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
New
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.
Reminder
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.
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
New
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
New
¿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.
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
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
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/
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.
