News
29 May, 2023
Observing Memorial Day
The Chancery office is closed today in observance of Memorial Day. Please join us in prayer:
God of power and mercy,
you destroy war and put down earthly pride.
Banish violence from our midst and wipe away our tears,
that we may all deserve to be called your sons
and daughters.
Keep in your mercy those men and women
who have died in the cause of freedom
and bring them safely
into your kingdom of justice and peace.
We ask this though Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Statement from Bishop McKnight regarding the remains of Sister Wilhelmina Lancaster
The Most Reverend W. Shawn McKnight, Bishop of Jefferson City, has issued the following statement regarding the remains of Sister Wilhelmina Lancaster:
I want to briefly address the interest in our neighboring diocese regarding the mortal remains of Sister Wilhelmina Lancaster, the foundress of the Benedictine Abbey in Gower, Missouri. Her remains were recently exhumed by the order to be moved to their chapel.
This enthusiasm makes it clear there is a deep hunger in our society for the miraculous — a desire to see the power of God with our own eyes.
But with this excitement comes a need for caution. The Most Reverend James V. Johnston, Bishop of Kansas City — St. Joseph, who has pastoral responsibility for the monastery, has announced he is creating a process to understand the nature of the condition of Sister Wilhelmina’s remains. You can read his message here.
Our Catholic Church has procedures to investigate purported miracles and the causes for sainthood. It is important to remember these processes are slow, prudent efforts. There has been no declaration of a miracle, nor has the process to consider the cause for canonization of Sr. Wilhelmina Lancaster begun based upon heroic virtues.
For these reasons, and for the concerns of civic authorities for the safety and well-being of visitors, I discourage anyone in the Diocese of Jefferson City from visiting the Benedictine Abbey in Gower, Missouri, or treating the mortal remains of Sister Wilhelmina as relics.
As we pray and wait, I want to again acknowledge the natural desire to experience the miraculous.
If you are feeling this right now, please seek out the Eucharist. The real presence of Christ in our celebration of the Mass and in our reception of His Body and Blood in sacramental communion is the true center of our faith. Everything else is secondary.
Please also seek out sacramental reconciliation and experience the miracle of God’s forgiveness.
These sacraments are available to all of us at our local parish church.
I also join Bishop Johnston in his call inviting everyone to continue their prayers for the Benedictines of Mary, Queen of Apostles; for all women religious; and all the baptized in our common vocation to holiness, with hope and trust in the Lord.
Declaración del obispo McKnight sobre los restos de la hermana Wilhelmina Lancaster
El Reverendísimo W. Shawn McKnight, Obispo de Jefferson City, ha emitido la siguiente declaración con respecto a los restos de la hermana Wilhelmina Lancaster:
Quiero abordar brevemente el interés en nuestra diócesis vecina con respecto a los restos mortales de la hermana Wilhelmina Lancaster, fundadora de la Abadía Benedictina en Gower, Missouri. Sus restos fueron exhumados recientemente para ser trasladados a su capilla.
Este entusiasmo deja en claro que hay una profunda hambre en nuestra sociedad por lo milagroso, un deseo de ver el poder de Dios con nuestros propios ojos.
Pero con esta emoción viene la necesidad de tener precaución. El Reverendísimo James V. Johnston, Obispo de Kansas City, St. Joseph, quien tiene la responsabilidad pastoral del monasterio, ha anunciado que está creando un proceso para comprender la naturaleza de la condición de los restos de la hermana Wilhelmina. Puedes leer su mensaje aquí.
Nuestra Iglesia Católica tiene procedimientos para investigar supuestos milagros y las causas de la santificación. Es importante recordar que estos procesos son lentos y prudentes. No ha habido declaración de milagro, ni se ha iniciado el proceso para considerar la causa de canonización de la hermana Wilhelmina Lancaster basado en virtudes heroicas.
Por estas razones, y por las preocupaciones de las autoridades civiles por la seguridad y el bienestar de los visitantes, desaliento a cualquier persona en la Diócesis de Jefferson City que visite la Abadía Benedictina en Gower, Missouri, o que trate los restos mortales de la hermana Wilhelmina como reliquias.
Mientras oramos y esperamos, quiero reconocer nuevamente el deseo natural de experimentar lo milagroso.
Si usted siente esto en este momento, busque la Eucaristía. La presencia real de Cristo en nuestra celebración de la Misa y en nuestra recepción de Su Cuerpo y Sangre en la comunión sacramental es el verdadero centro de nuestra fe. Todo lo demás es secundario.
Busque también la reconciliación sacramental y experimente el milagro del perdón de Dios.
Estos sacramentos están disponibles para todos nosotros en nuestras parroquias locales.
También me uno al obispo Johnston en su llamado invitando a todos a continuar sus oraciones por los benedictinos de María, Reina de los Apóstoles, por todas las religiosas y todos los bautizados en nuestra vocación común a la santidad, con esperanza y confianza en el Señor.
Interim President Announced for Helias Catholic
The Most Reverend W. Shawn McKnight, Bishop of Jefferson City, has appointed Ron Vossen as interim president of Helias Catholic High School.
Vossen is currently the Helias Catholic director of alumni relations, a role he assumed following a 43-year teaching career at the school.
“I am honored to have the opportunity to lead Helias Catholic High School as interim president, and I thank Bishop McKnight and the Helias Catholic community for placing their trust in me,” said Vossen. “Helias Catholic is so much more than a school — it’s a second home and a way of life for the students, teachers, staff, families, clergy, alumni and friends who are part of the Crusader family. I look forward to helping open a new chapter at Helias Catholic that builds on our school’s proud traditions and history, knowing our best days are yet to come.”
Click here to read the full statement.
May 26 issue of Catholic Missourian now available
In the latest issue of the Catholic Missourian, Editor Jay Nies features Sixth Grade Vocation Day, which was held earlier this month in Columbia.
Nies writes:
It’s not always easy to follow the path God has in mind.
But it is always worthwhile.
“Ultimately, vocation is the call to be a saint,” Father Paul Clark, vocation director for the Jefferson City diocese, told an enthusiastic crowd of Catholic sixth-graders from all over the Jefferson City diocese.
It was Sixth Grade Vocation Day, held fully in-person for the first time since the COVID-19 pandemic.
The theme for the May 3 event, proclaimed on the front and back of the T-shirts worn by participants, was: “Called to Sainthood … Be Not Afraid!”
“We are called to become like those in the heavenly kingdom who fought the good fight, achieved that crown of victory that’s been promised to us and taken up into the great cloud of witnesses in heaven,” Fr. Clark announced.
Click here to read the full article.
The full online edition is available here.
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 10:30 a.m at the Cathedral of St. Joseph. Please join us in prayer as Mr. Hoffmann continues to discern his vocation to the priesthood.
Register now: Spring into Summer Retreat
On June 10, join the women of our diocese for a day of prayer, fellowship and faith formation in the newly rededicated Cathedral of St. Joseph!
Enjoy tours of the Cathedral, a breakout session on ways to deepen your prayer life and an Adoration Hour.
Participants will also learn from Catholic speaker Patty Schneier who will present on The Eucharist: The Source and Summit of Everything.
Lunch is included.
Download the flyer for more information.
Easter special collection
A friendly reminder: All parishes need to remit the funds that were collected during the Easter Special Collection benefiting retired priests and religious. If your parish has not yet sent these funds to the Chancery, please do so by the end of May. If you have questions, please contact Deacon Joseph Braddock, CFO, at cfo@diojeffcity.org or 573.635.9127 ext. 234.
Corpus Christi resources
This 36 page booklet from the FDLC contains resources for the Solemnity of Corpus Christi:
- Mass Preparations for the Solemnity — Year A
- Music Suggestions for Mass
- Music Suggestions for a Period of Exposition
- Vocabulary list
- Guideline of how to do a Eucharistic Procession
- Answers to Frequently-asked Questions
Tribunal office closed June 5-9
The Matrimonial Tribunal Office will be Closed, June 5-9, for vacation.
RSVP – June Parish Secretaries’ Workshop
Reminder to RSVP for the June 7, 2023, Parish Secretaries’ Workshop!
The Offices of the Chancellor and Moderator of the Curia will host presentations from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. at the Chancery and via Zoom on topics relating to your role as Parish Secretary. Pastors, Administrators, and PLC’s are welcome and encouraged to attend! Lunch will be provided.
Please RSVP by May 31st using this form. (https://diojeffcity.org/workshop-rsvp/)
The Zoom link will be sent soon and of course, all of the sessions will be recorded and available on the diocesan website for future viewing.
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. (https://diojeffcity.org/ministerio-hispano/inscripcion-p-e-mpf-follow-up-workshop-june-2023-bilingual/)
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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.
An Introduction to Centering Prayer
Exploring an 11th Step Practice
For all those practicing any 12 Step Program, the simple yet powerful method of Centering Prayer, when used as an 11th Step Practice, opens one to a deeper healing and Spiritual Awakening.
This workshop is Saturday, June 24 from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m and will be presented via Zoom and in-person. It will help those searching for emotional and spiritual sobriety through a 12-Step Program. Those already with an established Centering Prayer practice will also benefit by refreshing the essentials of the practice. Download the flyer for more details.
Registration: First come, first served. The fee is $20 (scholarships are available). Click here to register.
P23 Discernment Camp
Support after abortion for men
Base Camp is an open-forum, weekly discussion group for men who have been impacted by abortion. The group meets Tuesdays at 11 a.m. Each week, men will be invited into the conversation as we discuss abortion, healing, authentic masculinity and other issues that plague men today. Attendees can remain anonymous or not. The group is led by Greg Mayo, Men’s Healing Strategist for Support After Abortion and author of “Almost Daddy: The Forgotten Story.”
Eventos en Español
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.
Retiro para Preparación de Quinceañera: San Pedro, Jefferson City (3 de junio, 9am-3pm)
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.
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.
Misa y Celebración con Nuestro Obispo: Catedral de San José, Jefferson City (18 de junio; 1pm)
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.
Atención diáconos y todos los Facilitadores Certificados de Preparación Matrimonial Hispanos
Quién: Diáconos y parejas que participaron en la capacitación en español que se llevó a cabo en mayo de 2021Qué: Práctica y seguimiento del inventario prematrimonial Prepare/Enrich
Cuándo: 1 de julio, 1pm-5pm (español)
Dónde: Oficinas de la Cancillería, Jefferson City
Detalles: Los talleres se centrarán en una repaso de los conceptos básicos de Prepare/Enrich, en cómo interpretar y brindar retroalimentación, en la selección adecuada de los ejercicios para la pareja comprometida y en las mejores prácticas para los facilitadores del inventario prematrimonial. Habrá oportunidad para practicar y hacer trabajo en grupos pequeños. Los participantes deben revisar su manual de capacitación antes del taller, en particular aquellos facilitadores que aún no han tenido la oportunidad de facilitar el inventario de Prepare/Enrich.
Capacitadora: Teresita Johnson, de Prepare/Enrich
Inscripción: https://diojeffcity.org/ministerio-hispano/inscripcion-p-e-mpf-follow-up-workshop-june-2023-bilingual/
Formación de Ministerios de Música Part I: St. Peter | San Pedro, Marshall (8 de julio, 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.
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. Thomas More Newman Center (Newman) is hiring a Development Director. Established in 1963, Newman is a vibrant Catholic parish located adjacent to the University of Missouri (MU) campus. Newman serves 850 resident parishioner households with a full range of faith formation programs including a highly active Campus Ministry program that serves approximately 1,000 students at MU, Stephens College and Columbia College, all located in Columbia, Missouri. The Parish is looking for someone who is cheerful, enthusiastic, energetic, self-motivated, confident in their ability to ask for financial support and close philanthropic gifts, with a passion for building and maintaining strong relationships with both student and resident parishioners that will bear fruit in the form of philanthropic gifts to Newman. Learn more.
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
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.