News
April 20, 2026
April 20, 2026
Immaculate Conception Breaks Ground on New School
An impressive assembly of students, faculty, diocesan officials and members of the community gathered with Bishop O’Donnell around a bevy of shovels last Tuesday to break ground for the first phase of a brand-new home for Immaculate Conception School. The facility will be state-of-the-art, but the commitment to Catholic values and virtues will be timeless.
Here is a link to the story in the April 17 issue of The Catholic Missourian.
Subscribers to the Jefferson City News-Tribune can also find coverage here.
Bishop O’Donnell Invites All to Join in Prayer for Peace, the Holy Father, and World Leaders
Bishop O’Donnell has issued the following statement in response to recent comments by President Trump regarding Pope Leo XIV’s call for peace and an end toSaturday - Women's Spring Pilgrimage
April 30 - March for Life
Save the date for the Midwest March for Life on April 30, 2026, at the 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.
Today - St. John Henry Newman Catholic Church Welcomes Bishop Mark J. Seitz, D.D.
Columbia, MO — The Diocese of Jefferson City and St. John Henry Newman Catholic Church welcome The Most Reverend Mark J. Seitz, D.D., the sixth Bishop of the Diocese of El Paso and a leading advocate for the Church on the subject of immigration.
Bishop Seitz will deliver an enlightening talk on the profound moral and spiritual dimensions of immigration at St. John Henry Newman Catholic Church, 602 Turner Avenue, Columbia, MO, at 6:30 p.m. on Monday, April 20, and at the Cathedral of St. Joseph, 2305 W Main St., Jefferson City, MO, at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, April 21.
Speaking to students and parishioners, he will address the realities faced by migrants and asylum seekers, explore Catholic social teaching on human dignity and solidarity, and discuss the Gospel call to welcome the stranger. Drawing on scripture and his personal experience along the U.S.–Mexico border, Bishop Seitz will emphasize compassion and understanding in responding to immigration, including the current campaign of mass deportations. Attendees will also have the opportunity to engage in discussion about how faith communities can support immigrants and foster a culture of welcome.
While visiting Mid-Missouri, Bishop Seitz will also celebrate Mass at several locations in Columbia and Jefferson City. His visit will include tours of City of Refuge in Columbia, as well as El Puente and the Missouri State Capitol in Jefferson City.
The Most Reverend Bishop Mark J. Seitz, D.D., born in Milwaukee, is the eldest of ten children. He was ordained a priest for the Diocese of Dallas in 1980. Bishop Seitz has served as a parish pastor, taught at the University of Dallas, and was named a Prelate of Honor by Pope John Paul II in 2004.
In 2010, he was ordained a bishop and served as Auxiliary Bishop of Dallas until 2012. In 2013, Pope Francis appointed Bishop Seitz as the sixth Bishop of El Paso, where he continues to serve as Ordinary.
National Child Abuse Month
April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month. Here are some ways you can show your support for the victims of child abuse.
Sunday, April 26, 2026 – Blue Sunday. ” Blue Sunday” is a National Day of Prayer for victims of abuse. On this day, please pray the Holy Rosary, or Divine Mercy Chaplet, and spend time in prayer before the Blessed Sacrament.”
Fishers of Men: A Day of Fishing, Faith, and Fellowship
Join us on Sunday, April 26, 2026 from 1–5 PM at Eldon Middle School for Fishers of Men, a fun afternoon of fishing with local priests! This catch-and-release event is open to teens and young adults (5th grade and up) from across the Diocese. Bring your fishing gear and a chair—we’ll provide the food! Parents are welcome to come along and enjoy the afternoon as well.
Come relax, connect, and cast a line with us!
Eldon Middle School – 1400 N Grand Ave, Eldon, MO
Questions? Contact Erin Koerner at 573-645-3396 or sacredheartsec@outlook.com.
Remember to RSVP using the QR code so we can plan for food!
Parish Mission - Wednesday, April 29
A powerful one-night parish mission to awaken hearts, renew faith, and inspire Catholics to live the Gospel boldly in today’s world. All are welcome. There is no charge, but a free will offering will be accepted. Questions contact Julie Gramlich, julie.g@cathedraljc.org
Pro Life Amendment 3
The Missouri Catholic Conference issued a statement urging support for “Pro-life Amendment 3,” to restore safeguards around abortion, protect women’s health, and uphold the dignity of human life. The bishops call on Missourians to support the amendment through prayer, fasting, and civic engagement.
Parishes will be receiving prayer cards.
Tribunal Office Closure Notice: April 20–29
The Tribunal Office will be closed from Monday, April 20, until Wednesday, April 29.
National Day of Prayer at the Capitol
Feast Day Mass
All are welcome to the Mothers' Shrine on May 25th for the feast day celebration. Join Bishop Ralph O’Donnell, the Knights of Columbus, our expansive shrine community and many groups from our diocese in celebrating the Feast of Mary Mother of the Church. Celebration includes the Crowning of Mary, Holy Mass, the Unveiling of the newest mothers’ names on the Mothers’ Wall of Life and a KofC fundraiser lunch. Lunch R.S.V.P. and more information at: mothersshrine.com
This week - NPM Jefferson City - Event
Volunteers Needed
Post Office, 1750 Capital View
60 volunteers needed
Bringing Parish Community Together
Blessings Barrels
Unlocking Parish Vitality Workshop
Join us for a dynamic, practical workshop designed for pastors, parish staff, and parish leaders who are ready to move from maintenance to mission.John Poitevent from Great Catholic Parishes returns to Jefferson City to lead “Unlocking Parish Vitality: Four Proven Practices for Growth & Mission” on Saturday, August 29, from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM at Cathedral of St. Joseph – Cana Hall.
Together, we’ll explore four proven practices that fuel thriving parishes:
- Shared leadership
- Fostering spiritual maturity
- Excelling on Sundays
- Evangelizing effectively
A thriving parish isn’t about adding more programs—it’s about leading with intention, clarity, and a deep commitment to mission. This workshop will equip you with the tools and mindset you need to turn the key and unlock your parish’s full vitality.
Camp Registration
Camp Registration is Now Open:
Immaculate Heart of Mary Child Development Center– Diocese of Jefferson City
Now Enrolling at Immaculate Heart of Mary School!A strong Catholic foundation
Quality academics
A caring, family-centered community. Give your child a great start in a place where faith, learning, and community come together. Learn more and register today: https://diojeffcity.org/
Monday Morning Memo Submissions
Please send your submissions to toswald@diojeffcity.org by noon 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.
