January 26, 2026
January 26, 2026
National March for Life 2026 - Held January 23, 2026
Message from Most Reverend Bishop O'Donnell:
Our Holy Father, Pope Leo XIV, sent a message to all those participating in the 52nd National March for Life being held in Washington DC, expressing his heartfelt appreciation for this “eloquent public witness to affirm that ‘the protection of the right to life constitutes the indispensable foundation of every other human right.” We are blessed as people of faith to truly know that the gift of human life is from God, and we are called as disciples of Jesus Christ to cherish that gift by advocating for a culture of life and continued support for mothers and families.
As the Pope closed his remarks, he entrusted all the participants, and all who support them through prayer and sacrifice, to Mary Immaculate—the Patroness of the United States of America. Let us join in that prayer today. Through the intersession of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, may the Holy Spirit, help us grow in our respect for the dignity of all human life.
World Day for Consecrated Life, February 1
Short bulletin quote
World Day for Consecrated Life will be celebrated in the Church on Monday, February 2, 2026, and in parishes over the weekend of February 1, 2026. Please pray for all those who have made commitments in the consecrated life and be sure to thank them on their special day. May they continue to be inspired by Jesus Christ and respond generously to God's gift of their vocation.
Prayers of the Faithful
For those consecrated to God by the vows of chastity, poverty and obedience that they may seek to live their baptismal promises more intensely and have the grace to persevere in their commitment to the Lord and serve with open hearts and willing spirits. We pray to the Lord…
For those who have responded to the prompting of the Holy Spirit to be a consecrated person that they may experience the support of the Church as they continue their growth in holiness. We pray to the Lord…
February Deanery Christian Initiation (OCIA) Gatherings
Saturday, February 7
Macon | 9:00–11:00 a.m.
Columbia | 12:30–2:30 p.m.
Tuesday, February 10
Rolla | 6:00–8:00 p.m.
Saturday, February 14
Tipton | 9:00–11:00 a.m.
Tuesday, February 17
Jefferson City | 6:00–8:00 p.m.
We strongly encourage each parish to be represented at one of these gatherings and look forward to your insight, experience, and collaboration as we continue strengthening Christian Initiation Ministry across the diocese.
Please contact Mary Madelyn Mertes, mmertes@diojeffcity.
Marriage Encounter Weekend
Strengthen your marriage, grow in faith, and invest in each other! Jefferson City Marriage Encounter is hosting its next weekend on February 14-15, 2026, at the Best Western Capitol Inn in Jefferson City. Spend quality time with the most important person in your life, celebrate how far you've come, and learn valuable tools to make your marriage even stronger. The weekend costs only $75, and scholarships are available. Register online at jeffcityme.com
Lenten Leader Retreat for DREs, Catechists, and Youth Ministers - March 28
Mark your calendars for a Lenten leader retreat designed for DREs, Youth Ministers, and Parish Leaders on March 28, 2026. Join us for a day of rest, community, and prayer! Register here. https://diojeffcity.org/
Marriage Retreat
Registration is now open for the 2026 Diocesan Marriage Retreat! Join us March 13-14, 2026 at the Cathedral of St. Joseph. Our retreat will be led by two inspiring 
couples from the Marianist Retreat Center. Childcare will be available.
Diocese of Jefferson City Women’s Ministry
We sincerely appreciate the time you’ve spent with us at previous Women’s Ministry events. Your presence, prayers, and openness made those gatherings truly meaningful—and we would love to invite you to join us again!
This January, the Diocese of Jefferson City Women’s Ministry will once again be 'On the Move,' traveling to different parishes across the diocese for an evening of faith, fellowship, and encouragement. Finding Joy: Living in the Spirit.
Join us as Shelley Pichler shares an inspiring message on how the Holy Spirit leads us toward deeper joy, peace, and purpose. Together, we’ll reflect on God’s presence in our daily lives and the joy that flows from living in communion with Him.
January Dates & Locations
- Jan 29 – St. Brendan’s School, Mexico
- Jan 30 – SVdP Parish, Sedalia
6:30–8:00 PM
Doors open at 6:00 PM
Whether you come alone, bring a friend, or gather a group from your parish, we would be honored to have you with us.
Register here:
https://diojeffcity.org/
Link for flyers https://drive.google.
Thank you for being part of our Women’s Ministry community. We hope to see you again soon as we continue this journey of faith—together.
With joy and gratitude,
Diocese of Jefferson City Women’s Ministry
Missouri Catholic Summit 2026
Missouri Catholic Summit (MCS) is a large gathering of Catholic young adults, ages 18-25, from across Missouri. The summit is a day dedicated to celebrating the Christian life and fostering fellowship among faithful young adults. Participants grow together in a warm and lively environment through inspiring talks by esteemed speakers, reflection, and prayer. Please invite young people in your community to join us for the MO Catholic Summit 2026 on February 28, 2026, at the Cathedral of St. Joseph in Jefferson City, MO!
Registration for Diocesan Summer Camps 2026 opens January 31st
The Diocese of Jefferson City holds Summer Camps for incoming middle schoolers and high schoolers. These week-long, faith-based camps provide young people with adventure, fun, and community. Registration for incoming 6th-12th graders for Summer Camps will open January 31st, 2026.
Summer Camp promotional materials are now available! Click below to access a variety of resources to share with your community about our Diocesan Summer Camps.
Apply Now
College Scholarships Available
College Scholarships AvailableApplications for college scholarships are now available! Through a generous donation from the family of William H. (Bill) Simon, funding is available to high school seniors or current college students with financial needs who commit to practicing their faith. The deadline to apply is March 27. Find eligibility details and applications at diojeffcity.org/scholarships
Monday Morning Memo and Event Submissions
Please send your submissions to toswald@diojeffcity.org by noon on Thursday to be included in the following Monday's memo.
If you would like to have an event featured in the "Events" section of the Monday Morning Memo and added to the Diocesan calendar, please use this link https://diojeffcity.org/event-listing/ . The event link can also be found on the Communications page of the diocesan website.
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.
