News

5 February 2024

February 5, 2024 |

We Want To Hear From You

All are invited to participate in a special session for the Synod on Synodality and Shaping Our Future Together (our diocesan planning process). 

This 45-minute special session will focus on your experiences with the structures of our parishes and local Church.

The session will be held on Tuesday, Feb. 27, 6:15 – 7 pm, at five locations in the diocese and via Zoom.

Help spread the word in your parish!

Use these new graphics to help encourage the faithful in your parish to participate in these events. Social media and bulletin graphics are included.

Official Appointments

Chancellor Benjamin Roodhouse, JD, JCL, has announced that the Most Reverend W. Shawn McKnight, STD, Bishop of Jefferson City, has recently made the following appointments to provide the most effective pastoral care of the Diocese of Jefferson City:

PRIESTS

  • REVEREND MONSIGNOR GREGORY L. HIGLEY, appointed to the Fr. Augustine Tolton Regional Catholic High School Board of Directors for a term of two years, effective January 25, 2024. 
  • VERY REVEREND CHRISTOPHER L. CORDES, Vicar for Clergy, appointed to the Diocesan Pastoral Council for a term of three years, effective January 17, 2024. 
  • REVEREND SIMEON A. ETONU, JCL, appointed to the office of Judge for the Matrimonial Tribunal for a term of five years, effective January 25, 2024.

LAITY

  • MR. KEVIN DEHAAN, of St. Joseph Parish in Palmyra, appointed as a North Deanery Representative of the Diocesan Pastoral Council for a term of three years, effective January 16, 2024. 
  • MR. JIM GERKE, appointed to the National Shrine of Mary Mother of the Church Board of Directors for a term of three years, effective January 1, 2024.
  • MRS. CHERYL HERTFELDER, Executive Director of Human Resources, appointed to the Priests’ Mutual Benefit Society Board for a term of three years, effective January 1, 2024.
  • MR. JERRY KING, appointed to the National Shrine of Mary Mother of the Church Board of Directors for a term of three years, effective January 1, 2024.
  • MR. ANDREW MEAGHER, of the Cathedral of St. Joseph Parish, appointed to the Diocesan Liturgical Commission for a term of three years, effective December 11, 2023.
  • MR. CHRIS MUELLER, appointed to the National Shrine of Mary Mother of the Church Board of Directors for a term of three years, effective January 1, 2024.
  • MR. JAMES REINERT, appointed to the National Shrine of Mary Mother of the Church Board of Directors for a term of three years, effective January 1, 2024.
  • MR. MIKE SHEPHERD, appointed to the National Shrine of Mary Mother of the Church Board of Directors for a term of three years, effective January 1, 2024.
  • MR. GARY SLATER, appointed to the National Shrine of Mary Mother of the Church Board of Directors for a term of three years, effective January 1, 2024.
  • MRS. MICHELLE TRUESDALE, appointed to the Immaculate Heart of Mary Child Development Center Board of Directors for a term of three years, effective January 12, 2024.
  • MR. TOM VINCENT, appointed to the National Shrine of Mary Mother of the Church Board of Directors for a term of three years, effective January 1, 2024.

Helias Catholic High School launches Spirit of Excellence campaign

Project will complete school’s central Jefferson City campus

Helias Catholic High School today announced the launch of its Spirit of Excellence capital campaign, a transformative initiative to complete the school’s campus. The project, which will complete Helias Catholic’s campus master plan, will construct a new performing arts center and on-campus baseball and softball complex, as well as expand the existing Rackers Fieldhouse.

“Now is the time to fulfill these promises made to our community to complete our campus and strengthen our school’s ability to provide an excellent Catholic education that inspires students’ development in mind, body and spirit,” said Ron Vossen, President of Helias Catholic and a 45-year veteran educator at the school. “Helias Catholic is blessed with world-class facilities and the boundless generosity of our community that continues to make them possible,” said Peter Lyskowski, who is the Spirit of Excellence Committee chair, a 1995 Helias Catholic graduate, and parent of two Crusaders.
“We have an opportunity now to create a new home for excellence, a new communion of faith,
right here in the heart of Jefferson City.”

The Spirit of Excellence campaign advances three key components of Helias Catholic’s campus
master plan.

  1. Performing Arts Center
    A new performing arts center connected to the east side of the current school building will house
    an auditorium that seats up to 1,000 with academic and performance spaces for Helias
    Catholic’s instrumental and vocal music, dance, and theater programs. The performing arts
    center — which will include theater scene, prop and costume areas and a visitor lobby — will be
    able to accommodate the entire student body and will be available for community use, including
    by students at Helias Catholic’s local partner elementary schools.
    “The Helias Catholic community has long recognized the opportunity to develop our school’s
    tradition of excellence in the arts by nurturing and showcasing these programs in a performing
    arts center on our own campus,” Vossen said.
  2. Baseball and Softball Complex
    A baseball and softball complex to be constructed southeast of the school building will have the capacity to host up to 1,000 spectators. With standard amenities including concessions, restrooms and a press box, the new facility will further strengthen opportunities to build community on campus while eliminating the need for students to travel to the west end of Jefferson City for baseball and softball games and practices.
    “Bringing home our football, soccer, tennis, and track and field programs with the Crusader Athletic Complex six years ago — at the same time we added our Science Center, larger chapel, and other improvements to the school building — marked a huge step in our campus development,” Vossen said. “Now it’s time to bring home our baseball and softball student-athletes alongside our student performers.”
  3. Fieldhouse Expansion
    Added space in the existing James L. Rackers Fieldhouse will allow for needed updates to athletic and strength and conditioning facilities, which will serve all of Helias Catholic’s student-athletes as well as students in physical education classes safely and effectively.

Onward Together
“I applaud Helias Catholic on the strong progress that has been made toward realizing its ambitious master campus plan. With each completed project, the Helias community has truly enriched the student experience in many different ways,” said Dr. Erin Vader, Superintendent of Catholic schools for the Diocese of Jefferson City. “As we embark on this final stage of the plan, let us all once again unite in the spirit of excellence, generosity and faith. Together, we can build a legacy that will strengthen Helias Catholic for generations to come.”

Completing this final phase of the campus master plan is a roughly $30 million investment in the future of Helias Catholic and our community. Combined with contributions from the 2015 Rooted in Faith, Building on Excellence campaign and additional funds pledged toward the project, the Spirit of Excellence campaign seeks to raise a total of $14 million between new donations and generous committed support from The Foundation for the Benefit of Helias Catholic High School up to $7 million.

“Through our collective generosity and unwavering faith, may we realize this exciting vision for the future of Helias Catholic, giving our students a space that is inspired by the spirit of excellence — fostering personal growth, encouraging creativity and nurturing spirituality,” said the Most Reverend W. Shawn McKnight, Bishop of Jefferson City. “May our response to this campaign be a testament to our values and a sign of our commitment to shaping the future leaders of our community.”

“I invite our entire community and all members of the Crusader family — alumni; friends; and families of students past, present and future — to partner with us in this effort to complete our campus,” Vossen said. “Every contribution and show of support helps ensure the Helias Catholic ‘spirit of excellence’ for future generations of Crusaders as our community moves onward together.”

For more information and to support the Spirit of Excellence campaign, please visit www.heliascatholic.com/spiritofexcellence or contact Helias Catholic President Ron Vossen at rvossen@heliascatholic.com or 573-635-6139.

Help promote the Women’s Ministry Spring Pilgrimage

Join us for a day of prayer and reflection on the Luminous Mysteries of the Rosary with Catholic speaker Jill Simons. The event will take place on Saturday, April 6, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at St. Mary Parish – Shelbina, MO. Register online at diojeffcity.org/springpilgrimage.

Our promotional toolkit includes graphics and flyers for parishes to use to help spread the word in your community!

Plus, don’t forget to read the February edition of our Walking Together Women’s Ministry Newsletter!

Use this new form to update contact information

Need to update contact information? The diocesan website has a new “Update Contact Information” form that combines the previous contact information forms and the Catholic Missourian correspondence form into one! Please use the new form at this link to update your information: diojeffcity.org/update-information/

If you have any questions about this form, please contact Annie Williams at awilliams@diojeffcity.org.

Corrected date: Mark your calendars for Diocesan Summer Camps! 

Please discard the earlier version of these graphics promoting the Diocesan Summer Camps as a date was incorrect. The date is corrected in these new graphics.

Registration will open February 15. 

Please use these graphics to help promote the camps in your parish. Both English and Spanish flyers are included. Flyers can be produced with English on one side and Spanish on the other.

Lenten Regulations and Admonitions for 2024

To foster a greater spirit of penance, reparation for sin, and to encourage self-denial, which guide us more closely in the footsteps of Christ, the Church reminds us of the obligations of fasting and abstinence during Lent and also admonishes us all to deeper prayer and worship. Click here for a detailed overview of lenten regulations and admonitions.

Preparing for Lent: Liturgy Guides Now Available

The Federation of Diocesan Liturgical Commissions has released liturgical preparation aids for Lent. Links to both the English and Spanish versions are below.

Lenten Rice Bowl Report

Please complete this form for 2024 Lenten Rice Bowl collections and send the information to the diocesan Finance Office. Thank you for your generosity!

Rite of Election — February 18, 2024

The Rite of Election will be held on February 18, 2024 at 3 p.m. at the Cathedral of St. Joseph in Jefferson City. There will be a reception in Cana Hall with punch and cookies immediately following Mass. Below is a link to the participation form. Please fill out this form as soon as possible even if you don’t have anyone participating in 2024. This will ensure there will be enough room for those that are attending to sit with their group, as well as give us an accurate list of all coordinators and their contact information. 

For those that are participating, parchment paper, instructions for signing the parchment paper, and an outline for the Rite of Election will be mailed to the address that you provide in this form. Any changes or updates will be emailed to the address provided in this form. 

A separate email will be sent at a later date from the Diocesan Communications Office requesting a list of names of those in your parish that will join the church on Easter. These names will be published in the Catholic Missourian around Easter time. 

Please direct any administrative questions to jnewham@diojeffcity.org, and any non-administrative questions to Very Rev. Daniel J. Merz, SLD at dmerz@diojeffcity.org.

Participation Form Link: https://diojeffcity.org/rite-of-election-participation/

Stewardship Conference — April 13, 2024

A new brochure is now available promoting our upcoming Stewardship Conference. Please use this brochure to help promote this conference in your parish! The diocesan Stewardship Conference will take place on April 13 in Cana Hall at the Cathedral of St. Joseph in Jefferson City. We hope to have representation from all of our parishes at this important event. We also have a promotional graphic available to download.

Apply Now for College Scholarships

The diocese is now accepting applications for college scholarships. Through a generous donation from the families of William H. (Bill) Simon and John L. Warack, funding is available to high school seniors or current college students with financial needs who commit to practicing their faith. Deadline to apply is March 28. Find eligibility details and applications here: https://buff.ly/3Kd7oWv

Totus Tuus registration is open

Totus Tuus Registration is now open for ALL Parishes for Summer 2024. Cost for summer 2024 is $4,000.  Registration can be accessed here: https://diojeffcity.org/totus-tuus-parish-registration/

Spring DRE and Youth Minister Workshop

Spring DRE and Youth Minister Workshop is Tuesday, February 20, 2024. All DRE and Youth Ministers gather from throughout the diocese on this date for updates, formation and community. To RSVP click here: https://diojeffcity.org/2024-spring-dreym-workshop-registration/

Join the Pre-Cana Team!

For more detailed information on the Pre-Cana program and the Pre-Cana presenting team please click here.

Kindness is in your blood! Join Catholic Charities for a Blood Drive at their Central Office in Jefferson City

Join us to give blood in the LaSalette Community Room at Catholic Charities’s Central Office in Jefferson City. You can call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or visit RedCrossBlood.org and enter: CCCNMO to schedule an appointment. Every donation matters! We have 20 open slots and would love to see them filled with community members who can give to support those in need. Click here to RSVP on Facebook or share the event with your friends & family!

Catholic Charities February Menu of Engagement

February is Black History Month and Heart Health Month. Not to mention the month we celebrate sweethearts on Valentine’s Day and enter into the penitential season of Lent. With many spiritual gifts available to us this season, we are also called to give selflessly. Whether by alms, service, or prayer, your gift to those in need will minister to their needs and bear fruits you may not see with your own eyes, but can feel in your heart. Join Catholic Charities in serving others this month – check out our Menu of Engagement to learn how!

Share in bulletins, emails, social media, and websites

Online monthly series for moms begins Feb. 5 

Mothers of young children can find themselves isolated in today’s society. Creating Catholic Experiences in Motherhood, a ten-week online series, builds community, connecting mothers in similar life situations around the country, tethered by our Catholic faith. Hosted by The National Shrine of Mary, Mother of the Church and lead by a professional coach and Catholic mom, Jenna Mayo, the format of this program encourages mothers to observe, connect, share, and learn from one another – offering an engaging opportunity for inclusion and true community. Register and learn more at mothersshrine.com. 

Shareable links to a printable flier (8.5″ x 11″), a bulletin graphic, and four social media graphics. 

NEWMAN’S MARDI GRAS FESTIVAL – FEBRUARY 10

Join us for great food and fellowship as we prepare for Lent! The parade will begin at 11:00 am! There will be food trucks, music, hot drinks, and king cake following the parade in Newman Gathering Space & Courtyard. This is a free event to the public! Invite your family and friends! For information, or to volunteer, contact Jeff Hilbrenner at jeffhilbrenner@hotmail.com or Kathleen Ketchum at kketchum14@gmail.com. Laissez les Bon Temps Rouler!

ATTENTION ALL MARRIED COUPLES!!! 

MARRIAGE ENCOUNTER WEEKEND RETREAT: Best Western Capital Inn, Jefferson City (February 10th-11th, 2024)

Kick off the new year by discovering a deeper level of satisfaction and joy in your marriage!  Marriage Encounter provides the opportunity and the atmosphere for you to focus on and renew the blessings in your marriage.  Don’t let the busyness of life steal them away! Food, lodging, and programming are included in the $75 fee.  Register today for the weekend retreat before the event fills up!

Visit www.jeffcityme.com for more information and to register, or contact Harry & Cecilia Hentges at 573-619-7416.

MARRIAGE PREPARATION: Clergy & Marriage Prep Facilitators

DON’T FORGET TO 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 

Please share this graphic in your parish’s bulletin! For more information, contact Deacon John Schwartze at jschwartze@diojeffcity.org or by phone at 573-635-9127 x225.

With the emergence of more sophisticated “artificial intelligence”, society is journeying through a liminal moment that will impact the job market, recreation, and relationships. Join Spencer Allen, Catholic school principal and speaker on Artificial Intelligence, as he explores how people of faith will navigate this brave, new world.

Talk will follow 5pm mass on Sunday, February 25th, in Cana Hall. Dinner will be included.
RSVP to julie.g@cathedraljc.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+)
6:30-7:30pm
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.

Mass will be celebrated from 5-5:45pm and there will be a Dinner Break from 6-6:30pm, the meal is included with your ticket.

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! 

Contemplative Outreach of Central Missouri is conducting their “United In Prayer Day” event on March 9, 2024 from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm. This event is for both current practitioners of Centering Prayer and those seeking to take their prayer life to a deeper level of intimacy and relationship with God.

The mini-retreat will be held in the Alphonse J. Schwartze Memorial Catholic Center (Chancery Offices), and those unable to travel to Jefferson City may attend online via ZOOM. 

In addition to multiple periods of silent communal prayer Fr. Matthew Flatley will give a presentation on “Diving Deeper into The Method of Centering Prayer”. In his talk he will address the question of just what is happening when We Enter the Inner room and Consent to God’s Presence and Action Within.

This is an invitation to contemplatives both new and experienced to come away for a day of enrichment, making available the precious time and space for prayer and soul friending in community. For those interested in attending but less experienced in Centering Prayer a special mini-introduction to Centering Prayer is being offered on March 7, beginning at 7:00 pm, online via ZOOM.

For details and to register for both events visit the COCEMO website at www.cocemo.org.

Lenten Mission Series – Just Rest

All are invited to join us this Lenten season for a Healing Mission sponsored by St. Vincent de Paul Parish in Sedalia. Over four days Catholic Evangelista Sonja Corbitt will guide us through different aspects of healing through “Rest” … Rest in Thoughts, Rest in Emotions, Rest in Soul, and Rest in Body. We will kick-off the “Just Rest” Mission on Sunday, March 17th, starting the first session at 2:30pm at St. Patrick Chapel, with a Lenten Penance Service following at 4pm. Remaining sessions will start at 6:30pm at St. Patrick Chapel on March 18th, 19th, and 20th. We will conclude the “Just Rest” Mission with a bi-lingual Mass following the session on the 20th. There is no cost to attend this mission. All within the diocese are welcome to join us for one or more or all of the sessions, whatever you can work in your schedule. St. Patrick Chapel is located at 415 E. 4th St, Sedalia, MO.

Employment opportunities

We are seeking a dedicated, enthusiastic Programs Assistant to join our team at The National Shrine of Mary, Mother of the Church, contributing to the memorable and spiritual experiences and growth of our pilgrims and visitors. As a Programs Assistant, you will collaborate closely with the Director of Operations to conceptualize, plan, and execute various enriching experiences including Shrine tours, Catholic Masses, pilgrimages, retreats, and events, with a particular focus on honoring Mary as Mother of the Church and all mothers in accordance with our Mission Statement. View our website at: MothersShrine.com. You may access the full job description at this link.

St. Brendan Catholic School 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. Learn more and apply.

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.

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.

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 School in Tipton has 2 openings for Junior High Teachers for the 2024-2025 school year.  Junior High is departmentalized and the available content area is Science, Social Studies, ELA, and Religion with 7th and 8th grade homeroom.  All interested persons can contact the Principal, Kara Higgins, at khiggins@saintandrewpirates.com

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.