Diocesan News

DIOCESAN NEWSLETTER

October 03, 2024—Volume VII #209 + Thursday of the Twenty-Sixth Week in Ordinary Time

Thank you for sharing the contents of this newsletter with parish staff and leadership, and for publishing the news of appropriate events in the parish bulletin. Please place a copy in the parish permanent file.

THE OFFICE OF THE BISHOP

RESPECT LIFE MONTH—PROMOTE 'VOTE NO ON AMENDMENT 3' MESSAGE

This Sun., Oct. 06, is National Respect Life Sunday. October is also Respect Life Month. Please use this opportunity and the upcoming weeks to actively work and promote the "Vote No on Amendment 3" message. It is permissible for clergy to state parishioners can vote no on Amendment 3.

Following are some suggestions:

- Include prayers of the faithful on the sanctity of life into Mass

- Pray the "Safeguard Them Both" prayer at the end of Mass

- Include facts or images about Amendment 3

- Preach on the sanctity of life

- Hold a voter registration drive. Deadline to register is Oct. 9. Voter registration can be completed Online.

- Put up a yard sign. Yard signs may be obtained at The Catholic Center*.  

- Share on social media about Amendment 3

*Thank you to the Missouri Knights of Columbus for sponsoring the yard signs!

Here is a link for the resources to the suggestions mentioned. The MCC "Permitted Church Activities" document can also be accessed here (and referenced again below).

We have 33 days and 5 Sundays left until Election Day. Let's be united in prayer and participation as we safeguard both women and their unborn children. "St. Joseph, protector of the unborn, pray for us!"

MEET ME AT THE GROTTO—Pray the Rosary with Bishop Rice

The month of October is both the month of the Holy Rosary and Respect Life Month, a time to reflect on the Gospel of Life and the dignity of the human person at all stages of life. Join Bishop Rice this October as he prays the Rosary in various Marian grottos during the month of October. All are invited to join him at the following locations:

• Thu., Oct. 3—St. John Parish, Leopold, 6:30 p.m.
• Fri., Oct. 4—Saint Francis Medical Center, Cape Girardeau, 12-Noon
• Mon., Oct. 7—St. Francis de Sales Parish, Lebanon, 6:30 p.m.

(Feast of Our Lady of the Rosary)

• Tue., Oct. 8—Immaculate Conception Parish, Springfield, 6:30 p.m.
• Wed., Oct. 9—St. Agnes Cathedral, Springfield, 6 p.m.
• Sun., Oct. 13—St. John the Baptist Mission Church, Licking, 3:30 p.m.
• Sun., Oct. 20—Holy Trinity Parish, Aurora, 11:30 a.m.
• Tue., Oct. 22—St. Lawrence Parish, New Hamburg, 6:30 p.m.
• Wed., Oct. 23—St. Benedict Parish, Doniphan, 6:30 p.m.
• Sat., Oct. 26—St. Mary Cathedral, Cape Girardeau, 5:30 p.m.
• Mon., Oct. 28—Notre Dame Regional High School, Cape Girardeau, 6:30 p.m.

BISHOP RICE'S OCTOBER PRAYER INTENTION

May Our Lady of the Rosary, whose feast we celebrate in October, lead us to peace in our world.

GUIDANCE FOR PARISHES AS WE ENTER INTO THE ELECTION CYCLE

The Missouri Catholic Conference offers Guidelines for Church Involvement in Elections, available in English and Spanish to assist clergy and lay faithful in attending to their obligation to participate in the political life of our nation. These guidelines provide a short summary of activities parishes may and may not engage in during the election season and include basic information about election day and voter ID requirements.

Also: PLEASE CONSULT the RESPECT LIFE section of this newsletter for Amendment 3 resources!

OFFICE OF THE VICAR GENERAL & MODERATOR OF THE CURIA

CLERGY INSTITUTE

The Clergy Institute is scheduled for the week of Oct. 14-18, 2024, at the Drury Plaza Hotel and Conference Center in Cape Girardeau. This year's Institute will feature Bishop George Leo Thomas, PhD., who is the first archbishop of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Las Vegas, NV. Bishop Thomas will speak to us on being Happy, Healthy, and Holy. Fr. Dan McCaffrey and Dr. Michael Dixon will be presenting on Natural Family Planning and Human Vitae. A biography of our presenters is available here. We will have a Hospitality Room available again this year and you are invited to please bring along any extra wine or other alcoholic spirits to share with your brothers in ministry!

DECEMBER DAY OF RECOLLECTION

The December Day of Recollection will be held on the following dates and locations:

• Tue., Dec. 3—Immaculate Conception Parish, Springfield
• Wed., Dec. 4—Sacred Heart Parish, Poplar Bluff

SUPERINTENDENT OF CATHOLIC SCHOOLS

SCHOOL BOARD IN-SERVICE TRAINING REMINDER

The Schools Office will host an in-service training for current and in-coming school board members. All board members are encouraged to attend a training to better understand the role of a school board member, including identifying the expectations of the school, pastor, and principal of the school board. The training will be held at the following locations:

• Wed., Oct. 9, 6:30-7:30 p.m., in the Pallotti Center, at The Catholic Center, 601 S. Jefferson Ave., Springfield.
• Wed., Oct. 23, 6:30-7:30 p.m., at St. Francis Xavier Catholic School, 106 N. Stoddard, Sikeston.

In order to have plenty of resources available, please RSVP to your school principal.

CATHOLIC CHARITIES OF SOUTHERN MISSOURI

LIFEHOUSE GALA IN CAPE GIRARDEAU—SAT., NOV. 2, 2024

Join Catholic Charities at the LifeHouse Gala, Cape Girardeau on Sat., Nov. 2, at the Drury Plaza Hotel Conference Center. Sponsorships, tables, and tickets are available! Visit https://onecau.se/lifehousecape24 for the Online auction, beach house raffle, and so much more! For more information, contact Suzanne Cronkhite at [email protected] or (417) 720-4213.

CCSOMO AMBASSADORS

With 39 counties and 66 parishes in our diocese, there is a lot of ground to cover when it comes to spreading the word about Catholic Charities of Southern Missouri (CCSOMO). We are looking for someone from each parish to become a CCSOMO Ambassador. These ambassadors will serve as points of contact for each parish: speaking on behalf of CCSOMO (with talking points provided), taking the lead on donation drives, etc. The goal of this program is to be more communicative about the work we do and how our Catholic community can be involved financially, physically, and spiritually. Those interested should contact their pastor and get connected to CCSOMO via Suzanne Cronkhite at [email protected] or (417) 720-4213. 

OFFICE OF CHILD & YOUTH PROTECTION

A great big THANK YOU to all of our pastors, principals, local safe environment coordinators, employees, and volunteers who have helped us collect the 2024-2025 Code of Conduct and those who have already submitted their background applications. So far, we've had about half of our 5,000 registered employees and volunteers complete the transition to the new background screening company. These transitions for currently active employees and volunteers cost the diocese $1 (one dollar) versus the $20 to $30 per person the "new applications" will cost when the current background expires. If you do the math, you'll see it's quite a significant difference!!!

Those clergy, employees, and volunteers who have not yet completed the background application, please, please, please login to your VIRTUS account at https://www.virtusonline.org/virtus/, click on the background box and complete that application as soon as possible. The process for new employees and volunteers will be much smoother from here on; when they register in VIRTUS, they will automatically be prompted to complete the background application and be assigned the required safe environment training, which can be completed Online, as well. Everyone must complete the background screening, the safe environment training, and submit the Code of Conduct at that time and annually after that, to be compliant and work and volunteer with minors and vulnerable adults in our parishes and schools.

As always, for any questions, please contact Shelly Ferry, Associate Safe Environment Coordinator, or Bill Holtmeyer, Director of the Office of Child and Youth Protection, at (417) 866-0841.

OFFICE OF COMMUNICATIONS

WORLD MISSION SUNDAY 2024

World Mission Sunday, for support of Missions and missionaries of the world, will be celebrated on Sun., Oct. 20, 2024. This collection is a unique, global effort for the entire Church to help build up all aspects of the Church throughout the world. Through the work of these churches, and their witness to Christ, those in need receive practical help and experience God's love, mercy, hope and peace. All checks must be written to your parish and one check sent to Deacon Mark Kiblinger, Director of the Society for the Propagation of the Faith.

CATHOLIC IN RECOVERY RETREAT OPPORTUNITY

Catholic in Recovery (CIR) is a nonprofit organization committed to supporting individuals on their path to healing. This November, Subiaco Abbey in Subiaco, AR., will host a CIR retreat, which provides a safe and welcoming environment for families and individuals facing addiction, compulsions, or unhealthy attachments. Whether you're just beginning your journey, have years of sobriety, are returning to the Catholic Church, or have been a lifelong Catholic, Catholic in Recovery offers a supportive and faith-filled space for everyone. This retreat is a unique blend of faith and recovery principles. Talks and personal testimonies will provide inspiration and guidance. Meetings, prayer, reflection time, and therapy sessions will allow for deep personal exploration. The opportunity to receive the sacraments can offer comfort and strength. Fellowship with others creates a sense of belonging and support. Please consider posting the attached graphic about the retreat in your parish bulletin, Website, or social media pages. Please note that scholarships are available. Together, we can create a stronger support network for Catholic individuals seeking recovery.  



OFFICE OF DEVELOPMENT & PROPERTIES

#iGiveCatholic 2024—REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN!

Registration is now open for the 2024 #iGiveCatholic Giving Tuesday! Register at https://springfieldcg.igivecatholic.org/ The 2024 #iGiveCatholic Participation Information brochure is available here, and includes information about this fundraising opportunity. Additional information and instructions on how to register for #iGiveCatholic may be found on the Website here. Registration is open until Fri., Nov. 1, 2024. If you have any additional questions, please contact Taryn Vogan-Bohrer at [email protected] or call (417) 866-0841.

ISCS STEWARDSHIP eBULLETIN

For your convenience, the October 2024 edition of ICSC’s Catholic Stewardship eBulletin is provided in both English and Spanish. This month's issue features articles on stewardship, the rosary, and celebrating Hispanic heritage month. The stewardship saint for October is Saint John XXIII.

EUCHARISTIC REVIVAL—Year of Mission

EUCHARISTIC REFLECTION

During this Eucharistic Revival, Fr. David Coon offers the following quote for reflection on the Eucharist: “Our own belief is that the renovation of the world will be brought about only by the Holy Eucharist.” —Pope Leo XIII 

CONSECRATION TO JESUS THROUGH MARY, JOSEPH, AND THE HOLY EUCHARIST

Coinciding with the Year of Eucharistic Mission, The Year of Prayer has been introduced by Pope Francis. Bishop Edward Rice is inviting all parishioners in the diocese to better answer the missionary call by strengthening their relationship with Jesus through one or more of the unique and powerful prayer opportunities listed here.

For each Consecration, participants would purchase a book containing daily reflections and prayers to use in a time of preparation. The preparation may be completed individually or done in more of a retreat style where small groups meet once each week to share about their daily time of reflection and to pray together.

First Consecration Opportunity For the Women of the Diocese: 

Marian Consecration - Total Consecration to Jesus through Mary

Using the book, 33 Days to Morning Glory, by Fr. Michael Gaitley, women will begin reading the daily reflections and prayers at home on Nov. 6, 2024 and complete the Prayer of Consecration on the Feast of the Immaculate Conception, Dec. 8 or 9, 2024. The newly revised books are available for purchase at a discounted price through the Office of Evangelization and Family Life. For more information, please contact Lynn Melendez at [email protected]. A graphic to help promote this opportunity in your parish may be found here.

SAVE THE DATE - DIOCESAN EUCHARISTIC CONGRESS

All parishioners across the diocese will be invited to participate in our first ever Diocesan Eucharistic Congress to coincide with the 70th anniversary of the Diocese of Springfield-Cape Girardeau will be held at the West Plains Civic Center on Aug. 14-15, 2026. More information will be released over the next several months. But for now, although it is almost two years away, we ask that all parishes mark this important celebration on their planning calendars.

OFFICE OF EVANGELIZATION

& FAMILY LIFE 

OCTOBER IS RESPECT LIFE MONTH & PREGNANCY and INFANT LOSS AWARENESS MONTH

Losing a child at any age can be very hurtful and even traumatic for parents. During the month of October we stop to pray and offer support for families who have experienced the death of a baby or young child. Here are some practical ways a parish can support families during Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness this October:

• Host a Mass of Remembrance to honor and remember children lost during pregnancy, infancy, and childhood.
• Host a "Behold and Be Held Retreat" in your parish or promote joining the nationwide virtual retreat.
• Share Online resources with families which are offered through: Redbird Ministries.

ALL ARE INVITED TO 'THE SUMMIT,' Oct. 26

The Summit in Springfield was a great success! Comments from participants included: "Useful, insightful, and practical steps we can take into the world!" "I was relieved to learn that evangelization begins with forming a relationship with one person at a time." "Marcel shared powerful experiences as well as teaching." There is one more opportunity to participate in The Summit. Invite a friend and make plans to attend "The Summit," on Sat., Oct. 26, in Cape Girardeau. Please publicize The Summit in your bulletins with this flier. The deadline to register for the Cape Girardeau THE SUMMIT is Mon., Oct. 21. 

MARRIAGE PREPARATION SEMINAR FOR COUPLES WITH SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES

The Office of Family Life will offer a day-long marriage preparation seminar for couples with special circumstances (i.e. The couple is currently civilly-married; the bride and/or groom has been previously married). We encourage all priests and those individuals accompanying these couples, to affirm that we welcome them as they undertake the steps necessary for a sacramental marriage. Completing this seminar, completing the FOCCUS Inventory, and completing the approved Natural Family Planning class will satisfy the Diocesan Marriage Preparation Guidelines. The marriage preparation seminar will be offered at the following times and locations:

• Sat., Oct. 19, 2024, 9 a.m.-4 p.m., Lower Meeting Room in St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church, 1913 Ritter Dr., Cape Girardeau. Lunch will be provided.
• Sat., Nov. 2, 2024, 9 a.m.- 4 p.m., the Pallotti Center, located in The Catholic Center, 601 S. Jefferson Ave., Springfield. Lunch will be provided.

Pre-registration is required! To register a couple for the Marriage Preparation Seminar, the priest or deacon will complete the Marriage Preparation Enrollment form, attached here, and submit the form, along with a $25 program fee to the Diocese of Springfield-Cape Girardeau, at least two weeks prior to the scheduled seminar. For more information, please contact Sharon Ostendorf at [email protected] or call (417) 866-0841.

RECLAIMING THE ROMANCE

Has the busyness of life pulled you and your spouse in different directions? It is time to reconnect. The Diocesan Office of Family Life is collaborating with WorldWide Marriage Encounter to offer a half-day marriage enrichment experience for married couples. The cost is $25 per couple and includes a meal, time for dialogue with your beloved and Mass together. Please join us for one of the upcoming enrichment experiences:

• Sat., Nov. 9, 2024 (12-5 p.m.) at St. Joseph the Worker parish in Ozark or
• Sun., Nov. 10, 2024 (10:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m) at Sacred Heart Parish in Bolivar.

To register Online, go to: https://dioscg.formstack.com/forms/reclaiming_the_romance

An informational flier may be found here. The deadline to register is Mon., Nov.4, 2024.

OFFICE OF FAITH FORMATION

SAVE THE DATE—2025 RITES OF ELECTION

• Sun., March 9, 2025—St. Agnes Cathedral, Springfield
• Sun., March 16, 2025—St. Mary Cathedral, Cape Girardeau

HANDBOOK on the CATECHETICAL ACCOMPANIMENT PROCESS

The Handbook on the Catechetical Accompaniment Process (CAP) is a resource developed by the Institute on the Catechesis, a work of the Subcommittee on the Catechism, of the USCCB. It is to help cultivate a culture of evangelizing catechesis in the United States. It includes catechetical goals for both adults and children, all seven sacraments, and covers the four pillars of the Catechism: Creed, Sacraments, Morality, and Prayer. The catechetical goals are grouped according to interior life, behavior, and cognitive goals. A section is also devoted to Prayers and Saints for Evangelizing Catechesis. A link to view and download the handbook is available here.

OFFICE OF FINANCE

MERCY HOSPITAL'S CONTRACT NEGOTIATIONS WITH Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield

Many of you may have received an Email from Mercy about their contract negotiations with Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield. Our network with Christian Brother Services is with Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois. We have been assured by Christian Brothers, Mercy, and Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois that these contract negotiations do not affect our users or network. If you have questions, please contact Doug Kissinger at The Catholic Center: [email protected] or (417) 866-0841.

SPECIAL EVENTS COVERAGE APPLICATION-NEW POLICY

Special Events Coverage applications have a new policy. Starting immediately, please send all applications and $95 fee to The Catholic Center. The application and/or fees should no longer be sent to Catholic Mutual. All processing will be handled by the Office of Finance at The Catholic Center. For more information, please contact Tami Reed at (417) 866-0841 or [email protected]. The Application for Diocesan Special Event Coverage is available here.

CHRISTIAN BROTHERS EMPLOYEE RETIREMENT PLAN (CBERP) ANNUAL BENEFIT STATEMENTS

The Christian Brothers Employee Retirement Plan (CBERP) Annual Benefit Statements for the pension eligible employees of your location are now available Online. As we previously communicated, the annual statements are no longer printed and mailed. Active participants not on leave of absence and non-active participants (not yet in pay status) can access their statements via the participant Website found at www.cbservices.org. Once registered, participants can update their addresses, beneficiary information, run estimates, and view their statements Online. The purpose of the annual statement is to provide your participating employees with a valuable planning tool and to provide an update of the benefits they have earned as funded by you, their employer.

OFFICE OF RESPECT LIFE

EUCHARISTIC ROSARY CONGRESS

The Diocese of Springfield-Cape Girardeau Eucharistic Rosary Congress will be held Oct. 4, beginning at 12:00 p.m.-Noon, through Oct. 11, ending at 11:00 a.m.

A Eucharistic Rosary Congress is seven days of around-the-clock Eucharistic Adoration and Hourly Rosary in response to Our Lady of Fatima’s call to conversion, consecration, and prayer. The Eucharistic Rosary Congress promotes the mission of the current National Eucharistic Revival: to renew our worship of Our Lord Jesus Christ in the Eucharist, and to encounter His healing grace. The 2024 theme is “Do Whatever He Tells You.”

The Chapel within Saint Francis Medical Center, Cape Girardeau, and the Chapel within Holy Trinity Parish, Springfield, will host the Eucharistic Rosary Congress. Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament will take place in these Perpetual Adoration Chapels with the Rosary prayed aloud at the start of each hour, followed by silent prayer for the remainder of the hour.

In addition, the opening Mass for the Eucharistic Rosary Congress will be celebrated Oct. 4 at 11 a.m. in the Saint Francis Conference Room within Saint Francis Medical Center, Cape Girardeau. The closing Mass for the congress will be celebrated Oct. 11 at 11 a.m. in the Chapel within Saint Francis Medical Center.

Please consider participating in this special event as we simultaneously join dioceses throughout the United States in asking Our Lady’s intercession before Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament, and to offer reparation to God through Our Lady, for our families, our Church, and our country! If you would like to sign up for an hour of adoration and/or to lead the rosary at the top of the hour, please contact Donna Anderson at [email protected] or (573) 450-1451 for Saint Francis Medical Center Chapel or contact Marilyn Gibson at [email protected] or text (417) 224-4043 for the Holy Trinity Parish Chapel. For more information on the Eucharistic Rosary Congresses, please visit: www.rosarycongressusa.org. Those unable to participate in person at one of the Chapels may pray at home or in their parish before the Blessed Sacrament.

VOTE NO on Amendment 3: RESOURCES FOR PARISHES & GROUPS

In collaboration with the Missouri Catholic Conference (MCC) and the three other Missouri dioceses, we have provided the following materials for use in parishes and groups. A link to all resource materials may be found here (the content of which will updated as additional resources become available):

• NEW: VOTE NO on Amendment 3 video: "Let's Talk About Amendment 3," this video has been shared by MCC, it provides a clear explanation of Amendment 3. A link to the video may be found here.
• VOTE NO on Amendment 3 flier (can be used as a bulletin insert/cover)
• MCC Facts 1-7 (can be used on social media or in bulletins)
• MCC Get the Facts (this includes the ballot language)
• MCC Prayer card (Can be shared in bulletin and read at every Mass)
• MCC Where Does It Say That
• MCC Amendment 3 Yard Sign (please be aware that expenditures above $500 are to be reported; contact MCC for guidance on how to report)
• Prayers of the Faithful
• Homily Prompts (to be used for reflection, group-sharing, homilies, etc.)
• Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship (USCCB's teaching document on the political responsibility of Catholics). A link to the Webpage is available at: https://www.usccb.org/offices/justice-and-peace/forming-consciences-faithful-citizenship
• Pledge to model civility with the US Bishops' "Civilize It" campaign, using charity, clarity, and creativity in order to be a bridge-builder within your community: https://www.usccb.org/civilizeit.

FIRST SATURDAY MASSES & ROSARY FOR LIFE

With Amendment 3 on the November ballot, let us intensify our prayers to combat abortion and all injustices against life through the intercession of our Blessed Mother.

There are two First Saturdays left before the Nov. 5 general election: Oct. 5, and Nov. 2*. Please offer a Votive Mass of Our Lady, seeking her intercession for the cause of Pro-Life. *On Nov. 2, the Mass of All Souls must be offered. Please offer a petition for the Pro-Life cause through the intercession of Our Lady. 

Parishes that currently have First Saturday Mass:

Holy Trinity Parish, Aurora

St. William Parish, Buffalo

St. Vincent de Paul Parish, Cape Girardeau

Sacred Heart Parish, Dexter

St. Anthony Mission Church, Glennon

St. Mary Parish, Joplin

St. Peter the Apostle Parish, Joplin

St. John the Baptist Mission Church, Licking

Holy Trinity Parish, Marshfield

St. Canera Parish, Neosho

Guardian Angel Parish, Oran

St. Joseph the Worker Parish, Ozark

St. Mary Parish, Pierce City (Vigil Mass with Rosary following)

St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish, Springfield

St. Mary Parish, West Plains

2024-2025 VOICE for LIFE CONTEST

All children, grades Kindergarten-12th, are invited to participate in the 2024-2025 Voice for Life contest. Entry categories include coloring page, poster, essay, poem, or T-shirt design. This year's theme is: Our Lady of Guadalupe and St. Juan Diego. Entries are due Sun., Dec. 8, 2024. Additional information is available here.

OFFICE OF VOCATIONS

ENCOUNTER WITH GOD'S CALL—NOV. 15-17, 2024

The fall "Encounter With God's Call" weekend trip to Conception Seminary College, Conception, MO, Nov. 15-17, 2024, is an opportunity to discern the call to priesthood and learn about college seminary life. Young men in their junior year of high school through age 30 are invited to participate in prayer, the sacraments, campus tours, and fraternity. A flier for the event is available here. Please share this information in your parishes. To attend, please RSVP to Kim Kearbey at [email protected] or call (417) 866-0841.

VIRTUAL DISCERNMENT 101 WITH THE DAUGHTERS OF ST. PAUL

Are you a young woman seeking God’s will in your life? Join the Daughters of St. Paul for Discernment 101, an Online series of Saturday morning talks, prayer, and fellowship for women ages 16-33 to help you grow in your relationship with God and learn tips for discerning your vocation. Fall dates are Oct. 23, Nov. 26, and Dec. 21. Sessions are held via Zoom. For more details or to register, visit connect.pauline.org/discernment-101. Fliers for promotion may be found here.

OFFICE OF YOUTH MINISTRY

YOUTH EVENT PACKETS BEING DISTRIBUTED

During the October Clergy Institute, packets with posters, fliers, and other information about Camp Re-New-All, The Gathering, and the Diocesan Youth Conference (DYC), will be distributed to attending pastors. We kindly ask pastors to prominently post the promotional posters and distribute fliers to ministry leaders and families in your parish. Thank you for helping to share the many wonderful ministry opportunities available to families and parish leaders!

The next Diocesan Newsletter will be issued Thu., Oct. 17, 2024.

Items for inclusion should be submitted no later than 4 p.m., Tue., Oct. 15, 2024.