Bishop W. Shawn McKnight smiled and nodded in approval. So did the gift he had just been handed. Members of Columbia’s three Knights of Columbus councils had auctioned off custom-made bobblehead dolls depicting members of the local clergy, during their third annual Vocations Appreciation Dinner in May. The Knights presented one of the dolls, made…

Mozart proclaims the organ to be the “King of Instruments,” but it actually works more like a parliament. It reigns when its panoply of voices speak in harmony and balance, with whispers and crescendos drawing upon the full spectrum of sound and human emotion. “There’s the capacity to surround and fill the space with a…

A venerable institution that has helped thousands learn more about their faith is taking an even bigger step into Missouri’s Catholic parishes and families. The Knights of Columbus Missouri State Council’s Religious Information Bureau (R.I.B.) is now helping the state’s four dioceses pay for programs that help form lifetime disciples. The new R.I.B. motto, aimed…

Jack Martin was steadfast in advocating for a proper resting place for deceased members of St. Anthony parish in Camdenton. He died a few weeks after Father Daniel Lueckenotte blessed the new cemetery and columbarium on the grounds of St. Anthony Church this spring. “I think he can rest in peace now,” said Fr. Lueckenotte,…

A seemingly random encounter more than 1,300 miles from home allowed Dave Clifton to share a man’s last words with his family, bringing them some peace after 40 years. “God’s timing is not the same as ours,” said Mr. Clifton, a member of St. Patrick parish in Rolla. “But everything is God-sent, and God is…

People on commercial flights are told that in an emergency, adults should put their own oxygen mask on before helping a child. In other words, people need to take care of themselves in order to be able to take care of someone else. That’s the principle behind the Jefferson City diocese’s new Priest Wellness Program.…

Sister Celly Ann Amparano would say her mission in life was “to be strong and loving to the people, to be positive and to be that person who can bring Jesus to them.” She succeeded on many fronts. Sister Celly Ann, 71, of the School Sisters of Notre Dame (SSND), a medial interpreter for El…

Jason Holzer woke up early on his birthday this year and went for a morning run. “That’s the best time of day,” he said. “My phone and all my devices were at home.” Blanketed by silence and the stars overhead, he filled up suddenly with peace and an overwhelming desire to let go of his…

An update to the Program on Priestly Formation, a progress report on the establishment of a nationwide, third-party reporting system for abuse or misconduct by bishops, and a vote on new leadership for the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) are on the agenda for the bishops’ fall general assembly. Gathering in Baltimore Nov. 11-13,…

I recently had reason to ask others for prayer, and it was a surprisingly tough decision. People have asked me to pray for their health, well being, better employment, employment for their kids, even sick pets, and all done without question. Asking others for prayer? Not so much, and I realized I was keeping my…