October 6, 2025
October 6, 2025
Livestream links for Installation Mass of Bishop-Elect O'Donnell will be posted here as the date approaches. Please check back soon!
We invite you to join us online for the upcoming Installation Mass of Bishop-Elect O'Donnell, taking place on October 28. This joyful and sacred occasion will be shared with the wider community through a livestream.
October 27, 2025: Vespers
Diocesan Choir for the Ordination/Installation of Bishop-Elect Ralph B. O’Donnell
The Diocesan Choir is recruiting singers for the Ordination/Installation of Bishop-Elect Ralph B. O’Donnell on Tuesday, October 28th, 2025 at 11:00am at the Cathedral of St. Joseph in Jefferson City, Missouri. Rehearsals will take place on Monday, October 13th, 2025 from 7:00pm-9:00pm, Monday, October 20th from 7:00pm-9:00pm and Wednesday, October 22nd from 7:00pm-9:00pm at the Cathedral. Please note that space is limited and we may not be able to accommodate everyone who wishes to sing. If you are interested in singing or have any questions, please contact Dr. Andrew Meagher, Director of Sacred Music at the Cathedral of St. Joseph, andrew.m@cathedraljc.
Special Issue of The Catholic Missourian - Advertising Deadline Oct. 10
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
Safe Enviroment
Reminder: Mandatory Reporting of Suspected Elder or Disabled Adult Abuse
At a recent meeting with pastors and principals, the importance of reporting suspected elder abuse—and abuse of disabled adults (ages 18–59)—was raised. We want to remind all clergy, staff, and volunteers of their legal responsibility to report such concerns promptly.
Please click the PDF link below for a summary of Missouri law outlining who is a mandatory reporter and how to file a report. Please review this information and ensure you understand your obligations.
CATHOLIC STEWARDSHIP RENEWAL 2025 KICK OFF
"Hope Does Not Disappoint" (Romans 5:5) This verse has been chosen as the theme for both the Jubilee celebration of our church and the 2025 Catholic Stewardship Renewal (CSR). It’s a powerful and timely message—one we all can reflect deeply upon. Some might ask, “What does this verse have to do with stewardship?” At first glance, the connection might not seem obvious. But let’s consider the full passage from Romans 5:1-5 “Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith to this grace in which we stand, and we boast in hope of the glory of God. Not only that, but we even boast of our afflictions, knowing that affliction produces endurance, and endurance, proven character, and proven character, hope, and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit that has been given to us.” When we understand this verse in its full context, it becomes clear: stewardship is deeply rooted in the spiritual virtues of faith, hope, and love.In fact, these three theological virtues can be seen as the foundation of the stewardship way of life—symbolized through the three-legged stool of active stewardship – prayer, participation and sacrificial giving. The mission of the Church is the salvation of souls. As St. Paul reminds us, “We boast in hope of the glory of God.” Without hope, we cannot fully embrace faith or love. And that is why hope does not disappoint—because it is rooted in the love of God poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit. As we prepare for our Catholic Stewardship Renewal, take time to prayerfully reflect on Romans 5:1-5. Let it deepen your understanding of what it means to live a life of stewardship—grounded in faith, driven by hope, and sustained by love.
SHARED FOLDER WITH RESOURCES
This link will take you to the shared CSR 2025 folder, which contains all the materials and resources we'll be using and updating throughout the campaign.
Theme Overview: You can use this in bulletins or as a pulpit announcement.
Reflections Document: This document contains reflections on how the CSR theme is reflected in the Gospels for all 3 CSR weekends.
Pulpit and Bulletin Info: Relevant content for bulletins and pulpit announcements can be found in the same folder.
Graphics: All graphics (available in English and Spanish, color and black & white). You can use these for social media, bulletin, etc.
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.
Official Catholic Directory Online Updating Has Begun:
(Gentle reminder: This is the national directory, not the diocesan directory.) Contacts of the entities listed in the Official Catholic Directory should have received an email notice via the editorial staff on September 23rd, it will have comefrom ocdedits@nrpdirect.com, with the subject line “Please update your OCD 2026 tax record online.”
To help new users and reacquaint existing users with the system, a series of brief webinars (approx. 45 mins) will be conducted throughout the update cycle. Click here to view the schedule and sign up.
The deadline to complete your updates and submit your information is October 29, 2025.
If you have questions about updating your OCD entry, please contact Bernadette Adams at badams@diojeffcity.org, or 573-635-9127, x236.
UPCOMING EVENTS & HIGHLIGHTS
Women's Ministry
Young Adult Ministry
All young adults are welcome.
Our Young Adult Ministry is starting October 16th and I’m very excited to say that our young adults have been working towards building a vibrant young community here at the Cathedral. There will be a 6-week bible study which explores the longing of the human heart: the fall, Christ, His church, His bride, and our inheritance. Gatherings take place on Thursday nights from 6-8pm in Cana Hall, and this initial run goes from October 16 to November 20th . If you have a young adult or know any young adults, please encourage them to join this study. I ask all parishioners to pray for their efforts and that the Holy Spirit will bless them. If you’ve got questions, please contact Jared Horban 574-400-9100
Religious Education of Youth 2025-26 Form
- Confirmation Scheduling Form: This is in response to the news of Bishop O'Donnell and the memo that came out from Monsignor Kurwicki about Confirmation. It is vital that every parish completes this form so we know who has scheduled a confirmation already in the parish, who needs delegation, who desires to have Bishop Elect be present, and who needs confirmation scheduled. If you are not scheduling a confirmation until 2027, you still must complete the form and inform us.
- PSR Program Data Form: We are hoping to get stats on PSR as a whole and have a better understanding of what is going on throughout our diocese. Finding trends and common resources is helpful to us to better serve our parishes.
This form can be filled out by 2 separate people in a parish, allowing the person who completes the form to only complete one section. For example if one person in the parish oversees confirmation and another oversees PSR, both individuals can complete the applicable section and submit the form separately.
To ensure information that is submitted is accurate, please communicate with all involved parties before the form is completed. This could include but is not limited to the Pastor, DRE, Youth Minister, Principal, school teacher for confirmation age, PSR coordinator, PSR teachers, etc.
Ladies Event
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
120 Years of St. Mary’s: A Legacy of Care Podcast
Missouri Catholic Conference
Dear parishes,
Attached you will find a notice relating to an execution vigil in Jefferson City to be held on Tuesday, October 14. We are trying to encourage participation in this event from Catholics in the area. Please place this notice in your bulletin leading up to October 14. Thank you for your assistance. If you have questions, please let me know.
Curt Wichmer
Legislative Counsel
Missouri Catholic Conference
¿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/
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:
Share Your Harvest
Tim Scheulen Processing LLC
1968 County Rd 602, Loose Creek, MO
OCIA
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.
