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DIOCESAN NEWSLETTER
November 28, 2024—Volume VII #213 + Thursday of the Thirty-Fourth Week in Ordinary Time
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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.
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THE OFFICE OF THE BISHOP
THANKSGIVING & ADVENT 2024
A blessed and safe Thanksgiving to you and your family! The Catholic Center will be closed Nov. 28-Nov. 29 and will re-open Mon., Dec. 2, 2024. Advent begins Sun., Dec. 1, 2024.
BISHOP RICE'S DECEMBER PRAYER INTENTION
May our hearts be open to receive Christ anew.
May we respond generously to the poor, destitute, and homeless.
OFFICE OF THE VICAR GENERAL & MODERATOR OF THE CURIA
HIRING: Diocesan ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR OF DEVELOPMENT
The Diocese of Springfield-Cape Girardeau seeks qualified applicants to fill a position working in collaboration with the Diocesan Director of Development and Properties. Applicant must be a practicing Roman Catholic. Qualified individuals will have a fundraising background and experience, including familiarity with marketing; excellent communication, organization, and multi-tasking skills; experience with database management; proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, the Internet, and be detail oriented. Must be able to work independently in a multi-person office space. This is a full-time, exempt position. Evening and weekend hours, as well as travel, driving across the diocese will be required. Compensation includes competitive salary, excellent health benefits and retirement plan based on diocesan guidelines.
To request an application packet, including a detailed job description, please contact Doug Kissinger at The Catholic Center, dkissinger@dioscg.org, (417) 866-0841, or go Online at www.dioscg.org. A graphic is available here to share in parish bulletins or social platforms.
MEMORIAL MASSES FOR PRIEST'S Mother & PRIEST'S Father
Please join Bishop Rice at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Poplar Bluff, on Wed., Dec. 4, 5:30 p.m., for a Memorial Mass for Doña Audelia, who died on Oct. 14, 2024. She is the mother of The Very Rev. Daniel Robles and for Wilson Dorival, who died on Oct. 22, 2024. He is the father of Fr. Samson Dorival, SMM. This liturgy will follow the Clergy Day of Recollection; dinner will be served afterward. So, that they can plan accordingly, please contact the parish and let them know if you plan to attend: (573) 785-9635
CELEBRATION OF BISHOP EMERITUS JOHN J. LEIBRECHT'S 40th EPISCOPAL ANNIVERSARY
Tue., Dec. 10, 2024—St. Agnes Cathedral, Springfield, Mass at 7 p.m.
Thu., Dec. 12, 2024—St. Mary Cathedral, Cape Girardeau, Mass at 7 p.m.
Here is a generic invitation to use to promote the liturgies for the faithful to attend the Masses of Thanksgiving (a reception will follow).
*A reminder to CLERGY to RSVP for the social and dinner (which are not public) no later than Mon., Dec. 2, 2024 by contacting the cathedral you will be attending, by either by phone or Email:
RELIGIOUS VENDOR SALES AT PARISHES
In 2018, the Presbyteral Council approved that groups that submit requests and credentials to the Bishop's office to sell religious goods benefiting Christians in the Holy Land and other worthwhile causes for the poor and needy may host a sale in local parishes, at the discretion of the pastor. A list of approved vendors who have permission to contact parishes through 2025 may be found here. Questions, problems, or concerns should be addressed with the Presbyteral Council or by contacting The Very Rev. Shoby Chettiyath, JCL. V.G., at [email protected]. Let us continue to pray for peace in the Holy Land!
OFFICE OF THE CHANCELLOR
2024 Status Animarum —Forms due Dec. 04, 2024
A reminder that the Annual Status Animarum is due Wed., Dec. 4, 2024. If you have not turned in this information, please make it a priority to meet this deadline. Additional details may be found here.
SUPERINTENDENT OF CATHOLIC SCHOOLS
MOScholars SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM-Reserve Tax Credit by Dec. 31, 2024!
Did you know you can direct up to half of your annual state income taxes to be used for scholarships for children to attend Catholic schools – all at no cost to you? When you write a check to the Bright Futures Fund of the MOScholars Scholarship Program for the amount of your reserved tax credits, you help fund scholarships for children to attend Catholic schools in the Diocese of Springfield-Cape Girardeau, many of whom may not have been otherwise able to attend. You are diverting your tax dollars you already owe to the state to help students have BRIGHT FUTURES! Follow these easy steps:
1. Go to The Bright Futures Fund Website at https://www.brightfuturesfund.org and click "Reserve Your Tax Credits Here."
2. Estimate Your Tax Liability based on what you paid last year. Fill out all fields for the MOScholars Tax Credit Reservation System.
3. Choose Bright Futures Fund from the EAO (Educational Assistance Organization) drop down menu.
4. Reserve Your Tax Credit Amount by December 31, 2024. You will receive an Email from the Missouri State Treasurer's office. Print and save your confirmation number. You will receive a 100% tax credit for 50% of your tax obligation.
5. Write a check to The Bright Futures Fund for the amount of tax credits reserved. Mail your check by Dec. 31 to: Bright Futures Fund, PO Box 419037 Kansas City, MO 64141. After verification from the state, you will receive an Email receipt. Include the receipt and a MO-TC form with your state income tax filing. (For the current MO-TC form, visit the Bright Futures Fund Website or search MO-TC at https://dor.mo.gov/forms/. A graphic is available here to share in parish bulletins or social platforms.
OFFICE OF CHILD & YOUTH PROTECTION
Children's Lessons-VIRTUS
As a reminder, the Children's Lessons in VIRTUS should be taught in the Fall and again in the Spring for the school year 2024-2025: we are on Lesson 3. 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. Thank you.
CLERGY & RELIGIOUS
The following priests, deacons, and seminarian will celebrate birthdays during the month of December: Fr. David Coon, The Very Rev. Lewis Hejna, The Very Rev. Bill Hodgson, Fr. Emmanuel Konyeaso, Fr. Jose Kumblumkal, CMI, Fr. Johny Manickathan, VC, Fr. Matthew Rehrauer, Fr. Suganthan Selvin, HGN, Fr. Brian Straus, The Very Rev. Scott Sunnenberg, The Very Rev. Joseph Weidenbenner, Fr. David Miller, Deacon Alan Bandy, Deacon Bill Keller, Deacon Mark Kiblinger, and diocesan seminarian Damian Criddle.
The following priests and deacon will celebrate an ordination anniversary in December: Fr. John (J) F. Friedel, Fr. Vincent Joseph, VC, Fr. Jose Kumblumkal, CMI, Fr. Mathukutty Naduchirayil, VC, Fr. Seban Thanippallil, VC, Fr. Antony Thekkanath, VC, Fr. Andrew Williams, Fr. James Unterreiner, and Deacon James Soptick.
The following Religious will celebrate birthdays during the month of December: Sr. Roasaline Nguyen, CMR, Sr. Ludovica Pallippadan, FSSE, and Sr. Gladys Alexandra Toapanta Ramiriz, SMCR.
The following Religious will celebrate an anniversary in December: Sr. Ann Chepkurui Francis, LSOSF, and Sr. Miriam Esther Podlinsek, OSB.
OFFICE OF COMMUNICATIONS
2025 PUBLICATION & SUBMISSIONS DEADLINES FOR THE MIRROR
In planning for upcoming parish events, news, and milestones, please find attached the 2025 publication schedule and submission deadlines for The Mirror. We look forward to sharing your stories/events in the upcoming year! Thank you for your support of the diocesan newspaper.
OFFICE OF DEVELOPMENT & PROPERTIES
#iGiveCatholic 2024
The 2024 #iGiveCatholic Giving Day is Tue., Dec. 3, 2024. Advanced giving runs through Dec. 2, 2024. Please be sure to check out the 14 parishes, schools, organizations, and ministries that are participating this year. Both Online and Offline donations are accepted. For more information, please go to https://springfieldcg.igivecatholic.org/ .
ICSC CATHOLIC STEWARDSHIP e-BULLETIN
Included is the December edition of the ICSC Catholic Stewardship e-Bulletin. For your convenience, links are provided to the English and Spanish. December's edition features articles on stewardship in the seasons of Advent and Christmas and the stewardship saint for the month is St. Francis Xavier.
EUCHARISTIC REVIVAL—Year of Mission
EUCHARISTIC REFLECTION
During this Eucharistic Revival, Fr. David Coon offers the following quote for reflection on the Eucharist:
“Godhead here in hiding, Whom I do adore,
Masked by these bare shadows, shape and nothing more,
See, Lord, at Thy service low lies here a heart
Lost, all lost in wonder at the God Thou art.” —St. Thomas Aquinas
NIGHT OF MERCY
During Advent, Catholic communities customarily offer expanded opportunities for the Sacrament of Penance. During the National Eucharistic Revival, communities are encouraged to incorporate Eucharistic adoration as well, inspired by the tradition of “Nights of Mercy.” Read more here.
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OFFICE OF EVANGELIZATION
& FAMILY LIFE
LISTENING TO THE LORD CONFERENCE
(Sponsored by REVIVE: Strengthening and Healing of Souls Ministry) Fri., Dec. 6, 4-8:30 p.m. and Sat., Dec. 7, 9 a.m.-8 p.m., St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish, Springfield. Join Fr. Patrick Gonyeau of Encounter Ministries to experience a spiritual journey that will leave you feeling renewed and strengthened during this Advent season. The day will include Holy Mass, inspirational talks, Adoration, lunch, and dinner meals provided. A $25 donation is kindly requested to help with conference costs. To register, go to: https://dioscg.formstack.com/forms/healing_conf. A flier is available here with more information.
DIOCESAN WEDDING ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATIONS
All married couples celebrating their 1st, 5th, 10th, 15th, 20th, 25th, 30th, 35th, 40th, 45th, 50th, or 50+ anniversary anytime during 2025 are invited to this special day honoring your marital vocation! Join Bishop Edward M. Rice for celebration of Holy Mass followed by a reception with hors d'oeuvres, cake, and punch.
- Feb. 9, 2025, 1:30 p.m., St. Agnes Cathedral, in Springfield
- Feb. 16, 2025, 1:30 p.m., St. Mary Cathedral, in Cape Girardeau
Please download this flier and share the invitation.
OFFICE OF FAITH FORMATION
2025 RITES OF ELECTION—INFORMATION NEEDED FOR PREPARATION
- Sun., March 9, 2025—St. Agnes Cathedral, Springfield
- Sun., March 16, 2025—St. Mary Cathedral, Cape Girardeau
To prepare for this beautiful rite, we are needing the estimated number of participants, please provide this information by submitting your information here, no later than Fri., Jan. 10, 2025. We will also need participant name(s) and contact information, please submit the information here, no later than Fri., Feb. 7, 2025.
Best Practices For Making Disciples: OCIA Workshop—Save the Date!
Team Initiation will be coming to our diocese, Sat., May 3, 2025, for a full day of workshops, spiritual renewal, and concrete strategies on how to cultivate a catechumenal culture. The workshop will be held at The Landing, Van Buren, MO, 9 a.m.- 4 p.m. More details will be coming soon!
DIOCESAN SAFE ENVIRONMENT POLICY REMINDER
A gentle reminder: All volunteers serving in PSR are to be in compliance with diocesan Safe Environment Policy and Procedures. It is recommended that you request the list of volunteers from your parish Safe Environment Coordinator and/or from Shelly Ferry, diocesan Associate Safe Environment Coordinator, at [email protected] to see if your current volunteer has completed their training. Your help is much needed. Thank you for all you do to help keep our parishes safe for all people.
STUDIO 3:16—Free Lessons Available
This lectionary-based Scripture study is designed to be a Hollywood-level, educational comedy based on the Gospel passages of Sunday's readings, using storytelling, music, and humor. It is a supplementary resource for grades 2-8 and free-of-charge, for the rest of the 2024-2025 school year. If you are interested in trying it out, please contact Sr. Janine Tran at [email protected] for access. A link to their Webpage is available here.
OFFICE OF FINANCE
2025 EMPLOYEE ELECTION FORM
A reminder that the Employee Election Form for calendar year 2025, attached here, needs to be completed by ALL lay employees eligible for benefits, indicating their preference to participate or not participate in the Section 125 Cafeteria Plan for calendar year 2025. The Employee Election form shelters any health insurance premiums paid by the employee from taxes. Anyone choosing not to participate at the beginning of the calendar year will not be eligible to participate again until January 1, 2026 unless they experience a life changing event that qualifies them to change (marriage, divorce, birth of a child, death of a spouse). Please have all eligible lay employees (whether or not they currently have health coverage) complete the Election Form and please make sure they date these before Dec. 31, 2024. Retain the signed form in the parish or school files and give a copy to the employee if they request one. DO NOT send any Employee Election forms to The Catholic Center. If you have any questions, please feel free to call Tami Reed at (417) 866-0841.
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OFFICE OF RESPECT LIFE
STATEWIDE PRAYER VIGIL— DEC. 05, 2024
Pro-life groups will pray in front of Planned Parenthood facilities in Rolla, Columbia, Kansas City, and Springfield on Thu., Dec. 5, 10 a.m. With the passage of Amendment 3, surgical abortion facilities can legally open on Dec. 5, 2024. Missouri's Planned Parenthood lawsuit to strike down Missouri's current abortion restrictions will be heard on Dec. 4, at 1:30 p.m., the location of the court case is not currently known. Everyone is invited to come and pray on Dec. 5, 10-11 a.m., at 626 E. Battlefield Rd, Springfield. Parking is limited, please plan to carpool and expect a 5-7 minute walk. Note: St. Louis will have its vigil on Sat., Dec. 7, 9:30 a.m.
USCCB NOVENA FOR LIFE: January 16-24, 2025
9 Days for Life is an annual novena in January for the protection of human life and surrounds the Day of Prayer for the Legal Protection of Unborn Children. Each day's intention is accompanied by a short reflection and suggested actions to help build a culture of life. Sign up to receive daily prayers via Email or text message! Resources are available for promoting and sharing the novena in your parish, school, or ministry at: 9 Days for Life: Leader Resources | Respect Life. Pray to protect human life!
EXECUTION SCHEDULED FOR DEC. 3, 2024
Less than two weeks remain before the scheduled execution of Christopher Collings at 6 p.m, on Dec. 3, 2024. Collings was convicted in 2012 of the 2007 rape and murder of nine-year-old Rowan Ford in Stella, MO. The Catholic Church is strongly opposed to the death penalty because it disregards the sanctity and dignity of human life. It would be an injustice if the state carries out a man’s execution in lieu of confining him to life imprisonment. If you would like to contact Governor Parson regarding Mr. Collings’ execution, you can reach his office via phone at (573) 751-3222 or email him here.
SOLEMN EXPOSITION OF THE BLESSED SACRAMENT FOR DECEMBER
The December schedule for the observance of the Solemn Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament in the diocesan parishes, missions, and institutions may be found below. If a parish, mission, or institution needs to make a change in its scheduled dates, please inform The Very Rev. Shoby Chettiyath, JCL, V.G., at The Catholic Center, (417) 866-0841 or [email protected].
Deanery I
St. Ann Parish, Carthage—Thursdays
St. Mary Parish, Joplin—Thursdays
St. Peter the Apostle Parish, Joplin—Wednesdays
St. Canera Parish, Neosho—Thursdays
Sacred Heart Parish, Webb City—Wednesdays
Deanery II
Holy Trinity Parish, Aurora—First Friday, Tuesdays & Thursdays
St. Joseph Parish, Billings—Wednesday evenings
St. Susanne Parish, Mount Vernon—Friday evenings
SS. Peter & Paul Parish, Pulaskifield—First Friday & Wednesdays
Deanery III
Sacred Heart Parish, Bolivar—First Friday, 2nd & 3rd Wednesday evenings
St. William Parish, Buffalo—First Sunday, 1st, 3rd & 4th Tuesdays
Sacred Heart Parish, Conway—First Sunday, 1st & 2nd Saturdays & Wednesdays
St. Francis de Sales Parish, Lebanon —First Friday & 2nd Wednesday
Holy Trinity Parish, Marshfield—First Friday, First Sunday, Tuesdays, Wednesdays & Thursdays
Deanery IV
Our Lady of the Lake Parish, Branson—Tuesdays, Wednesdays & Thursdays
Our Lady of the Ozarks Parish, Forsyth—Wednesdays
Our Lady of the Cove Parish, Kimberling City—Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays & Fridays
St. Francis of Assisi Parish, Nixa—Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays & Fridays
St. Joseph the Worker Parish, Ozark—Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays & Thursdays
Holy Trinity Parish, Springfield—Perpetual Adoration
Immaculate Conception Parish, Springfield—First Friday & Thursdays
Sacred Heart Parish, Springfield—Fridays
St. Agnes Cathedral, Springfield—Mondays
St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish, Springfield—Mondays
St. Joseph Parish, Springfield—Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays & Fridays
Deanery V
Christ the King Mission Church, Bunker—First Friday
St. Mark Parish, Houston—Fourth Friday
St. John the Baptist Mission Church, Licking—Second Friday
Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish, Mansfield—Sun., Dec. 1, 2024
St. John Vianney Parish, Mountain View—Wednesdays
Sacred Heart Parish, Salem—First Friday
St. Mary Parish, West Plains—Thursdays
Sacred Heart Parish, Willow Springs—First Friday
Deanery VI
St. Joseph Parish, Advance—First Friday
St. Denis Parish, Benton—Tuesdays & Fridays
St. Mary Cathedral, Cape Girardeau—First Sunday
St. Vincent de Paul Parish, Cape Girardeau—First Friday
Saint Francis Medical Center Chapel, Cape Girardeau—Perpetual Adoration
St. Ambrose Parish, Chaffee—Mondays & Fridays
St. Michael the Archangel Parish, Fredericktown—Thursdays
St. Anthony Parish, Glennon—Saturday evenings
Immaculate Conception Parish, Jackson—First Friday, 2nd Monday, 3rd Sunday, 4th Tuesday & Saturday.
St. Augustine Parish, Kelso—Thursdays
St. John Parish, Leopold—Daily, before Mass, Mondays & Tuesdays
St. Lawrence Parish, New Hamburg—Friday mornings
St. Joseph Parish, Scott City—Wednesdays
Deanery VII
Sacred Heart Parish, Dexter—Wednesdays
St. Benedict Parish, Doniphan—First Friday & Third Thursday
Sacred Heart Parish, Caruthersville—Thursday evenings
St. Henry Parish, Charleston—First Friday
St. Teresa Parish, Glennonville—First Friday & First Wednesday
St. Cecilia Parish, Kennett—Wednesdays
St. Ann Parish, Malden—Last Thursday of the month
Immaculate Conception Parish, New Madrid—First Sunday
Sacred Heart Parish, Poplar Bluff—Tuesdays & Wednesdays
St. Eustachius Parish, Portageville—Sundays & Thursdays
St. Francis Xavier Parish, Sikeston—First Friday
OFFICE OF YOUTH MINISTRY
NCYC DISCOUNT TICKET DEADLINE FAST APPROACHING
Is your parish planning to attend the National Catholic Youth Conference (NCYC) in Indianapolis in November 2025? To get the best ticket pricing, we need to purchase tickets for that conference in December of 2024. Please be sure to inform the diocesan Office of Youth Ministry that your parish is planning to attend NCYC and submit the number of participants (youth and adult chaperones) you will be bringing through this link: https://forms.gle/2wAyroiyvPy9SF8M7 BY FRI., DEC. 20, 2024. Additionally, parishes will need to submit a $300 per-person deposit. Checks must be postmarked and sent by mail or dropped off at The Catholic Center by Dec. 20, 2024. For more information call Linda at (417) 866-0841.
CAMP RE-NEW-ALL 2025: REGISTRATION OPENS DEC. 11
We are excitedly preparing for a new year of Camp Re-NEW-All in Fredericktown and Conway! Registration for the summer of 2025 will begin on Wed., Dec. 11. Please hang up posters and hand out brochures during the month of November so that families may register early. For more information, go to: https://dioscg.org/youth-ministry/.
The next Diocesan Newsletter will be issued Thu., Dec. 12, 2024.
Items for inclusion must be submitted no later than 4 p.m., Tue., Dec. 10, 2024.
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