April 14, 2025

By jluecke | April 14, 2025

April 14, 2025

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Pope Francis Appoints the Most Reverend Shawn McKnight as Archbishop of Kansas City in Kansas

On Tuesday, April 8, the Holy Father, Pope Francis, announced he has named the Most Reverend Shawn McKnight, S.Th.D., as the fifth archbishop of Kansas City in Kansas.

Archbishop-designate Shawn McKnight shared the following statement with the Diocese of Jefferson City:

“My heart is filled with gratitude for the faithful of the Diocese of Jefferson City. You welcomed me as your bishop over seven years ago, and together we have grown in faith and service to the Lord. You have been my first flock as a bishop, and that bond will always hold a special place in my heart. I am thankful for your trust, your prayers, and your dedication to living out the Gospel in your communities. As I prepare to answer this new call, please know of my abiding affection and prayers for you all. I am confident that God’s providence will continue to guide and bless you in the days ahead. You will always remain in my heart and in my prayers.”

With the announcement of Archbishop-designate McKnight's new appointment, the Diocese of Jefferson City enters a time of transition.

Here are answers to some of the most commonly asked questions about this time.

When is Archbishop-designate McKnight leaving the Diocese of Jefferson City?

Archbishop-designate McKnight will officially cease governing the Diocese of Jefferson City when he is installed as Archbishop of Kansas City in Kansas. The installation Mass will take place at 11 a.m. on May 27, 2025, at the Church of the Nativity in Leawood, Kansas. As there is very limited seating, the installation will be livestreamed for all to watch. More details will be available later.

What happens between now and his installation in Kansas City, Kansas?

Archbishop-designate McKnight will continue his role governing the Diocese of Jefferson City until his installation in the Archdiocese. During this time, he is expected to govern according to the canonical principle of sede vacante, nihil innovetur — that is, “When the see is vacant, nothing is to be altered” (cf. Code of Canon Law, can. 428 §1). This will restrict his ability to approve major changes or innovations during this time of transition.

All initiatives, programs, pastoral plans and decisions already in place are to be carried out during the interim.

Who will lead the diocese after the installation?

After the installation in Kansas City on May 27, the See of Jefferson City will be officially vacant. The Diocesan College of Consultors will meet to elect a diocesan administrator for the Diocese of Jefferson City.

The College of Consultors in the Diocese of Jefferson City is comprised of:

Once selected, the diocesan administrator will serve as the leader of the diocese until a new Bishop of Jefferson City is appointed by the Holy Father and takes canonical possession of the diocese. The diocesan administrator can fully govern the diocese and make all necessary decisions to safeguard it while awaiting the appointment of a new bishop. He is, however, bound by the same principle: sede vacante, nihil innovetur, “When the see is vacant, nothing is to be altered.” This means that he will be obligated to carry out all existing diocesan laws and policies, which he will not be empowered to change.

What happens to the policies that have been implemented in the Diocese of Jefferson City?

When will we get a new bishop?

There is no official timeline for the selection of a new bishop. Once Pope Francis has appointed a new bishop to lead the Diocese of Jefferson City, and he has accepted, the announcement will be published in the daily Vatican Bulletin. This could happen at any time. However, in recent similar situations, it has taken several months for a new bishop to be named.

In the meantime, we encourage all the faithful to pray for Archbishop-designate McKnight, our diocese and the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas during this time of transition. Let us also pray for the Holy Spirit to continue to guide the Holy Father as he discerns the next shepherd for our diocese.

Update

Parish Pastoral Planning

Parish pastoral plans are due June 1, 2025. A link to a form to submit your plan is available at diojeffcity.org/2025-parish-pastoral-plans, and you are invited to submit the plan as soon as it is ready.

The submission must include:

The parish’s pastoral plan (templates and other tools are available here, in English and Spanish).
An explanation of how the plan aligns with the parish’s deanery plan and the diocesan pastoral plan (Deanery plans and the Shaping Our Future Together diocesan pastoral plan are available here).
An indication of how the lay leadership (pastoral, finance, stewardship and other councils) will be using the parish pastoral plan in their leadership roles.

If your parish needs assistance in developing the process for creating your pastoral plan, please contact Helen Osman at hosman@diojeffcity.org to schedule a meeting.

Reminder

Spirit and Truth: Instruction on the Pastoral Use of Music in the Liturgy

The Most Reverend W. Shawn McKnight has issued a new decree and a related instruction on the pastoral use of sacred music in the Diocese of Jefferson City.

The decree and instruction are the first outcomes of the Sacred Music Consultation we have undertaken in the Diocese of Jefferson City. This work has been shaped by the substantial input received via the survey and listening sessions conducted earlier this year.

All are urged to review these important documents.

Read the Decree

Read the Instruction

As outlined in the decree and instruction, there are additional steps as we move forward as a diocese. These include parish-level synodal discernment, an increased emphasis on formation, and the investment of new resources as we strive to ensure our sacred music becomes an even greater source of unity that fosters active participation in our liturgies.

You can also read the reports from the diocesan survey and listening sessions:

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Notice of Delegations and Appointments

14 April 2025

Subsequent to the announcement of his appointment as the next Archbishop of Kansas City in Kansas, Archbishop Shawn McKnight delegated to:

REVEREND MONSIGNOR ROBERT A. KURWICKI all of the powers he previously held as Vicar General, effective immediately and until the Archbishop’s installation in his new see.
REVEREND CHRISTOPHER L. CORDES all of the powers he previously held as Vicar for Priests, effective immediately and until the Archbishop’s installation in his new see.
REVEREND JOSEPH S. COREL all of the powers he previously held as Vicar for Prison Ministry, effective immediately and until the Archbishop’s installation in his new see.
REVEREND DANIEL J. MERZ all of the powers he previously held as Vicar for Permanent Deacons, effective immediately and until the Archbishop’s installation in his new see.

Prior to the announcement of his appointment as the next Archbishop of Kansas City in Kansas, Archbishop Shawn McKnight made the following appointments:

DEACONS

DEACON RICK VISE, from diaconal ministry at St. Robert Bellarmine Parish, St. Robert and St. Jude Parish, Richland, to diaconal ministry at Holy Cross Parish, Cuba, St. Francis Caracciolo Parish, Bourbon, and St. Michael Parish, Steelville, effective 7 March 2025.

LAITY

MRS. ANNE HACKMAN, appointed as Chair of the Diocesan Stewardship Council for a term of two years, effective 25 February 2025.
MRS. ANN GRAY, appointed to the Diocesan Stewardship Council for a term of three years, effective 17 January 2025.
LEIGH ANN GRANT, appointed to the Diocesan Stewardship Council for a term of three years, effective 17 January 2025.

From the Office of the Chancellor,

Mr. Ben Roodhouse, JD, JCL
Chancellor

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Faith Forward

Studies show that nearly 80% of young Catholics disengage from their faith after high school—not because they’ve rejected it, but because they were never intentionally connected to a new faith community. The Diocese of Jefferson City is partnering with Newman Connection's Faith Forward movement to connect high school seniors to their campus ministry or military chaplain before they leave home for college or military service. Seniors can sign up for Faith Forward using the quick online form on this page. After submitting the form, Newman Connection will connect each senior to their campus ministry using their diverse network of contacts, at no cost to the student. Please help us promote this opportunity to get our Catholic high school seniors involved quickly and easily!

This promotional toolkit houses several resources, including bulletin graphics, social media graphics, and a flyer. Please use these as you see fit for your parish. We encourage our Catholic schools to share these materials also, and will provide more tailored promotional materials for schools soon.

We encourage our seniors to sign up for Newman Connection by the "Sunday of Sending" on April 27, the canonization date of Blessed Carlo Acutis. However, seniors can still submit the form after this date, and we encourage you to continue to promote this movement as we approach the summer months.

Thank you for your assistance in encouraging our high school seniors to stay involved in their faith!

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Licensing for live streaming or reprinting worship music

ONE LICENSE provides permissions for parishes to reprint worship music for congregations or livestream music on the Internet.

The Diocese of Jefferson City has a group agreement with ONE LICENSE which provides a 20 percent discount to parishes. If your parish does not currently participate in the group agreement and would like more information, please contact Jacob Luecke before April 25, so you can be included in the new group licensing agreement.

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Choir for Heart of a Hero Men’s Conference

All men from parish music ministries are invited to join the Diocesan Choir for the Heart of a Hero Men’s Conference Mass at 11 a.m. on Saturday, April 26, 2025, at the Cathedral of St. Joseph in Jefferson City. Warm-ups will take place in the sanctuary at 10:20 a.m.

Any man who volunteers to sing in the choir may stay for confessions and adoration after mass without paying the conference fee. If you are interested in joining the choir for this mass, please contact Dr. Andrew Meagher, Director of Sacred Music at the Cathedral of St. Joseph at Andrew.m@cathedraljc.org.

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Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive

Get ready to roll up your sleeves and make a difference! We’re gearing up for the Annual Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive—happening Saturday, May 10th—and we need YOUR help to make it a record-breaking success!

Multiple shifts available – sign up for one or as many as you like!
Perfect for families, friend groups, and solo volunteers
Goal: 50+ volunteers – many hands make light work!

This community-powered event is a collaboration between Catholic Charities, the Samaritan Center, and the local post office. Best part? All donated food stays local to help our neighbors in need.

Let’s come together, have some fun, and Stamp Out Hunger. We’d love to see you there!

Ready to join?
Sign up now and be part of something amazing.

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Beware of imposter scams

In recent days, some people in our diocese have received scam text messages claiming to be from a member of our clergy, including the bishop.

If you receive an unexpected text message, please make sure to verify that the text is legitimate by ensuring it is coming from a known phone number.

Don't share personal details, provide financial information or send payments in response in response to text messages from unfamiliar phone numbers.

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Updates to the Diocesan Directory

We have compiled some updates to the Diocesan Directory. Please download this file and use these updates to ensure you have the latest contact information — you might consider printing the attachment and keeping it with your directory.

As you learn of additional directory updates that we need to make, please use the form on this webpage: https://diojeffcity.org/update-information/

Reminder

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National Child Abuse Prevention Month

April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month, a chance to reflect on the important role each person has in fostering environments filled with safety, respect and love.

We invite you to join us in spreading awareness of this important opportunity for reflection. Click here to download an informational graphic for social media and bulletins. Sample text for a social media post is provided below:

April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month, reminding us of the important role each person has in preventing child abuse in our community. Learn more about safe environment training in our diocese at diojeffcity.org/safe-environment.

Help us promote safe environment training in our parishes throughout the year — click here for several social media and bulletin graphics of various sizes.

Jubilee resources

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Discovering God's hope during a Year of Jubilee

This holy year invites the faithful to embrace the spirit of hope. As we embark on this year of Jubilee, there will be numerous opportunities to experience grace, including by participating in special Jubilee Masses or joining a pilgrimage.

There are several new materials available to parishes, including branded assets, promotional materials, a pilgrimage passport and other handouts for parishioners. Please help us promote these unique opportunities throughout the year!

We encourage you to get started with our parish guide to the 2025 Jubilee Year. This guide includes information on how you can get involved as a parish, what resources are available, and ideas for creating Jubilee events at your parish.

This folder will be updated with resources throughout the year. Please continue to check the Monday Morning Memo for new updates!

Stay up to date with the latest information about the Jubilee by visiting: https://diojeffcity.org/jubilee-year/

Download Parish Resources

Learn more about the Jubilee

Get involved with Jubilee pilgrimages

Reminder

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Help promote the upcoming Easter Special Collection

The diocesan Easter Special Collection is an opportunity to show our support for those who have dedicated their lives to sharing the good news of the Risen Christ — our retired priests and religious. This collection will be taken up in all parishes during Easter Masses on April 19-20. 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:

Spanish versions of each graphic will be available soon.

Thank you for your assistance in promoting this important collection for our retired priests and religious!

Reminder

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Help promote our P23 Camp

Camp P23 is an overnight summer camp for junior high boys that pulls from Psalm 23 in looking at Christ and his priests through the identity of a shepherd.

Over 3 days/2 nights at this outdoor-focused experience, campers join small groups led by seminarians and participate in games, prayer, and activities that promote openness to the priestly vocation.

Please help us promote this camp in your parish! A promotional toolkit is now available at this link. This kit includes an 8.5x11" flyer, postcard, bulletin graphics and social media graphics and videos.

Thank you for sharing!

This week

Invite your community to attend the Chrism Mass

All are invited to the Diocesan Chrism Mass on April 15, 3 p.m., at the Cathedral of St. Joseph. Please use the provided graphics to encourage the faithful in your parish to join us for this special annual liturgy. A light meal will be available in Cana Hall after the Chrism Mass and RSVPs are requested to provide an approximate count for the reception.

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Sing in the choir

All singers from parish music ministries are invited to join the Diocesan Choir for the Mass of Holy Chrism on Tuesday, April 15 at 3 p.m. at the Cathedral of St. Joseph in Jefferson City.

Warm-ups will take place at 2 p.m. on that same day in the cathedral. Rehearsal will take place at 7 p.m. on Monday, April 14 at the Cathedral. If you are interested in singing or have any questions, please contact Dr. Andrew Meagher, Director of Music at the Cathedral of St. Joseph: andrew.m@cathedraljc.org.

Volunteers needed

Volunteers are needed on April 14 and 15 to assist with preparations for the Chrism Mass, luncheon for our diocesan priests and the reception in Cana Hall, which follows Mass. Use this link to sign up to help: Chrism Mass & Reception Volunteer Sign-up.

Reminder

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Fish fry finder

This Lent, enjoy delicious fish and fellowship at a fish fry near you! Find fish fry listings from parishes across the diocese at diojeffcity.org/fishfry

If the link above does not work, please click here.

Reminder

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Youth Opportunities

Updated Camp flyers, bulletin and social media announcements are now available. Click here to access the new materials and please use these resources to help spread the word about camp for those going into 6-12th grade and volunteer opportunities for high school and adults. Registration is now live at https://diojeffcity.org/youth-camps/
Camp Registration for summer 2025 is now live! https://diojeffcity.org/youth-camps/ To access advertisements that can be used on social media or bulletins immediately click here: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1L78R9KwTQGsx1GvFqDeWwVEMnCS9XYIJ?usp=drive_link We will be adding more resources for advertisement in the coming weeks.
Totus Tuus has 2 available spots for parishes for this next summer: 2 spots for June 15-20. If your parish is interested, please register here: https://diojeffcity.org/totus-tuus-parish-registration/
NCYC Registration is now open for November 20-23. April 29 is the last day to register, this will not be extended. NCYC 2025 Parish Info Packet has all important information for group leaders: https://diojeffcity.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/NCYC-2025-Parish-info-Packet.pdf. To register your group and access other info and resources check out the diocesan website: https://diojeffcity.org/national-catholic-youth-conference/.

Seeking Summer Camp Missionaries

We are still searching for 3-4 young men to serve as summer camp/Totus Tuus missionaries this summer!

Click here to watch a Spanish version of this video.

Reminder

Liturgical Preparation Aid for Lent, the Sacred Paschal Triduum, and the Easter Season 2025

FDLC is pleased to offer this collection of free resources to assist in your parish and diocesan preparations for Lent, the Sacred Paschal Triduum, and the Easter Season in both English and Spanish (coming soon):

This Liturgical Preparation Aid includes:

The Order for Reconciling Several Penitents with Individual Confession and Absolution (Readings, Sample Penances, Music Suggestions)
Frequently Asked Questions
A Liturgical Calendar for Lent, Triduum, and the Easter Season
The Lectionary for Mass – Year C
Preparation Sheets for the Rites belonging to the Period of Purification and Enlightenment
Preparation Sheet for Palm Sunday
Preparation Sheets for the Sacred Paschal Triduum

Learn more and download

Reminder

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Young Adult Pilgrimage to Uganda

Young Adults (18-35) who are from the Diocese of Jefferson City can apply for this pilgrimage by April 30. The trip is being sponsored by the Religious Ed, Youth and Young Adult Ministry Office and Missions Office of the Diocese.

This is an amazing opportunity to immerse in a different culture where the Catholic faith is alive and growing.

We are asking parishes and Newman Centers to please share this opportunity with young adults in your parish. More info can be found on the website at https://diojeffcity.org/young-adult-pilgrimage/

Reminder

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Pray with us

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Bishop McKnight's April Prayer Intention

Bishop McKnight's prayer intention will be published at this link every month for easy access.

For all who have suffered abuse, that they may experience healing and restoration. That we may be ever-vigilant in protecting the vulnerable and ensuring our parishes remain places of safety, love, and respect. We pray to the Lord.

Por todos los que han sufrido abuso, para que experimenten sanación y restauración. Que estemos siempre vigilantes en la protección de los vulnerables y en asegurar que nuestras parroquias permanezcan como lugares seguros, de amor y respeto. Roguemos al Señor.

Diocesan Events

The Chrism Mass

April 15
Cathedral of St. Joseph (Jefferson City)

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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.