News
27 May 2024
Suspended priest is laicized
Pope Francis has dismissed a priest of the Diocese of Jefferson City who has been on leave since 2019 after he was accused of inappropriate conduct involving minors.
Bishop W. Shawn McKnight of Jefferson City received notification from the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith that Pope Francis has dismissed Geoffrey Brooke from the clerical state. Brooke had voluntarily requested this action. This dismissal returns Brooke to the status of a lay person and removes from him the duties and obligations of priesthood. He can no longer present himself as a priest or celebrate the sacraments. The dismissal also severs his relationship with the diocese.
In March of 2019, Bishop McKnight placed Brooke on administrative leave after receiving reports of inappropriate contact involving two minors. In keeping with its legal obligations, the diocese notified the Missouri Children’s Division hotline and local police about the allegations.
After the completion of the civil investigations, the diocese conducted its own investigation and shared the findings with the Diocesan Review Board, an independent board established in keeping with the safe environment requirements of the US Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People. After receiving the Review Board’s recommendations, Bishop McKnight accepted them and forwarded the findings on September 16, 2019, to the Holy See’s Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith.
During the ensuing lengthy disciplinary process, Brooke remained on administrative leave and was not allowed to function publicly as a priest. Prior to the conclusion of the disciplinary process, Brooke informed Bishop McKnight of his desire to be dismissed from the priesthood.
The decision by Pope Francis to grant Brooke’s dismissal has ended all ongoing disciplinary processes by the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith prior to issuing a final determination of guilt or innocence. With the belief that the Charter was violated, Bishop McKnight has added Brooke’s name to the diocese’s publicly-published list of credibly accused priests, available at diojeffcity.org/safe-environment. Therapeutic care is available to the minors who reported the inappropriate contact.
“I want to recognize the courage of the minors who came forward and thank them and their families for their patience during this lengthy process,” said Bishop McKnight. “This has been a difficult and painful time for all involved. We continue to offer our prayers and pastoral care for all who have been harmed. Our parishes should be sanctuaries where people find healthy, life-giving relationships. We must continue to be vigilant, learn from the past and move forward in faith.”
Brooke was ordained in 2015. He was an associate pastor at Immaculate Conception Parish in Jefferson City when he was placed on leave. He had previously been assigned to St. Patrick, Sacred Heart and St. John parishes in Pettis County; Sacred Heart Parish in Columbia; and St. Mary’s Parish in Milan and Unionville.
Any person who believes he or she has been the victim of misconduct involving a priest, deacon or other church personnel of the diocese is encouraged to contact appropriate law enforcement officials, as well as the victim assistance coordinator for the diocese, Jacqueline Baldwin at 573-694-3199 or reportabuse@diojeffcity.org. For more information, visit diojeffcity.org/safe-environment.
The National Eucharistic Pilgrimage is Coming Soon
In less than a month the National Eucharistic Pilgrimage will be in the Diocese of Jefferson City. With the pilgrimage now on its way, parishes are encouraged to use our media toolkit to promote participation in this special event. Learn more about the pilgrimage at this link, which also includes a form individuals and families can use to register to attend.
Parish communities that are planning to participate as a group can use the following link to help us plan on how many to expect: https://diojeffcity.org/eucharistic-pilgrimage-parish-interest-form/
In addition. opportunities are available for clergy to serve liturgically during the pilgrimage by assisting at or concelebrating Mass, carrying the Blessed Sacrament for a portion of the walks, and hearing Confessions. View details and sign up here: https://diojeffcity.org/eucharistic-pilgrimage-priest-and-deacon/
Upgrade Your Parish’s Online Presence
If your parish is looking to upgrade its online presence, this is a great time to consider moving your website to the diocesan parish website program.
A parish website in the diocesan program includes full design customization, online forms, online calendars, high security, complete search engine optimization, unlimited pages and uploads, domain management and web hosting.
The price of a parish website in our program is $1,000/year — a significantly lower price than other websites with the same functionality. Please contact Annie Williams at awilliams@diojeffcity.org if you would like to discuss whether a website in the program is the best fit for your parish.
En Español: Les invitamos a participar de la ordenacion sacerdotal del diácono Christopher Hoffman de la parroquia San Vicente de Paul en Sedalia y Sr. Gregory Clever al orden de los diáconos. Una gran oportunidad para ser testigos de esta celebración tan especial, para felicitarlo y mostrarle nuestro apoyo como comunidad Hispana.
Confirme su asistencia: diojeffcity.org/Ordination-Mass-2024
Para más información contacte al Diácono Enrique Castro al (573) 635-9127 o por correo electrónico a ecastro@diojeffcity.org.
Matrimonial Tribunal update
Due to vacation, from June 10 -14, there will be no one to answer calls in the Matrimonial Tribunal. Please submit marriage papers no later than June 5 for weddings taking place through June 22.
Diocesan Choir for Rite of Ordination
All singers from parish music ministries are invited to join the Diocesan Choir for the Rite of Priestly Ordination of Rev. Mr. Christopher Hoffman and Diaconate Ordination of Mr. Gregory Clever. Both men will be ordained on Saturday, June 1, 2024 at 10 a.m. at the Cathedral of St. Joseph in Jefferson City, Missouri. Rehearsal will take place on Wednesday, May 29 from 7 – 8:30 p.m. at the Cathedral of St. Joseph. If you are interested in singing or have any questions, please contact Dr. Andrew Meagher, Director or Music at the Cathedral of St. Joseph, andrew.m@cathedraljc.org.
Scholarship Awardees Announced
The following students were awarded the William H. (Bill) Simon Scholarships:
- Jacob Barnes, St. Joseph Parish in Palmyra
- Elizabeth Chorley, St. George Parish in Hermann
- Olivia Franken, St. Anthony Parish in Camdenton
- Ann McGuire, Holy Spirit Parish in Centralia
The following student was awarded the John L. Warack Scholarship for a University of Missouri student:
- Kailyn Allred, Cathedral of St. Joseph in Jefferson City
Cathedral Doors Offered
The Cathedral of St Joseph Preservation Commission is accepting requests from parishes for the temporary doors currently in use at the cathedral. These doors will be replaced by the permanent bronze doors in June and might be of use to a parish in our diocese.
Pastors wishing to make a request for the doors should submit a letter to Fr. Stephen Jones at the Cathedral of St Joseph, detailing the following:
- The proposed use of the doors.
- A bid the parish is willing to pay for the doors.
Such requests will be submitted to the Preservation Commission for review and recommendation, with the final decision being reserved to Bishop McKnight.
Recruiting Teachers? New Graphics Available
If your parish’s Catholic school is recruiting teachers this summer, these new graphics may be helpful. Please feel free to utilize these graphics as you promote open positions. Additional graphics are available in the link below.
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/
NPM Annual Meeting
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
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.
Share in bulletins, emails, social media, and websites
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/.
DESCARGAR GRAFICOS
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 Chapel | Capilla de 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: Sacred Heart School | Escuela Sagrado Corazón (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.
DESCARGAR GRAFICOS
Jefferson City Marriage Encounter
For ALL Christian married couples. This is not exclusive to the Catholic faith, but does focus on putting Christ at the center of your marriage. The next weekend is July 27-28, 2024, in Jefferson City, Missouri. Cost is $75 which includes 1 night hotel stay and all meals and materials. Register at jeffcityme.com (Scholarships are available) Questions? Visit website jeffcityme.com, call Matt Kuensting 573-424-2247, or email info@jeffcityme.com.
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
The Rolla Catholic Newman Center is seeking a Director of Development to build a strong community of diverse stakeholders who provide the spiritual, visionary, and financial support required to bring the ministry to the next level. This community includes students, alumni, parents of students, alumni, parishioners, and benefactors. This individual must also establish a long-term fundraising program supported by regular, special, and planned giving from the stakeholder community and other philanthropic sources. This position will develop with the ministry.
Key responsibilities include:
- Expand the stakeholder community by identifying, reaching out to, and establishing/ maintaining relationships with current, former, and new stakeholders.
- Plan, execute and grow the annual giving program including prospect identification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship
- Identify, cultivate, solicit and close gifts with prospective donors. (May include overnight travel.)
- Establish and maintain a social media presence to reach ministry stakeholders.
- Plan, promote, and execute special giving programs and special events.
Qualifications:
- Practicing Catholic with a passion for developing young disciples.
- Experience reaching out to and establishing relationships with diverse populations and individuals.
- Bachelor’s degree in nonprofit management, public relations, communications, or a related field, or a combination of education and experience is preferred.
- Fundraising experience with demonstrated success is preferred
- Proficiency in database software, Office 365, and website programs or applications
- CFRE certification desired
Application materials cane be sent to Dcn. Matt McLaughlin: mmclaughlin@stpatrickrolla.org.
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.
St. Joseph Catholic School in Westphalia, MO seeks teachers for the following positions: second grade, third grade, and music. Teachers should be able to create a positive classroom environment with engaging lessons. Good communication skills with colleagues and parents are expected. Applicants should hold the appropriate Missouri teaching certification, or its equivalent. Applicants for second grade must be practicing Catholics. If you are looking to join a positive educational team and to make a difference in the lives of students, search no further and contact the principal, Jeremy Horvath, jhorvath@stjosephwestphalia.org
Sacred Heart School in Sedalia, MO has an opening for a JH/HS Religion 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
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. 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