Public Health Concerns

Anyone visiting a current COVID-19 hot spot or traveling internationally will be required to self-quarantine for 14 days before being allowed back on parish/school property. This includes students or anyone who is on parish/school property on a regular basis. This may require staff to utilize sick days, vacation days, or short-term leave.  Please use the…

There is legitimate concern on the part of many of the faithful throughout the diocese regarding singing in church during Mass, especially given the recent rise in the number of COVID-19 cases in several counties.  Understanding that there are differences from county to county in terms of health needs, and differences in resources and church…

Whereas Governor Mike Parson has lifted the statewide health order beginning 16 June 2020, leaving the determination of public health requirements to local governments; and Whereas the Department of Health and Senior Services of the State of Missouri and the Center for Disease Control and Prevention of the United States Federal Government continue to recommend:…

Bishop W. Shawn McKnight has provided a decree with updated instructions for parishes effective Tuesday, June 16, after Gov. Mike Parson lifted statewide regulations on June 15, leaving the determination of public health requirements to local governments. Important safety measures will continue to help protect congregants from infection and slow the spread of the coronavirus. The following…

If you have access to the Internet, electricity and a smartphone, it’s possible to provide your parish’s Masses and other liturgies to those who can not come to the church in person. This post has some tips, tools and resources for you to do so well. Copyright permissions for online usage Those who created and…

Extending the Decree of 31 March 2020 on Pastoral Activities in the Diocese of Jefferson City During the COVID-19 Pandemic. Click here to read the 31 March 2020 Decree. In light of the recent guidance from the United States Federal Government and the Governor of the State of Missouri regarding the COVID-19 pandemic, I hereby…

As the coronavirus pandemic drags on with no apparent end in sight, many of us in parish and diocesan ministry are getting creative with our use of technology to share faith, conduct outreach and meet needs. This is certainly the case for those of us in ministry to the young Church, a generation often dubbed “digital natives.”