sedalia (10 de junio, 8:30am-12pm)

Esta formación brindara el conocimiento y herramientas necesarias para que el equipo de evangelización infantil pueda prepararse para ofrecer retiros de Vida en el Espíritu a niños y niñas de 7 a 11 años de edad.
Para más información contacte a Ilsi Palacios al (316) 530-1004 o por correo electrónico a ComiteDiocesanoRCCH@gmail.com.

RCC Encuentro “Kairos” para Líderes Juveniles: Austin, TX (16-18 de junio)

Este encuentro ayuda a los líderes juveniles (mayores de edad) a reflexionar y centrarse en el amor de Dios, el cual brinda una libertad total para vivir sin ataduras. Es un retiro que ayuda al joven líder a desprenderse de aquello que lo ata y no le ayuda a caminar como discípulo de Jesús para guiar a otros hacia Él.
Para más información contacte a Ilsi Palacios al (316) 530-1004 o por correo electrónico a ComiteDiocesanoRCCH@gmail.com.

Encuentro Regional: Savior Pastoral Center, Kansas City (23-25 de junio)

Un encuentro dirigido para el liderazgo diocesano de las diócesis de la región IX (Missouri, Kansas City, Iowa y Nebraska). El encuentro proveerá una formación adecuada para que los representantes diocesanos fortalezcan su liderazgo, lo cual les será útil al momento de ofrecer su servicio en sus comunidades locales. Además, van a ser actualizarlos sobre los procesos regionales y nacionales en cuestión del Ministerio Hispano.

Para más información contacte a Diácono Enrique Castro al (573) 680-3650 en su celular o en WhatsApp o por correo electrónico a ecastro@diojeffcity.org.

Kermes: St. Patrick | San Patricio, Sedalia (25 de junio, 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 a (660) 287-8920.

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

The Coordinator of Stewardship and Planned Giving is responsible for assisting the Director of Stewardship and the Director of Development and Missions in implementing the Bishop’s vision of spirituality of stewardship throughout the Diocese of Jefferson City, which covers 38 counties in central and northeastern Missouri.

Prepares presentation materials and strategic briefings for deans and pastors
Meticulously plans, coordinates and executes events and activities
Provides administrative support for the department
Works closely with the Director of Stewardship and Director of Development and Missions as a team partner to recognize donors and convey the impact and importance of the spirituality of stewardship

Practicing Catholic in good standing is preferred. Bachelor’s degree is preferred. Event planning and management is desired. Please apply through our job posting on Indeed.com or send resume to hrdir@diojeffcity.org.

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, PO Box 606, Palmyra, MO 63461.

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.