News

11 December, 2023

December 11, 2023 |

An Advent call to prepare, be light in darkness

In the latest issue of The Catholic Missourian, Editor Jay Nies writes:

Dozens of flickering candles clashed with the darkness in Immaculate Conception Church in Loose Creek the evening of Dec. 3.

“These candles we have tonight, they’re a reminder that the world is still in darkness,” said Father Anthony Rinaldo, pastor of Immaculate Conception Parish and of St. Louis of France Parish in Bonnots Mill.

The Loose Creek parish moved its 10 a.m. Sunday Mass to 4:30 p.m., close to sunset, for the First Sunday of Advent.

The candles, especially those on the reredos below the crucifix and above the tabernacle, cast the people and everything in the 1877-vintage church in warm, golden light.

“You and I are the light of the world,” the priest proclaimed in his homily as the sun’s rays steadily withdrew through the stained glass.

“We may be the only light that the people of the world ever see, as we present to them the Good News that God has sent his Son into the world to forgive us of our sins and bring us to everlasting life,” he said.

Click here to read the full story. The full issue of The Catholic Missourian is available at this link.

Christmas Special Collection

The diocesan Christmas Special Collection is an opportunity to show our support for our diocesan seminarians and infirm priests.

Like last year, the diocese is providing an envelope for this collection. It will be inserted into this week’s (Dec. 15) issue of our Catholic Missourian newspaper. Parishioners can use this envelope, or any envelope marked for this collection, to make their gifts.

Parishes are asked to track and deposit the gifts made during the collection — do not send these gifts directly to the diocese. The diocese will be sending an assessment for this collection.

You can help raise awareness about this collection by sharing information in your parish bulletin, in the parish building and on parish social media channels. New videos and graphics are available and ready to share! Access the promotional toolkit at this link to find two new videos and social media sample posts, as well as a new social media graphic, flyer, bulletin graphic, and postcard.

Within the promotional toolkit, you will find:

  • 8.5″x11″ flyer
  • Bulletin graphic
  • Postcard
  • Several social media graphics and videos 
  • Sample text for each graphic/video that you can copy into a social media post

At your discretion, the flyer and postcards can be used as a visual aid as people leave Mass or activities. For example, postcards can be placed on a table for parishioners to take as a reminder. There is an accompanying postcard print file to help with printing and cutting the cards. 

Thank you for supporting our seminarians and infirm priests!

If you have any questions, please contact Jacob Luecke at jluecke@diojeffcity.org or Annie Williams at awilliams@diojeffcity.org

Official decree of appointments

The Most Reverend W. Shawn McKnight, Bishop of Jefferson City, hereby makes the following appointments to provide the most effective pastoral care of the Diocese of Jefferson City:

PRIESTS

  • VERY REVEREND CHRISTOPHER L. CORDES, from Our Lady of Lourdes Parish, Columbia to Pastor of St. Andrew Parish, Holts Summit, effective 22 January 2024 and continuing as Vicar for Priests. 
  • VERY REVEREND ROBERTO M. IKE, Ph.D., returning from leave of absence for sabbatical with Lincoln University, to Pastor of Our Lady of Lourdes Parish, Columbia and continuing as Dean of Missionary Priests, effective 22 January 2024.
  • REVEREND ALEJANDRO (CESAR) ANICAMA, from Associate Pastor of Mary Immaculate Parish, Kirksville and sacramental ministry at St. Mary Parish, Milan and the Mission of St. Mary, Unionville to temporary medical leave of absence, effective immediately. 
  • REVEREND SIMEON A. ETONU, from temporary Parochial Administrator of St. Andrew Parish, Holts Summit to full-time service at the Tribunal with residence at St. Michael Rectory, Russellville and priest-coverage as assigned by the Vicar for Priests, effective 22 January 2024.
  • REVEREND WALTER KISPOTTA, from priest-coverage as assigned by the Vicar for Priests with residence at St. Joseph Rectory, Pilot Grove to temporary sacramental ministry at St. Mary Parish Milan and the Mission of St. Mary, Unionville with residence at St. Joseph Rectory, Edina, effective immediately. 

Official appointments

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:

LAITY

  • MR. ERICK CHINCHILLA, Pastoral Ministry Assistant, appointed as Executive Secretary of Diocesan Stewardship Council, effective December 5, 2023.
  • MR. MIKE KELLY, re-appointed as a Trustee of the Diocese of Jefferson City Fund for a term of three years, effective November 28, 2023.
  • MRS. PATRICIA LUTZ, Director of Stewardship, appointed as Chair of the Diocesan Stewardship Council, effective December 5, 2023.
  • MS. BARBARA REICHART, re-appointed as a Trustee of the Diocese of Jefferson City Fund for a term of two years, effective November 28, 2023.
  • MS. ARLENE VOGEL, re-appointed as a Trustee of the Diocese of Jefferson City Fund for a term of one year, effective November 28, 2023.

Official Catholic Directory Submissions

If they have not already received it, parishes should be getting an email directly from the publishers of the Official Catholic Directory regarding submissions for the 2024 edition. The online portal to review and submit your parish’s (and school’s) information is now open – at your earliest convenience, please go to ocdedits.com and log in to complete this process. 

The log in email and password will be the same as last year, if you do not remember your password, you will need to “Reset Password”. Or, if your log in email is not the same as last year’s, you will need to “Register” to update your information. There is also a short video tutorial if you have trouble getting into your account.

We will need to postpone the quarterly Parish Secretaries’ Workshop until mid-late January (date TBD). If you would like to view any of the previous workshop sessions, the videos can be found at this link: https://diojeffcity.org/secretary-workshop-videos/

If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact Bernadette Adams at badams@diojeffcity.org or 573-635-9127, ext 236.

New diocesan policies to take effect on January 1

Two new diocesan policies that were promulgated in August are set to take effect on January 1. The new policies relate to transparency in fundraising and parish finance councils.

All Catholics involved in parish leadership, fundraising efforts or a parish finance council are strongly encouraged to review and understand the policies ahead of the effective date.

Liturgical preparation aid for Advent and Christmas

Click here to download a liturgical preparation aid for the seasons of Advent and Christmas. A Spanish version is available here. The aid contains:

  • A full presider’s text for The Order of Reconciling Several Penitents with Individual Confession and Absolution  (drawn from the revised Order of Penance, effective April 16, 2023)
  • Readings
  • A list of alternate readings
  • Sample Penances
  • Music Suggestions
  • A Liturgical Year Calendar Advisory for Year B
  • The Lectionary for Mass – citations for the readings for the Sundays and Solemnities of these seasons
  • Proclamation of the Birth of Christ  (to be sung before the Mass during the Night)
  • Announcement of Easter and the Moveable Feasts  (to be sung on Epiphany)
  • O Antiphons

Christmas and Mary, Mother of God Masses

This year the Solemnity of Christmas falls on a Monday and is a holyday of obligation.  All the faithful are obligated to participate in two Masses, from the anticipated Mass of the 4th Sunday of Advent on Saturday evening Dec. 23 through the evening of Dec. 25.  In the “Universal Norms on the Liturgical Year and the Calendar,” no. 34 states, “The Vigil Mass of the Nativity is used on the evening of December 24, either before or after First Vespers (Evening Prayer I). On the day of the Nativity of the Lord, following ancient Roman tradition, Mass may be celebrated three times, that is, in the night, at dawn, and during the day.”

The Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God, falls on a Monday (Jan. 1) and so is NOT a holyday of obligation.  As a Solemnity, however, it still outranks the Feast of the Holy Family, which will be celebrated that Sunday Dec. 31.  Any Masses celebrated on the evening of Dec. 31 should be for Mary, Mother of God.

I hope this is helpful.  As always, please feel free to contact me if you have questions.

Peace and All Good,

Fr. Dan Merz
DLC Chair

Share in bulletins, emails, social media, and websites

Each of these first three Sundays of Advent, we cordially invite you to join us at St. Peter’s in Downtown Jefferson City (216 Broadway) for a pre-Vespers concert at 5:00pm, immediately followed by sung Solemn Vespers at 5:30pm. Together, these events should last around an hour.

Public and common prayer by the people of God is rightly considered to be among the primary duties of the Church. For centuries, the Church has prayed in this manner through the Liturgy of the Hours, also known as the “Divine Office.” In the Liturgy of the Hours, the Church offers to God a sacrifice of praise, that is a tribute of lips acknowledging His name – it is the voice of the bride (the Church) addressing her bridegroom (Christ); it is the very prayer that Christ Himself, together with his Body, addresses to the Father in Psalms, Hymns, and Spiritual Songs. (General Instruction of the Liturgy of the Hours, §1 & §15)

Please join us at St. Peter’s in downtown Jefferson city as we celebrate a Votive Mass of Our Lady on Saturday, December 23rd. A Rorate Mass is traditionally celebrated in Advent, just before dawn, as a devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary. The Mass is only lit by candles, representing Mary’s role in bringing Christ, our Light, into the darkness of the world. This Candle-lit, Roráte Mass will be enriched with the beauty of the music of the ages that is specifically dedicated to, or about, our Blessed Mother! Come and pray, come and enter into the beauty of our Advent waiting, come and receive our Eucharistic Lord.

We are very pleased to announce that on Wed., Jan. 3, Fr. Andrew Dalton will be at the Cathedral of St. Joseph to give two presentations on the Shroud of Turin, the burial cloth of Jesus Christ, both of which will be held in Cana Hall and will contain the same information.  Two sessions are being offered 1) to give as many people as possible a chance to hear it and 2) to allow one session to be held during    daylight hours.  The first session will be in Cana Hall from 2-4 p.m.  The second session will be held in Cana Hall from 7-9 p.m.    Fr. Dalton is an American priest who now teaches at the Pontifical University in Rome.  

Fr. Dalton will also be giving the same talk at Newman Parish on Thursday, Jan. 4 at 2-4 p.m. and 7-9 p.m. The talks will be livestreamed.

MARRIAGE PREPARATION: Clergy & Marriage Prep Facilitators

SAVE THE DATE & REGISTER

Who: Priests, Deacons & Lay Certified Marriage Prep Facilitators (MPFs) who attended a training in 2021.

What: Practicum & Follow-Up Training on Prepare/Enrich (P/E) Couple Assessment Facilitation and Marriage Preparation Diocesan Process/Policy.

Description: Series of workshops that will focus on a review of P/E core concepts, how to interpret and provide feedback, the selection of the right exercises for the engaged couple, and best practices for assessment facilitators. Also, facilitation practice, small group work and Q&A.

When: Two options: February 23, 8:30pm-4:30pm& February 24, 8:30am-4:30pm

Where: Chancery Offices in Jefferson City.

Trainer: Teresita (Tere) Johnson, MA PS, CMF, from Prepare/Enrich and Stella Maris Center.

Cost: Free.

Registration: Click here

We ask pastors/priests to encourage permanent deacons and lay facilitators in your parish to attend this training. Important! New and not trained/certified facilitators are welcomed and encouraged to attend this training, but they should be trained prior to it.

For more information contact Jamie Schulte at 573-635-9127 or faithformation@diojeffcity.org 

Eventos en Español

Retiro Parroquial de ‘Buena Administración’: St. Vincent de Paul | Parroquia San Vicente de Paúl, Sedalia (16 de deciembre, 9am-3pm)El objetivo de estos retiros 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 a la oficina parroquial. 

Employment opportunities

The Newman Parish is seeking a Director of Youth Ministry 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 to see the full job description.

Sacred Heart Parish in Eldon, MO is seeking a dedicated and organized individual to fill the position of Parish Secretary. The Parish Secretary plays a crucial role in supporting the administrative functions of the parish. This is a 30 hour per week position. This position is benefit eligible. This includes medical, dental and vision coverage along with a retirement plan and other voluntary benefits. This position also qualifies for paid time off. Any interested individual should click here to learn more and complete the application. Please contact the parish if you have any questions at 573.392.5334.

Catholic Charities of Central and Northern Missouri has several openings within its agency.

All employees of Catholic Charities must possess a strong commitment to the mission of the agency, including the understanding of Catholic Social Teaching and the ability to demonstrate the philosophy and values of the agency. The identity of the agency is clearly Catholic; and as such, Catholic Charities adheres to the social and moral teachings of the Catholic Church.

All positions require the utilization of common software and digital applications (Microsoft Office suite, Outlook, Teams, timekeeping software, etc.)

We invite you to review our current opportunities. 

Welcome Center Specialist – Jefferson City, MO
Essential duties include answering the phone and welcoming clients to the agency. The Welcome Center Specialist will provide client intake or referrals for programs (internal or external) as required and provide administrative support and volunteer coordination as requested. High school diploma or GED required. Click here to apply.

Director of Community Services – Jefferson City, MO
This position oversees strategic planning and program management as it pertains to developing annual budgets, determining staffing needs, monitoring execution of program objectives, ensuring adherence to applicable policies/procedures and evaluating program outcomes. An advanced degree from an accredited college or university plus three to five years’ experience in management and delivery of social and/or disaster relief services and programs at a leadership level is required. Click here to apply.

Director of Counseling Services – Jefferson City, MO
This individual serves as a liaison and maintains positive working relationships with agency leadership, program staff, therapeutic service providers, local and regional service partners, and regional and national agencies to ensure provision of quality services for clients. The Director of Counseling Services will also oversee strategic planning and program management as it pertains to developing and implementing clinical services. A Master’s degree from an accredited college or university in counseling, psychology, or clinical social work plus three to five years’ experience in management and delivery of clinical services is required. Click here to apply.

Director of Refugee Services – Columbia, MO
This leadership position oversees strategic planning and program management by overseeing and enhancing the resettlement efforts for Catholic Charities of Central and Northern Missouri. This individual will be responsible for ensuring the submission of grant requests, financial reports, data tracking, and narratives to local, state, and national funding entities. The Director will ensure that refugee staff resettlement staff receive orientation, training and ongoing supervision, providing quality services for our clients. An advanced degree from an accredited college or university plus three to five years’ experience in management and delivery of resettlement services and programs at a leadership level is required. Click here to apply.

Immaculate Heart of Mary Child Development Center is seeking dedicated and passionate individuals to join our team as Early Childhood Center Staff in a LEAD Position. 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 for a lead position is $18.00 per hour for a qualified employee. Click here to apply online.

Our Lady of the Lake Catholic Church is seeking a full-time Music Director.

  • The Music Director is a professional who holds specialized credentials in music and who has a thorough understanding of Roman Catholic liturgy. This person of faith is responsible for the effective planning, coordination, and execution of music within the liturgical celebrations of the parish.
  • The ideal candidate will be familiar with both traditional and contemporary music suitable for the Catholic church
  • Will help facilitate with the Spanish Mass
  • Will develop an adult choir for the parish
  • The Music Director will be available for parish weddings and funerals

The employer offers a full range of benefits including life insurance, long-term disability, medical, dental, vision and a matching 403(b) retirement plan.Requirements: College degree in Music or Liturgy, Ability to lead a choir, Professional skill with many instruments, including organ and piano or keyboard, Flexible with schedule to accommodate office needs as well as mass, weddings and funerals, Knowledge of appropriate music for Catholic church. Apply on Indeed.

The Catholic Diocese of Jefferson City has a career opportunity for a Controller who will manage the accounting department for the organization. Duties include managing chancery accounting personnel, Sage accounting and investment portfolio platforms, cash flow, accounts payable, billing, accounts receivable, PP&E, GL level and general accounting platforms. Specific duties include monthly accounting period closings and reconciliations, preparing monthly trial balance, preparing monthly financial analysis and quarterly financial statements. This individual will also manage the annual financial audit process and oversee all chancery bank accounts and supervise maintenance of budgets. Education and Experience:

  • Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university majoring in Accounting
  • Minimum of ten (10) years of job-related experience preferred, but not required
  • 501(c)(3) fund accounting experience preferred, but not required
  • Public accounting experience helpful, but not required
  • Strong computer skills and ability to easily work in Sage, MS Excel and MS Word

Qualified applicants are encouraged to apply through our job posting on Indeed.com or send resume and cover letter to hrdir@diojeffcity.org

Sacred Heart School in Sedalia MO has an opening for a Communication and Technology Director. This is a full-time, exempt position. All interested persons should complete the application and contact the Principal, Nancy Manning at nmanning@gogremlins.com.

Responsibilities Include:

  • Communications (website management, social media, event photography, videos, create graphics, newsletter writing, etc.).
  • Technology (Google, PC, FACTS logins, copy machines, monitor solar panels, daily tech issues, audio system, e-rate management, teacher tech training, update technology, google domain management, iPad, Chromebook cart management, tech security, etc.). See this ad on Indeed.

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.

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.

St. Andrew Catholic School in Tipton has an opening for a part-time Jr. High Science teacher for 2024-2025 school year.  If anyone is available for the 2nd semester of the current year, I’d be happy to have that discussion as well.  All interested persons can contact the Principal, Kara Higgins, at khiggins@saintandrewpirates.com.

St. Mary Catholic School in Glasgow is currently seeking a dynamic and experienced individual to join our team in the role of Principal starting July 1, 2024. As the principal, you will play a vital role in providing leadership, vision, and guidance to our school community. You will be responsible for ensuring the academic excellence and spiritual development of our students while fostering a safe, inclusive, and nurturing environment. Click here to apply.

Our Lady of Lourdes Interparish School Positions:

  • 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.