December 23, 2024
New
Celebrating the Birth of our Savior and the Beginning of a Year of Jubilee
Reminder
Chancery holiday schedule
- Dec. 24, Christmas Eve
- Dec. 25, Christmas Day
- Dec. 31, New Years Eve
- Jan. 1, New Years Day
New
Decree Updating Diocesan Policy on Capital Campaigns and Fundraisers in the Stewardship Model
Click here to access the policy related to this decree.
"The Christian faithful are obliged to assist with the needs of the Church so that the Church has what is necessary for divine worship, for the works of the apostolate and of charity, and for the decent support of ministers." CIC can. 222 § 1
"The diocesan bishop is bound to admonish the faithful of the obligation mentioned in canon 222 §1 and in an appropriate manner to urge its observance." CIC can. 1261 §2
On 25 July 2024, I promulgated the policy entitled "Catholic Campaigns and Fundraisers in the Stewardship Model." In the course of utilizing this policy, several issues have come to light which require further clarification in order to better facilitate the practice of the Stewardship way of life in the Diocese of Jefferson City. Now, having evaluated the policy in light of practical experience of its implementation, and having consulted the Diocesan Finance Officer, the Director of Stewardship, and all other interested parties, I now wish to introduce this updated policy on Capital Campaigns and Fundraisers with slight revisions.
I therefore,
Decree
that this policy, now entitled, “Capital Campaigns & Fundraisers in the Stewardship Way of Life” shall be promulgated by being published on the Diocesan website and take effect immediately, all things to the contrary notwithstanding. I furthermore order that a copy of this policy be sent to all concerned parties.
Given at the Chancery in Jefferson City on the 20th day of December in the year of Our Lord 2024.
New
Statement: Fr. Medina sentencing hearing
On December 18, 2024, Fr. Ignazio Medina, a retired priest of the Diocese of Jefferson City, was sentenced to three months in federal prison and to pay a $7,500 fine.
Fr. Medina had pleaded guilty to federal charges on July 9, 2024, relating to interstate transportation of stolen property. The stolen property belonged to St. Stanislaus Catholic Church, a parish where Fr. Medina served as pastor during the years 2012-2021.
Utilizing accounting protocols established by the diocese, the parish discovered the theft of funds, reported concerns to the diocese and the diocese notified law enforcement. The stolen money was later returned. A full account of the diocesan investigations and church trial regarding Fr. Medina has been previously shared by the diocese and remains available at this link.
Fr. Medina continues to be permanently barred from holding any ecclesiastical office and from hearing confessions. He is also forbidden from publicly celebrating or concelebrating Mass without permission from the Most Reverend W. Shawn McKnight, Bishop of Jefferson City.
“I pray that this serves as a sobering reminder that while we measure our actions against the laws of God and our faith, our leaders and institutions are also accountable to the laws of our state and nation,” said Bishop McKnight. “Let us continue to fortify our Church by acting with the highest standards of integrity, transparency and justice in every aspect of our ministry — safeguarding our work so that it reflects both our values and our duty as members of society.”
New
¿De dónde surge la idea de que la Navidad es pagana? ¿Por qué afirmamos que es una celebración Cristiana?
¿De dónde surge esta idea? ¿Es en verdad una celebración Cristiana? Acompáñanos en esta charla donde exploraremos la verdad detrás de esta creencia tan popular.
Reminder
Parishes: Send us your Christmas creche
Reminder
Christmas Special Collection Materials
The diocesan Christmas Special Collection is an opportunity to show our support for our diocesan seminarians and infirm priests. You can help raise awareness about this collection by sharing information in your parish bulletin, in the parish building and on parish social media channels. We’ve compiled a promotional toolkit at this link with ready-to-share graphics and videos highlighting the importance of this collection.
Within the promotional toolkit, you will find:
- 8.5″x11″ flyer
- Bulletin graphic
- Several social media graphics and videos
- Sample text for each graphic/video that you can copy into a social media post
Thank you for your assistance in promoting this important collection!
Coming soon
Preparing for the Jubilee Year of Hope
The Diocese of Jefferson City is preparing for the 2025 Jubilee. This holy year will invite the faithful to embrace the spirit of hope.
The Jubilee Year will provide opportunities to experience grace, including by participating in special Jubilee Masses or joining a pilgrimage.
The diocese has launched a new webpage with information about how we will be celebrating the Jubilee. Click here to learn more: https://diojeffcity.org/jubilee-year/
New
Holy Hour for Vocations
Reminder
Conception Abby offers Encountering Christ Retreats
Conception Abby is offering silent Encountering Christ Retreats in 2025. The seminary invites all parishes to use these graphics to help promote this opportunity for spiritual growth.
New
Knights of Columbus offers video series
Men and women, young and old, strengthen and grow in your faith for your families with five short videos produced by the Knights of Columbus called the “Mission of The Family.” The videos can be found on the Knights of Columbus website for free! Here is the link and QR Code to find “The Mission of The Family” videos: https://www.kofc.org/en/
Pray with us
Bishop McKnight's December Prayer Intention
Bishop McKnight's prayer intention will be published at this link every month for easy access.
For hope to find a home in our hearts as we embrace the joy of Christ’s birth. Amid the jubilation, may we also find time in prayer to experience the calm and peace of God’s presence in our lives.
Para que la esperanza encuentre un hogar en nuestros corazones al abrazar la alegría del nacimiento de Cristo. Que en esta alegría también encontremos tiempo en oración para experimentar la calma y la paz de la presencia de Dios en nuestras vidas.
Bishop McKnight's January Prayer Intention
Bishop McKnight's prayer intention will be published at this link every month for easy access.
For our civic leaders, that they may be guided by wisdom and integrity in their decisions. May they seek the common good, foster unity in our communities, and lead with compassion and justice.
Por nuestros líderes cívicos, para que sean guiados por la sabiduría y la integridad en sus decisiones. Que busquen el bien común, fomenten la unidad en nuestras comunidades y lideren con compasión y justicia.
Upcoming events for bulletins, social media, etc.
Diocesan Events
Ministry on the Move! (Women's Ministry)
Jan. 31 - Feb. 3
(at various locations)
Note: the following lists populate events for the current week. To view all upcoming events, please click "View all events on our diocesan calendar" below.