September 8, 2025
September 8, 2025
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We mourn the passing of Bishop Emeritus John Raymond Gaydos
With hope in the Resurrection and deep sadness, I share with you the news that Bishop Emeritus John Raymond Gaydos has been called home to the Lord. He died Saturday, September 6, at the age of 82 at St. Agnes Home in Kirkwood, Missouri.
Bishop Gaydos served our diocese with a shepherd’s care and an unwavering trust in the Holy Spirit. He led us through seasons of challenge and change, always pointing us toward hope and reminding us of God’s boundless mercy.
All are invited to join us in giving thanks for his decades of faithful service and in praying for the repose of his soul.
The wake and visitation will be from 3 to 7 p.m. on Monday, September 15, at the Cathedral of St. Joseph with a Vigil Service and prayers at 7 p.m.
The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Tuesday, September 16, at 10 a.m. in the Cathedral of St. Joseph, with Metropolitan Archbishop Mitchell T. Rozanski of St. Louis presiding and Archbishop Emeritus George J. Lucas of Omaha, Nebraska, preaching the homily.
All ceremonies are open to the public. We ask that everyone please consider carpooling to these events.
More information is available at this link.
Msgr. Robert A. Kurwicki
Diocesan Administrator
The Catholic Missourian: Rest in Peace, Bishop Emeritus Gaydos
By Jay Nies
Bishop Emeritus John Raymond Gaydos, 82, who served as the third Bishop of Jefferson City from 1997 to 2017, died peacefully the morning of Saturday, September 6, 2025, at St. Agnes Retirement Home in Kirkwood, Missouri.
He had been a priest for 56 years and a bishop for 28.
The St. Louis native led the Church in central and northeastern Missouri through some of its most vexing challenges in the course of his 20-year tenure.
“Bishop Gaydos served our diocese with a shepherd’s care and an unwavering trust in the Holy Spirit,” said Monsignor Robert A. Kurwicki, diocesan administrator.
“He led us through seasons of challenge and change, always pointing us toward hope and reminding us of God’s boundless mercy,” the monsignor stated.
The wake and visitation will be from 3 to 7 p.m. on Monday, September 15, with a Vigil Service and prayers at 7 p.m.
The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Tuesday, September 16, at 10 a.m. in the Cathedral of St. Joseph in Jefferson City, with Metropolitan Archbishop Mitchell T. Rozanski of St. Louis presiding and Archbishop Emeritus George J. Lucas of Omaha, Nebraska, preaching the homily.
Archbishop Shawn McKnight, who succeeded Bishop Gaydos as shepherd of the diocese from 2018 until this past May, along with priests of this diocese and the St. Louis archdiocese, will concelebrate, along with other guest priests.
Both ceremonies will be open to the public and will be livestreamed on the Diocese of Jefferson City Facebook page.
Burial will be in the priests’ section of Resurrection Cemetery in Jefferson City.
Among the highlights of Bishop Gaydos’s tenure here were the establishment of a diocesan affiliate of Catholic Charities USA, the building of the Alphonse J. Schwartze Memorial Catholic Center in Jefferson City, the opening of Fr. Tolton Regional Catholic High School in Columbia, the intensification of formation for permanent deacons, and the inviting of a new wave of missionary priests from around the world to minister here.
“None of this is my work,” Bishop Gaydos insisted in an August 2022 interview. “It’s the work of the Holy Spirit.”
New
October Mass Attendance Count
“It was stated that all parishes would submit Mass attendance numbers for a period of one year, rotating every three years, and conduct the October count for the other years.”
Since our most recent attendance count spanned a full year, we will conduct the October count in both 2025 and 2026. The diocese will then resume a full 12-month count in 2027.
For more information — including the form you will use in November to submit your parish counts — please visit: https://diojeffcity.
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New Podcast: The Bishops of Jefferson City
In this episode, Msgr. Robert Kurwicki, Diocesan Administrator, retraces the history of the Diocese of Jefferson City by reflecting on the leadership and legacy of our previous four bishops. Remembering our past helps prepare for our future — Bishop-elect Ralph O'Donnell, who will begin his service in October.
New
Spiritual bouquet for Pope Leo's 70th birthday
Pope Leo XIV turns 70 on Sept. 14, and OSV News is celebrating by gathering a host of prayers into a very special “spiritual birthday bouquet” for the Holy Father. The best part? Everyone can participate! In partnership with Pray More Novenas; Relevant Radio; the Daughters of St. Paul; the USCCB; The Pontifical Mission Societies, USA; Sing the Hours and more, OSV News is encouraging an outpouring of prayer for Pope Leo and his intentions leading up to his milestone birthday — and his first birthday as pope. You can read the OSVNews story on the effort here: https://www.osvnews.com/
Digital assets for the campaign can be found here: https://drive.google.
New
Special Commemorative Issue
Please join us in congratulating Bishop-elect Ralph B. O'Donnell on his October 28, 2025 ordination and installation as the Fifth Bishop of Jefferson City!
The Catholic Missourian will be publishing a special commemorative issue on October 24, 2025, and we would like to offer you the opportunity to help us welcome him by reserving your ad space in this special issue. Place your order by contacting Kelly Martin at advertize@diojeffcity.org.
Click here to download the flyer.
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1qsqruM9_WcBTxo1t5scIobxuxpHaRajI/view?usp=sharing
Important Update
Submissions to the Monday Morning Memo
Meeting Canceled
Parish Leadership Deanery Meeting
The scheduled Parish Leadership Deanery meetings scheduled for September 9 have been canceled.
Notice
Change of October publication schedule for The Catholic Missourian
The Catholic Missourian will publish on October 3, which will be the only regular issue in October. Please plan advertising, notices, etc. accordingly.
A special edition honoring our new Bishop-Elect O'Donnell will be published on October 24. More information regarding advertising in the special issue will be forthcoming.
The newspaper will continue its regular schedule for the remainder of the year, with issues published November 14 and 28, and December 12 and 19.
Reminder
Workshop for divorced or separated Catholics
This new mini retreat is designed to help divorced or separated Catholics find their way as through this journey, featuring national expert and speaker Vince Frese.
These free workshops will be available in five locations around the Diocese of Jefferson City from Sept. 12-14.
Please help promote these events in your parish! Click here to register.
New
Save the Date: Parish Secretaries' Workshop
The next Parish Secretaries' Workshop will be held via Zoom on Wednesday, September 17, 2025, beginning at 10:00am and concluding no later than noon. The Zoom link will be provided closer to the date; in the meantime, mark this training opportunity on your calendar and send topics or questions that we should cover to Bernadette Adams at badams@diojeffcity.org.
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Ladies Night Out and Retreat
It is time for the Women's Ministry's 3rd annual Fall Ladies Night Out and Retreat. Please help us spread the word in your parishes.
Ladies are welcome to attend one or both events. Encourage them to enjoy this time of fellowship, prayer and faith formation!! For additional information contact Barb Prasad, women's Ministry Coordinator at bprasad@diojeffcity.org
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¿Está listo para dar el siguiente paso en el conocimiento de tu fe católica?
Te invitamos a ser parte del programa de Formación Diocesana-Parroquial para Ministros y Laicos el cual te ayudará a profundizar el conocimiento tu fe católica, a crecer espiritualmente y a fortalecer tu ministerio y servicio en tu comunidad parroquial.
¡No dejes pasar esta oportunidad de formarte para continuar ofreciendo tus dones y talentos con un espíritu renovado! ¡Los cupos son limitados! ¡No esperes más!
Inscríbete en línea en el siguiente enlace: https://diojeffcity.org/
Reminder
Women's Ministry Quarterly Book Study
Join our upcoming Women's Ministry Quarterly Book Study at the Cathedral of St Joseph in Jefferson City.
Too far to drive? Reach out to get help in starting a book study in your area.
We have discounted books for purchase and can also help with flyer creation and promotion of your study. Visit our Quarterly Book Study page for additional information or to order your discounted books.
New Video
Summer Workshop
Do you work or volunteer in youth or women's ministry?
If so, have we got an opportunity for you!! Join us at our summer ministry workshop and get ready to make plans for your best year yet! Get tips on how to stay motivated, avoid burnout and recruit the help and participation you've always dreamed of. Also leave with concrete ideas to make your parish ministry programs better than ever!
Reminder
Marriage Preparation Facilitator Training
Reminder
Catholic Charities Community Needs Assessment
- Share Your Wisdom: Please begin by taking the assessment yourself. Your contribution is invaluable. Take just 10 minutes to complete it today.
- Extend the Invitation: Then, please share the assessment link with your networks—parishes, community partners, neighbors, and friends. The more voices we hear, the better we can serve. See below for the links to the Community Needs Assessment, one in English and one in Spanish:
Reminder
Upcoming Events in Faith Formation
New
OCIA Seminar
- November 7 in Jefferson City
- November 8 in Columbia
This intensive workshop serves as a first step in renewing the vision of Christian Imitation in our diocese. Participants will receive an overview of the four stages of initiation and the accompanying rituals. Additionally, we will examine the pastoral principles associated with this ministry, as well as the role of the baptized faithful.
Anyone involved in OCIA is invited to attend. Registration is open now!
Reminder
Visit Three of Missouri's Jubilee sights in One Day
Join Father Joe Corel and Sister Mary Ruth Wand along with other pilgrims from our diocese as they travel to three of our diocesan pilgrimage sites by luxury motor coach. Morning hospitality, lunch and dinner are included along with all tips. Enjoy custom guided tours at each church. For more information and to reserve your spot reach out to Jean Gallagher of Faust Tours by phone or email.
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/
Let us Pray
Saint Michael the Archangel, defend us in battle...
Be our protection against the wickedness and snares of the devil.
May God rebuke him, we humbly pray, and do thou, O Prince of the Heavenly Host, by the power of God, cast into Hell Satan and all evil spirits who prowl about the world seeking the ruin of souls.
Amen.
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.
