April 21, 2025
April 21, 2025
New
We mourn Pope Francis
A message from Archbishop Shawn McKnight
Today, we mourn for our Holy Father, Pope Francis.
As we mourn, let us reflect on this remarkable chapter in the life of our Church — one embodied by a Pope who lived the Christian virtues of humility, authenticity, openness, and hope.
The teaching of Pope Francis often challenged us to avoid the modern temptation to retreat into isolation and comfort. Rather, we are called to be present in the world, embracing the unpredictable, the unscripted — the very moments where God speaks most profoundly.
He showed that our beliefs are not walls that enclose us from the world; they are a foundation that gives us strong footing as we step out, searching for the light of Christ in everyone we encounter.
These are challenging teachings. Yet Pope Francis thrived in how he modeled this life of active engagement. Whether he was in dialogue with world leaders or in a spontaneous exchange with a child, through him we saw what it means to take our faith into the world — to be present in the moment, to live with an open heart.
He challenged us not to look away from the marginalized. Living as a Christian means we must embrace the poor, the suffering, and those on the peripheries of society.
He met the faithful where they were. He sought us out, as a shepherd does his flock. He helped us see the universal nature of our Church, reminding us that we are one body in Christ, regardless of nationality or status.
And at a time in history marked by growing division, Pope Francis showed us how we can seek to sow unity — by simply speaking with one another and listening with an open heart. He reminded us that the Holy Spirit works through all of us. We simply have to ask for the courage to speak and the patience to listen.
Through this open, conversational style of discernment, he pursued a path of modernization in our Church. Yet it was one that, in truth, amounted to a bold restoration. In our earliest days, the followers of Christ sought collaboration and a sense of shared responsibility among the faithful. Unity through conversation helped determine the path forward as we set out on this journey of becoming Church — always pilgrims through the ages.
Today, as we grieve the loss of our Pope, we give thanks for his life and affirm our hope in the Resurrection. May the richness of his teaching continue to guide us.
Let us pray for our Church, and pray for Pope Francis.
Memorial Mass for Pope Francis
A Memorial Mass for Pope Francis will be held at noon on Friday, April 25, at the Cathedral of St. Joseph.
Memorial Masses will also be held in each of our Deaneries during the Novendiale. Watch for more information about times and locations of these Masses.
Christ is Risen!
Easter greetings from Archbishop McKnight
Archbishop McKnight shared the following video on social media as an Easter greeting. The video is available in both English and Spanish.
On this joyous Easter celebration, I greet you in the name of our Risen Lord. Today, we celebrate the triumph of life over death — of hope over despair.
In a world that often feels broken, Easter reminds us that God’s love is stronger than any fear, and His grace a source of constant renewal. Let this season be a time of faith and joyful witness.
Let us rejoice and go forth, for He is alive and with us always.
I wish you and your families a blessed and joyful Easter.
New
Mass of Thanksgiving
Reminder
Pastoral Planning
- 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.
New
More than $100,000 given to universal collections in first quarter of 2025
The Diocese of Jefferson City has made the following gifts to universal collections during the first quarter of 2024.
- $3,000 to the Church in Latin America
- $40,000 in support of the Holy Father's mission to the Universal Church
- $3,000 to the Church in Central & Eastern Europe
- $3,000 to the Church in Africa
- $3,000 to Black & Indian Missions
- $62,500 to Catholic Relief Services
Under our diocesan model for Catholic Stewardship, the Diocese of Jefferson City provides funding to these important needs as a collective gift from all the faithful of the diocese. Your tithe to your local parish and gifts to our diocesan mission office enable this support.
Any parishioner who would like to provide an additional gift to a universal collection can do so at www.diojeffcity.org/donate.
Reminder
Faith Forward
Due this week
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.
Reminder
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.
Reminder
Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive
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!
Sign up now and be part of something amazing.
Reminder
National Child Abuse Prevention Month
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.
Jubilee resources
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/
Reminder
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!
Reminder
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/ 1L78R9KwTQGsx1GvFqDeWwVEMnCS9X YIJ?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!
Reminder
Young Adult Pilgrimage to Uganda
Reminder
Pray with us
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.
Bishop McKnight's May Prayer Intention
Bishop McKnight's prayer intention will be published at this link every month for easy access.
For all vocations, and especially for those who will be ordained this year. That they may be strengthened by the grace of the Holy Spirit and remain faithful to the call of Christ. We pray to the Lord.
Por todas las vocaciones, especialmente por quienes serán ordenados este año. Que sean fortalecidos por la gracia del Espíritu Santo y permanezcan fieles al llamado de Cristo. Roguemos al Señor.
Diocesan Events
Mass of Thanksgiving
May 20
Cathedral of St. Joseph (Jefferson City)
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.
