News
February 23, 2026
February 23, 2026
Lenten Regulations
2026 Lenten Regulations and Admonitions
As another Lenten journey of conversion begins on Ash Wednesday, February 18, 2026 and ends with the Mass of the Lord’s Supper on Holy Thursday, April 3, 2026, the Catholic Church calls all Catholics to a deeper spirit of penance, fasting, almsgiving and prayer, “which express conversion in relation to oneself, to God, and to others” (Catechism of the Catholic Church, nos. 1434 and 1969).
To foster a greater spirit of penance, reparation for sin, to encourage self-denial, which guide us more closely in the footsteps of Christ, the Church reminds us of the following obligations of fast and abstinence during Lent, and also admonishes us all to deeper prayer and worship.
Divorce Support Facilitator Training
Do you serve divorced or separated Catholics—or feel called to? Join us for a Divorce Support Facilitator Training Day on Saturday, March 7, at the Alphonse J. Schwartze Memorial Catholic Center.
Featuring Vince Frese, founder of Divorced Catholic, this half-day training will equip parish leaders and volunteers with the tools, clarity, and compassion needed to accompany others through divorce with faith and hope.
Help us grow this needed ministry in our diocese. The Faith Formation and Evangelization Office will be happy to support facilitators wanting to offer this program in parishes with the approval of your pastor. Training is ideal for current or future facilitators of Catholic divorce support groups.
Vocations Night – An Evening of Discernment & Encounter
Parishes, families, and youth are invited to join us for Vocations Night, an evening designed to help young people encounter the many ways God calls us to holiness and service. Open to young adults or students in 5th grade and up, this night brings together priests, religious sisters, seminarians, and lay witnesses who will share their stories, answer questions, and walk alongside youth as they begin (or continue) discerning God’s call.
The evening includes food, games, and small-group classroom sessions, allowing participants to engage directly with those living out different vocations in the Church. Parents, vocation ministry team members, and anyone interested in fostering a culture of vocations are also warmly encouraged to attend.
Come learn, ask questions, and discover how God may be calling you — or those you serve — to live out His mission.
Diocesan Celebration & Bilingual Mass Honoring St. Oscar Romero
On March 21, we will have the Diocesan Mass and Celebration, representing the Relic of St. Oscar Romero. This event is open to everyone. The celebration of the Mass will be Bilingual, and Bishop O'Donnell will be the celebrant. After the mass, there will be a reception, a presentation of St. Oscar Romero, folk dance, and veneration of the relic. The event is from 10AM to 3PM at the Cathedral of St. Joseph. Use this link to RSVP
NPM Jefferson City
The Jefferson City Diocese chapter of NPM (National Association of Pastoral Musicians)
NPM will be offering a weekly Zoom drop-in for all diocesan music ministers every Monday in February at 7 pm. This is your chance to drop in, ask questions, chat, and get to know other pastoral musicians in our diocese. No agenda. Just drop in. Note: If no one checks in by 7:15, the call will end.
3rd Annual Heart of a Hero Men's Conference
Registration is now open for the 3rd Annual Heart of a Hero Men's Conference, to be held in Cana Hall on April 10 and 11. This event, sponsored by the Men of Signum Crucis, is produced for the purpose of bringing men together in fraternity to deepen their faith and relationship with Christ. Contact Mark Rehagen at 573-680-2520 with questions. Register Here
Camp Registration
Camp Registration is Now Open:
Missouri Catholic Summit
The Missouri Catholic Summit (MCS) is a large gathering of Catholic young adults, ages 18-25, from across the state of Missouri. The summit is a day of celebration of the Christian life and fellowship amongst faithful young adults. Young adults grow together in a warm, vibrant atmosphere, through 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!
We are just 2 weeks away from the Missouri Catholic Summit and have over 260 RSVPs thus far with more coming in every day! This event has gotten some press! If you have not read the article in the Catholic Missourian or the article in The Pillar about this event and the young adults that have helped make it possible please check out both articles and help spread the word! This is sure to be a powerful day! diojeffcity.org/mo-catholic-summit
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.
One-Time Location Change for Feb. 22 Evening Mass; Rite of Election at Cathedral
On Sunday, February 22, the 5:00 pm Mass normally held at the Cathedral of St. Joseph will move for that one-time only to St. Peter Church in Jefferson City. The annual Rite of Election will be held in two sessions at the Cathedral that afternoon and evening.
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
March For Life
Save the date for the Midwest March for Life on April 30, 2026, at the Missouri State Capitol in Jefferson City. Join advocates from across the region for prayer, witness, and Holy Mass with Bishop James V. Johnston, along with featured speakers and a special display on the Eucharistic miracles. Learn more at midwestmarchforlife.com.
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.
