News

6 May 2024

Diocesan Eighth Grade Mass

On May 2, eighth graders from across the Diocese of Jefferson City gathered together for Mass at the Cathedral of St. Joseph. Click here to watch a recording of the Mass.


Official Appointments

6 May 2024

I am pleased to announce 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

  • VERY REVEREND CHRISTOPHER L. CORDES, appointed to the Helias Catholic High School Board of Directors for a term of two years, effective 3 May 2024.
  • VERY REVEREND ROBERTO M. IKE, PhD, appointed to the Fr. Augustine Tolton Regional Catholic High School Board of Directors for a term of two years, effective 30 April 2024.

SISTERS

  • SR. RUTH ANN KLAUSER, SSND, of Mary Immaculate Parish in Kirksville, appointed to the Diocesan Pastoral Council as the Consecrated Religious representative for a term of three years, effective 1 May 2024.

LAITY

  • MR. JUSTIN FRANCKA, of St. Thomas More Newman Center in Columbia, appointed to the Diocesan Pastoral Council as the Newman Center representative for a term of two years, effective 4 May 2024.
  • MRS. RUTH HUGHES, of Immaculate Conception Parish in Macon, appointed to the Diocesan Pastoral Council as a representative of the North Deanery for a term of three years, effective 1 July 2024.
  • MR. CRAIG HUSTING, appointed as a board member of the Preservation Fund of St. Joseph Cathedral for a term of three years, effective 21 March 2024.
  • MRS. ELIZABETH JAMES, of St. Martin Parish in St. Martins, appointed to the Diocesan Pastoral Council as a representative of the See City Deanery for a term of three years, effective 1 July 2024.
  • MR. KENT KORTHAS, of St. Vincent de Paul Parish in Pettis County, reappointed to the Diocesan Pastoral Council as a representative of the Southwest Deanery for an additional term of three years, effective 1 May 2024.
  • MR. RUSSELL KREMER, of Our Lady Help of Christians Parish in Frankenstein, reappointed to the Diocesan Pastoral Council as a representative of the Southeast Deanery for an additional term of one year, effective 30 April 2024.
  • MR. LUKE PRENGER, appointed as a board member of the Preservation Fund of St. Joseph Cathedral for a term of three years, effective 21 March 2024.
  • MR. JONATHAN PUND, of the Cathedral of St. Joseph Parish in Jefferson City, appointed to the Diocesan Pastoral Council as a representative of the See City Deanery for a term of three years, effective 30 April 2024.
  • MRS. SHERI STORMER, of Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary Parish in Vienna, reappointed to the Diocesan Pastoral Council as a representative of the Southeast Deanery for an additional term of one year, effective 30 April 2024.
  • MRS. KELLY WHEELER, of Our Lady of Lourdes Parish in Columbia, reappointed to the Diocesan Pastoral Council as a representative of the Central Deanery for an additional term of three years, effective 30 April 2024.

From the Office of the Chancellor,
Mr. Benjamin Roodhouse, JD, JCL
Chancellor


Walking Together Newsletter

The May edition of the Walking Together Women’s Ministry Newsletter is live, click here to read it now! Save the Date for our upcoming fall events, order our summer book club offering, join our May prayer challenge and more!


Save the Date – June Parish Secretaries’ Workshop

Save the Date!  June 26, 2024; 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. will be the next quarterly Parish Secretaries’ workshop and it will be held in-person, as well as via Zoom. Pastors/Administrators are welcome and encouraged to attend.

We are allocating more time for this workshop to provide in-depth presentations on topics relating to your role as Parish Secretary. Many topics have been covered over the last few years, but we want to know:

  • What topics would be most helpful to you?  
  • What topics should we revisit, or go into more detail?
  • What questions do you have? 

This is a great opportunity for networking with other parish staff from around the diocese!  Please let us know your topic requests and questions by emailing Bernadette Adams at badams@diojeffcity.org. RSVP’s will be requested separately very soon. 


Join us for a Come and See with Catechesis of the Good Shepherd

Catechesis of the Good Shepherd is a Montessori-style religious education program for as young as preschool up to age 12. We have a few parishes using this program and many other parishes and school interested in learning more. To help learn about the program and get hands on experience with the tools they use, join us for one of 2 options for a come and see June 14 and 15. To register click here: https://diojeffcity.org/catechesis-of-the-good-shepherd/


Attention Parishes — Advertising Rate Increase

In recent years, The Catholic Missourian has felt the impact of rising production and printing costs, as well as the continued increase in postage rates. For some time, we’ve striven to absorb these excess expenditures without passing them along to those who support us.

In researching other newspaper advertising rates from similar dioceses in the Midwest, and after careful consideration, we have made the difficult decision to increase our advertising rates in two stages — one increase in July 2024 and the other in January 2025. This is the first time we have updated our newspaper advertising rates in more than a decade. Please be assured that we have made every effort to make this a smooth transition.

The new advertising pricing structure for diocesan entities, including parishes and schools, will be as follows:

July 2024
Black/white (per column inch): $8
Color (per column inch): $10

January 2025
Black/white (per column inch): $10
Color (per column inch): $12


National Eucharistic Pilgrimage

Updated graphics are available now. Please make sure your parish is using the latest versions!

As part of the National Eucharistic Revival, the National Eucharistic Pilgrimage will be present in the Diocese of Jefferson City from July 1-5. A media toolkit is now available to begin promoting this special event in your parish. Please watch for more information and details about this exciting event coming soon. The latest updates can be found by clicking here.

Plus, we are asking for feedback on how parish communities are planning to participate — click on the following link to help give us feedback so we can start to plan on how many to expect: https://diojeffcity.org/eucharistic-pilgrimage-parish-interest-form/


Corpus Christi resource now available

The annual resource for the solemnity is now posted on the FDLC website.  It’s thirty-seven pages long. Download it for free at: www.fdlc.org/BodyAndBlood2024.



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Life in the Spirit Seminar

Pentecost is coming. Are you ready for a life changing encounter with the love of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit? Join us for a series of talks and prayer to renew the power of the Holy Spirit that was conferred in baptism and confirmation to live the life we were meant to live.


Bishop W. Shawn McKnight to celebrate feast of Mary, Mother of the Church, at national shrine at Lake of the Ozarks on May 20

Bishop W. Shawn McKnight will celebrate the feast of Mary, Mother of the Church, at the National Shrine of Mary, Mother of the Church with a Mass on Monday, May 20 at 6:30 pm. The Mass will be celebrated at the outdoor shrine, which is adjacent to St. Patrick Catholic Church, 176 Marian Drive in Laurie. 

In 2018, Pope Francis gifted the Church with a new feast day: The Memorial of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of the Church, to be celebrated each year on the day after Pentecost. 

The title “Mother of the Church” dates back to the fourth century writings of St. Ambrose of Milan, though. In 1968, Pope Paul VI gave official recognition of the title when he wrote, “The Blessed Mother of God, the New Eve, Mother of the Church, continues in heaven her maternal role with regard to Christ’s members, cooperating with the birth and growth of divine life in the souls of the redeemed.”

For 35 years, The National Shrine of Mary, Mother of the Church has welcomed faith-filled visitors from around the world seeking to celebrate and share the beauty of these truths.

With the summer season beginning Memorial Day weekend, all are invited to worship with the community of the Mothers’ Shrine on Saturdays at 8 pm and Sundays 8:30 am.

More information can be found at mothersshrine.com or by calling 573-374-MARY (6279).


The 2024 Quinceanera Retreats for quinceañeras, damas and chambelanes are now available in the following parishes. Registration required.  

To review our diocesan Quinceanera Preparation Policy, to find your parish contact, and for more information visit: https://diojeffcity.org/ministerio-hispano/preparacion-de-quinceaneras/.

Por favor publique el siguiente anuncio para los retiros de Quineceañera disponibles junto con uno de los gráficos disponibles. Haga clic en el botón “Descargar gráfico” a continuación.

Los Retiros de Quinceañera 2024 para quinceañeras, damas y chambelanes ya están disponibles en las siguientes parroquias. Es necesario inscribirse.

Guía Diocesana para la Preparación de Quinceañeras, contactos parroquiales y más información en el siguiente enlace: https://diojeffcity.org/ministerio-hispano/preparacion-de-quinceaneras/.

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Retiro de Vida en el Espíritu: Sedalia: St. Patrick Parish | Parroquia San Patricio (25-26 de mayo) Este retiro brinda una experiencia única de encuentro con Jesús resucitado, quien nos invita a vivir una vida nueva y abundante con la ayuda del Espíritu Santo. Todo aquel que desee participar, sin importar su estado de vida actual o situación personal, tendrá la oportunidad de reflexionar sobre su vida y encontrarse con el Amor incondicional de Jesús. Esta es una oportunidad que nadie se puede perder.

Para más información contacte al líder RCC de su parroquia.


Ordenación Sacerdotal: Diácono Christopher Hoffman: Jefferson City: Cathedral of St. Joseph | Catedral San José (1 de junio, 10am-12pm) Les invitamos a participar de la ordenacion sacerdotal del diácono Christopher Hoffman de la parroquia San Vicente de Paul en Sedalia. Una gran oportunidad para ser testigos de esta celebración tan especial, para felicitarlo y mostrarle nuestro apoyo como comunidad Hispana. Para más información contacte al Diácono Enrique Castro al (573) 635-9127 o por correo electrónico a ecastro@diojeffcity.org.


Capacitación para facilitadores de VIRTUS: Jefferson City: Chancery | Cancillería (15 de junio, 9am-5pm) Esta capacitacion en español es para empleados y voluntarios que deseen aprender y desempenarse como facilitadores del Programa de VIRTUS en su parroquia y en nuestra diócesis. Es necesario tener la aprobación de su párroco/sacerdote e incribirse al curso. Para incripciones y más información contacte al Diácono Enrique Castro al (573) 635-9127 o por correo electrónico a ecastro@diojeffcity.org.


Misa & Celebración con nuestro Obispo: Jefferson City: Cathedral of St. Joseph | Catedral de San José (23 de junio, 1pm-4pm)La comunidad Hispana de toda la diócesis es cordialmente invitada a celebrar una Misa en español con nuestro obispo, W. Shawn McKnight. Además de convivir con nuestro obispo, tendremos la oportunidad de ver visitar a nuestra Madre la Virgen María de Guadalupe en su capilla dentro de la catedral. Después de la Misa, habrá la oportunidad de convivir y comer juntos en un ambiente de fraternidad con hermanos y hermanas nuestros de otras comunidades.
Confesiones en español a las 12:00. Para más información contacte al Diácono Enrique Castro al (573) 635-9127o por correo electrónico a ecastro@diojeffcity.org.


Retiro Parroquial de ‘Buena Administración’: Sedalia: St. Patrick Parish | Parroquia San Patricio (22 de junio, 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 o al Diácono Enrique Castro al (573) 635-9127 o o por correo electrónico a ecastro@diojeffcity.org.


Congreso de Niños: Sedalia: St. Patrick Parish | Parroquia San Patricio (29 de junio, 9am-5pm)  Este congreso está dirigido especialmente a niños y niñas de 5 a 12 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.


Formación: Nuevos Ministros Extraordinarios de la Sagrada Comunión: Jefferson City: Chancery | Cancillería (6 de julio, 9am-4pm)

Esta es una oportunidad de formación para todos los candidatos a este servicio después de ser aprobados por su párroco/sacerdote. Recibirá la formación y conocimiento para desempeñar su servicio. 

Para más información contacte a la oficina parroquial o al Diácono Enrique Castro al (573) 635-9127 o por correo electrónico a ecastro@diojeffcity.org.


Curso Introductorio de Planificación Familiar Natural

Columbia: Sacred Heart Parish | Parroquia Sagrado Corazón (25 de mayo, 9am-12pm)

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 Castro al 573-680-3650 o por correo electrónico a ecastro@diojeffcity.org.

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Coming in May – Another Free FDLC Webinar Series

In preparation for the new translation of Holy Communion and Worship of the Eucharistic Mystery Outside Mass (optional use starting September 14, 2024; mandatory use on December 1, 2024), the FDLC is pleased to offer a free webinar series on Eucharistic Adoration and Exposition, breaking open the history, pastoral practice, and practical implications of the rites. 

Registrants will have access to both the live presentations (Wednesdays, 1pm ET) and the recordings following each presentation. Click here to learn more and register.

  • May 1, Rev. Ed Foley, OFM, Capuchin: History and Theology of Eucharistic Adoration after Vatican II, Part 1
  • May 8, Rev. Ed Foley, OFM, Capuchin: History and Theology of Eucharistic Adoration after Vatican II, Part 2
  • May 15, Dr. Steve Janco: Music for a Period of Exposition
  • May 22, Rev. Matthew Ernest: Best Practices for Adoration and Exposition
  • June 5, Rev. Dustin Dought (BCDW) and FDLC Staff: An examination of the newly revised liturgical text, Holy Communion and Worship of the Eucharistic Mystery outside Mass (First use, September 14)

Women’s Conference of Healing and Forgiveness

We all have something in our lives that is broken — that needs to be mended, fixed or healed. When we turn to Jesus and align our hearts and minds with Him and trust in His mercy, He comes to us and wraps His arms lovingly around us. He gently reminds us that “together, we can fix this!” Christ can heal broken relationships with God, broken relationships with others and broken parts of ourselves. Come join us to experience Jesus’ Divine Mercy through His Healing and Forgiveness which is freely offered to all. The 3-day Women’s Conference of Healing and Forgiveness, entitled “Women of Hope,” will be held September 5-7, 2024 at Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Lenexa, Kansas. Click here to learn more.


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.


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.


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.


Sacred Heart School is located in Sedalia, MO. We have an opening for an Elementary Teacher.
A successful candidate is a practicing Catholic in good standing who can minister to students regardless of subject area or a teacher who, consistent with the Mission of Sacred Heart School, promotes and teaches the Catholic faith as reasonably determined by the principal. Applicants should hold the appropriate Missouri teaching certification, or its equivalent. All interested persons should complete the application and contact the Principal, Nancy Manning at nmanning@gogremlins.com 


Sacred Heart School in Sedalia, MO has an opening for a High School Teacher/History Teacher. This position is for the 2024-2025 school year. A successful candidate is a practicing Catholic in good standing who can minister to students regardless of subject area or a teacher who, consistent with the Mission of Sacred Heart School, promotes and teaches the Catholic faith as reasonably determined by the principal. Applicants should hold the appropriate Missouri teaching certification, or its equivalent. All interested persons should complete the application and contact the Principal, Nancy Manning, at nmanning@gogremlins.com

Proposed classes could include: 

  • American History (grade 9)
  • American Government (grade 10 and 11)
  • Social Studies (grade 7)
  • Sociology (grade 11 and 12) 

Sacred Heart School in Sedalia, MO has an opening for a High School Teacher/English Teacher. This position is for the 2024-2025 school year. A successful candidate is a practicing Catholic in good standing who can minister to students regardless of subject area or a teacher who, consistent with the Mission of Sacred Heart School, promotes and teaches the Catholic faith as reasonably determined by the principal. Applicants should hold the appropriate Missouri teaching certification, or its equivalent.

All interested persons should complete the application and contact the Principal, Nancy Manning, at nmanning@gogremlins.com

Proposed classes could include:

  • High School Comp (grades 11 & 12)
  • High School English/Grammar (grades 9 & 10)
  • High School Creative Writing
  • ACT Prep
  • Yearbook 

Sacred Heart School in Sedalia MO has an opening for a JH/HS Science Teacher. This position is for the 2024-2025 school year. A successful candidate is a practicing Catholic in good standing who can minister to students regardless of subject area or a teacher who, consistent with the Mission of Sacred Heart, promotes and teaches the Catholic faith as reasonably determined by the principal. Applicants should hold the appropriate Missouri teaching certification, or its equivalent.

Proposed classes could include: 

  • Biology I and II
  • Science 6, 7 and 8
  • Upper level science classes, possibly dual credit option 

All interested persons should complete the application and contact the Principal, Nancy Manning, at nmanning@gogremlins.com.


St. Brendan School in Mexico, MO has an opening for an Elementary Teacher.  A successful candidate is a practicing Catholic in good standing who can minister to students regardless of subject area or a teacher who, consistent with the Mission of St. Brendan School, promotes and teaches the Catholic faith as reasonably determined by the principal. Applicants should hold the appropriate Missouri teaching certification, or its equivalent. All interested persons should complete the application at this link and contact the Principal, Kathryn Coulson, at kcoulson@saintbrendans.org.


St. Clement Catholic School in St. Clement, MO has an opening for a Classroom Teacher – 1st and 2nd Grade. This position is for the 2024-2025 school year. A successful candidate is a practicing Catholic in good standing who can minister to students regardless of subject area or a teacher who, consistent with the Mission of St. Clement Catholic School, promotes and teaches the Catholic faith as reasonably determined by the principal. Applicants should hold the appropriate Missouri teaching certification, or its equivalent. All interested persons should complete the application and contact the Principal,  Laurie Schuckenbrock, at lschuckenbrock@stclementmo.org


St. Joseph Catholic School in Westphalia, MO is seeking a dedicated Physical Education teacher to join our team. If you are enthusiastic about promoting health, fitness, and teamwork among students in K – 8 in a strong Catholic based setting, we encourage you to apply. Experience in teaching physical education to students in K – 8, development and implementation of age – appropriate PE lessons that promote physical fitness, skill development, student team building, sportsmanship, and integrate Catholic values and principles into the physical education activities and lessons. All interested applications should complete the application. We ask you also submit cover letter, resume, and three references to Patricia Kirk at pkirk@stjosephwestphalia.org


St. Joseph Catholic School in Westphalia, MO is seeking a passionate and dedicated Music Teacher to join our team and inspire our students K – 8 through the joy of music. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in music education, a deep appreciation for Catholic values, and the ability to create engaging and enriching music experiences for students in grades K – 8. Previous music teaching experience, proficiency in playing the piano, organ, and at Masses. Commitment to Catholic education and the mission of Catholic education. All interested applications should complete the application. We ask you also submit cover letter, resume, and three references to Patricia Kirk at pkirk@stjosephwestphalia.org


St. Joseph Catholic School in Westphalia, MO is seeking a creative and passionate Art Teacher for students in K – 8. If you have the desire for inspiring creativity and fostering artistic expression in children within a Catholic setting, we courage you to apply. Development and implementing the art curriculum for students in grades K – 8 aligning with national and diocesan standards. Plan and facilitate art lessons that encourage creative thinking, and expressions across various mediums and techniques. Foster a positive and inclusive classroom environment where students feel encouraged to explore their artistic talents, and develop their skills. Showcase student artwork through exhibitions, and within the halls of the school. If you have had experience in teaching art in K-8, proficiency in art mediums and techniques, and have a love to integrate Catholic values and principles within your art lessons, please complete the application. We also ask to please submit cover letter, resume, and three references to Patricia Kirk at pkirk@stjosephwestphalia.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