News

Monday Morning Memo — 26 June, 2023


Obituary for Gary Francis Schaffer

Please keep Gary Francis Schaffer in your prayers. The stepfather of Bishop W. Shawn McKnight passed away on June 19. His funeral is today at St. Francis of Assisi Parish in Wichita, Kansas. Click here to read his obituary.


Podcast: Understanding our call to Hospitality

How does the idea of hospitality relate to us as Catholics? 

In this month’s Podcast from the Diocese of Jefferson City, Fr. Stephen Jones describes how hospitality is central to how we live as stewards of God’s gifts. Fr. Jones also shares steps we can all take as we seek to demonstrate hospitality — inviting others into a deeper relationship with God.

This podcast episode is the first of a four-part series focusing on the four pillars of stewardship with Fr. Jones, the diocesan director of stewardship. This series is designed to help us deepen our understanding of the spirituality of stewardship as we approach the Catholic Stewardship Renewal in October.

Click here to listen to the podcast.


LeAnn Rockwell to lead new Immaculate Heart of Mary Child Development Center

LeAnn Rockwell, an experienced early childhood educator, has been hired as the first director of the Immaculate Heart of Mary Child Development Center, which will open August 7. The center, located on Scott Station Road in Jefferson City, will be providing affordable childcare for children of diocesan employees as well as employees of parishes and schools of the diocese, with a focus on helping attract teachers to work in our Catholic schools. Click here to learn more.


July 15-16: Missions Special Collection

On the weekend of July 15-16, the Diocese of Jefferson City is holding a special collection in support of our missions.

Donations given during this collection will support our mission work and provide assistance to people in the home dioceses of the mission priests serving us.

The Diocese of Jefferson City is providing special envelopes for this collection. They will be delivered to our faithful as an insert in the upcoming July 7 issue of the Catholic Missourian — however, parishioners aren’t required to use this envelope, they can use any envelope marked for this collection.

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. 

When the collection is complete, parishes should then send one check to the diocese comprising the entire collection from that parish. Funds brought into the parish for this collection are considered extraordinary income and thus not subject to the tithe.

As we move forward with our diocesan-wide stewardship renewal, the July Missions 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 Easter in support of our retired priests and religious.

Please click here to download sample talking points to use during upcoming Masses.


July 8-16: Diocese to host the relics of Blessed Carlo Acutis and Saint Manuel Gonzalez Garcia

From July 8-16, the Diocese of Jefferson City will host the relics of Blessed Carlo Acutis and Saint Manuel Gonzalez Garcia. 

The arrival of the relics in our diocese is part of the National Eucharistic Revival — Blessed Carlo Acutis and Saint Manuel Gonzalez Garcia were both known for their deep devotion to the Eucharist. 

At each of the stops in our diocese, the relics will be accompanied by seminarians who will share the story of these two holy men. 

Click here to see a tentative schedule and please check back as times and locations are finalized.


How to manage limited use and underutilized buildings

In their latest newsletter, Catholic Mutual Group offers advice on how to manage limited use and underutilized church buildings. Click here to download the newsletter.


Real Presence books

The Cathedral of St. Joseph has 80 Real Presence books by Timothy P. O’Malley to pass on from the parish’s Easter book give away. They are $2 apiece. If you would like them, please contact Julie Gramlich at julie.g@cathedraljc.org


Parish Secretaries Workshop Videos

The June 7th Parish Secretaries’ Workshop videos are now on the diocesan website and available for viewing at this link. Or, follow these steps at your convenience: 

  • Open the diocesan home page at www.diojeffcity.org
  • Click on the “About Us” tab at the top right to display a dropdown menu
  • Select the “Policies, procedures, and particular law” tab 
  • Click on the blue box at the very right-hand side of the page titled “Click Here for Secretary Workshop Videos”

Matrimonial Tribunal closure

The Matrimonial Tribunal will be closed for vacation on Monday, July 3.


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A Reflection on the Venerable Father Augustus Tolton featuring Cheryl Shockley and Forrest Tucker will be held at Our Lady of the Lake Catholic Church, 2411 Bagnell Dam Blvd, Lake Ozark on Friday, July 7th at 7pm or Saturday, July 8th at 10am. All are welcome.


Attention all engaged couples, MPFs and pastors:

2023 Pre-Cana Conference dates & locations:

  • September 23rd @ Chancery: 2207 W Main St, Jefferson City, MO 65109

2023 Engaged Encounter dates & location are to be determined.


Calling all donors! Catholic Charities will host a blood drive at their Central Offices at 1015 Edmonds Street in Jefferson City. Come to the community room to experience Catholic Chariites and donate to save a life on June 20th, from 11:30 AM to 3:30 PM. Pre-register online by calling 1-800-RED-CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or visit RedCrossBlood.org and enter CCCNMO.


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.”


Sign up now for the Contemplative Outreach of Central Missouri Living Flame 1 Program

The Living Flame Program is a seven session offering of in-depth spiritual study and enrichment, presented over a seven month period. It is designed to heighten the awareness of the dynamics of Centering Prayer in the context of the spiritual journey. Download the flyer to learn more. Click here for registration and more details.


Eventos en Español

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.


Cursillo de Mujeres: Saint Patrick | San Patricio, Sedalia (13-16 de julio)

Cursillo de Hombres: Saint Patrick | San Patricio, Sedalia (20-23 de julio)

Los Cursillos de Mujeres y Hombres son una experiencia de tres días alejadas de la rutina y de las distracciones diarias de la vida. En un espíritu de fraternidad, oración, reflexión y alegría, el equipo de servidores brinda ‘rollos’ (temas) que ayudan al participante a reflexionar y a tener un encuentro consigo mismo, con Dios, con los demás y con la Iglesia de Cristo. Esta experiencia es transformadora y única que nadie se puede perder. Es necesario registrarse.
Para más información o registrarse contacte a Maria Gomez al mariagomezm221@gmail.com o (660) 620-3405 o Raul Lopez a (660) 287-8920.


Retiro de Parejas: St. Peter | San Pedro, Marshall (15 y 16 de julio)
Este retiro es una oportunidad para que todas las parejas fortalezcan y renueven su relación de pareja y/o su matrimonio. Es un fin de semana de reflexión, oración y aprendizaje las parejas invitan a Dios a caminar con ellos y a sanar cualquier herida que tengan para que se puedan amar de una manera más entregada con la ayuda de la gracia de Dios.
Para más información contacte a Liliana Ruano al (660) 202-0317 o por correo electrónico a nellymruanorn6@gmail.com.


Convivio Diocesano RCC: Bothwell Park, Sedalia (29 de julio, 12pm-6pm)
Este convivio es una oportunidad de fraternidad para toda la familia de la renovación carismática de la diócesis. Es un momento para disfrutar de la compañía y amistad en un ambiente familiar.
Para más información contacte a Ilsi Palacios al (316) 530-1004 o por correo electrónico a ComiteDiocesanoRCCH@gmail.com.


Retiro de Vida en el Espíritu para Niños (7-11 años): Sacred Heart School | Escuela Sagrado Corazón, Sedalia (22 de julio, 9am-3pm)Este retiro está dirigido especialmente a niños y niñas de 7 a 11 años de edad. El retiro brinda un espacio para que, en un ambiente apropiado para estas edades, los niños y niñas puedan experimentar y vivir el amor de Dios en sus vidas. De esta manera, siendo más conscientes de ese Amor que los acompaña siempre tendrán el deseo de compartirlo y de servir a los demás con los dones que Dios les ha dado.
Para más información contacte a Ilsi Palacios al (316) 530-1004 o por correo electrónico a ComiteDiocesanoRCCH@gmail.com.


Bienvenida de Cursillistas: Saint Patrick | San Patricio, Sedalia (30 de julio, 1pm-3pm)
Esta es un evento en el que oficialmente se les da la bienvenida a los nuevos cursillistas (hombres y mujeres) que acaban de vivir su Cursillo. Todos los cursillistas se reúnen para acoger a sus nuevos hermanos y hermanas cursillistas en un ambiente de celebración y alegría.
Para más información y registrarse contacte a Maria Gomez al mariagomezm221@gmail.com o (660) 620-3405 o Raul Lopez al (660) 287-8920.


Retiro para Preparación de Quinceañera: San Patricio, Sedalia (5 de agosto, 9am-3pm) 

DESCARGAR GRÁFICO


Curso Introductorio de PFN: San Patricio, Sedalia (5 de agosto, 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.

DESCARGAR GRÁFICO


Formación de Ministerios de Música – Parte II: Saint Patrick | San Patricio, Sedalia (12 de agosto)Todos los músicos litúrgicos, coros, ministerios de música y ministerios de alabanza están invitados al parte II de 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

Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Columbia, MO., has an opening for a part-time (20 hours) Coordinator of Liturgical Ministry. Applicants must be a practicing Catholic registered in a Catholic parish; proficient in playing keyboard and/or guitar; knowledgeable in Church music and liturgical rituals and ceremonies; organizational and management experience; and proficient in editing software and communication technology. Contact Sacred Heart Parish Office at 573-443-3470 or bhead@sacredheart-church.org for job description. Send resume to bhead@sacredheart-church.org.


Immaculate Heart of Mary Child Development Center is seeking dedicated and passionate individuals to join our team as Early Childhood Center Staff. A successful candidate is committed to providing a safe, Christ-like environment for the children, where they are loved, safe, and encouraged to learn. As part of our center, you will play a crucial role in providing a nurturing and educational environment for young children. Your primary responsibilities will include engaging in age-appropriate activities, ensuring the safety and well-being of children, promoting their social and cognitive development, and maintaining a positive atmosphere within the center. Starting pay is $15.00 per hour. Click here for more information.


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.


Seeking a Highly Skilled Administrative Assistant: The Administrative Assistant for the Stewardship office is responsible for assisting the Director and Associate Director 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
  • General administrative and office management duties
  • Meticulously plans, coordinates and executes events and activities
  • Provides administrative support for the department
  • Works closely with the Director of Stewardship and Associate Director of Stewardship as a team partner to educate parishioners on the spirituality of stewardship and convey the impact and importance of supporting their parish and sharing their gifts for the common good
  • Ability to travel within the diocese (no overnight travel); fleet vehicle provided for day trips

Practicing Catholic in good standing is preferred. Bachelor’s degree is preferred. Event planning and management is desired.

We are seeking a confident, competent individual to manage the stewardship office. 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.


Our Lady of Lourdes Interparish School Positions:

  • Food Prep Position: OLLIS has an opening for a cafeteria worker. We are looking for someone to join our crew of 4 in the preparation, serving, and clean-up of our meals at lunch. Qualifications include love of children, practicing Catholic preferred, ability to lift 50 lbs., and standing on feet for extended periods. Hours are 7:30-1:30. Pay is based on experience. If interested, please email Elaine Hassemer at ehassemer@ollisk8.org
  • Cafeteria Supervisor: OLLIS is looking for three adults (parents, grandparents, friends) who like children and want to make extra money. Qualifications include love of children, practicing Catholic preferred, ability to lift 50 lbs., and standing on feet for extended periods. This is a position that follows the students’ calendar. You are off when students are off. The essential duties include supervising students and assisting them with their needs during lunch, such as opening things, sweeping up the floor, and washing tables between shifts. This would be fun if you could find two other friends to join you. We would love to see a group that can help us with our ROAR expectations and makes our dining experience something students continue to enjoy. Hours are 10:30-1:30. If interested, please email Elaine Hassemer at ehassemer@ollisk8.org.
  • Speech Pathologist (Full-Time: This position is to improve the speech and/or language of students identified with speech and/or language disabilities or students with speech and/or language delays, which interfere with the child’s ability to derive full benefit from the educational program. QUALIFICATIONS — Minimum: Advanced degree in Speech-Language Pathology or Communication Disorders; Missouri Professional Licensure in Speech-Language Pathology, Eligible for a Speech-Language Pathology Student Services Certificate; Effective human relations and communication skills. Preferred:  Previous experience as a speech-language pathologist in a school is preferred. The ideal candidate will have a professional and friendly demeanor and be an active practicing Catholic. Pay based on experience. If interested, please email Elaine Hassemer at ehassemer@ollisk8.org
  • Music Instructor (Part-Time: We are still seeking a part-time music/band instructor for our middle school. Applicants should have a background in music education and preferably be an active practicing Catholic. Pay based on experience. If interested, please email Elaine Hassemer at ehassemer@ollisk8.org