Office of Chancellor
Chancellor
Mr. Benjamin Roodhouse, JD, JCL
573-635-9127, ext. 241
Vice Chancellor
Bernadette Adams
573-635-9127, ext. 236
Senior Administrative Assistant
Jordan Newham
573-635-9127, ext. 216
Alphonse J. Schwartze
Memorial Catholic Center
2207 West Main St
Jefferson City, MO 65109-0914
The various councils of the Diocese of Jefferson City assist the diocesan bishop in his governance of the diocese. To navigate to each council, please use the quick links below.
Diocesan Pastoral Council
The Council assists the Diocesan Bishop in his governance of the Diocese of Jefferson City. This Council enables the laity and clergy together to assist the Diocesan Bishop in planning and implementing an effective pastoral plan. The Council, at the direction of the Diocesan Bishop, makes it possible to implement his pastoral vision more effectively and comprehensively for the diocese.
Diocesan Finance Council
The Council assists the Diocesan Bishop in his governance of the Diocese of Jefferson City. He may consult the Council on any matter that pertains to his administration of the temporal goods of the Diocese. The Diocesan Bishop is required to consult with the Council on matters concerning the temporal goods of the Diocese and, in certain cases, give their consent prior to his actions. The Council is also entrusted with the task of preparing, each year, a budget of income and expenditure for the governance of the whole Diocese, with the assistance of the Diocesan Chief Financial Officer and in accordance with the direction of the Diocesan Bishop. It is also the responsibility of the Council to account at the end of the year for income and expenditures.
Diocesan Stewardship Council
The Council assists the Diocesan Bishop in promoting the spirituality of stewardship throughout the Diocese of Jefferson City. The Council, together with the staff of the Stewardship Office, collaborate to aid the Pastors in the ongoing planning, implementation, and cultivation of the stewardship way of life in the parishes and communities of the diocese.
Diocesan School Advisory Council
The mission of the Council is to support the Diocese of Jefferson City and the Bishop in implementing the mission of Catholic Schools of the diocese, forming the faith of children and youth, and integrating faith through an educational process that promotes academic excellence, moral values and life-long service.
To further its mission, the Council advises and consults with the Superintendent of Catholic Schools of the Diocese and recommends appropriate policies to assist the Superintendent and the Bishop in meeting the Canon Law responsibilities regarding the establishment and direction of the Catholic schools throughout the Diocese.
The Diocesan School Advisory Council meets bi-monthly, with meetings scheduled sequentially.
Diocesan Building Commission
The Diocesan Building Commission plays a vital role in helping the bishop oversee major construction, renovation and repair projects throughout the diocese by reviewing designs and specifications for projects on Church property throughout the diocese.
The commission advises the bishop and parish leadership throughout the diocese on major construction, repairs and renovation projects.
The commission also assists parishes in forming long range plans and implementing major repairs and construction.
Diocesan Building Commission meetings are scheduled as needed.
Diocesan Liturgical Commission
The diocesan Liturgical Commission exists to help ensure that the splendor and majesty of authentic Christian worship shine forth more fully, “transforming and invigorating the Christian faithful to continue their baptismal mission of Christian witness in the world.”
The commission works with the diocesan Liturgy Office and other diocesan offices in preparing for the various diocesan liturgical celebrations throughout the year: including the Rite of Election, the Chrism Mass, prayer and liturgies for pastoral days and the Priests’ Institute.
The commission provides workshops at the parish and regional levels, as requested. Topics include: the Eucharist and other sacraments; the liturgical seasons; the Order of Christian Funerals; and art and architecture.
The commission also offers formation and training opportunities for parish liturgy committees, as well as for parish leaders of the Order of Christian Initiation of Adults (OCIA); consultation on various liturgical matters, including a review of liturgical presence and style for priests/deacons or other ministers in the parish; and training for parish lectors, cantors, ushers and other liturgical ministers in the parish.
Consultations are also provided for any parishes planning to build or renovate churches or worship spaces.
Diocesan Liturgical Commission meetings are scheduled as needed.
Diocesan Youth Council
The Council assists the Diocesan Bishop in his governance of the Diocese of Jefferson City. This Council enables the young people of the diocese to assist the Diocesan Bishop in planning and implementing an effective pastoral plan. The Council, at the direction of the Diocesan Bishop, makes it possible to implement his pastoral vision more effectively and comprehensively for the diocese.