News

1 January 2024

January 1, 2024 | Monday Memo

Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God

We wish everyone a very blessed solemnity — and a happy New Year!

The Chancery is closed today.

The office will reopen on our normal schedule beginning tomorrow, Tuesday, January 2.

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

REVEREND ANTHONY N. ONYEIHE, from associate pastor of Immaculate Conception Parish, Jefferson City to parochial administrator of Holy Cross Parish, Cuba, St. Francis Caracciolo Parish, Bourbon, and St. Michael Parish, Steelville Parish, effective 5 January 2024. Given at the Chancery in Jefferson City this 23rd day of December in the Year of our Lord 2023.

Statement: Father Medina found guilty of sexual solicitation during Sacrament of Reconciliation

The Diocese of Jefferson City is providing the following information, which impacts the faithful, in a spirit of transparency and accountability. Anyone who has experienced or witnessed abuse in a church setting is encouraged to contact law enforcement and contact us.

Father Ignazio Medina has been found guilty of sexual solicitation of an adult on the occasion of the Sacrament of Reconciliation. This decision is the result of an administrative disciplinary process overseen by the Holy See’s Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith.

As punishment, Father Medina is permanently deprived of the right to hold any ecclesiastical office (parish or diocesan) and of the faculty to hear confessions. Furthermore, he may not celebrate or concelebrate Mass except with his diocesan bishop’s explicit permission, which will not be granted except for extraordinary circumstances.

These penalties are effective immediately.

This process began on April 15, 2022, when the Diocese of Jefferson City received a report of sexual solicitation of an adult on the occasion of the Sacrament of Reconciliation via the diocesan Safe Environment abuse hotline. Canon 1385 of the Code of Canon Law states: “A priest who in the act, on the occasion, or under the pretext of confession solicits a penitent to sin against the sixth commandment of the Decalogue is to be punished according to the gravity of the delict, by suspension, prohibitions, privations; and in more grave cases, he is to be dismissed from the clerical state.”

Upon receiving the report, Bishop W. Shawn McKnight of Jefferson City immediately placed temporary restrictions on Father Medina, barring him from hearing confessions and from being alone with anyone other than his family on church property. He also launched a preliminary investigation into the actions of Father Medina, who was then pastor of Our Lady of the Lake Parish, Lake Ozark.

Because of the crime’s serious nature, jurisdiction is reserved to the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith in Rome. On June 2, 2022, the results of the diocesan investigation were delivered to the Dicastery. On Oct. 25, 2022, the Holy See instructed Bishop McKnight to establish an administrative disciplinary process to determine guilt, and if Father Medina were to be found guilty, to impose appropriate penalties.

To ensure an impartial process, Bishop McKnight delegated the matter to an experienced priest and canon lawyer from the Archdiocese of Toronto in Canada. During the process, Father Medina was represented by a canon lawyer and given the opportunity to provide his defense.

On Nov. 27, 2023, the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith approved a decree finding Father Medina guilty of the crime and allowed the imposition of permanent penalties.

Fr. Medina chose not to appeal. With the expiration of the appeal period, the decision is now final.

The three elements of the penalties are:

Father Medina is permanently banned from hearing confessions;
he cannot celebrate or concelebrate Mass publicly without the explicit permission of his diocesan bishop;
and he can never hold an office within the church again.

Father Medina remains a priest of the Diocese of Jefferson City and continues to receive support as a retired priest.

Throughout the process, the victim has been offered assistance for healing.

“I want to be clear that sexual solicitation during confession is a sacrilege, a crime in our Church, and a grave form of abuse; it cannot be tolerated,” Bishop McKnight said. “With God’s help we must work to continue to eradicate abuse from all corners of our Church. Please join me in prayer for all who are left in pain and confusion when a trusted leader abuses their position of sacred trust and power for sinful purposes.”

Bishop McKnight explained, “I have met with Father Medina to express my concerns and informed him he will not be allowed to celebrate or concelebrate Mass publicly except for funeral Masses of his immediate family, at the gathering of priests at their annual conference in October, and at the Chrism Mass during Holy Week.”

“I thank the victim in this case for stepping forward, and I pray for healing,” Bishop McKnight said. “I also thank all who helped during the investigation and disciplinary process. In addition, I am very grateful for our clergy, parish staff and parishioners who are dedicated to ensuring our diocesan Safe Environment protocols are followed. As we move forward together, I seek the renewal of our Church by facing the awful reality of abuse with the hope and grace of the Gospel which provides the healing we all need.”

Understanding Fiducia Supplicans

On December 18, the Holy See’s Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith published a declaration called Fiducia Supplicans. Three days after the document came out, Bishop Shawn McKnight took a few moments to share his perspective on Fiducia Supplicans.

Click here to listen to this month’s podcast to hear what Bishop McKnight had to say.

All are encouraged to read the English translation of Fiducia Supplicans at this link.

New diocesan policies to take effect today

Two new diocesan policies relating to transparency in fundraising and parish finance councils take effect today.

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

Catholic Charities Menus of Engagement

Menus of Engagement are creative ways to connect with Catholic Charities by using Catholic social teaching to see, judge, and act upon our call to serve our neighbors. See-judge-act is a moral and pastoral practice by which we encounter the world, seek to relate to it, and respond to the call we understand.

At Catholic Charities, we often talk about others joining our mission through giving – giving of their time as a volunteer or their treasure as a donor. Menus of engagement aim to unpack that call to join us in a myriad of other ways – by learning, experiencing, encountering, reflecting, relating, understanding, praying, serving, and giving of your gifts.

Each month we’ll publish another Menu of Engagement, with new ideas and ways to serve your community, engage with our staff, and encounter those in need. We’ll keep this page as a hub of that information, easy for you to access to include graphics in your parish bulletin, print them off to go home in your student’s weekly folders, or bring them to your office’s next lunch & learn. Learn more.

Share in bulletins, emails, social media, and websites

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

Join us for two events in one!

Sunday, March 3, 2024 nationally acclaimed speaker, Jason Evert, will be sharing not one, but TWO of his critically acclaimed talks.

Purified: A Life-Changing Event for Families (ages 13+)
3:00-4:30pm
The Innocence of the family is under attack like never before. Come and discover how to protect and heal yours. This chastity presentation is for teens, parents and adults.

Gender & The Theology of Your Body (Ages 13+)
5:30-6:30pm
What’s the meaning of sex, gender, and the human body? The truth of masculinity and femininity are being questioned like never before. Discover how your body as a man or woman reveals your identity and calling.

There will be a Dinner Break from 4:30-5:30pm, the meal is included with your ticket.

Also, to wrap up the evening, there will be the Sacrament of Reconciliation and Eucharistic Adoration from 6:30-7:00pm.

Everyone will leave with free resources to continue your understanding and journey with the Chastity Project.

To see more on the event or to purchase your tickets, scan the QR code on the flyer or visit the Facebook Event page!

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.

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.