10-23-26 The Mirror(digital)

October 23, 2026 One Church, East to West: Loving Jesus, Serving Jesus, Sharing Jesus

DIOCESE OF SPRINGFIELD—CAPE GIRARDEAU, MISSOURI

Vol. LXII, No. 14

The next issue of The Mirror will be November 6, 2026. Sign up to receive the diocesan newspaper via Email in digital format: Contact Debbie Thompson at (417) 866-0841, or Email: dthompson@dioscg.org.

T H E U S B I S H O P S A R E O N TO S O M E T H I N G W I T H T H E I R F I R S T

Evangelization Summit

USCCB EVANGELIZATION SUMMIT—The US Conference of Catholic Bishops first-ever Evangelization Summit, held Oct. 13-15. Pictured were Soren Johnson, founder of Trinity House Community; Lynn Melendez, diocesan Director of Evangelization and Family Life; Dr. Ansel Augustine, Assistant Director of African American Affairs for USCCB Secretariat of Cultural Diversity in the Church; Kellie Deming, Director for the Office of Parish Life and Evangelization, Diocese of Saginaw; Martha Haig, Lay Formation Coordinator, Diocese of Sacramento; and Rev. Binh Nguyen, SVD, Pastor of Resurrection of Our Lord Parish, in St. Louis. Entitled, “Witnessing to the Light of Christ—‘The Way, the Truth, and the Life,’” it was hosted by the USCCB Committee on Evangelization and Catechesis. In addition to Melendez, Fr. Colby Elbert attended from the Diocese of Springfield-Cape Girardeau. Father Elbert serves as Pastor of St. Francis Xavier Parish, Sikeston, and is a member of the diocesan Presbyteral Council. (Submitted photo) By Soren and Ever Johnson

Indianapolis

In the month leading up to the synodal-type conversations at the tables, all we got was a reader with selected excerpts from Scripture, the Second Vatican Council, and the writings of the popes, with the instruction to read and reflect.

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ust imagine. You put 100 apostolate leaders in a room with about 100 diocesan evangelization directors from across the country. Add seven bishops. You don’t dazzle them with keynotes — in fact, there are none. You don’t offer them an array of practical workshops and breakout sessions on all the hot topics. You don’t hand out a single award. You don’t show a single video. You don’t have a single exhibitor table. Instead, you bookend each day with Mass and evening prayer or Adoration. And in between you assign them to tables and give them five 2-hour sessions to share and discuss the fruits of their prayer, their efforts to share the faith, and how the Church should respond to the challenges of today. At each table, you place a trained facilitator to keep the conversations focused on a series of penetrating questions. The setting? Instead of a bland hotel in conference-land, this all happens at Marian University, a vibrant and growing Catholic college in Indianapolis. Instead of having Mass in a hotel ballroom, you worship in a beautiful and reverent chapel, and the talented university choir accompanies each Mass. In the month leading up to the synodal-type conversations at the tables, you don’t market to these leaders. All you do is compile a reader with selected excerpts from Scripture, the Second

Vatican Council (e.g., Lumen Gentium), and the writings of Pope Leo and the popes since Vatican II, and you ask them to read and reflect. (The reader will soon be available online at the USCCB Website). This is the quite different and altogether refreshing format that we experienced firsthand last week at the US Conference of Catholic Bishops’ first-ever Evangelization Summit, held October 13-15. Called “Witnessing to the Light of Christ—‘The Way, the Truth, and the Life,’” it was hosted by the USCCB Committee on Evangelization and Catechesis. “We were inspired in part by Pope Leo’s message for World Mission Sunday, particularly his closing prayer — ‘Holy Father, make us one in Christ, rooted in his love that unites and renews,” David Spesia, executive director for the USCCB’s Secretariat for Evangelization and Catechesis, said. “May all members of the Church be united in mission, docile to the Holy Spirit, courageous in bearing witness to the Gospel, proclaiming and daily embodying your faithful love for all creatures.’” To put you into the room with us — the laughter, tears, silences, and deep moments of encounter — we’re happy to share some brief but powerful takeaways in the form of quotes from those who reported summaries of their table discussions: • • • •

“A loving Christian is the first gospel that many people hear.” A prayer: “Lord, let today not be the day that I become just another church worker.” “Evangelization happens at the pace of relationships, of friendship.” “If you look at Jesus, He was actually

• • •

• • •

•

by our US standards horribly inefficient.” “Any Holy Spirit moment cannot be manufactured. It has to be surrendered.” “Become the thermostat… bring Jesus into the room… And so change the temperature of the room. Be bold.” “The Church isn’t the only field hospital. The home is also a field hospital, and the operating table is the dining room table.” “Are we just sacramentalized? Or are we first evangelized?” “The encounter with the Lord is never just ‘one and done.’” “We can smile at people when they come into the church, but that’s not friendship. That’s ‘invulnerable politeness.’ Friendship is something like inviting someone over for coffee.” “Faith is spelled R I S K.”

With so many amazing insights shared, what was our own number-one takeaway from the Evangelization Summit? It wasn’t a new method, a new program, a new series of steps. Over and over, we were reminded of this: If we desire to be His missionary disciples, we must accept Jesus’ invitation to a deeper life of prayer. More time with Him. More time receiving His unconditional love. We can’t give what we don’t have. He is waiting to renew us — to give us a new experience of His unconditional love. And yes, to send us forth to make new disciples. ©TM Soren & Ever Johnson direct Trinity House Community and their newly-published book is Heaven in Your Home Letters & Guide: Inspiration & Tools for Building a Trinity House. Join their weekly Heaven in Your Home newsletter with practical tools for family life at https://trinityhousecommunity.org/elist/

2 The Mirror

COLUMN/ADVERTISING

COME, AND YOU WILL SEE Bp. Edward M. Rice

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rom NBCNews.com: New England Patriots tight end Eli Raridon and his wife, Anna Raridon, announced the death of their newborn son, who they said in a social media post never came home after he was born. Their son, Peter James Raridon, was born on September 11, 2026 according to an Instagram post on Wednesday from the couple sharing the news. In the caption of the post, the couple said they learned at their twentyweek anatomy scan that their son was diagnosed with anencephaly, which the couple described as “a fatal condition in which he would not survive outside the womb.” The condition is fatal and there is no current cure or treatment. “While we are absolutely devastated that we were unable to bring our baby boy home, I am grateful to have loved him deeply, kept him safe, and had been his home for the past nine months before he was called back to heaven,” the couple wrote in the Instagram post. Though his time with us was brief, his life is still precious, his purpose still meaningful, and he will forever be a part of our story,” the post added. “I have loved you every second of your life and will miss you every second of mine. What a sweet, sweet reunion ours will be.” Eli and Anna Raridon were married on May 25, 2025, and announced on March 31, 2026 that they were expecting. This story is more profound than any pro-life homily I could ever give. We often hear emotional arguments

October 23, 2026

Couple’s Instagram post heralds love in face of devastation from those proposing abortion regarding how unfair it is to put a woman through such a pregnancy. Of course, it was their choice, but I think Eli and Anna Raridon would disagree.

PRINCIPLE OF DOUBLE EFFECT

Medical advances in 2026 have been able to address many pregnancy-related conditions that just a decade ago could have been fatal to the mother. And the Catholic Church does have the Principle of Double Effect. Medical treatments that cure a serious or life-threatening condition in the mother are permitted, as long as the primary intention is to treat the mothers pathology, not to kill the child. The death of the unborn child is an unintended side effect, not the means by which the mother is saved. Every reasonable effort is made to preserve the life of both the mother and the child if possible but sometimes that is not possible and the mother can choose treatments for her health, even with the unintended side effect is the death of the unborn child. Abortion advocates often highlight such situations, erroneously portraying the pro-life position as harsh. And once somebody buys into that attitude, they slide down the slippery slope to pro-abortion. Of course, a mother can choose to heroically forego such morally illicit surgery so as not to endanger her unborn child and seek medical care after the

birth of her child. In doing so, she may end up sacrificing her own life. Such action is not morally required, but such a sacrifice is certainly heroic and we have the example of Saint Gianna Molla who did just that. She was an Italian Catholic pediatrician who refused an abortion and a hysterectomy during her pregnancy with her fourth child in order to preserve the child’s life. An easy search on the computer can give you more information about Saint Gianna Molla. As a side note, I am amazed at how many Confirmation candidates choose her as their patron saint. It’s very encouraging!

WITNESS TO LIFE

The Catholic Bishops of the State of Missouri are calling the faithful and all people of goodwill in Missouri to pray and fast for the successful passing of Amendment 3. All individuals, families, parishes, schools, and groups are invited to join in the “Yes on Amendment 3 Prayer Campaign” by signing up at bit.ly/PraySignUp. You are also invited to stand up and witness to life in front of Planned Parenthood at 626 E Battlefield, here in Springfield— where both chemical and procedural abortion is now available. People will be there on the third Saturday of the month from 11:00 AM to noon on November 21, December 19, January 16, February

20, March 20, and April 17. For more information, contact Sr. Janine Tran, CMR, at jtran@dioscg.org or call (417) 866-0841. Life will be victorious!

O Sacrament Most Holy, O Sacrament Divine, all praise and all thanksgiving be every moment Thine. ©TM

A NOT H E R WA LK T H RO U G H :

‘Walking Together’ By Bishop Emeritus John J. Leibrecht

Before his retirement in 2008 as the Fifth Bishop of the Diocese of Springfield-Cape Girardeau, Bishop John Leibrecht wrote a standing column in The Mirror entitled, “Walking Together.” At the end of each article, Bp. Leibrecht would normally share a funny story referencing his travels to the schools, or time with friends, family, or other bishops. The Mirror has decided to share a few of these in an ongoing series entitled, “Another walk through: ‘Walking Together.’” We hope you enjoy them.

February 2, 1996 “Why did the early pioneers in our country travel in covered

wagons?” the teacher asked. One of the boys responded, “Maybe they didn’t want to wait until somebody invented trains.”

February 9, 1996 A man walking down the street saw a delivery man struggling

with a large package. “Need any help?” he asked. “Thanks. I could use some,” the delivery man replied. Both grabbed an end and began to struggle with the package. After five minutes, they were exhausted. “I guess we had better give up,” the delivery man said. “We’ll never get that package on the truck.” The man bellowed, “On the truck?!” I thought you were trying to get it off!”

February 16, 1996 Two astronauts were on a spaceship circling the earth.

One took a spacewalk for 15 minutes to test a new piece of equipment. When he attempted to return to the craft, he found the hatch locked. Knocking on the door, he heard, “Who’s there?”

PRIESTS:

Rev. Patrick Teter, Nov. 21, 34 yrs. Rev. John Braun, Nov. 27, 39 yrs. Rev. David Miller, Nov. 27, 45 yrs. Rev. Randy Tochtrop, Nov. 29, 30 yrs.

DIOCESAN NEWS/ADVERTISING

October 23, 2026

The Mirror 3

Letter from Blessed Fulton Sheen emerges from a Joplin family time capsule By Paula Wright

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Joplin, MO

Society of St. Peter the Apostle and missionary work. The Society of St. Peter the Apostle is one of the Pontifical Mission Societies of the Church and supports the formation of seminarians and FAMILY TIME CAPSULE—In the US bicentennial year of 1976, Elliot Morse of Joplin created a time capsule for the future religious vocations Morse family. Twenty-eight members of the Morse family gathered on Sept. 19, 2026, some 50 years later, to open the time in mission capsule. Pictured are Robert Morse, Roanna Rose, Mary Larson, Tricia Courtney, and Patrick Morse. Among the capsule’s territories. contents is a letter from now-Blessed Fulton Sheen, revealed four days before his Beatification in St. Louis on Sept. 24. At the time (Photo by Regan Rose/The Mirror) of the donation, Sheen was serving Rose said her father never told his Courtney, and Mary Larson, attended as Bishop of Rochester, NY, and was children why he chose particular items Catholic schools and all graduated in already a highly-recognizable Catholic for the capsule. They can only speculate the 1970s from McAuley Catholic High leader. His decades-long ministry about what he saw as worth preserving. School, Joplin. Four of the family’s through radio and television made him granddaughters also graduated from “We were all teenagers and in our a pioneer in using modern media to McAuley. early 20’s, we weren’t paying attention evangelize and spread the Gospel. really to what he was doing, except we knew he was putting one together,” From family keepsake to relic A Catholic family she said. “It has been in our parents’ The discovery took on another The family’s devotion to their faith and basement until mom died.” dimension when the family began the Catholic Church likely explains why Now, one of those items has asking what the letter represented in the letter was preserved. According to acquired a significance none of them the Catholic tradition. his family, Morse was a charter member could have anticipated in 1976. ©TM “We were telling Fr. Brian (Straus, of St. Peter the Apostle Parish Council, pastor of St. Peter the Apostle Parish, served as president of the Joplin Area Joplin) about the letter and he told us Catholic Schools Board, and served on it was a relic. After researching, we the Finance Committee for the Diocese. believe it could be a second-class relic His wife, Mildred, graduated because it was something he (nowfrom St. Peter’s High School in 1939. Blessed Fulton Sheen) signed and Their five children; Roanna Rose, touched,” said Rose. Robert Morse, Patrick Morse, Tricia For the Morse family, however, the importance of the document is not merely its classification. It is a tangible connection between the memory of their father and Blessed Fulton Sheen.

n 1976, during the bicentennial of the United States, Elliot Morse created a time capsule to be opened by his family during a future anniversary celebration. He gathered newspapers, magazines, his autobiography, and other reminders of life from that time to preserve. Fifty years after its creation, on Sept. 19, 2026, 28 members of the Morse family, from seven states, gathered to open it. Alas, Morse and his wife, Mildred, were not present. Morse passed in 2005 at age 81. His wife in 2018. Morse’s daughter Roanna Rose, who was among the family gathered for the opening, shared that her sister Mary noticed something that immediately stood out. A letter signed by Fulton J. Sheen found among the items. “She recognized it,” Rose said. “She was actually opening it, and she saw the name and signature. She had been actively following the Sheen story. Had another family member opened that particular packet, the significance of the document might easily have gone unnoticed.” She said of her father, “I don’t know why he thought it was important to put it in there. He must have known something.” Five days after opening the time capsule her father had created, Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen was beatified in St. Louis. For Rose, the timing was difficult to dismiss. “We opened it on Saturday, and the beatification was on Thursday,” Rose said. “How weird is that? I mean, God definitely had something to do with it.” The letter itself is dated from 1967 and was written in response to a $200 donation made by Morse in support of Catholic missionary work. Rose shared that the family believes the letter was possibly connected through an appeal that came to St. Peter the Apostle Catholic BLESSED FULTON SHEEN—A letter from Blessed Fulton Sheen was among Church, in Joplin. The the contents of a family time capsule opened in Joplin on Sept. 19. letterhead references the (Photo by Roanna Rose/The Mirror)

A new home at St. Peter the Apostle Catholic Church

According to Rose, the letter will eventually return to the Joplin Catholic community that shaped the family. They plan to donate it to St. Peter the Apostle Catholic Church where it can be displayed for parishioners and visitors. Rose’s brother, Patrick, is designing and building a display case for it, with plans to incorporate wood and possibly stained glass and lighting. They also want to include a brief history.

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DIOCESAN NEWS

MEET OUR SEMINARIANS

Connor Reinkemeyer By Paula Wright

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Cape Girardeau

or Seminarian Connor Reinkemeyer, the journey toward the Catholic priesthood began when, while attending Missouri State University, his mother gave him the address to the Catholic Campus Ministry in Springfield. He decided to go visit and then kept going. What began as a visit eventually became an important part of his journey back to a deeper relationship with his Catholic faith and toward discerning a vocation to the priesthood. After spending four and a half years at Missouri State University studying criminal justice with a minor in religious studies, Reinkemeyer is taking the next step: he began his first year at Conception Seminary College. A Springfield native and parishioner of Holy Trinity Parish, Reinkemeyer is the son of Glen and Tasha Reinkemeyer. He is the youngest of two brothers. His Confirmation saint is St. Patrick. His favorite sports are basketball and baseball. His favorite sports team? The St. Louis Cardinals. His favorite food is hamburgers, and his favorite restaurant is El Espolan. He enjoys listening to the oneman band Old Dominion and to Catholic/Christian hip hop. His favorite spot for vacation? Florida. His favorite hobby? Reading. Among his favorite books of the Bible are Romans and Psalms. “I like the book of Romans because of how influential St. Paul was in that letter and how it helped me in my reversion to the faith my freshman year of college,” Reinkemeyer said. “The Psalms have helped me meditate

better in prayer.” His favorite prayer is the Hail Mary, and the Rosary is his favorite form of prayer. Reinkemeyer also finds inspiration in the life of St. Augustine and his story of conversion and growth. His favorite book outside of the Bible is St. Augustine’s Confessions. The book helped him understand how saints can be made of imperfect people. “The book helped me better REINKEMEYER understand that saints are not perfect and that despite all his faults, [Augustine] came to better know himself and his relationship with God.” Another important influence in his discernment has been Fr. Andrew Williams, whom Reinkemeyer describes as someone who is “always happy and willing to help.” As he begins seminary, Reinkemeyer looks forward to learning more about the Catholic faith and continuing to grow in his relationship with God. His advice to other young people who may be wondering whether God is calling them to a religious vocation is simple: “You might not have everything figured out, and that’s okay because God will help you.” “Even though you are not perfect, God still loves you,” he said. As he begins his first year at Conception Seminary College, he is grateful for the prayers and support of his family, parish and the faithful of the diocese. “That means a lot,” Reinkemeyer said of the support he has received. “Knowing I have a lot of people supporting me.” ©TM

October 23, 2026

OBITUARY // Sr. Dolores Ann Rapp, ASC

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ister Dolores Ann Rapp, ASC, of the Adorers of the Blood of Christ, died peacefully on Sat., Oct. 10, 2026, in Benedictine Living Community at the Shrine of Our Lady of the Snows. She was 99 years old and had been professed for 83 years. Sister Rapp was born in East St. Louis, IL, on March 24, 1927, one of six children in the family of Julius and Margaret (Ampleman) Rapp. Her family attended St. Elizabeth Parish, in East St. Louis, IL. She earned her bachelor’s degree in literature from Webster University in St. Louis, in 1949, and her master’s in music literature from Southern Illinois University in Carbondale, IL, in 1964. She also studied at St. Louis University in St. Louis, St. Joseph College in Rensselaer, IN, and St. Joseph University in Collegeville, MN. She held certificates in education from both Illinois and Missouri. Sister Rapp possessed a wide variety of talents. She taught, visited, prayed, kept house for a bishop, drove sisters to medical appointments, served as a chaplain in a health center, and ministered in several parishes, both in liturgy and in other needed positions, among them visiting women in the local prison. Her gift for music included directing chorus and choir and teaching young sisters at Ruma in a program where students in her classes received college credit from St. Louis University for courses taught at Ruma. In addition to teaching at two area high schools: St. Teresa Academy in East St. Louis and Gibault High School in Waterloo, IL, she

also directed local parish choirs. She served in pastoral ministry and liturgy at St. Libory Parish, in St. Libory, and St. Clare in O’Fallon, both in Illinois. In Missouri, she was involved in parish ministry at St. Francis de Sales in Lebanon and Resurrection of Our Lord, as well as South Grand Senior Ministry in St. Louis. For 10 years, her ministry as chaplain was given at then-St. John’s Health Center in Springfield, MO. Sister Rapp was an avid reader and kept up on modern theological developments, reading authors like Sr. Joan Chittister, Fr. Ron Rolheiser, Fr. Richard Rohr, Michael Morewood, and Sr. Elizabeth Johnson. She delighted in having conversations with people who shared her appreciation for books that continued to promote renewal of the Church according to the Second Vatican Council. She was familiar with the recent encyclicals, particularly Pope Francis’ document, “Laudato Si,” (on Care for our Common Home). She would often sit quietly in the green spaces at Ruma and Benedictine, listening to the songs of the birds and feeling “at one” with nature. Sister Rapp was preceded in death by her parents, her sisters Loretta (Willis) Thien, and Margaret Rapp, her brothers Joseph (Jo Ann) Rapp, Robert (Donna) Rapp, her brother-in-law, Howard Bjounson, nieces, and nephews. She is survived by her sister Virginia Bjounson, nieces, nephews, and the ASC Community. Visitation for Sr. Rapp was on Oct. 20, in Benedictine Living Chapel. The Mass of Christian Burial was also Oct. 20, with Fr. Carl Scherrer as the celebrant. Interment was in the ASC Cemetery in Ruma. Donations in Sr. Rapp’s memory may be sent to the Adorers at 4233 Sulphur Avenue, St. Louis, MO 63109, or made Online at www.adorers.org. ©TM

ATTENTION: CATHOLIC MEN

You are invited to the Southeast Missouri...

Fri., Nov. 20 | 6:30-9:00 pm St. Augustine, Kelso, MO

An evening of Adoration, Confession, & a Manly Meal with discussion to follow.

To help plan for food, please RSVP to SEMOCatholicManNight@gmail.com ‘SEMO Catholic Man Night’ on Facebook or text 573-275-5214

October 23, 2026

DIOCESAN NEWS

The Mirror 5 AN N O UN C E M E N T S

Belleville, IL—The National Shrine of Our Lady of Sorrows will have

FALL & HOLIDAY CRAFT FAIRS Cape Girardeau—St. Mary Cathedral Council of Catholic Women will host its Holiday Craft & Bake Sale, Sat., Nov. 14, 7am-5:30pm and Sun., Nov. 15, 7amNoon in the St. Mary Cathedral School gym. Handmade crafts, homemade baked goods & holiday gifts. Cape Girardeau—Notre Dame

Regional High School will have its 30th annual Crafts, Gifts & Collectibles Show, Fri., Nov. 20, 5-9pm; Sat., Nov. 21, 9am-6pm; and Sun., Nov. 22, 9am-4pm. Admission is $5 for Friday & Saturday— Free admission on Sunday.

Jackson—Immaculate Conception

School will hold its annual Fall Craft Fair Festival, Sat., Nov. 7, 9am-3pm, in the parish gym. Over 50 vendors will be selling Christmas gift items, including homemade crafts, woodworking, soap, home décor, jewelry, and more. Concessions, pulled pork lunch and bake sale will also be available. Admission is $2 for ages 13 and up. Booth space is still available. For more information or application packet, contact iccraftshow@gmail.com.

Jackson—The Knights of Columbus will hold a Pumpkin Patch Fundraiser, Oct. 17-31: M-F, 11am-7pm, and Sat. & Sun., 9am-5pm, at the KC Hall, located at 3305 N. High St. Marshfield—Holy Trinity Parish CCW will host its Holiday Craft Fair & Bake Sale, Sat., Nov. 7, 9am-5pm. There will be a delightful array of unique handcrafted items and mouth-watering homemade treats. Monett—St. Lawrence Catholic Church

will have its Fall Feast, Sun., Nov. 8, 11am-1-pm. Turkey, ham, and all the sides, dessert, homemade by the PCCW. Cost: Adults-$12; children, age 5-11 yrs.$6, under age 5-free.

Poplar Bluff—Sacred Heart Parish Council of Catholic Women will host its 104th St. Anne’s Bazaar, Sat., Nov. 7, 7:30am-3:30pm and Sun., Nov. 8, 10am-2pm. Homemade cinnamon rolls

for breakfast and sliders, soup and chili for lunch will be served on Saturday. We will have our famous Walz homemade bread, candy, crafts, American Doll clothes, home-canned items, and many handmade & extraordinary items available. The Guadalupe Group will begin selling tamales at 11am until sold out. For more information, contact Judy Moffitt at (573) 718-6160.

Springfield—Immaculate Conception PCCW will have its Holiday Sale, Sat., Nov. 7, 8am-6pm and Sun., Nov. 8, 8am-1pm. Start your Christmas shopping at the huge holiday sale (White Elephant & Bake Sale) in Community Rooms A&B. The Bistro will be open, serving breakfast items and lunch with sandwiches, soups & desserts available for purchase. Springfield—St. Agnes Parish will host its Holiday Market, Sat., Nov. 7, 9am-4pm and Sun., Nov. 8, 8:30am-1pm, in the new parish center. A variety of handmade items, Tupperware, Norwex, bake sale, sweet shoppe, and much more! Space is still available for vendors-if you are crafty or have a product to sell, please contact Judy at (641) 751-6632.

its 57th Way of Lights Display Nov. 20 through Dec. 31, 2026, with over 1.5 million beautiful colored and white lights to depict the journey of Mary and Joseph as they travel to Bethlehem. Activities include camel rides, kettle corn, selfie station, gift shop, Arctic exhibit, and Shrine food stand with hot dogs, hamburgers, etc. There is no charge for the display; donations accepted and additional charges for some activities. For more information, call (618) 397-6700 or visit https://snows.org/wayoflights.

Cape Girardeau— Join Catholic Charities for the 2026 LifeHouse

Gala: Stetsons & Stilettos on Sat., Nov. 7, at Drury Plaza Hotel & Conference Center, for an evening of dinner, live entertainment & so much more! All proceeds directly support mothers and babies in need at LifeHouse in Cape Girardeau. There are many ways to get involved, even if you can’t attend! For additional information, go to: https:// ccsomo.org/get-involved-events/.

Jackson—The Knights of Columbus Ladies Auxiliary will host Bunco, Sun., Nov. 8, in the Jackson KofC #6405 Upper Hall. Doors open at 12:30pm, play begins at 1pm; preregistration is not required. Cost is $10/player. Prizes and light snacks are available. If you are not sure how to play, it’s easy and we will teach you! For more information, contact Deena at (573) 382-1745.

Ozark—The 2026 All Saints 5K Shuffle, will be held Sat., Oct. 31,

9am, at St. Joseph the Worker Catholic Church, located at 1796 N. State Hwy NN. Find more information and sign up at: https:// runsignup.com/Race/MO/Ozark/AllSaints5kShuffle. Hot coffee and pancakes at the finish! Join our costume contest!

Springfield—Beginning Nov. 4, Sacred Heart Parish, Springfield

is changing its weekday Mass Schedule. There will be a 12-noon Mass (English) on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays each week. On Thursdays, there will be a weekly 6pm Mass in Spanish. The present Wednesday morning 8am Mass is concluding. For questions, or more information, please call the parish office: (417) 869-3646. Parishes and organizations are invited to submit notices of future events to be printed on a space-available basis. There is no fee.

Springfield—St. Elizabeth Ann Seton will hold its annual Fall Bazaar, Sat., Nov. 7, 9am-6 pm & Sun., Nov. 8, 8am-2pm. Embroidery, knitted and crocheted items, quilts, purses, painted items, seasonal items, floral, wood craft, candles, decor, toys, novelty items, and many more. Bake sale and lunch items available for purchase. Springfield—Holy Trinity Parish Council of Catholic Women will have its Fall Bazaar, Sat., Nov. 14, 9am-5pm and Sun., Nov. 15, 9:30am-12:30pm. Shop our vendors for wood art, jewelry, quilts, paper and craft goods, holiday décor and much more; including our White Elephant Sale, Garden Shop, & Sweet Shoppe. On Sat., the Knights will serve a lunch of pulled pork sandwiches & sides, 11am-1pm. Sunday is our famous White Elephant-$10 bag sale.

The Mirror, USPS Publication 117-330, Copyright © 2026 by the Diocese of Springfield-Cape Girardeau is published every other week by Diocese of Springfield-Cape Girardeau, 601 S. Jefferson Ave., Springfield, MO 65806-3107. Editor: Leslie Anne Eidson, leidson@dioscg.org Business and Editorial Offices: 601 S. Jefferson Ave., Springfield, MO 65806-3107; Accounting and Circulation Offices: Diocese of Springfield-Cape Girardeau, 601 S. Jefferson Ave., Springfield, MO 65806-3107. To subscribe, call (417) 866-0841 or Email dthompson@dioscg.org. Periodical postage is paid at Springfield, MO. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to The Mirror, 601 S Jefferson Ave., Springfield, MO 65806-3107. Vol. LXII No. 14 October 23, 2026 Single copy price, $0.50 Subscription: $14 per year. Digital subscriptions available as an option to USPS delivery with paid subscription. For more information, contact dthompson@dioscg.org. Copyright © 2026, The Mirror, CNA, USCCB, The Vatican, as noted. The Mirror OnLine: www.dioscg.org “Diocese of Springfield-Cape Girardeau” @DioSCG DioSCG

6 The Mirror

ADULT FAITH

October 23, 2026

CATHOLIC INDULGENCE FOR VISITING A CEMETERY

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here are many indulgences, applicable only to the Souls in Purgatory, that can be obtained during the month of November. From the fourth edition of the Enchiridion of Indulgences, 1999:

1.

A plenary indulgence, applicable only to the souls in purgatory, is granted to the faithful who, on any and each day from November 1 to 8, devoutly visit a cemetery and pray, if only mentally, for the departed; on All Souls’ Day (or, according to the judgment of the ordinary, on the Sunday preceding or following it, or on the solemnity of All Saints), devoutly visit a church or an oratory and recite an Our Father and the Creed.

2.

A partial indulgence, applicable only to the souls in purgatory, is granted to the faithful who, devoutly visit a cemetery and at least mentally pray for the dead; devoutly recite lauds or vespers from the Office of the Dead or the prayer Requiem aeternam (Eternal rest).

COURT OF HEAVENS—“Christ Glorified in the Court of Heaven,” by Fra Angelico shows Christ in majesty, surrounded by angels and saints, radiating divinity. (Art: Cathopic)

ALL SAINTS’ DAY: History and traditions By Paul Senz

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OSV News

he author of the Letter to the Hebrews wrote, “Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us rid ourselves of every burden and sin that clings to us and persevere in running the race that lies before us while keeping our eyes fixed on Jesus, the leader and perfecter of faith” (12:1-2). This passage is a beautiful description of the communion of saints, something so fundamental to the Christian faith that all Christians express their belief in it when reciting the Apostles’ Creed. A saint is someone who is in heaven—it is as simple as that. While “saint” as a title is reserved to those whose lives the Church has thoroughly investigated (typically through whose intercession two miracles can be demonstrated to have occurred), the term applies to anyone in heaven. Everyone from your saintly grandmother to the martyrs facing death for Christ: They are all part of the communion of saints. The Church commemorates all these saints on All Saints’ Day. The history of the feast reveals a great deal about the Church’s understanding of the communion of saints. The communion of saints is the Church, both the living and dead.

Commemoration of the martyrs

All Saints’ Day was not always a solemnity observed by the universal church, and is not celebrated everywhere on Nov. 1. The feast originated in the earliest centuries of the Church, when Christians commemorated the many martyrs who died at the hands of their Roman persecutors. Because there were so many martyrs, they could not each have their own feast day; but they were seen as

such important witnesses that the Christians did not want to leave any of them out. As a result, a single commemoration for “all the martyrs” was observed each spring, which celebrated those who did not have their own unique feast. This is the earliest observance we know about of something similar to All Saints’ Day. Many of the Eastern Catholic churches still commemorate All Saints’ Day in the spring. After Christianity was legalized throughout the Roman Empire in 313 and the violent and bloody persecutions came to an end, it was common to commemorate the martyrs in various areas around the empire. We even see this referred to in the writings of the saints, with St. Ephrem (d. 373) and St. John Chrysostom (d. 407) making reference to a commemoration of all saints. This practice spread far throughout the Mediterranean and beyond, with commemorations of all saints showing up in Antioch, Rome, England, Salzburg, and more. In the early seventh century, Pope Boniface IV dedicated the Roman Pantheon—formerly a shrine to all the gods of Roman mythology—as a Christian church of the Blessed Virgin and all the martyrs.

Not an afterthought

Pope Gregory III consecrated a chapel at St. Peter’s Basilica to all the saints, as well, with an anniversary date of Nov. 1. Rome adopted Nov. 1 as the date of the feast of All Saints in the eighth century, and in the ninth century Pope Gregory IV extended that observance to the whole of the Latin Church. Now, centuries later, All Saints’ Day is a holy day of obligation and recognized as one of the most important feasts on the liturgical calendar. However, the celebration of Halloween typically overshadows the

commemoration of All Saints’ Day. Most of us realize that Halloween is in reality the vigil of All Saints’ (“Allhallows Eve” or “Hallow E’en”), but All Saints’ Day itself has become a bit of an afterthought. It shouldn’t be this way! The saints are our friends, our intercessors, our brothers and sisters in Christ. They care deeply for us, and their lives are recognized by the Church as exemplary, as models to follow. So how can we celebrate this wonderful feast of All Saints’ Day? Whether you are commemorating individually or in a group or a family, there are many ways to observe this solemnity.The most obvious is: Go to Mass! There is no more appropriate way to commemorate the saintly lives of those who have gone before us than the eucharistic sacrifice. It is also good to do other liturgical or prayerful things to mark the day: Pray the Divine Office for All Saints’ Day; read the lives of the saints; watch a movie about a saint; pray the litany of saints; think back to your confirmation saint, and study that saint’s life. Similarly, if any of your children share the name of a saint, learn about that saint together: Read about the saint and pray together, asking for the saint’s intercession. There are also a number of creative and fun games that can be played to help celebrate All Saints’ Day. Try putting on a play of the life of a saint (many Halloween costumes can be repurposed to be saints costumes). There are books for all ages, coloring books and even comic books featuring the saints. All Saints’ Day is the perfect time to pray to all these holy men and women, asking for their intercession for the conversion of sinners, so that we might all become saints. ©OSV Senz works for Ignatius Press and is a freelance writer who lives with his wife and four children in Oregon.

To gain a Plenary Indulgence (only one per day), the faithful must be in the state of grace and the following conditions must accompany the prescribed act: 1.

2. 3.

4.

have the interior disposition of complete detachment from sin, even venial sin; receive the sacrament of confession receive the Holy Eucharist (it is certainly better to receive it while participating in Holy Mass, but for the indulgence only Holy Communion is required) and recite prayers for the intentions of the Holy Father (one Our Father and one Hail Mary is suggested as a minimum, but any other additional prayers may be added).

All attachment to sin, even venial sin, must be absent. If some of the above conditions are not fulfilled, the indulgence becomes partial. ©TM For more information on indulgences, see: •

Apostolic Constitution of Pope St. Paul VI, Indulgentiarum Doctrina, 1967

•

The Catechism of the Catholic Church section on Indulgences, Part 2, Section 2, Chapter 2, Article 4, Subsection 10, 1471-1479.

The Mirror 7

ADULT FAITH

October 23, 2026

The Catholic Church and Halloween the Bible, and they claimed that the cult of the saints was not there. All Saints’ Day and thus Halloween disappeared in he medieval Catholic Church many Protestant locales. created the feast of All Saints Yet people missed the traditional on Nov. 1 to honor the blessed day, so the English created a substitute people who could not be included in festival. On Nov. 5, 1605, British the church’s formal list of saints. In authorities arrested and later executed England, the word “hallow” was used to several English Catholics accused mean the sacred, and thus there the day of trying to blow up the Houses of was All Hallows’ Day. Parliament. But also of great importance was One was named Guy Fawkes, thus the day before it, Oct. 31, which was generating a raucous festival known a traditional pagan harvest feast day. in England and thus in the British Trying to counter pagan beliefs, the American colonies as Guy Fawkes English Catholic Church called this day Day, a substitute for the “Catholic” All Hallows’ Eve, which then became Halloween. Halloween. No matter how secular it This new day The new has become, Oct. 31 is the was popular in the Christian day took eve of a holy day. Colonies, but during over the pagan harvest the Revolution, festival, and the saints George Washington feared that the replaced—but not always!—the pagan celebration’s blatant anti-Catholicism fertility gods. would offend the rebels’ French Furthermore, the saints Catholic allies. substituted for the gods in warding After the Revolution, Guy Fawkes off all the terrors—sprites, trolls, Day declined, while Halloween goblins—that roamed the world on All would triumph in the United States, Hallows’ Eve. This was a popular day which officially separated church and for medieval Christians. state. Many immigrants had been But as Halloween moved into the persecuted in Europe, and so they loved modern era, the feast and the Church the freedom to celebrate their own had to deal with the earthquakes of religious holidays. the Protestant Reformation and then Halloween was observed by the English attempts to stamp out the feast few Scottish immigrants but especially of All Hallows’ Eve. by the millions of Irish (most of Protestants insisted that they them Catholic) who came to the US. would be guided only by what was in By Joe Kelly

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OSV News

They kept their traditions but also changed some, for example, carving scary faces in pumpkins rather than turnips as back in the old country, thus creating jack-o’-lanterns. Some American Protestants, especially farmers, had also kept some of the old traditions associated with the harvest. EVE OF ALL SAINTS—A bounty of fall pumpkins and The rise of Halloween also flowers are displayed at the Tlaquepaque Arts and Crafts helped meet America’s need Village in Sedona, AZ. (OSV News photo/CNS file, Nancy for holidays since the Colonial Wiechec) ones (e.g., feast of St. George, at children dressed as demons and the patron of England!) did not monsters. Rectory doors have been survive the Revolution. known to be open for trick-or-treaters, Unfortunately, another tradition, and Catholic schools put up Halloween anti-Catholicism, had also crossed the decorations. ocean, and Catholic traditions were not Church leaders have, however, always welcome. But as the immigrants lamented the holiday’s dominant and became Americanized, their traditions relentless commercialization that, as became accepted. always, takes a toll on impoverished For example, many conservative children whose parents cannot afford Protestants refused to celebrate costumes or bags of candy to give away. Halloween, but as Irish, Polish, Slavic, The clergy stress helping poor children Italian, and Germanic Catholics did on this day. so, more and more of their fellow Finally, clergy will remind citizens accepted it. (Today, only believers that, no matter how secular it fundamentalists oppose the day on has become, Oct. 31 is the eve of a holy the grounds that its focus on witches day, and some recognition of that is not and ghosts opens innocent children to out of place. demonic influences.) Happy Halloween. ©OSV The contemporary Church has no official position on the celebration of Kelly is professor emeritus at Jesuit-run Halloween since its religious character John Carroll University in Ohio. is largely gone. Now people just smile

All Souls’ Day: Reflections, traditions & prayers

By Shemaiah Gonzalez

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OSV News

f you were to walk past my parish on your dark and damp walk on the evening of Nov. 2 in years past, you would have heard the strains of Mozart’s Requiem drifting outward from the bronze doors of St. James Cathedral, Seattle. For over 15 years, St. James has given a Mass complete with choir and orchestra to pray for those who have died. During the procession, the funeral registers are carried in and given a place of honor at the cathedral crypt during the Mass. The registers contain the names of all those who have been buried from the cathedral over the past 100 years. On Nov. 2, as a church, we observe All Souls’ Day, a day of prayer and remembrance for the souls of those who have died. The day concludes the season of what was once called Allhallowtide, which includes All Saints’ and its eve, Halloween. On Nov. 1, All Saints’ Day, we remember those who have died

“in God’s grace and friendship and are perfectly purified” and have attained heaven (Catechism of the Catholic Church, No. 1023). On All Souls’, we pray for those whose venial sin has caught them in purgatory. My children’s Catholic school has asked the children to write the names of the deceased on construction paper leaves in fall colors. The leaves are taped up in the chapel to remind parishioners and students to pray for those named. My children have always found comfort in finding the names of those they have loved and been loved by lining the walls of the church. Another tradition I found quite lovely was that children brought photos of those souls lost for a communal altar. Our school is particularly diverse, so to see these photos of the families we have raised children alongside of for years made me feel especially close to them. What a gift to pray alongside them for their dear ones. I notice the children are comforted

in this practice as the names and photos remind us of stories we share together. I cannot allow All Souls’ Day to pass without contemplating my own death. This is an ancient Christian tradition called “memento mori,” translated as remember you will die. This is not a morbid or melancholy reflection but a call to live well. We do not know how many days we are given. We are called to live each day as one who loves our Lord and is loved by him. Our merciful Father, We are connected to each other in your wonderous cloud of witnesses. We have seen glimmers of your glory and know that you love us and desire for us to be united with you. We pray for the loved ones who have died. May their penitence be short, that they may come into the fullness of your grace. Let your light shine upon them. May you grant them eternal rest. Amen. ©OSV Gonzalez is a freelance writer. Her Website is www.shemaiahgonzalez.com.

TWO DAYS, ONE BEAUTIFUL MYSTERY Solemnity of All Saints - Nov. 1

We rejoice with those who are already in heaven and ask for their intercession. ‘Holy, Holy, Holy Lord God of hosts …’ —The Sanctus

Commemoration of All the Faithful Departed, All Souls’ Day - Nov. 2 We remember and pray for the faithful departed, especially those still undergoing purification.

‘Remember also our brothers and sisters who have fallen asleep in the hope of the resurrection…’ —Eucharistic Prayer I

ALL SAINTS, ALL SOULS—A Scout lights candles on graves of departed soldiers in a cemetery. (CNS photo/Eloisa Lopez, Reuters)

8 The Mirror

NATIONAL NEWS/ADVERTISING

October 23, 2026

US Bishops to meet Nov. 16-19 in Baltimore Washington

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he United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) will gather for the 2026 Fall Plenary Assembly in Baltimore, Maryland, Nov. 16-19. The public sessions on Nov. 17 and 18 will be Livestreamed on the USCCB website. Throughout the week they are together, the bishops will have multiple opportunities to spend time in prayer and fraternal dialogue with one another. The public portion of the assembly will begin with an address by Archbishop Paul S. Coakley, president of the USCCB. The bishops will also hear from Archbishop Gabriele Caccia, the Papal Nuncio to the United States. Among the first items of business for the bishops during the plenary will be to vote for a Conference secretary. The position is up for election as Bishop Kevin C. Rhoades of Fort Wayne-South Bend was elected last November to complete the term left vacant when Archbishop Coakley was elected Conference president. The bishops will also elect chairmen of six USCCB committees; the bishops elected will serve for one year as chairman-elect before beginning a three-year term at the conclusion of the 2027 Fall Plenary Assembly. The bishops will also elect a new general secretary for the USCCB. The plenary agenda has not yet been finalized and is therefore subject to change, but the agenda is expected to include: an update from the chairman of the USCCB’s newly created Task Force on Preserving Human Dignity in the Age of Artificial Intelligence; one year since issuing their Special Message on Immigration, the bishops will receive an update from the chairman of the

Assembly Livestreamed

Committee on Migration; and the chairman of the Committee for Cultural Diversity in the Church will update the bishops on the Guadalupan Novena. There will also be a panel presentation on recent signs of new life in the Church, as indicated by a marked increase in the number of people entering the Church, and surveys indicating that young people are showing renewed interest in religion. Votes are expected on a number of action items: •

a canonical consultation on causes of beatification and canonization of Maria Middleton and Thomas Stephen Vander Woude;

•

an update to the USCCB’s Diocesan Financial Reporting Guidelines;

•

an update to the USCCB’s Socially Responsible Investment Guidelines;

•

new edition of the Lectionary for Mass and Book of the Gospels;

•

annual observance of a Day of Prayer for Racial Justice;

•

approval from the body of bishops to review and begin updating the pastoral plan for the Secretariat on Pro-Life Activities;

•

the USCCB budget for 2027.

The Livestream of the public portions of the plenary on Nov. 17 and 18 will be available at: www.usccb.org/ meetings. Those wishing to follow the meeting on social media may use the hashtag #USCCB26 follow on Instagram (@USCCB), Facebook (@USCCB), TikTok (@USBishops), Threads (@ USCCB), Bluesky (@usccbofficial.bsky. social) and X (@USCCB). ©TM

US BISHOPS’ PRESIDENT URGES CATHOLICS ‘TO PUT THEIR FAITH BEFORE POLITICS’ IN NOVEMBER ELECTIONS By OSV News

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head of the Nov. 3 midterm elections, Archbishop Paul S. Coakley, president of the US Conference of Catholic Bishops, issued a statement Oct. 14 reminding the faithful that “For citizens in a representative democracy such as our own, participation in public life— including voting—is both a right and a responsibility.” “In a time of deep political division, the temptation is to be discouraged and to not participate in the election process. But discouragement is not a Christian virtue,” Archbishop Coakley of Oklahoma City said. The midterm elections will determine the balance of power in Congress, as well as governors’ mansions and state legislatures across the country. Archbishop Coakley said that as Catholics exercise their civic duty, “it is important to ensure that citizens not face unnecessary delays or complications in registering or exercising their right to vote.” “Together, we can contribute to the common good of our nation as faithful citizens by supporting free and fair elections,” he said. He also asked Catholics “to put their faith before politics.” “The Church’s contribution to the public life of a nation is not a political

Providing Financially Sound Products to Members & Their Families since 1884

ARCHBISHOP PAUL S. COAKLEY of Oklahoma City, president of the US Conference of Catholic Bishops. Ahead of the Nov. 3, 2026, midterm elections, Archbishop Coakley issued a statement Oct. 14 reminding the faithful that “For citizens in a representative democracy such as our own, participation in public life—including voting— is both a right and a responsibility.” (OSV News photo/Archdiocese of Oklahoma City)

or partisan program; rather, it reflects our commitment to the dignity of every person, who is created in the image and likeness of God,” he said. “One of the great dangers of our moment is the belief that any criticism of ‘our party’ somehow strengthens our opponents. A well-formed conscience does not operate on those terms.” ©OSV

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The Mirror 9

DIOCESAN NEWS

October 23, 2026

LETTER TO THE EDITOR

A Missouri physician’s opinion on Amendment 3 in 2026

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have been in the practice of family medicine for 40 years, and cannot recall a time when the topic of abortion was not contentous. Here we are again. Prior to 1973 (Roe vs Wade), nearly all physicians considered abortion anathema. In our Hippocratic Oath, we swore to never be involved in abortion. Medical schools have all but abandoned the oath (citing patient autonomy as an overarching value over beneficence), but those of us lucky enough to have taken the oath know the value of the ethical grounding it gives to medicine. Those physicians involved with obstetrics knew that they cared for two patients at a time through the woman’s pregnancy, and had to be careful when ministering to one not injure the other. Both

patients were people, (even though one was hidden), and both deserve the best care. The vast majority of OB/Gyn physicians today still practice this way, only a small handful of OB/Gyn physicians involve themselves with abortion in the United States. Abortion pits the autonomy of the mother against the humanity of her baby. The baby is a unique individual, a child. Developmentally, it may be a zygote, an embryo, or a fetus but it is no less human than an infant, a toddler, or an adolescent. Neither our country, nor our state, considers a preborn baby to be a person, reserving that definition of personhood, that honorific, to those who survive the womb. Even without the protections of that definition, all people of good will know that the individual

inside the pregnant woman is a BABY! That baby may be welcomed and loved, or worrisome and a problem, but he/she is a baby nonetheless. This Amendment 3 is a common-sense statement to limit abortion in Missouri; to protect the women who do obtain those abortions by assuring the clinic is clean and the instruments are sterile (something the current law does not require); and ensure parental notification and consent if their minor daughter is seeking abortion. There is also language to ensure that minor children are not subject to transgender mutilation surgery and hormone manipulation, which is fortunately on the decline as those physicians involved in cross sex hormone delivery are seeing the harms that it has wrought, and gradually abandoning it in pediatrics. ©TM

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ishop Rice will celebrate the Votive Mass of the Sacred Heart for Vocations each First Friday of the month, followed by the Rosary. All parishes are invited to celebrate First Friday Masses for Vocations as we continue to pray for more vocations to the priesthood and religious life in our diocese.

BISHOP RICE’S SCHEDULE FOR FIRST FRIDAY MASS: Fri., Nov. 6

St. Agnes Cathedral Springfield

5:30 p.m.

Fri., Dec. 4

St. John Henry 12:00 p.m. Newman Center SEMO/Cape Girardeau

David J. Stansfield, D.O. Family Practice, retired

Missouri State Representative of the Catholic Medical Association

QUILTS MADE WITH LOTS OF LITTLE HANDS & BIG LOVE! Cape Girardeau

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FIRST FRIDAY MASS for VOCATIONS

rades 3 and up students in the Summer Care program at St. Vincent de Paul Catholic School, Cape Girardeau, worked hard to create the blocks for these beautiful quilts, and they chose to donate them to the babies at LifeHouse Crisis Maternity Home! Summer Care is a Christian-based summer program providing a safe and nurturing QUILTS CRAFTED WITH LOVE—Youth in the St. Vincent de Paul Summer Care program crafted environment during two quilts which were donated to LifeHouse Cape Girardeau. The quilts were recently blessed by summer break for grades Fr. Rick Jones for use by mothers and babies at LifeHouse. (Submitted photo) pre-k through 7th grade. Kathy Raines serves as Father Rick Jones recently blessed each blanket at DRE for St. Vincent de Paul Parish and Summer Care Director. She also is the 2nd grade teacher in St. an all-School Mass, and then they were turned over to representatives of LifeHouse. Vincent de Paul School. A huge thank you to Kathy Raines, the Summer “We love seeing children learning the Care Staff, and the hardworking students who helped importance of giving back at such a young age,” make this thoughtful donation possible! A special Raines said. “The students learned a new skill, and Thank you to Kandee Reiminger and Betty Raines the importance of the babies becoming a part of our for assembling the quilts. ©TM Catholic Community. What a special gift for two sweet babies at LifeHouse!”

CONGRATS

Rev. Randy Tochtrop Father Randy Tochtrop will celebrate the 30th anniversary of his priesthood ordination on Nov. 29th. Fr. Tochtrop serves as Pastor of Immaculate Conception Parish, Jackson.

Happy Anniversary, Fr. Tochtrop!

CONGRATS

Rev. David Miller Father David Miller will celebrate the 45th anniversary of his priesthood ordination on Nov. 27th. Fr. Miller is retired.

Happy Anniversary, Fr. Miller!

10 The Mirror

ADULT FAITH

October 23, 2026

Human rights & responsibilities develop, thrive in community LIFE AND DIGNITY OF THE HUMAN PERSON

The Catholic Church proclaims that human life is sacred and that the dignity of the human person is the foundation of a moral vision for society. This belief is the foundation of all the principles of our social teaching.

CALL TO FAMILY, COMMUNITY, AND PARTICIPATION The person is not only sacred but also social. How we organize our society - in economics and politics, in law and policy - directly affects human dignity and the capacity of individuals to grow in community.

OPTION FOR THE POOR AND VULNERABLE

A basic moral test is how our most vulnerable members are faring. In a society marred by deepening divisions between rich and poor, our tradition recalls the story of the Last Judgment (Mt 25:31-46) and instructs us to put the needs of the poor and vulnerable first.

THE DIGNITY OF WORK AND THE RIGHTS OF WORKERS

The economy must serve people, not the other way

around. Work is more than a way to make a living; it is a form of continuing participation in Gods creation. If the dignity of work is to be protected, then the basic rights of workers must be respected--the right to productive work, to decent and fair wages, to the organization and joining of unions, to private property, and to economic initiative.

SOLIDARITY

We are one human family whatever our national, racial. ethnic, economic, and ideological differences. We are our brothers and sisters keepers, wherever they may be. At the core of the virtue of solidarity is the pursuit of justice and peace. Pope Paul VI taught that if you want peace, work for justice. Our love for all our sisters and brothers demands that we promote peace in a world surrounded by violence and conflict.

RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The Catholic tradition teaches that human dignity can be protected and a healthy community can be achieved only if human rights are protected and responsibilities are met. Therefore, every person has a fundamental right to life and a right to those things required for human decency. Corresponding to these rights are duties and responsibilities--to one another, to our families, and to the larger society.

CARE FOR GOD’S CREATION

We show our respect for the Creator by our stewardship of creation. Care for the earth is not just an Earth Day slogan, it is a requirement of our faith. We are called to protect people and the planet, living our faith in relationship with all of Gods creation. This environmental challenge has fundamental moral and ethical dimensions that cannot be ignored.

© 2025 United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, Washington, DC. All rights reserved. This resource may be reproduced free of charge in printed form, for non-commercial purposes, and in publications not for sale.

speech, and the press as found in the Bill of Rights. Catholic teaching includes these rights and many more. he Catholic Church believes that For the Church, human rights extend every person is created in the to the social structures that are needed “image of God.” We are made in the for a life worthy of human dignity. These image of a community of persons—Father, structures serve the common good. Son, and Holy Spirit. Our God-given human The Catechism of the Catholic Church rights develop and thrive in community. teaches that the common good is necessary Our human dignity is both personal for promoting human rights. Quoting the and social. We need one another to grow, to Second Vatican Council, the catechism prosper, and to reach our full potential. defines the common good as “the sum total This basic teaching is not alien of social conditions which allow people, to Americans. Our Declaration of either as groups or as individuals, to reach Independence pronounces: “We hold these their fulfillment more fully and more truths to be self-evident, that all men are easily” (No. 1906). created equal, that they are endowed by “In the name of the common good, their Creator with certain unalienable public authorities are bound to respect the Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty, fundamental and inalienable rights of the and the pursuit of Happiness.” The human person” (No. 1907). declaration goes on to acknowledge that Governments “should make accessible “to secure these rights, Governments are to each what is needed to lead a truly instituted.” human life: food, Our nation is clothing, health, work, not alone in uplifting education and culture, human rights. Pope St. Our vocations are to exercise suitable information, John XXIII said, in the our own rights to build a the right to establish a encyclical “Pacem in society in which others can do family, and so on” (No. Terris,” the Universal the same. 1908). Declaration of Human Pope John Rights, adopted by the XXIII explored many United Nations in 1948, of these rights in “Pacem in Terris.” He was “a solemn recognition of the personal began with “the right to live” and went on dignity of every human being” (No. 144). to affirm the “the right to bodily integrity and to the means necessary for the proper ‘WE EACH HAVE RIGHTS’ development of life, particularly food, Sadly, our nation and others have not clothing, shelter, medical care, rest, and, always lived up to our commitments to finally, the necessary social services.” human rights. Sometimes we have not even properly understood these rights. RIGHTS & DUTIES Discrimination based on race, He acknowledged the “right to be looked ethnicity, religion, gender, and other factors after in the event of ill health; disability is evidence of our shortcomings; the failure stemming from his work; widowhood; old to consistently defend the right to life is age; enforced unemployment; or whenever another. through no fault of his own he is deprived of It is true that “I have rights.” It is also the means of livelihood” (No. 11). incomplete. It would be better to say, “We This holistic understanding of all have rights.” Even this is incomplete. “inalienable rights” and the common good In the words of Pope John XXIII, human makes moral demands upon us. Beyond rights “are inextricably bound up with as respecting ourselves and the rights of many duties” (No. 28). others, it “is necessary that all participate, Only by exercising both our human each according to his position and role, in rights and responsibilities can we protect promoting the common good,” states the the rights of all. catechism. (No. 1913). In other words, we have both personal SOCIAL STRUCTURES & and social responsibilities that correspond COMMON GOOD to our rights. The Compendium of the Social When Americans think of rights, we often focus on freedom of religion, assembly, Continued next page... By Stephen M. Colecchi

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The Mirror 11

ADULT FAITH

October 23, 2026

W H AT I S T H E ‘ C O M M O N G O O D ,’ A N Y W AY ? worship are necessary constitutive elements of common good. But common good is not achieved merely y social media feeds by the attainment of a minimum have recently been full level of material prosperity. It of discussions of “the cannot be reduced to a calculation or common good.” It is mostly driven spreadsheet. by advocates of “classical liberalism” Nor is common good simply or libertarianism, who essentially the measure of the distribution (or negatively equate common good redistribution) of wealth. Significant with something like totalitarian disparities of wealth may be an collectivism. indicator that common good has And, of course (it’s social media not been achieved in a particular after all), defenders of common good political economy. And certain tools have been energetic in their replies. for regulating wealth accumulation The problem, however, is that these or effecting two groups are redistribution talking past one may be necessary another. This is The social conditions by constitutive largely because “the which the human person is elements of common good” is so able to pursue fulfillment common good. difficult to define, must be the same for all, or But absent even in Church else it is not common. a host of other documents such as goods—some the Catechism of the quantifiable and some not—merely Catholic Church. redistributing wealth to achieve As a threshold matter, the common something like relative equality will good is a non-negotiable aspect of the not achieve common good. Common Church’s moral teaching, as one of the good is not simply another name for four pillars (with dignity, solidarity, some goal of the welfare state or a and subsidiarity) of Catholic social result of redistributive regulatory doctrine. “Gaudium et Spes” explains structures. that the “political community exists … for the sake of the common good, DIGNITY, SOLIDARITY, in which it finds its full justification SUBSIDIARITY and significance, and the source of its Perhaps the best we can do, then, is inherent legitimacy.” describe aspects of our lives together The Catechism describes common that are consistent with dignity, good as “the sum total of social solidarity, and subsidiarity—the other conditions which allow people, either three of the four pillars of Catholic as groups or as individuals, to reach Social Doctrine—and conclude that the their fulfillment more fully and more extent to which we can achieve policies easily.” This fulfillment, of course, is consistent with those values, we have not met merely by the attainment of approximated common good. material goods. Put another way, perhaps the best Certainly, for the common good to way to define common good is as a state be achieved, certain levels of material of affairs in which dignity, solidarity, wealth and economic vitality are and subsidiarity are acknowledged and required. Some quantifiable goods approximately achieved. such as access to housing, health care, To define common good in this way education, nutrition and leisure to

and public is a concession institutions to both hurdles can never be above. But it compatible with is still a useful common good. definition. If, theoretically, Euthanasia, we live in a abortion, society in which contraception, true visions torture, of dignity, pornography, solidarity, and prostitution, subsidiarity surrogate are observed parenting, capital and achieved, punishment, it seems almost and restrictions necessarily on freedom to follow that of religion, common good assembly, and would obtain. travel are all detrimental to Because authentic human the good is fulfillment and “common,” flourishing. it cannot be CHURCH & MORAL TEACHING—An American diminished by While some flag frames a cross atop Immaculate Conception being shared. of these things Catholic Church. (OSV News photo/Bob Roller) The social will always be conditions by which the human person subject to democratic compromise, is able to pursue fulfillment must be the the requirements of common good same for all, or else it is not common. give us Catholics a mandate to work toward changing hearts, minds, Nor is it divisible, as though some laws and regulations, such that they people may have a greater quantity are more consistent with genuine of “common” good than others. human development. One cannot To be sure, common good may be simultaneously be committed to the approximated even in the presence of common good and affirm any of these some degree of inequality. But common social maladies. And that’s a start. ©OSV good itself—and the minimum social conditions that make it possible—must Kenneth Craycraft be available to all. This is the mandate is a professor of for all persons to work for the good of moral theology at others as though it were our own good. Mount St. Mary’s If common good is truly common— Seminary and and if it is not diminished by being School of Theology shared—then we all have a moral in Cincinnati. This mandate to pursue it for others as column is adapted though as for ourselves. When it is from Chapter Three (approximately) achieved for one, it is of the author’s no less achieved for all. book Citizens Yet Strangers: Living Moreover, if common good is the Authentically achievement of the conditions for true Catholic in a Divided America. human fulfilment, some laws, policies

Doctrine of the Church puts it this way: “The common good therefore involves all members of society, no one is exempt from cooperating, according to each one’s possibilities, in attaining it and developing it” (No. 167). Government serves “the common good when it seeks to create a human environment that offers citizens the possibility of truly exercising their human rights and of fulfilling completely their corresponding duties” (No. 389). Especially in a democracy, we have both rights and duties.

by a few, but must ensure ‘human rights—personal and social, economic and political, including the rights of nations and of peoples,’” he wrote (No. 122). As Catholics and human beings, our vocations are to exercise our own rights to develop our human potentials and to build a society in which others can do the same. Protecting human rights is linked to promoting the common good. ©OSV

By Ken Craycraft

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OSV News

DETACHMENT LEADS TO INEQUALITY

Pope St. John Paul II reminded us in

“Sollicitudo Rei Socialis” that “the goods of this world are originally meant for all.” He reaffirmed the “right to private property,” but taught that it is not absolute and was “under a ‘social mortgage’” (No. 42). In “Fratelli Tutti, on Fraternity and Social Friendship,” Pope Francis warned that “in practice, human rights are not equal for all” (No. 22). “Today there is a tendency to claim ever broader individual—I am tempted to say individualistic—rights” (No. 111). There is a danger in detaching individualistic rights from the common good. Such detachment leads to excessive inequality. “Development must not aim at the amassing of wealth

Lucia Corbea is the winner of the US Conference of Catholic Bishops’ 2025 Religious Liberty Essay Contest.

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12 The Mirror

ADULT FAITH

October 23, 2026

Defending freedom through faith & solidarity OSV News

By Lucia Corbea

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magine being a Catholic student on Good Friday, pressured to eat meat by people who don’t share your faith. This is a small, but meaningful, example of religious freedom being threatened. In moments like these, we face a tough choice between avoiding conflict and staying true to our beliefs. Unfortunately, situations like this are still common for many religious communities across the country. Religious freedom is the right to practice and express one’s beliefs without interference or persecution. It allows people to worship freely and live according to their values as long as it’s done peacefully. Whether it’s bans on Muslim headscarves in schools or legal battles over conscience protections in healthcare, not everyone is living as freely as they should be. As Catholics, we are called to defend the dignity of every person, no matter their faith. Christians have a responsibility to respond to this issue, and the Church must help lead the way. One of the most powerful ways to respond is by living out the virtue of solidarity. Solidarity means standing together as a community to protect the rights and dignity of all people, regardless of religion or culture. It’s not enough to defend only our own values— we are called to stand up for everyone. In the Gospel, Jesus commands us to “love your neighbor as yourself ” (Matt. 22:39). This love becomes real through action. We can get involved by joining interfaith groups, writing letters to lawmakers, and using social media to amplify voices that are often ignored. A great example of this was when a Christian clergy stood beside a group of Muslim leaders to protest a school district in Washington that attempted to ban the hijab. Rather than staying silent, the clergy supported their Muslim brothers and sisters. That act of unity didn’t just protect one group, it strengthened everyone’s freedom.

LIVING AS JESUS LIVED

Even though Christians are called to reflect God’s love and goodness, there have been times when we’ve fallen short. Some people have had negative

we’re not. Jesus didn’t only help those experiences with Christians who were who believed in him. He ate with tax intolerant or dismissive of their beliefs. collectors, spoke with Samaritans, and In certain moments, actions taken in showed mercy to outcasts. Many people the name of Christianity have caused disliked him, yet he continued to love harm. That’s not what Jesus taught us. and defend them. That’s what we are We are not meant to use God’s words to meant to do too. Our actions shouldn’t justify division or disrespect. Instead, only benefit ourselves—they should we’re meant to live as Jesus did—with serve the greater good. When injustice compassion, mercy, and love for all. The happens, whether it’s Church should guide us a synagogue being on that path. Rather than creating more separation The Church must be a vandalized, a Muslim between communities, bridge, not a barrier coworker being mocked, or a classmate being the Church should bring between people. judged for their beliefs, people together. All we can’t stay silent. Even faiths need to unite and a small act like sharing a message of look beyond politics and differences. support online can make a difference. Instead of getting caught up in Whether it’s through educating others, endless arguments, we should focus peacefully standing up for what’s right, on protecting the basic right of every or simply listening with empathy, there person to worship and live according is always a way to show up for others. to their beliefs. Doing this helps move us away from the negative stereotypes As the world grows more divided, that sometimes surround Christianity, the Church’s role becomes even more and instead lets us be a source of hope important. It must be a bridge—not a and unity. barrier—between people. Pope Francis often spoke about this, describing the Taking that first step can feel Church as “a field hospital,” a place for uncomfortable. It’s easier to speak healing, not judgment. That’s why the up when we’re personally affected, Church should always protect freedom but we’re called to act even when

of conscience and advocate for the rights of believers everywhere. The goal is unity built on faith, justice, and love. While religion and politics do sometimes overlap, the Church should not take sides politically. Staying impartial allows the Church to remain a moral compass, encouraging people to defend not just their own freedoms, but those of others too. Acting out of faith and compassion, protecting religious freedom sometimes means challenging what’s comfortable in order to serve what’s just. Religious freedom isn’t just a law or a concept—it’s a sacred truth based on the dignity and worth of every person. As Christians, we are not only asked to live our faith, but also to protect others’ right to do the same. In a time of deep division and misunderstanding, we need to live out God’s teachings with humility, courage, and love. Let this generation—and the ones to come—rise above fear, stereotypes, and division. Let us walk together in the light of Christ, building a world where freedom is defended through justice and peace for all. ©OSV Lucia Corbea is the winner of the US Conference of Catholic Bishops’ 2025 Religious Liberty Essay Contest.

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Perpetual Adoration (24 hours a day, seven days a week)

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ucharistic Adoration is all about placing ourselves before our Lord, who is truly and sacramentally present to us in the Eucharist exposed on the altar in the monstrance. Eucharistic Adoration is about listening to His heart from your heart, about His love and joy for you, His plans and inspirations, His forgiveness and ministry, and His ways of helping you grow in your spiritual life, and service of others. Jesus present in the Monstrance (from the Latin word—monstrare, which means to show, which is the root for—demonstrate) enables us to fix our gaze on him for the reparation for sins; the intercession for healing of the world, among other needs or sources of gratitude.

is held in two places in the Diocese of Springfield-Cape Girardeau. Please come and spend time in either of these locations:

Perpetual Adoration at Saint Francis Medical Center, Cape Girardeau Call Donna (573) 450-1451 Perpetual Eucharistic Adoration at Holy Trinity Church, Springfield Call Marilyn (417) 224-4043

DIOCESAN NEWS

October 23, 2026

The Mirror 13

Diocese Honors Distinguished Catholic Educators

Safeguarding students, strengthening faith By Paula Wright

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Springfield

Each event included the recognition of the various SERVICE AWARDS for our teachers, administrators, and faculty:

he 2026 Diocesan Catholic schools annual faculty in40 YEARS service meetings were held Denise Darst St. Eustachius Portageville Oct. 15-16 in St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Angela Schaefer Notre Dame HS Cape Girardeau School, Springfield and St. Francis Xavier School, Sikeston respectively. 35 YEARS The theme for the 2026 meeting was Jim Hindman St. Mary Cathedral/ Cape Girardeau “Safeguard.” Notre Dame In his closing for the day, Debbie Pollock St. Francis Xavier Sikeston Deacon Rob Huff, Superintendent of Catholic Schools for the Diocese 30 YEARS of Springfield-Cape Girardeau and Jerry Landewe Notre Dame HS Cape Girardeau Chancellor thanked the faculty DISTINGUISHED TEACHER—Pat Moore is a 2026 Distinguished for their dedication and service, Teacher recipient in diocesan Catholic Schools. She is pictured with 20 YEARS especially in safeguarding students. (left) Deacon Rob Huff, diocesan Chancellor and Superintendent of Don East Springfield Catholic HS Springfield He offered encouragement as they Catholic Schools. (Submitted photo) Sheila Menz St. Ambrose Chaffee face new challenges, especially honored as well as recognition given Kim Sellers Immaculate Conception Jackson in safeguarding the physical, to all the first year and new hires. The intellectual and spiritual well-being of their students 15 YEARS Distinguished Teacher Awards for the in the time of artificial intelligence. Diocese of Springfield-Cape Girardeau Kelsi Beckers Immaculate Conception Springfield “I believe that together we are up to this were presented to Pat Moore and Holly challenge,” Deacon Huff said. “Let us become, as Pope Cape Girardeau Meridith Brinkmeyer Notre Dame HS Wilson. Leo XIV encourages, ‘weavers of hope.’” Immaculate Conception Jackson Alexis Burnett For decades, Pat Moore has taught Guest speakers for the day were Danna Bruns St. Agnes Cathedral Springfield Paige Duda Religion to students at St. Denis and Casey Wilkerson. Bruns led group sessions about St. Agnes Cathedral Springfield Laura Eise Catholic School, Benton, helping artificial intelligence in schools. A lifelong educator St. Peter the Apostle Joplin Heidi Gardner students with First Reconciliation and with a 30-year career in public education for the St. Joseph Catholic Springfield Maria Longoria First Communion. She also teaches Jackson R-II Schools, her experience includes 12 Immaculate Conception Springfield Tracy Piatchek PSR and serves as the parish lead for years as a high school English teacher, eight years as a Totus Tuus during the summer. She Springfield Catholic HS Springfield Shelly Plaster high school librarian, and 10 years as an Instructional coordinates the annual Walk for Life for Technology Specialist. She and her husband share two St. Augustine Kelso Renee Reinagel St. Denis Parish and School. Over the adult children, and all four are proud Catholic school St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Springfield Nicole Russell years, she has alumni. St. Mary Pierce City Susan Salsman been to almost Casey Wilkerson led Immaculate Conception Jackson Crystal Smith every sporting group sessions about school St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Springfield Leah Speakes event, both security. After earning his St. Francis Xavier Sikeston Jennifer Stokes home and away, degree from Drury University, Immaculate Conception Jackson Emily Thomas to cheer on the Wilkerson graduated from St. Mary Cathedral Cape Girardeau Michelle Thuy Ha students. When a POST-approved Police not spending her Academy in 1994 and began 10 YEARS time supporting his law enforcement career Richard Bohn Notre Dame HS Cape Girardeau the school, its with the Sedalia Police traditions, and Notre Dame HS Cape Girardeau Jeremy Burford Department before joining the students, she Springfield Police Department Notre Dame HS Cape Girardeau Ryan Long can be found in 2000. Throughout his St. Henry Charleston Kelly Marler raising her cattle tenure, he has served in patrol Guardian Angel Oran Madrigail Reed and showing and community-oriented Immaculate Conception Springfield Lindsey Smotherman them at the local policing, worked as a D.A.R.E. St. Agnes Cathedral Springfield Courtney Spitz fair. She has instructor and served as a Springfield Catholic HS Springfield Jeff Stratton dedicated her member of the West Central St. Denis Benton Donna Themm life to Catholic Missouri Major Case Squad, St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Springfield Holly Wilson education and the Narcotics Enforcement has been a Team, and supervisor for the role model to Crisis Negotiation Team. led small-group study for middle school girls. She all Catholic educators. As an In November 2016, he was has assisted with Student Council and been a leader DISTINGUISHED TEACHER—Holly Wilson is a 2026 exceptional Catholic educator, selected to supervise the in planning eight-grade graduations. Her influence Distinguished Teacher recipient in diocesan Catholic she is an example of Catholic Springfield PD substation at extends into the families of the school community Schools. She is pictured with Deacon Rob Huff, faith in action. And for many Missouri State University where she builds relationships with parents, where he also oversaw dignitary diocesan Chancellor and Superintendent of Catholic parents and educators, they communicates about their children’s progress, and Schools. (Submitted photo) agree, she is a living saint. protection, instructing Active helps new families feel connected. She is recognized Holly Wilson is a 6th, 7th, Shooter, and “Stop the Bleed” for her dedication to Catholic education, the countless and 8th grade English Language Arts teacher at St. training programs. In 2019, he transferred to the ways she gives of herself for her students, colleagues, Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic School, Springfield. Criminal Investigations Division and concluded his families and school community. She “helps students She consistently demonstrates best practices, police career with the Special Victims Unit in 2023. recognize their dignity, discover their gifts, believe works as a teacher mentor, and tirelessly meets the in themselves, and grow into the people God created individual needs of her students. She serves as an Service awards & Distinguished Teachers them to be.” ©TM Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion and has During the meeting, milestone years of service were

14 The Mirror

All-schools Mass celebrated at Notre Dame Regional High School

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rea pastors joined Bishop Edward M. Rice to celebrate the annual All-Schools Mass on Oct. 19, in Notre Dame Regional High School, Cape Girardeau. Schools in attendance: •

Notre Dame Regional High School

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Guardian Angel School, Oran

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Immaculate Conception School, Jackson

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Immaculate Conception School, New Madrid

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Sacred Heart School, Poplar Bluff

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St. Ambrose School, Chaffee

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St. Augustine School, Kelso

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St. Denis School, Benton

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St. Eustachius School, Portageville

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St. Francis Xavier School, Sikeston

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St. Henry School, Charleston

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St. Joseph School, Scott City

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St. Mary Cathedral School, Cape Girardeau

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St. Teresa School, Glennonville

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St. Vincent de Paul School, Cape Girardeau ©TM

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DIOCESAN NEWS/ADVERTISING

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CATHOLIC CHARITIES OF SOUTHERN MISSOURI

October 23, 2026