September 15, 2025

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September 15, 2025

Reminder

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

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Rest in peace — Fr. Russell Judge



Father Russell Judge passed away on Sept. 10 in St. Charles at the age of 73.

Fr. Judge was a retired priest of the Diocese of Jefferson City. He was a priest for 47 years.

Please keep Fr. Judge, his family and his former parish communities in your prayers.

Visit this page for more information and arrangements: https://diojeffcity.org/blog/2025/09/10/rest-in-peace-fr-russell-judge/
 

Reminder

October Mass Attendance Count

This October, we will once again take an attendance count at all weekend Masses. This follows the directive of the Presbyteral Council, which approved a plan for counting attendance at its meeting on February 11, 2025. As noted in the minutes of that meeting:

“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.org/mass-attendance/

Reminder

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

Please submit all items for the Monday Morning Memo to Tracy Oswald at toswald@diojeffcity.org.
 
Please make sure all items are sent by the end of the day on Thursday for inclusion in the following week's Monday Morning Memo.
 
Thank you!

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Catholic Directory Update

 
 

Coming Soon! Official Catholic Directory Updating Cycle:

 

The annual Official Catholic Directory online update system is scheduled to open on or about September 17th, allowing updates to be submitted for the 2026 edition.

 

Notifications and instructions will be emailed directly from the publishers so please make sure you have nrpdirect.com included on your email ‘safe senders’ list. 

Reminder

Save the Date: Parish Secretaries' Workshop

Parish Secretaries’ Workshop – September 17, 2025:

The Office of the Chancellor will host the quarterly parish secretaries’ workshop on Wednesday, September 17th, beginning at 10:00am and concluding no later than 12:00pm. Pastors, Administrators, and PLC’s are always welcome to attend! 

 

Please use this link to attend via Zoom.

 

All of the sessions will be recorded and available on the diocesan website for future viewing.

Ladies Event Reminder

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/programas-de-formacion/

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.

 

Reminder

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

The Office of Marriage Ministries is hosting English & Spanish Marriage Preparation Facilitator trainings this fall.
 
The presentation in English will be on Saturday, September 27 in Jefferson City. The presentation in Spanish will be on Saturday, November 17. in Jefferson City.
 
The training is primarily for new clergy and lay facilitators, though experienced facilitators who want to brush up on their skills are welcome to join. See more information in the attached flyer and register at https://diojeffcity.org/marriage-prep-facilitators-form/

Reminder

Catholic Charities Community Needs Assessment

CCCNMO's 2025 Community Needs Assessment is now open. This is our most important tool for listening—truly listening—to the hopes, challenges, and needs of individuals and families across central and northern Missouri. The stories and data gathered will comprise the foundation of our strategic work for the next three years.
 
To fully understand our community's needs, we want to hear directly from you—and we need your help to ensure we reach every corner of our diocese. 
  • 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:
 
 
Every single shared and completed survey helps us see our community more clearly and identify gaps where people fall through, so we can build bridges of hope. 
 
Thank you for helping us advance our mission and better serve those in need!

Reminder

Upcoming Events in Faith Formation

If you are interested in scheduling a workshop in your community, contact Maureen Quinn, maureenquinn@diojeffcity.org, or Mary Madelyn Mertes, mmertes@diojeffcity.org to schedule.

Reminder

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. For more information and registration, visit diojeffcity.org/ocia-formation

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.

Parish Events

Seasons of Hope Grief Support Group (St. Martins)

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November 12 @ 2:00 pm - 3:00 pm CST

I Am Catholic, Why Do I Do What I Do? Purgatory, Prayers for the Dead, and Holy Fire (Columbia)

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November 12 @ 6:00 pm - 7:30 pm CST

Christmas Open House (Jefferson City)

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November 13 @ 4:00 pm - 6:00 pm CST

Young Adult Bible Study (Jefferson City)

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November 13 @ 6:45 pm - 7:45 pm CST
Crucifix, Bible

Centering Prayer (Jefferson City)

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November 14 @ 2:00 pm - 3:00 pm CST

KINGS HOUSE AT THE NATIONAL SHRINE OF OUR LADY OF THE SNOWS NEW FALL AND WINTER RETREATS: GOD FIRST LOVED US. (Belleville, IL)

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November 14 @ 4:00 pm - November 16 @ 1:00 pm CST

Natural Family Planning Intro Session (Zoom)

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November 15 @ 8:00 am - 9:30 am CST

Capacitación de facilitadores en la preparación matrimonial (Jefferson City)

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November 15 @ 8:30 am - 4:30 pm CST

From Helicopter to Propeller (Zoom)

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November 17 @ 7:00 pm - 8:00 pm CST

Young Adult Bible Study (Jefferson City)

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November 20 @ 6:45 pm - 7:45 pm CST
Crucifix, Bible

Centering Prayer (Jefferson City)

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November 21 @ 2:00 pm - 3:00 pm CST

Encountering Christ Retreat (Conception)

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November 21 @ 3:00 pm - November 23 @ 12:00 pm CST

Loose Creek Christmas Extravaganza and Pork Burger Sale (Bonnots Mill)

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November 22 @ 9:00 am - 3:00 pm CST

Musician Sign up for 7th annual St. Cecilia Sing (Jefferson City)

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November 22 @ 10:00 am - 12:00 pm CST

St. Cornelius Ladies Group Annual Dessert Auction (Crocker)

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November 23 @ 11:00 am - 12:30 pm CST

87th Annual Thanksgiving Festival (Tipton)

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November 27 @ 10:30 am - 9:00 pm CST

Thanksgiving Day Dinner (Camdenton)

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November 27 @ 11:30 am - 1:30 pm CST
Crucifix, Bible

Centering Prayer (Jefferson City)

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November 28 @ 2:00 pm - 3:00 pm CST

Sounds of Starkenburg (Rhineland)

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November 29 @ 1:00 pm - 5:00 pm CST

From Helicopter to Propeller (Zoom)

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December 1 @ 7:00 pm - 8:00 pm CST

Eventos en Español

Capacitación de facilitadores en la preparación matrimonial (Jefferson City)

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November 15 @ 8:30 am - 4:30 pm CST

Formación de Sanación Interior (Jefferson City)

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December 6 @ 8:00 am - December 7 @ 5:00 pm CST

Encuentro y Posada Diocesanos (Jefferson city)

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December 20 @ 9:00 am - 1:00 pm CST

Employment Opportunities

Safe Environment Coordinator

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Sacred Heart School in Sedalia

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Catholic Charities has an opening for a Development Coordinator

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Catholic Charities of Central and Northern Missouri has an opening for an Office Manager

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Parish Secretary: St. Martin, MO 

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Parish Secretary/Bookkeeper: St. Peter- Fulton, MO

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Career Opportunity at Newman Parish

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Assistant Director Pastoral Ministries (Bilingual English/Spanish); Diocese of Jefferson City (Jefferson City)

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Accountant/Auditor; Diocese of Jefferson City (Jefferson City)

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Math Teacher; Fr. Tolton Catholic High School (Columbia)

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