Ray of Hope, Nativity scenes Page 3 Beauty From Ashes “Love from Above” Page 5 A devastating fire at Ray of Hope Thanksgiving table Page 6 Pregnancy Ministries’ Shelbina Life in the Spirit Page 7 Center has awakened a renewed commitment from supporters RIP, Fr Phil Luebbert Page 8 throughout the community. Veterans Day Page 10 Page 4 December 13, 2019 • Vol. 63 No. 12 Newspaper of the Diocese of Jefferson City Teens’ faith catches fire at Catholic Youth conference By Jay Nies Random hugs and torn trousers. Praise & Worship bands and a Latin schola. Adorers, confessors, penitents, dis- cerners, seekers and a few who were initially just along for the ride. These all helped make the 2019 National Catholic Youth Conference (NCYC) in Indianapolis an unforget- table experience for the approximately 22,000 teens, adult chaperones and clergy who attended. “We’re talking about God and grow- ing in faith and creating a stronger bond between us and Him,” said Paul Wilson, 17, of Holy Spirit parish in Centralia. “It’s like having a whole family of 22,000 people you’ve never met before, who are willing to listen to your story and share their faith with you and encourage you and love you,” said Hannah Eng- land, 17, of Sacred Heart parish in Eldon. They were two of the 480 people from 25 parishes in the Jefferson City diocese who rode 10 buses to Indy for the Nov. 21-23 event. Bishop W. Shawn McKnight took part in the second and third days’ activ- Young people from Our Lady of the Lake parish in Lake Ozark display some unusual headware at the National ities, offered Mass for the people of this Catholic Youth Conference in Indianapolis. NCYC, held every other year, consists of three days of inspiration, diocese and joined them for dinner. prayer, fellowship and fun. — Photo by Kris Hartman “I return to my post, filled with awe, gratitude and a renewed sense of hope,” St. Raymond’s Society continues thriving, he said. “I can see that God is hard at work forming a new generation of en- thused and faithful Catholics to help evolving after its first 10 years carry His message of salvation to the By Jay Nies These two men, along with the St. Raymond’s Society ends of the earth.” People witnessing the birth of the St. Raymond’s Society (SRS) board of directors, staff and a growing network of NCYC, held every other year, con- 10 years ago would have been astonished to see what it has volunteers, have leveraged prayer, inspiration and limited re- sists of three days of inspiration, prayer, become today. sources into a refined apparatus for saving lives and restoring fellowship and fun. It has evolved from an ad hoc coalition assisting pregnant futures. This year’s theme was “Blessed, Bro- women in crisis into three thriving communities led by profes- Named for the patron saint of pregnant mothers and pre- ken and Given” — from the story of sionals who help these mothers reach their highest potential. born babies, this faith-based nonprofit organization focuses “Our goal isn’t for them to just be able to ‘make it.’ We on giving at-risk pregnant mothers what they need — things See NCYC, page 14 want them to be happy and fulfilled,” said Mike Hentges, such as life-skills training, help with a job search or even a cofounder of the Columbia-, Jefferson City- and Rolla-based place for them and their children to live. organization. The organization helps mothers and an increasing number Find us online at “We give them an opportunity to find and pursue their of fathers learn to take care of themselves so they can take WWW.CATHMO.COM life’s purpose, to dream of something greater, rather than get- care of their babies and young children. ting stuck in the ‘day to day,’ where bad decisions get made,” and said Steve Smith, another cofounder. See ST RAYMOND’S SOCIETY, page 17 @DIOJEFFCITY 2 The Catholic Missourian December 13, 2019 MOVING? If you are moving or changing parishes, please fill out Chancery Closings information below. Clip and mail to THE CATHOLIC MISSOURIAN, Seeking Christ P.O. Box 104900, Jefferson City, MO 65110-4900. Or email changes to The chancery offices in the Alphonse J. [email protected]. Allow two weeks. for Our Nation Schwartze Memorial Catholic Center will The next “Seeking Christ for our be closed after noon on Friday, Dec. 20, for NEW ADDRESS Nation” Masses will be celebrated a staff gathering. The offices will be closed on Tuesday, December 17, at 6 NAME __________________________________________________ from noon on Tuesday, Dec. 24, through p.m. in Our Lady of the Snows Thursday, Dec. 26, for Christmas; and from ADDRESS _______________________________________________ Church in Mary’s Home; and on noon on Tuesday, Dec. 31, through Wednes- Tuesday, January 7, at 6:30 p.m. day, Jan. 1, for New Years and the Solem- CITY, STATE, ZIP ________________________________________ in St. George Church in Linn. nity of Mary, Mother of God. NEW PARISH____________________________________________ OLD PARISH ____________________________________________ 2020 Print publication schedule 12/13/19 One more print edition of 30; Nov. 13 and 27; and Dec. issue date. The Catholic Missourian will be 11 and 18. Contact Kelly Martin at Retiring Birthright published this year. The advertising deadline is (573) 635-9127 or advertize@ It will be dated Friday, Dec. 10 business days prior to the diojeffcity.org for information. 20. of Mid-Mo volunteers Here is a list of print issue dates for 2020: Jan. 10 and Sung traditional Mass lauded for service 24; Feb. 7 and 21; March 6 Dorothy Veit and Eileen years, she has served as client and 20; April 3 and 17; May in Latin, in Mexico Plassmeyer, longtime members intake and advocate, becoming 1, 15 and 29; June 12 and 26; of the Birthright of Mid-Mis- a board member in 1995 and July 10 and 24; Aug. 7 and 21; DATE: December 21 Father Dylan Schrader will souri Board of Directors, were serving as board secretary and Sept. 4 and 18; Oct. 2, 16 and TIME: 11:15 am offer a Solumn High Mass in honored for their more than communications chair. the Extraordinary Form, sung 30 years of service to Birthright “Eileen and Dorothy’s com- with full ceremonies, at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Dec. 21, in St. Bren- with a luncheon. mitment to Birthright has Pilgrimage to the Shrines dan Church, 615 S. Washington St. in Mexico. Mrs. Veit, a member of provided sustainability and of French Canada Immaculate Conception par- support in continuing the goal with Fr. Matthew Flatley ish in Jefferson City, began of Birthright International,” Sedalia Sacred Heart her tenure with Birthright in said Jean Wankum, Birthright JULY 611, 2020 1988, assisting in coordinating of Mid-Missouri executive ENJOY 6 DAYS School seeking 2020 services and taking incoming director. “With their dedica- TOURING CANADA! calls for clients seeking help. tion, compassion and drive to Hall of Fame nominees She took on the role of board help our local affiliate, they • Montreal member in 2002. have made a huge difference • Basilica of Notre Dame Sacred Heart School in Candidates also can include Eileen Plassmeyer, a mem- for those most in need in this Sedalia is accepting nomina- groups (such as teams) and non- • Oratory of St. Joseph tions through Jan. 4 for out- alumni (SHS faculty, staff, par- ber of St. Joseph parish in community.” • Quebec City Westphalia, began her service Birthright of Mid-Missouri standing groups and individu- ents, and volunteers) who have in 1989, coordinating and pro- JULY 611, 2020 • Mass at the tomb als to be inducted into the in some way made a positive, viding client services. Over the See BIRTHRIGHT, page 5 of Blessed Kateri Tekawitha Sacred Heart School Hall of meaningful and lasting contri- • Our Lady of Victories Church Fame in 2020. bution to Sacred Heart School. • Le Festin du Gouverneur The Sacred Heart School Anyone is eligible to submit Teaching Positions Hall of Fame’s mission is to nominations to the SHS Hall St. Clement School near Bowling Green, Mo. is seeking ap- ...and so much more! recognize and honor the ex- of Fame. Nomination forms plications for the following positions: For more information contact: traordinary accomplishments must be completed and re- • A long-term substitute teacher beginning in March, 2020. Travel Tyme Pilgrimages of the members of the Sacred turned by Jan. 4. Nomination (636)391-1000 Heart School family and cel- forms are available at Sacred • A 7th and 8th grade teacher for the 2020-21 school year. [email protected] ebrate those who can be looked Heart School, Sacred Heart Applicants may drop off resumes at the school or parish of- TRAVELTYMEPILGRIMAGES.COM upon as legitimate role models Chapel, or online under the fice. For questions, please call the school at 573-324-2166. by current and future Gremlins. Alumni page at www.gogrem The Catholic Missourian Candidates for strong con- lins.com. For more informa- Official newspaper — Diocese of Jefferson City Principal — Lee’s Summit Mailing address: P.O. Box 104900 Jefferson City, sideration include alumni who tion about the Sacred Heart MO 65110-4900. Phone: (573) 635-9127 have made a positive impact School Hall of Fame, or about Our Lady of the Presentation, a dynamic and growing par- “A diocesan paper serves as a bond of unity by on the world in which they live the nomination process, visit ish located in Lee’s Summit, Mo., seeks a faith-filled principal publishing diocesan happenings and promulgating official regulations and decrees.