“In her sandals” CRS Collection Page 12 About 300 women from through- Women in need Page 14 out the diocese learn about growing Sacred Heart principal Page 16 in their relationship with Christ, embracing their gifts and using Center at the border Page 18 them to help bring healing to the Spiritual Communion Page 22 world. Page 13 Cleaning the dust Page 28 March 20, 2020 • Vol. 63 No. 19 Newspaper of the Diocese of Jefferson City A shared milestone for those seeking to be Catholic Many from near and far gathered for Rite of Election and Call to Continuing Conversion See related articles on Pages 10-11 By Jay Nies “It’s overwhelming sometimes — God’s love and compassion for us and how He fights for us to come back to Him.” Amanda Cheely stood in the under- croft of the Cathedral of St. Joseph in Jefferson City, trying to process every- thing she was experiencing. “God told me I had to be here to- day,” she said. “I couldn’t tell you why, I just know I have to be here.” Her grandfather, who died two years ago, was a Catholic immigrant from Ireland. He and his family settled in a community that had no Catholic church, so they became members of a local Protestant congregation. “So I’ve always had Catholic roots, and now it’s time to go home,” said Ms. Cheely. She is one of 117 catechumens, 94 candidates and 27 uncatechized Cath- Bishop W. Shawn McKnight places his signature on the Book of the Elect, containing the names of all the people olics who joined Bishop W. Shawn in the diocese who are seeking baptism at Easter through the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults. Known as McKnight at the Rite of Election and catechumens, they and their godparents were gathered in the sanctuary of the Cathedral of St. Joseph the af- Call to Continuing Conversion on ternoon of the First Sunday of Lent. — Photo by Jay Nies March 1, the First Sunday of Lent, as part of their preparation for Easter sac- Bishop McKnight: Responding, in mercy raments of initiation. At the Easter Vigil in their home parishes, the catechumens hope to be and charity, to the COVID-19 pandemic baptized, and they and the candidates “Our mission as Church continues, even as we alter Dear sisters and brothers in Christ, hope to be confirmed and receive their our normal activities for the sake of the common good.” As the impact of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic First Holy Communion. grows, I ask the people of the Diocese of Jefferson City to “I just feel so joyful,” said Ms. Public Masses in diocese suspended until further notice; join me in praying for those who are ill, their loved ones, the Cheely, a candidate from Holy Rosary other gatherings on hold; students at home at least until April 6 healthcare professionals and all who are working tirelessly to parish in Monroe City. “This has been mitigate the terrible suffering caused by the coronavirus. the most awesome experience, to come Parishes urged to organize response teams to help people Our mission as Church continues, even as we alter our in here and feel His presence and to see whose health, work and livelihoods are affected normal activities for the sake of the common good. See INITIATION, page 19 Nonetheless, in keeping with the federal directives and See related articles on Pages 2-4 and 22 other public entities in our area, all public Masses will be sus- pended in the Diocese of Jefferson City until at least April 3. Find us online at Bishop W. Shawn McKnight of Jefferson City addressed We offer this decision as part of our effort to help stem the WWW.CATHMO.COM the following message to the people of the diocese, regarding spread of the coronavirus. the response of the Church in this diocese to the current and and potential effects of the coronavirus (COVID-19): See CORONAVIRUS RESPONSE, page 16 @DIOJEFFCITY 2 The Catholic Missourian March 20, 2020 MOVING? If you are moving or changing parishes, please fill out Stay up to date on the latest developments. information below. Clip and mail to THE CATHOLIC MISSOURIAN, 2207 W. Main St., Jefferson City, MO 65109-0914. Or email changes to Access an array of helpful resources. [email protected]. Allow two weeks. Follow “Diocese of Jefferson City” on Facebook and Twitter. NEW ADDRESS Visit diojeffcity.org and cathmo.com. NAME __________________________________________________ ADDRESS _______________________________________________ Public Masses, gatherings in diocese CITY, STATE, ZIP ________________________________________ suspended at least until April 3 NEW PARISH____________________________________________ Churches to remain open March 18: may reduce office hours. Re- OLD PARISH ____________________________________________ for private prayer, devotion •All public gatherings, gardless, all diocesan and par- including public weddings, ish employees will continue to 03/20/20 Masses to be livestreamed; priests to remain available are cancelled or postponed. receive compensation. Confirmation Masses will be Bishop McKnight urged all Bishop calls for increased rescheduled to be celebrated people to remain mindful of Pray for deceased priests service to God and one another after Easter Sunday. their responsibility to serve the Mar. 27 — Fr. Patrick L. Pierceall, St. Joseph, Palmyra •During this time, church- community in terms of time, Bishop W. Shawn Mc- (2016) es will remain open as places talent and treasure in this ex- Knight announced March 17 Mar. 31 — Fr. Joseph G. Lawlor, Missionary Service, Peru of prayer and comfort. Priests traordinary hour of need. that all public Masses will be (2011) will be available in the par- “You may register your vol- suspended in the Diocese of ishes to offer Anointing of the unteer capacity on our web- Jefferson City, beginning on Sick and other sacraments. site,” he stated. “Parishes are PRINCIPAL POSITION Wednesday, March 18 and Anyone going to the hospital organizing Disaster Responder until at least April 3. is encouraged to seek the Sac- Teams to serve those immedi- Immaculate Conception School in Montgomery City, Mo. This means all Catholics are rament of Anointing of the ately impacted by the corona- is seeking applications for the 2020-2021 school year for a Principal. For information, contact Fr. Austin Okoli at 573- dispensed from the obligation Sick before so, if possible. virus pandemic. Please contin- 564-2375 or [email protected]. to attend Sunday Mass in per- •Diocesan schools, which ue your tithes to your parishes son. are suspending in-school in- by postal mail or online, if the Online opportunities are struction from March 18 to parish offers that option.” Principal Opening — Tipton, Mo. listed on the diocesan web- April 3, are providing ongo- The bishop stated his pro- site, diojeffcity.org, and some ing instruction either online found gratitude to all who are St. Andrew School, located in Tipton, Mo., is seeking a Princi- parishes will be able to pro- pal for the 2020-2021 school year. Current K-8 enrollment is or packet-based, on a case-by- working tirelessly to mitigate 87 students. The position will also include part-time teaching vide online Masses. Catholics case basis. the effects of the pandemic. responsibilities. Applicants must be willing to work closely are encouraged to check with •While diocesan offices “I pray the efforts we are with the pastor. The qualified candidate must be a practicing their local parish regarding and parish offices will remain doing, as a people of faith, Catholic in good standing with the Church, have at least 3 online Masses. open, some employees may will provide tangible support, years teaching experience, and a Master’s Degree in Educa- “This is in keeping with the work remotely or need to take encouragement and spiritual tion with a Principal’s Certificate or working toward it. Appli- federal directives and other leave to care for themselves or hope to our communities,” he cants should file an application with the Diocese of Jefferson public entities in our area. their families. Some parishes stated. City at www.diojeffcity.org and send a letter of interest to We offer this decision as part Fr. Alex Gabriel at [email protected]. of our effort to help stem the spread of the coronavirus,” SSM Health offering PRINCIPAL POSITION - WESTPHALIA Bishop McKnight stated. “I know you join me in concern free ‘virtual visits’ St. Joseph parish in Westphalia, Mo., is looking for a faith- for all who are being affected filled teaching Principal with proven leadership skills for the 2020-2021 school year. St. Joseph School is an accredited by the rapid spread of the for COVID-19 elementary school, K-8th grade, with 188 students. Qualified coronavirus.” candidates must be a practicing Catholic with an Administrative In addition, parishes have SSM Health — the Catholic health system of which the St. certification, or the ability to become certified. Candidates been instructed to make the Mary’s Hospitals in Jefferson City and Mexico are a part — is of- must have a minimum of 5 years teaching experience; following changes, beginning fering a free Virtual Visit for individuals who are concerned they Catholic school experience preferred. may be experiencing symptoms of, or been exposed to, Coronavi- St. Joseph School has a vibrant tradition with strong parent The Catholic Missourian involvement. It is located in historic Westphalia, which is Official newspaper — Diocese of Jefferson City rus (COVID-19). approximately 20 minutes southeast of Jefferson City. Mailing address: P.O. Box 104900 Jefferson City, Anyone who lives in Illinois, Missouri, Oklahoma or Wis- Applicants should file an application with the Diocese MO 65110-4900. Phone: (573) 635-9127 consin is eligible for the free evaluation, which can be accessed at of Jefferson City at www.diojeffcity.org and send a “A diocesan paper serves as a bond of unity by ssmhealth.com/covid19.