News

May 4, 2026

May 4, 2026 | Monday Memo

May 4, 2026

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENTS

I am pleased to announce that the Most Reverend Ralph B. O’Donnell, Bishop of Jefferson City, has recently made the following appointments to provide the most effective pastoral care of the
Diocese of Jefferson City:
PRIESTS
VERY REVEREND JASON T. DOKE, STL, Dean of the Southeast Deanery, appointed to the Diocesan Stewardship Council as the priest representative, effective 14 April 2026.
DEACONS
DEACON MICHAEL S. BROOKS, appointed to the Diocesan Stewardship Council as the deacon representative, effective 14 April 2026.
LAITY
MR. MIKE AULBUR, appointed to the Diocesan Stewardship Council as a school principal representative, effective 14 April 2026.
MS. GAY ANN CHRISTY, appointed to the Diocesan Stewardship Council as the Southwest Deanery representative, effective 14 April 2026.
MS. LEIGH ANN GRANT, appointed to the Diocesan Stewardship Council as a school principal representative, effective 14 April 2026.
MRS. ANN GRAY, appointed to the Diocesan Stewardship Council as the North Deanery representative, effective 14 April 2026.
MRS. ANNE HACKMAN, appointed to the Diocesan Stewardship Council as the See City
Deanery representative, effective 14 April 2026.
MRS. BARBARA PRASAD, appointed to the Diocesan Stewardship Council, effective 14 April 2026.
MRS. MARY BETH STRASSNER, appointed to the Diocesan Stewardship Council as the Southeast Deanery representative, effective 14 April 2026.
From the Office of the Chancellor,
Mr. Ben Roodhouse, JD, JCL
Chancellor

Appointments, May 4, 2026

Safe Enviroment Reminders

Safe Environment Reminder: Just a gentle reminder to all pastors, principals, and Directors of Religious Education: if you have not already done so, please be sure to submit the report for the Empowering God's Children training no later than Tuesday, June 30, 2026. We also need the letters of compliance to from all pastors and high school principals no later than Tuesday, June 30, 2026

Safe Environment Forms

Womens' Newsletter

May is the month of Mary! See what the Women's Ministry has in store for you in the upcoming months! Lots of opportunities to put our faith in action together.

Women's Ministry Newsletter

EVENTS THIS WEEK

National Day of Prayer at the Capitol

MISSOURI NATIONAL DAY OF PRAYER 2026 TO BE HELD AT THE CAPITOL IN JEFFERSON CITY, MISSOURI, Thursday, May 7th, 2026, from 12 Noon to 1 PM at the Missouri State Capitol (https://moprays.org)

Jefferson City, Missouri (April 14, 2026) — Hosted by: Vanguard Marriage and Family Advocates and National Day of Prayer Task Force. Special thanks to our many ministry partners, local churches and pastors, would like to announce that the 75th Annual National Day of Prayer in Missouri which is to be held in Jefferson City on Thursday, May 7th, 2026 from 12 Noon to 1 PM at the Missouri State Capitol Rotunda.
Once again this year there continues to be an enormous need for prayer in our land, now more than ever. Please join other churches and leaders from across the state with your family and friends at the Missouri State Capitol as we gather together as God’s people in public prayer. Our guest speakers will be prayerfully focusing on the theme this year: Tell of His glory among the nations, His wonderful deeds among all the peoples. 1 Chronicles 16:24 NASB.
Special Guests and Prayer Leaders include:
Hosts: Vanguard Marriage & Family Advocates – Jerry Angelo & Kate Angelo
Missouri Lt. Governor – David Wasinger (invited to pray)
Missouri Attorney General – Catherine Hanaway (confirmed)
Missouri Secretary of State – Denny Hoskins (confirmed)

Vanguard Marriage and Family Advocates is a faith-based non-profit organization that partners with local community leaders and ministry partners to build strong marriage and family relationships. For more information on Vanguard Marriage and Family Advocates, please visit https://vanguardmfa.org

School of Leaders Gathering – May 9

Our next School of Leaders gathering is on May 9, 2026, at Our Lady of Lourdes Parish, Flanagan Hall, Columbia, MO. We plan to gather immediately following the 8 AM Mass at 8:45 AM with treats and a social gathering. The program will begin at 9:10 AM with the Leader’s grouping, followed by a couple of inspiring and informative presentations. John Keener from Columbia will speak on "general principles and teaching techniques during the 3 day weekend" and Gary Wilbers from Jefferson City will speak on "the make up of a leader. “ The presentations will be followed by section work on Pre, 3 Day, and Post Cursillo, and we will close with a visit to the Blessed Sacrament at 11 AM. Hope you can join this wonderful group of cursillistas for a fun and faith-filled Saturday morning.

Volunteers Needed

Spend a few hours making a real impact. On Saturday, May 9, Catholic Charities of Central and Northern Missouri is teaming up with the Samaritan Center for Stamp Out Hunger—and we need your help to pick up and sort food donations for neighbors in need.

Various shifts available
Post Office, 1750 Capital View
60 volunteers needed

Upcoming Events

Youth Pilgrimage

Young adults, join the Diocese of Springfield-Cape Girardeau, welcoming pilgrims from the Diocese of Jefferson City, to Seoul for World Youth Day 2027! Experience spiritual awakening and Korean culture alongside other young Catholics from around the globe. This is more than just a trip. It is a life-changing encounter with your faith and with the world. Priority Registration Deadline is June 1, 2026. Attached is a flyer that can be shared with more information about the trip. Graphics

Vitae Foundation

The event will entertain, inspire, and equip you to effectively speak about the abortion issue in your circles of influence.

You won’t want to miss our keynote speaker’s personal experience facing an unexpected pregnancy and how he courageously stepped forward.
The keynote speaker is Brandon Tatum, a former Tucson police officer, author, host of the nationally syndicated podcast The Officer Tatum Show, and co-founder of BLEXIT, an organization meant to persuade the Black American population to join the Republican party. He became one of the most dynamic conservative voices on social media after a video he shared garnered over 70 million views. Graphics for Parishes

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 Knights of Columbus fundraiser lunch. Lunch R.S.V.P. and more information at: mothersshrine.com

Celebrate & Connect: Open House with the School Sisters of Notre Dame

You are invited to an Open House to
Celebrate and Connect
with the School Sisters of Notre Dame.

Sunday, June 7, 2026
1:00-3:30 p.m.
Helias Catholic High School
Commons
1305 Swifts Hwy
Jefferson City, Missouri
We hope you can join us for this informal opportunity
to renew old friendships and create new memories
with the Sisters who ministered in the Jefferson City area.
Please RSVP by May 21 with the number attending.
You can register online at www.ssndcp.org/cc-jeff or
email Debbie Rohrich-Tyler at drohrichtyler@ssndcp.org.
If you have any questions, please contact Debbie at 314-633-7032.
We are grateful for your support and partnership.
Together, we further the mission of Jesus in our world.

Download Invitation

Curso Introductorio de Planificación Familiar Natural — Sagrado Corazón, Columbia

De una manera sencilla la pareja aprende a identificar la fase fértil que dura aproximadamente 90 horas en todo el ciclo mensual sexual femenino para así efectivamente lograr o posponer un embarazo según se desee. Graphic

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.

Click here to register by August 10.

For more information, please contact Trish Lutz, director of stewardship & parish vitality at plutz@diojeffcity.org.

Bringing Parish Community Together

Looking for a meaningful way to bring your parish community together around faith, dialogue, and encounter?

Consider hosting Who Is My Neighbor?—an engaging, free program from Catholic Charities of Central and Northern Missouri designed to foster understanding and reflection on immigration through a Catholic lens.

Participants gather for a shared meal, enter into prayer with Sacred Scripture and art, and engage in guided reflection. The experience includes both large- and small-group discussions, creating space for thoughtful conversation and deeper connection. The program also introduces key principles of Catholic social teaching on immigration in a way that is accessible and grounded in faith.

This is more than a presentation—it’s an opportunity for parishioners to listen, learn, and encounter one another in a spirit of compassion and understanding.

Interested in bringing this program to your parish? Contact Catholic Charities' Director of Family Immigration Services, Marissa Flores Madden, at 573-415-7144 or mmadden@cccnmo.org.

Blessings Barrels

Bring hope to your community through Blessing Barrels! This outreach initiative from Catholic Charities invites parishes and schools to make a meaningful local impact by collecting essential items such as food, hygiene products, clothing, and seasonal goods. Once filled, each barrel directly supports neighbors in need—right in your own community. It’s a simple, hands-on way to live out our faith through generosity and service.

Camp Registration

Camp Registration is Now Open:

Camp Registration is NOW Open and Registration is coming in quickly! Please help spread the word on this great opportunity for our young people, entering 6th through 12th grade. Volunteer signups are also now available. If parishes are interested in covering a portion of the cost for their parishioners who go to camp the Youth Office can now set up coupon codes. Please reach out to the Youth Office.

To access the website and registration click here

To Access graphics for advertisements click here

Email our office requesting postcards, posters or cards to handout: athompson@diojeffcity.org

We are opening our first ever summer camp store to support 3 of our diocesan summer camps: Camp Lolek, Camp Maccabee, and Camp Siena! The camp store is NOW OPEN and will CLOSE MAY 17th. Order your camp gear at the link below!

Camp Store

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.

To read more about Amendment 3

Attention Parish Bookkeepers: Two Collection Reminders

*CRS Rice Bowls

If your parish is sending CRS Rice Bowl funds to the Chancery, please submit them by May 31.

When submitting your parish check, include the 2026 CRS Rice Bowl Submittal Form. This form indicates whether your parish has designated 25% of its collection to a local charity. If the full amount is sent to the Chancery, 25% will be forwarded to Catholic Charities of Central and Northern Missouri.

The form is available here:
https://diojeffcity.org/finance-and-accounting/
Direct link:
https://diojeffcity.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/CRS-Rice-Bowl-Report-2026.pdf

If you have questions, please contact the Finance Office at Revenue@diojeffcity.org or Dawn Whitlow at the Chancery.

Thank you for your cooperation and your parish’s support of CRS Rice Bowl.

*Second Easter Collection

Please also send the proceeds from your second Easter collection to the Chancery by May 31. These funds should be submitted separately and support the Retired Religious national collection and retired priests of the diocese (PMBS).

Immaculate Heart of Mary Child Development Center– Diocese of Jefferson City

Now Enrolling at Immaculate Heart of Mary School!

Looking for a faith-filled, nurturing environment for your child to learn and grow? Immaculate Heart of Mary School is now enrolling children age 1+!

At IHM, students experience:
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/immaculate-heart-of-mary-registration/ Spaces are limited—secure your child’s spot today!

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.