Safe environments . Page 3 An answer to Carmelite prayers Fr . Hoi retirement . .Page 6 The Muenks family of Prepared to save a life . .Page 7 Frankenstein are giving thanks to New school leaders . Page 10 God and to their Carmelite prayer partners for the gift of a new Aquinas Academy . Page 12 family member. Page 4 Eddie at the bat . Page 13 August 6, 2021 • Vol. 65 No. 3 Newspaper of the Diocese of Jefferson City Stewardship mindset helping Catholic schools thrive By Jay Nies Many hands make for an incredible community, especially when Christ is in the middle of it all. Whether joined in prayer or engaged in the work of ministry, those hands are an extension of God’s hands for the students and families of the diocese’s 37 Catholic grade schools and three Catholic high schools, along with the countless parishioners and benefactors who help make it all possible. “How blessed are we to live and work in a diocese built on the spiritual- ity of stewardship!” stated Dr. Erin Va- der, superintendent of Catholic schools for the Jefferson City diocese. As families enjoy their remaining days of summer vacation, the admin- istrators are hard at work laying the groundwork for another successful year. “All of us involved in the Catho- lic Schools of the Diocese of Jefferson City are grateful to serve, blessed by our bishop and our pastors, delighted with our students and alumni, and proud to partner with the first and best teach- Melinda Osentowski, the new principal of Holy Cross School in Cuba, gathers with a few of the students. ers of our students: their parents,” she — Photo from the Holy Cross Catholic Church Cuba Missouri Facebook page wrote in a State of the Schools report to the people of the diocese. In that report, available at diojeff Catholic parishioner finds joy, affirmation city.org, Dr. Vader recounts the past year’s successes in carrying Catholic education and faith formation through in serving students, families in public schools the pandemic and into the future. By Jay Nies “For me, that’s the bottom line, to love everyone as Jesus She noted that according to last “What do You want of me, Lord?” did,” she said. “That’s what God wants us to do: to be kind year’s standardized tests, students con- Rhonda Allen weaves Donna Marie McGargill’s “Servant and loving to everyone.” tinued learning and moving ahead Song” into her daily prayer. She’s also committed to setting a good example for the through distance learning. “Where do You want me to serve You? Where can I sing children and adults she encounters. Administrators of all the diocese’s Your praises? I am Your song.” “Our parents need so much guidance and love as well as Catholic schools have continued work- Ms. Allen, a lifelong member of St. Peter Parish in Jef- their children,” she said. “If I can plant those seeds of love in ing together to review and update ferson City, is a newly-appointed assistant principal at Lewis what I’m doing and saying and what I’m teaching, then I’m the standard curriculum for all of the and Clark Middle School in the Jefferson City Public School doing the work of God.” schools, including faith formation, District. “One of the things I’ve been taught since a very young age A great example See SCHOOLS, page 17 is that God is everywhere and He loves us all,” said Ms. Al- Ms. Allen holds a bachelor’s degree in elementary educa- len. “He’s in the child that you see on the playground when tion and a master’s degree in guidance and counseling from people are doing something nice for someone else, or the one Lincoln University in Jefferson City and recently completed Find us online at standing up to a bully.” a master’s degree in educational administration from Grand CATHMO.COM She commits herself daily to recognizing the face of Christ Canyon University in Arizona. and in everyone she meets — students, parents and fellow admin- istrators and educators. See SERVANT SONG page 14 @DIOJEFFCITY 2 The Catholic Missourian August 6, 2021 MOVING? If you are moving or changing parishes, please fill out information below. Clip and mail to THE CATHOLIC MISSOURIAN, Prayer to the 2207 W Main St, Jefferson City, MO 65109-0914. Or email changes to [email protected]. Allow two weeks. Immaculate Heart of Mary NEW ADDRESS for Protection from the Coronavirus NAME __________________________________________________ O Immaculate Heart of Mary, we entrust ourselves to you, Health of the Sick. ADDRESS _______________________________________________ At the foot of the Cross, you participated in Jesus’ pain, with steadfast faith. Patroness of the Diocese of Jefferson City, you know what we need. CITY, STATE, ZIP ________________________________________ We are certain of the power of your intercession, so that, as you did at Cana of Galilee, joy and feasting might return after this moment of trial. NEW PARISH____________________________________________ Help us, Mother of Divine Love, to conform ourselves to the Father’s will OLD PARISH ____________________________________________ and to do what Jesus tells us: He who taught us to “love one another, as I have loved you” 08/06/21 took our sufferings upon Himself and bore our sorrows to bring us, through the Cross, to the joy of the Resurrection. Mass in Cedron Bring under your mantle of protection all who provide care for the sick and minister to their needs, as your Son implores us to do for one another. DATE: August 14 Mass will be offered at 2 TIME: 2 pm p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 14, in V. We seek refuge under your protection, O Holy Mother of God. historical Assumption Church in Cedron. R. Do not despise our pleas and deliver us from every danger, The church stands at the site of one of Jesuit Father Ferdinand O glorious and blessed Virgin. Amen. Helias’s original seven missions in Central Missouri. It is located on Cedron Road, off of Highway D, near James- town and Prairie Home in Moniteau County. Cursillo pilgrimage to Perryville Pray for deceased priests DATE: September 13 ger, spiritual advisor for Cur- diocese. Aug. 20 — Fr. Frederick J. McEvoy, Chaplain, St. Francis TIME: 8:30 am sillo in this diocese, will meet It is suggested that inter- Hospital, Marceline (1961) pilgrims at the grotto at 8:30 ested pilgrims carpool to Per- The Cursillo Movement of a.m. to give a brief presenta- ryville. the Diocese of Jefferson City tion and prayer. Contact Susan Stolwyk at Wellness Case Coordinator will lead a pilgrimage on Mon- All are encouraged to visit [email protected] or 573- The Chancery Office of the Diocese of Jefferson day, Sept. 13, to the grotto at this beautiful Shrine and seek 607-0435 for information. City has an opening for a part-time Wellness Case the National Shrine of the Mi- the Blessed Mother’s powerful diojeffcity.org/cursillo Coordinator. raculous Medal, 1811 W. St. intercession for the revival of The Wellness Case Coordinator serves as Joseph St. in Perryville. the Cursillo Movement in this amm.org an advocate for priests and deacons within Father Gregory Oligschlae- the Diocese of Jefferson City. This individual is responsible for educating priests and permanent deacons so that they can take care of their own health, WURLITZER ORGAN CCCNMO offering online and if needed, can act as an advocate and liaison between A family in Hermann wishes the priest/deacon and their medical provider(s). to give an electronic organ mental health support This is a part-time, virtual position with some travel in good condition away to within the diocese. a parish that can put it to The ideal candidate will be a RN, LPN or Nurse Case good use: Wurlitzer Concert through “Sister Hope” Organ, Model 4700, with 2 Manager with a Missouri state nursing license, or a social Catholic Charities of Cen- nificantly reduced symptoms, worker with healthcare experience. manuals, full pedalboard and bench; 62 inches wide/48 tral and Northern Missouri on average by 28 percent for Qualified candidates should send a resume to HRDir@ inches tall. Photos available diojeffcity.org. (CCCNMO), the charita- depression, and 18 percent for upon request. For info, email ble services outreach of the anxiety. [email protected] or call 573-486-2633. Diocese of Jefferson City, If warranted, a connection Administrative Assistant has partnered with Catholic with a Catholic Charities or Charities USA (CCUSA) and other licensed therapist can be The Chancery Office of the Diocese of Jefferson The Catholic Missourian technology provider X2AI to made. If someone’s response City is seeking an experienced Administrative Official newspaper — Diocese of Jefferson City Mailing address: 2207 W Main St, Jefferson City, MO provide easy, immediate and suggests that they are con- Assistant to support the Director of Parish and 65109-0914. Phone: 573-635-9127 free access to mental health templating suicide or are at Charitable Services. This position not only “A diocesan paper serves as a bond of unity by provides administrative support, but is closely publishing diocesan happenings and promulgating support through a chatbot immediate risk of domestic official regulations and decrees. It also plays a teaching aligned with direct ministry; therefore, the role by reporting notable events of a religious and named Hope. violence, they will receive an secular nature, and interpreting them in the light of Built by clinical psycholo- immediate call from a crisis individual will need to have a good knowledge Christian principles.” of the Catholic faith in order to be successful. — Bishop Joseph M. Marling C.PP.S., July 7, 1957 gists, the chatbot connects counselor.