The Church in Missouri

Bishop James V. Johnston, Jr. of the Diocese of Kansas City-Saint Joseph issued a message to individuals and families who have worshipped with the Society of St. Pius X (SSPX). He stated that those who attended SSPX services solely for the liturgy and sacraments are not viewed negatively by the Church.

Bishop Johnston noted that there is no formal paperwork or process required for these individuals to join a local parish, where they can be received by any priest. He advised those who are uncertain about the status of marriages or confessions performed at SSPX churches to contact Father Benjamin Armentrout, JCL, for private and gentle assistance.

The Bishop provided a list of resources for those seeking counsel or wanting to attend the Traditional Latin Mass in communion with the diocese. Available locations include Old Saint Patrick Oratory in downtown Kansas City, Christ the King Parish in Waldo, St. Mary Parish in Independence, and St. James Parish in St. Joseph. In Kansas, the mass is offered at Saint Rose Philippine Duchesne Parish in Mission Woods and Saint John Vianney Chapel in Maple Hill.

The Diocese of Springfield-Cape Girardeau is beginning a new academic year of faith formation and studies within its Springfield Catholic schools. In a letter to school administrators, board members, faculty, and staff, Debbie Thompson expressed gratitude for the efforts of principals and teachers in forming disciples.

The diocese also reported recent fundraising totals from Lenten programs. The Lenten Rice Bowl program collected $12,093 for Catholic Relief Services to fund emergency relief, agricultural training, and health projects in over 120 countries, with 25% of those funds remaining in the diocese to support local hunger and poverty efforts. Additionally, the Lenten Youth Project raised $29,262 for Mother’s House in Hayti, which is administered by Sr. Sharon Miller, GHMS. In total, over $40,000 was raised for the poor during the recent Lenten season.

The Diocese of Jefferson City is hiring a full-time senior administrative assistant.

The successful candidate will report to the vicar general, the vicar for priests, and the chief financial officer. Required skills include proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, the ability to work independently, and the capacity to maintain strict confidentiality while prioritizing tasks.

Daily responsibilities involve transcribing minutes from various meetings, planning some events, and maintaining vehicle service records. Interested applicants can apply through the diocesan website or send a resume directly to Cheryl Hertfelder at [email protected].

The Diocese of Springfield-Cape Girardeau will conclude its Diocesan Eucharistic Congress with a Prayer of Eucharistic Consecration at the end of Holy Mass. This moment is intended to serve as a highlight of the event alongside Eucharistic Adoration and the availability of Confession.

Debbie Thompson noted that the diocese has encouraged spiritual preparation for the Congress through the book 33 Days to Eucharistic Glory. During the prayer, participants will consecrate themselves to Jesus Christ, whom the text describes as the Bread of Life and truly present in the Blessed Sacrament.

In recent reflections leading up to the Congress, Thompson shared insights from Romano Guardini’s Sacred Signs regarding the significance of church steeples and bells. She noted that these elements help sanctify the surrounding landscape by extending the reach of the sacred space beyond the physical church building.