Posts by Helen Osman
National search announced for new president of Fr. Tolton Catholic High School, Columbia
COLUMBIA — Bishop Shawn McKnight, bishop of the Diocese of Jefferson City, announced today a national search for the next president of Fr. Tolton Catholic High School. The school, which opened its doors in 2011, currently has 262 students in grades nine through 12. The national search will be coordinated by School Sisters of Notre…
Read MoreAd limina: an opportunity to cross a threshold
By Bishop Shawn McKnight Next January, I will be making a special trip to Rome, along with other bishops from Missouri and some adjoining states. We have been invited to make our “ad limina” visit to the Holy See. The Latin phrase refers to one of the primary reasons for the visit, to pray at…
Read MorePreventing email and text scams
JEFFERSON CITY — The Diocese of Jefferson City warns the public of what appears to be an ongoing phishing scam involving emails and texts purportedly from priests or parish/Chancery staff. This scam has hit many parishes across the United States. The email or text purports to be from a person the target knows, such as one’s…
Read MoreDiocesan Review Board meets
JEFFERSON CITY — The membership of the Diocesan Review Board met Jan. 26, 2019 for an orientation session. The board, which is comprised of 17 appointed members and three staff from the Diocese of Jefferson City, is a confidential, consultative body for Bishop Shawn McKnight. The board advises Bishop McKnight on policies and responses to allegations…
Read MoreLeadership Roundtable
Dear Friends in Christ and Partners in Ministry, Bishop McKnight has, in consultation with both lay and ordained diocesan leaders, decided that the time is right for us to get an Assessment of the current functional state of the diocesan chancery and the diocese. This Assessment will be conducted with the help of an experienced…
Read MoreEnding the culture of clericalism
By Bishop W. Shawn McKnight Click here to see a video of Bishop McKnight and Chancery staff members leading a Rosary for healing and protection for people affected by sexual abuse. At the conclusion of the retreat earlier this month convoked by our Holy Father, Pope Francis, for the bishops of the United States in light…
Read MoreFr. Tolton Catholic HS receives million-dollar gift
COLUMBIA — Bishop Shawn McKnight, bishop of the Diocese of Jefferson City, announced Jan. 22, 2019, that an anonymous donor has given one million dollars to Fr. Tolton Catholic High School to assist in its debt relief. The donor’s intention is that the gift will inspire other friends of the school to support the school’s…
Read MoreThe dignity of human life and the observance of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
Bishop Shawn McKnight Last week I celebrated Mass at the Cathedral of St. Joseph with pilgrims from our diocese as they began their trip for the March for Life. I told them I was proud of them for their enthusiasm to witness the beauty of our Catholic faith as seen in our profound respect for…
Read MoreSedalia’s Sacred Heart Catholic School to benefit from million dollar gift to Diocese
SEDALIA – Sacred Heart Catholic School will benefit from an anonymous donation of one million dollars to be used in tuition assistance. Bishop Shawn McKnight made the announcement Jan. 18, 2019 at a Mass at Sacred Heart Parish. “This endowment, given to the Diocese of Jefferson City, will enable families in Sedalia to provide an…
Read MoreFather Mark Porterfield placed on administrative leave
JEFFERSON CITY — The Diocese of Jefferson City has received an allegation of inappropriate behavior by Father Mark Porterfield, pastor of St. Martin Parish and judicial vicar for the diocese. While the allegation does not involve a minor, it does fall within the protocol of the diocese for clergy conduct and requires further consultation and investigation.…
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