WELCOME NEW CATHOLICS!
ANDREW & MADISON WILLIAMS FAMILY, CAPE GIRARDEAU
By Paula Wright Cape Girardeau
Andrew Williams joined the Catholic Church at Easter in St. Vincent de Paul Parish, Cape Girardeau. Andrew is married to Madison, and they have two boys, Lincoln and Harrison. The family also includes a toy poodle named Daisy and a goldendoodle named Lily.
What led you to join the OCIA program, drew you to the Catholic Church?
“I was interested in learning more about the faith,” Andrew said. “We began attending Mass regularly. My desire to grow closer to God and better understand the faith led me to the OCIA program.”
EDITOR’S NOTE:
The Catholic Church in the United States has experienced a notable and widespread surge in new members in 2026, with dioceses across the country reporting some of the highest numbers of converts in years. Data collected from dioceses nationwide confirms the trend, showing significant year-overyear growth as thousands entered the Church at the Easter Vigil. Based on the percentage increase of new Catholic converts, the Diocese of SpringfieldCape Girardeau ranks 11th in the nation according to recent reporting from the National Catholic Register. The number of converts within the Diocese of Springfield-Cape Girardeau continues to increase, growing from a total of 251 new Catholics in 2023 to a total of 519 who joined the Church in 2026.
Within the next few issues of The Mirror, we look forward to sharing stories from some of the diocese’s newest Catholics.
The OCIA (Order of Christian Initiation of Adults) (formerly RCIA), also called the Catechumenate, is a process of initiation into the Catholic community of faith. It is a process in which one studies the Gospels and Catholic Christian teaching, develops and deepens a life of prayer and action with the support and involvement of the local parish community. The OCIA is more than a course of instruction. It is a process of conversion, designed to meet the unique and individual needs of the participants. For more information, reach out to Sr. Janine Tran, CMR: jtran@dioscg.org.
What was your faith background prior to becoming part of the OCIA class?
“I grew up attending Lynwood Baptist Church and later attended LaCroix Church,” Andrew said. “My wife grew up Catholic, so we found a happy medium between our backgrounds.”
Were there any preconceived ideas you may have had about the Catholic faith before your participation? Were these confirmed or repudiated?
“I was often confused by Catholic practices that differed from my Baptist upbringing and felt like an outsider because I could not participate in the Eucharist. OCIA opened my eyes, answered my questions, and completely changed my outlook.”
What did you enjoy most about the journey into full membership in the Catholic Church?
“I most enjoyed the support of the Church. The outreach from our parish made me realize this is a family that will be there for me through anything.”
What did you find most challenging?
“The most difficult part was learning how to pray and becoming comfortable with not having all the answers. Putting my trust in God has relieved everyday worries, and daily prayer has made me feel much closer to Him.”
What was the biggest ‘ah ha’ moment in your journey?
Lily. (The Mirror)
What was most memorable about your confirmation?
“I felt pure joy and excitement when I was confirmed.”
What advice would you give to others interested in learning about Catholicism?
“Follow your heart and your gut. If you feel drawn to the Catholic faith, take that leap of faith and go for it.”
“My biggest moment was gaining a deeper understanding of the true meaning of the Sacraments.”
FOUR PERIODS OF THE OCIA PROCESS
• Inquiry or Pre-Catechumenate
At this time participants are encouraged to ask questions and explore the basic principles of the Catholic faith and to reflect upon these in light of their own life experiences.
• The Catechumenate
It is during this time that most of the study of Scripture, doctrine, traditions and meeting with the community takes place.
• Purification & Enlightenment
For those preparing for baptism, this stage takes place during the Lenten season where they reflect upon their
What do you find is the greatest ‘treasure’ of the faith?
“The love of God.” ©TM
own faith experiences in a more intense, prayerful way. Baptized candidates reflect more deeply upon the meaning of their baptism and celebrate the Sacrament of Penance. As this period ends, candidates for baptism celebrate their initiation into the Church on the holiest of nights-the Easter Vigil – where they are baptized, confirmed and receive Eucharist. Candidates for full communion celebrate their Rite of Reception several other times throughout the year.
• Mystagogy
This is a time for candidates to reflect upon their experiences of being new Catholic Christians and find their place in the life of the Church.
ST. VINCENT DE PAUL PARISH—Andrew Williams joined the Catholic Church at Easter in St. Vincent de Paul Parish, Cape Girardeau. Married to Madison, they have two boys, Lincoln and Harrison. The family also includes a toy poodle, Daisy, and a goldendoodle,
AAND YOU WILL SEE
Bp. Edward M. Rice
US bishops to consecrate America to the Sacred Heart of Jesus COME,
s we continue to reflect on the book, Sacred Signs, by Romano Guardini, we focus today on the use of incense:
The offering of an incense is a generous and beautiful rite. The bright grains of incense are laid upon the redhot charcoal, the censer is swung, and the fragrant smoke rises in clouds. In the rhythm and the sweetness there is a musical quality; And like music also is the entire lack of practical utility: it is a prodigal waste of precious material. It is a pouring out of un-withholding love. … The offering of incense is like Mary’s anointing at Bethany. It is as free and objectless as beauty. It burns and is consumed like love that lasts through death… What is the good of it? It is the offering of a sweet savor which Scripture itself tells us is the prayers of the Saints. Incense is the symbol of prayer. Like pure prayer, it has in view no object of its own; It asks nothing for itself. It rises like the Gloria at the end of a Psalm in adoration and Thanksgiving to God for his great glory. Prayer is a profound act of worship, that asks neither why nor wherefore. It rises like beauty, like sweetness, like love. The more there is in it of love, the more of sacrifice. And when the fire has wholly consumed the sacrifice, a sweet savor ascends.”
Please check the diocesan Website, www.dioscg.org, for the resource pages in order that we might better spiritually prepare for the Diocesan Eucharistic Congress on Aug. 15. Have you registered for the DEC? We’re half-way full at the civic center, so please do so sooner rather than later!
The June DEC resource page may
By Bishop Emeritus John J. Leibrecht
be found on p. 16 of this issue of The Mirror
In June 2026, as part of the celebration of the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, the US bishops will consecrate the United States of America to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. Parishes around the country are encouraged to join the bishops in consecrating our nation to the Sacred Heart in June. For more information & resources, visit www.usccb.org/weholdthesetruths. We also have some information and reflections surrounding the 250th anniversary on p. 6 of this issue of The Mirror
MASS WHILE VACATIONING
As we move into the summer vacation season, please remember to make plans to attend Holy Mass while on vacation. As I visit our parishes in Branson, Montauk, the Sportsman’s Chapel, Stockton, and Eminence during the summer, I am always edified by the many faithful Catholics who make Mass a priority while on vacation. Not sure where the closest Mass will be offered, what time? For up-to-date information, go to masstimes.org. Attending Mass while on vacation is a powerful witness to the priorities you hold near and dear to your heart!
TRADITIONAL DEVOTIONS
Did you know that each day of the week has a traditional devotion attached to it? Sunday is the day of the Resurrection of Our Lord and is held in highest esteem due to the 3rd commandment, to “Keep holy the Lord’s Day.” Some religious
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.
April 14, 1995 Maybe this young woman, who was inquiring for a while about becoming Catholic, will return at some later date. She told her sponsor that she would not continue classes at this time, saying: “There’s a lot I really like about you Catholics, but you’re too much into the Ten Commandments.”
April 21, 1995 People had been kind in welcoming a gentleman going from door-todoor to talk about the Catholic Church. However, one woman told him, “I’ve got little use for you da*n Catholics!” The fellow responded, “Ma’am, I’m not a da*n Catholic. I’m a Roman Catholic.”
April 28, 1995 Lord, always make my words tender and sweet, in case I have to eat them tomorrow.
orders such as the Pink Sisters (Holy Spirit Adoration Sisters) dedicate Monday to the Holy Spirit. Pope Pius V set aside Tuesday for the vigil Mass of the Angels. Wednesday is dedicated to St. Joseph and the Apostles. Thursday, highlighting the Last Supper, is dedicated to the Holy Eucharist. Friday has the distinct character as a day of penance in honor of the Crucifixion and the First Friday devotion to the Sacred Heart. Finally, Saturday is dedicated to the Blessed Mother. Again, as we move into the summer, see if you can attend an extra Mass during the week. And if your summer is more hectic than any other time of the year, all the more you could use the special graces offered through an additional Mass. Along with the First Friday devotion, we have the five First Saturday devotions. The blessed Virgin Mary promised to “assist at the hour of death, with the graces necessary for salvation,” those who fulfill the Five First Saturdays devotion. On the July 13 apparition to the children, Our Lady told Francisco, Jacinta, and Lucia of the First Saturday devotion. Let us listen to Our Lady’s plea to *go to confession, *receive Holy Communion, *pray five decades of the rosary and *spend 15 minutes in the company of Our Lady in the spirit of reparation.
O Sacrament Most Holy, O Sacrament Divine, all praise and all thanksgiving be every moment
Thine. ©TM
CONGRATS
Fr. Paul McLoughlin
Fr. Paul McLoughlin will celebrate the 55th anniversary of his priesthood ordination on June 5. He is retired.
Happy Anniversary, Fr. McLoughlin!
CONGRATS
Fr. Mark Binder
Fr. Mark Binder will celebrate the 55th anniversary of his priesthood ordination on June 12. He is retired.
Happy Anniversary, Fr. Binder!
MAY CROWNING—On May 13, students in St. Joseph Catholic Academy, Springfield, held a May Crowning with the statue of Our Lady on parish grounds (Photo by Jamie Hall/The Mirror)
MAY CROWNING AT ST. JOSEPH CATHOLIC ACADEMY
SIKESTON CELEBRATES 8TH GRADE GRADUATION
EIGHTH GRADE GRADS—On Wed., May 13, 2026, at the 6 pm Mass, Saint Francis Xavier Catholic School celebrated its 8th grade graduation. After the ceremony, graduates and staff gathered at the altar. Pictured are Jessica Hopkins, Principal; Luca Gonzalez; Sophia Nguyen; Jillian Duncan; David Bollinger; Gavin Barber; Noah Phelps; and Jennifer Barnes, Assistant Principal (Photo by Sarah Lee Hunter/The Mirror)
PRIESTS:
Rev. Colby Elbert, June 2, 9 yrs.
The Very Rev. William Hodgson, June 2, 47 yrs.
Rev. Fergus Monaghan, June 4, 54 yrs.
The Very Rev. (John Toan) Paul Tai V., CRM, Provincial, June 4, 21 yrs.
Rev. Timothy Tran, CRM, JCL, June 4, 15 yrs.
Rev. Paul McLoughlin, June 5, 55 yrs.
Rev. Michael Quang Do, CRM, June 5, 33 yrs.
Rev. Vincent Bertrand, June 6, 39 yrs.
Rev. Oliver Clavin, June 6, 56 yrs.
The Very Rev. Patrick Nwokoye, June 7, 24 yrs.
Msgr. Normand Varone, June 7, 51 yrs.
Rev. Michael Casteel, June 8, 42 yrs.
Rev. Brian Straus, June 8, 8 yrs.
Rev. Tuan Nguyen, CRM, June 11, 10 yrs.
Rev. Daniel Belken, June 12, 6 yrs.
Rev. Mark Binder, June 12, 55 yrs.
Rev. Joseph Kelly, June 12, 11 yrs.
The Very Rev. Thomas Kiefer, June 12, 45 yrs.
Rev. Allen Kirchner, June 12, 6 yrs.
Rev. Mitchell Wilk, June 13, 56 yrs.
The Very Rev. Joseph Weidenbenner, June 15, 19 yrs.
The Very Rev. Victor Anokwute, June 19, 11 yrs.
Rev. Nick Zummo, June 23, 3 yrs.
Rev. Charles Dunn, June 24, 10 yrs.
The Very Rev. Scott Sunnenberg, June 24, 24 yrs.
Rev. John Mark Ogu, June 26, 16 yrs.
DEACONS:
Deacon Kevin Henderson, June 10, 3 yrs.
Deacon Tony Peters, June 10, 3 yrs.
Deacon Alan Bandy, June 21, 18 yrs.
Deacon Matt Fletcher, June 21, 18 yrs.
Deacon James Darter, June 28, 13 yrs.
Deacon Walter Biri, June 28, 18 yrs.
Deacon David Farris, June 29, 13 yrs.
Deacon Rob Huff, June 29, 13 yrs.
Deacon Thomas Schumer, June 29, 13 yrs.
WOMEN’S DAY OF REFLECTION HELD IN FORSYTH
WOMEN’S DAY OF REFLECTION—Just in time for Mother’s Day, Our Lady of the Ozarks Parish, Forsyth, Parish Council of Catholic Women (PCCW) hosted a Women’s Day of Reflection on Sat., May 9, featuring Bishop Emeritus John Leibrecht and Lynn Melendez. Pictured are women in the PCCWs for Our Lady of the Ozarks Parish, Forsyth; Our Lady of the Cove Parish, Kimberling City; and Our Lady of the Lake Parish, Branson; members of Knights of Columbus Council 7680, which provided lunch; Bishop John Leibrecht, Lynn Melendez, Deacon Dan Vaughn. (The Mirror)
By Barbara S. Peterson Forsyth, MO
Just in time for Mother’s Day, Our Lady of the Ozarks Parish, Forsyth, Parish Council of Catholic Women (PCCW) hosted a Women’s Day of Reflection on Sat., May 9, featuring Bishop Emeritus John Leibrecht and Lynn Melendez, Director of Evangelization, Family and Youth Ministries for the Diocese of Springfield-Cape Girardeau.
Bishop Leibrecht spoke on Pope St. John Paul Il’s 1988 Letter to Women, “Mulieris Dignitatem –The Dignity and Vocation of Women,” a fitting topic for Mother’s Day Weekend. The Letter reminds us that “Women have an intrinsic dignity and a specific mission to inject love into the world.”
“We only need to look to our Blessed
5 GRADUATE KINDERGARTEN AT ST. DENIS CATHOLIC SCHOOL
IN-BOUND FIRST GRADERS—Father
Daniel Belken, Pastor of St. Denis Parish, Benton, and St. Lawrence Parish, New Hamburg, recognized five kindergarten graduates from St. Denis Catholic School. Pictured with the students and Fr. Belken are (left) Lindsy Wikle, Principal and (right) Junior Kindergarten and Kindergarten teacher, Donna Themm
(Submitted photo)
Mother, Mary, to find dignity in action,” Bishop Leibrecht said.
The day was made extra special with lunch being served by the Knights of Columbus (Council 7680).
Following lunch, Lynn Melendez spoke on the topic “I Am Not Equipped,” offering a unique reflection into Mark’s Gospel Chapter 6, the Feeding of the 5,000. As a special treat, Lynn’s husband, Tony Melendez, musician and inspirational speaker, joined participants and shared his beautiful music with us, reflecting on his many blessings with a message for us to consider and reflect on how God is working in our daily lives and the daily blessings He bestows. The Melendezes are members of Our Lady of the Lake Parish, Branson. ©TM
CONGRATULATIONS
Fr. Rabinson Kulandai Samy, HGN
Fr. Rabinson Kulandai Samy, HGN celebrated the 10th anniversary of his priesthood ordination on May 12. Fr. Samy is Parochial Vicar at St. Mary Parish, Seneca, Nativity of Our Lord Mission Church in Noel, and St. Canera Parish, Neosho.
Happy Anniversary, Fr. Samy!
CONGRATULATIONS
Fr. Tuan Nguyen, CRM
Dear Catholic Women,
You are cordially invited to join with your “Catholic Sisters in Christ” for a wonderful, spiritually-enriching day together. The keynote speaker will be Father Joseph Kelly, Spiritual Director of the DCCW of Springfield/Cape Girardeau. We are also blessed to have The Very Reverend Shoby M. Chettiyath, Vicar General and Moderator of the Curia of Springfield/Cape Girardeau. We are pleased to have three prominent and experienced women from across our diocese also share information with us, Deb Bader, Rita Lueckenotte, and Mary Williams.
Breakfast and lunch will be served. A singing rosary by the ladies of St Mary in West Plains and Mass will be included with Father Simon Enudu
Let us unite and build our faith together, plus spend time and fellowship as we celebrate Mary’s “fiat” (her “yes” to God) to becoming the Mother of the Eucharist.
Fr. Tuan Nguyen, CRM will celebrate the 10th anniversary of his priesthood ordination on June 11. Fr. Nguyen is Pastor of St. Elizabeth of Hungary, El Dorado Springs and St. Peter, Apostle, Mission Church, Stockton.
Happy Anniversary, Fr. Nguyen!
CONGRATULATIONS
Fr. Charles Dunn
Charles Dunn will celebrate the 10th anniversary of his priesthood ordination on June 24. Fr. Dunn serves at Nativity of Our Lord Mission Church, Noel; St. Mary Parish, Seneca and St. Canera Parish, Neosho.
Happy Anniversary, Fr. Dunn!
DIOCESAN NEWS/ADVERTISING
FIRST FRIDAY MASS for VOCATIONS
Bishop 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., June 5 St. Canera Church, Neosho 6:00 p.m.
Fri., July 3 St. Agnes Cathedral, Springfield 5:30 p.m.
Fri., Aug. 7 St. Agnes Cathedral, Springfield 5:30 p.m.
DEADLINE EXTENDED! Register by Aug. 1.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Aurora—All are welcome as Holy Trinity Parish will have First Saturday devotion to the Immaculate Heart of Mary, every first Saturday with rosary at 7:30am, followed by Mass at 8am.
Benton Wheat Harvest Farmers Mass: All are welcome to join Bishop Rice on the farm in Southeast Missouri to celebrate Holy Mass and a picnic in honor and recognition of our farmers, Sun., May 31, 1pm. Mass and meal will be held at Hulshof Farms, 674 County Highway 506, Benton. Bring your own chair for Mass. Bring a side dish you would like to share; pork steaks and baked potatoes will be provided for the meal.
Cape Girardeau—The Father (Joseph) Kelly Band will perform Fri., June 26, 6:30-9pm, at the KC Hall, located at 318 S. Spanish St. Food and drink will be available for purchase. Cost: Free; donations are appreciated and proceeds will benefit Options for Women.
Jackson—St. Ann’s Sodality/CCW will have its Rummage, Plant & Bake Sale, Fri., June 5, 7am-5pm & Sat., June 6, 7am-1pm, in the multi-purpose building/school gymnasium at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church.
Springfield—Play golf “fore” a good cause! CCSOMO will partner with the Knights of Columbus for the 2026 Charity Golf Tournament, Mon., June 22, at Fremont Hills Country Club, near Nixa, MO. Proceeds of the tournament will benefit LifeHouse Crisis Maternity Home in Springfield. Information regarding sponsorships, team registrations, and individual player spots may be found at https://ccsomo.org/get-involved-events.
Springfield Area—St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish is partnering with St. Agnes Cathedral for Vacation Bible School (VBS), Tue., June 23-Fri., June 26, 6-8:30pm and Sat., June 27, 1:30-4:15pm, followed by Mass and a picnic dinner. Information, as well as registration & Media Release forms for participants and volunteers may be found on the SEAS Website at https://www.seaschurch.org/parish-schoolof-religion--psr. VBS is for children entering Kindergarten in the fall through those entering 6th grade in the fall. Youth entering 7-12 grades and adults are invited to volunteer. Children are welcome at any time to be part of VBS, but to be guaranteed a t-shirt, registration form must be completed and returned by Wed., June 3.
Springfield—‘The Holy Trinity, One True Family’ Experience transformation and healing in your soul through the power of the Holy Spirit! Sponsored by Revive: Strengthening and Healing of Souls Ministry: Holy Mass and Adoration, inspiring talks, unique devotions and sacramentals, prayer and healing services, and much more at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church. Fri., June 5, 4-8:30pm & Sat., June 6, 8:30am-8:30pm. Lunch will be provided Friday, dinner provided both nights. More information may be found at https:// strengtheningandhealing.org/.
Wichita, KS—The 26th annual Midwest Catholic Family Conference will be held July 31-Aug. 2, in the Century 2 Convention Center, Wichita. Additional information and registration are available at https://www. catholicfamilyconference.org/.
Parishes and organizations are invited to submit notices of future events to be printed on a space-available basis. There is no fee.
DURING THIS EUCHARISTIC REVIVAL, FR. DAVID COON OFFERS THE FOLLOWING QUOTE FOR THE REFLECTION ON THE EUCHARIST:
“Every Holy Mass, heard with devotion, produces in our soul marvelous effects, abundant spiritual and material graces which we cannot fathom. It is easier for the earth to exist without the sun than without the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass.”
—ST. PADRE PIO
Father Coon is Pastor of Sacred Heart Parish, Dexter. He serves the Diocese as Priest Minister for Spiritual Deliverance & Exorcism and the Confraternity of Priest Adorers of the Eucharistic Face of Jesus.
CONGRATULATIONS
Fr. Timothy Tran, CRM, JCL
Fr. Timothy Tran, CRM, JCL will celebrate the 15th anniversary of his priesthood ordination on June 4. Fr. Tran serves at St. Joseph the Worker Parish, Ozark, and our diocesan Tribunal.
Happy Anniversary, Fr. Tran!
WE HOLD THESE
TRUTHS
CELEBRATING CATHOLIC CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA ON THE SEMIQUINCENTENNIAL ANNIVERSARY
As the United States of America commemorates the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence in 2026, the USCCB joins this celebration by lifting up the contributions of Catholics and the impact of our faith on the history of this country.
UNITY – A First Principle in Christian Citizenship
By Most Reverend William E. Lori, Archbishop of Baltimore
The following essay is excerpted from the pastoral letter, In Charity and Truth: Toward a Renewed Political Culture
Among the first words of Pope Leo XIV’s pontificate was a call for unity–unity in the Church, and unity among the peoples of the earth. Unity is not a strategy; it is grounded in Christ, who prayed that His disciples might be one. Unity is not uniformity. It is harmony in diversity. It is the recognition that we belong to one another, even when we see the world differently.
Unity requires responsibility. It calls us to be united first in faith and service, thereby strengthening the communion of the Church, while simultaneously working for the good of the communities and nation in which we live. This dual commitment to faith and country does not mean closing our eyes to the flaws of our homeland or pretending that our civic life is free of moral tension. From the beginning, Catholics in this country have wrestled with how to live faithfully in a culture that does not always share or support the Gospel. That struggle continues today, especially in a time when many feel politically homeless and unsure where their faith fits within the current landscape.
UNITY GROUNDED IN CHRIST—A woman prays during a Mass in the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels in Los Angeles June 22, 2025, during the National Eucharistic Pilgrimage. The Catholic experience in the US has always included gratitude for the freedoms we enjoy and tension when those freedoms are used in ways that wound human dignity (OSV News photo/ Bob Roller)
that demands more loyalty than the Word of God–and thus our witness becomes fractured. Naming this honestly is not a condemnation but an invitation: an invitation to let our faith shape our civic identity rather than the other way around.
Part of our pastoral challenge is that many of our people instinctively identify as Americans, or as Democrats or Republicans, before they identify as Catholics. When that happens, the Gospel is easily overshadowed by partisanship–or even a rigid ideology
The Catholic experience in the United States has always included both gratitude and tension–gratitude for the freedoms we enjoy, and tension when those freedoms are used in ways that wound human dignity. This history also calls us to a necessary vigilance, ensuring that our fundamental freedoms, especially
As the United States of America commemorates the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence in 2026, the US bishops will consecrate the country to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. All Catholics are encouraged to join the bishops in praying for the unity and healing of our country.
One opportunity for parishes and individuals to participate is by contributing to a collective 250 Hours of Adoration and 250 Works of Mercy.
In his encyclical, “Dilexit nos,” Pope Francis instructs us to “nourish our lives with the strength of the Eucharist” in Holy Communion and Adoration, so that we might understand Christ’s love for all more deeply and live out this love ourselves. Our contemplation of the Sacred Heart leads us deeper into the mystery of our salvation and
our religious liberty, are never curtailed or compromised. Yet our history also shows that these tensions can be navigated with integrity. Catholics do not need to abandon their faith to participate in public life, nor do they need to abandon public life to remain faithful. Instead, our faith offers the compass we need to walk this path with clarity and hope.
Being Catholic in America has never meant uncritical allegiance, nor has it required withdrawal. It means allowing the Gospel to form our conscience, guide our choices, and inspire our commitment to the common good. When we do that, we contribute not only to the unity of the Church but also to the healing and strengthening of our nation, helping it grow into the best version of itself, even when the journey is difficult.
Most Reverend William E. Lori is the 16th Archbishop of Baltimore. From 2011 to 2017, he served as chairman of the Ad Hoc Committee for Religious Liberty. He currently serves as a consultant to the Committee for Religious Liberty.
©TM
Most Reverend William E. Lori is the 16th Archbishop of Baltimore. From 2011 to 2017, he served as chairman of the Ad Hoc Committee for Religious Liberty. He currently serves as a consultant to the Committee for Religious Liberty.
deeper into our love for Christ found in the faces of our sisters and brothers—especially those most in need.
How to Participate
Parishes can participate in 250 hours of adoration together by offering a Holy Hour on a weekly or monthly basis leading up to the July 4 anniversary. Parishes and communities can decide how best to set up their holy hours, continue current practices, or invite new people to join. While 250 hours seems like a lot, each person present constitutes an hour prayed. Parishes and communities can also consider how to incorporate both the 250 Works of Mercy alongside the 250 Hours of Adoration.
Additional resources to support prayer for healing and unity during the 250th Anniversary include podcasts, prayers, and reflections at usccb.org/weholdthesetruths
Reflection on the Consecration to the Sacred Heart
On June 11, 2026, as part of the celebration of the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, the U.S. bishops will consecrate the United States of America to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. Parishes around the country are encouraged to join the bishops in celebrating the consecration of our nation to the Sacred Heart.
By Archbishop Alexander K. Sample, Chairman of the Committee for Religious Liberty
On November 11, the bishops of the United States voted to consecrate this nation to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. The consecration will take place in 2026 to celebrate America’s semiquincentennial, that is, the two hundred and fiftieth anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. What does this mean? Why consecrate the nation to the Sacred Heart?
Devotion to the Sacred Heart has developed over the centuries following the experiences of St. Margaret Mary Alacoque and the apparitions she witnessed in the seventeenth century. Popes have lauded the practice of consecration of the self, home, and even whole nations to the Sacred Heart.1 In his encyclical instituting the Solemnity of Christ the King, Pope Pius XI, drawing on the teaching of Pope Leo XIII,2 commended the “pious custom” of consecrating the nation to the Sacred Heart of Jesus as a way to recognize the kingship of Christ.3 By celebrating this important national anniversary with
HLIGHT ONE CANDLE
alf a century after the American Revolution, Alexis de Tocqueville journeyed from France to the United States to study our fledgling democracy. His trip resulted in the book, Democracy in America, where he asserts that America’s greatest strength is our ability to correct ourselves. De Tocqueville also observed, “Nothing is more wonderful than the art of being free, but nothing is harder to learn how to use than freedom.”
In 1886, Fredrick Douglass delivered his speech, “A Lecture on the Civil Rights Bill,” where he identifies the conscience rights underpinning our nation’s ability to self-correct, saying, “No right was deemed by the fathers of the government more sacred than the right of speech. It was in their eyes, as in the eyes of
this devotion, we have the opportunity to encourage all Catholics to honor our Lord and to “infuse the spirit of the Gospel into various communities and departments of life.” 4
With his encyclical, Dilexit Nos, Pope Francis brought devotion to the Sacred Heart to the forefront of our contemporary Catholic life and culture. He noted: “In contemplating the pierced heart of the Lord, who ‘took our infirmities and bore our diseases,’ we too are inspired to be more attentive to the sufferings and needs of others and confirmed in our efforts to share in his work of liberation as instruments for the spread of his love. As we meditate on Christ’s self-offering for the sake of all, we are naturally led to ask why we too should not be ready to give our lives for others.”5 In Dilexi Te, Pope Leo invited us to contemplate Christ’s love, which moves us out on our mission to attend to our sisters and brothers suffering in the world today, particularly in our care for poor and vulnerable people. As we reflect with gratitude on the blessings God has bestowed on our country, our devotion to the Sacred Heart demands that we consider how we might foster truth, justice, and charity in American
life. We are called to bring our faith into the actions we take and the lives we lead in our communities. We celebrate the ways the Church has contributed to a more just world, and we invite all in our society to see the face of Christ reflected in each sister and brother. We welcome God’s “kingdom of justice, fraternity and solidarity,”6 remembering that “God has a special place in his heart for those who are discriminated against and oppressed, and he asks us, his Church, to make a decisive and radical choice in favor of the weakest.7” This anniversary and consecration will be a great opportunity to promote the beautiful devotion to the Sacred Heart and to encourage the laity to offer their lives in service to God and their country. ©TM
manifestations of most ardent piety which the Apostleship of Prayer has brought about, under whose auspices and direction local gatherings— families, colleges, institutions - and sometimes nations have been consecrated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus.”
2
1 For example, Pope Pius XII, Haurietis aquas, 17: “Indeed, happily there has begun a variety of projects which are conducive to a rekindling of this devotion. We refer to the formation of cultural associations for the advancement of religion and of charitable works; publications setting forth the true historical, ascetical and mystical doctrine concerning this entire subject; pious works of atonement; and in particular those
The PROMISE of AMERICA
all thoughtful men, the great moral renovator of society and government.”
In addition to free speech, conscience rights underpin the free exercise of religion and are essential to achieving the promise of America, as Pope St. John Paul II observed in his 1995 visit to our nation, saying, “America, may your trust always be in God and in none other.” Then quoting Francis Scott Key, he said, “and then, ‘the star-spangled banner in triumph shall wave o’er the land of the free and the home of the brave.’”
The promise of America has always been best expressed in the free exercise of religion, like the work of St. Frances Xavier Cabrini, who came to America in 1889 with the hope of making a positive difference in the world. Her story is dramatized in the Christopher Awardwinning film, “Cabrini,” where she meets with the pope to answer his concerns about her poor health and whether that hardship should curtail her venture to America. “We can serve
“Such an act of consecration, since it can establish or draw tighter the bonds which naturally connect public affairs with God, gives to States a hope of better things. In these latter times especially, a policy has been followed which has resulted in a sort of wall being raised between the Church and civil society. In the constitution and administration of States the authority of sacred and divine law is utterly disregarded, with a view to the exclusion of religion from having any constant part in public life. This policy almost tends to the removal of the Christian faith from our midst, and, if that were possible, of the banishment of God Himself from the earth. When men’s minds are raised to such a height of insolent pride, what wonder is it that the greater part of the human race should have fallen into such disquiet of mind and be buffeted by waves so rough that no one is suffered to be free from anxiety and peril? When religion is once discarded it follows of necessity that the surest foundations of the public welfare must give way, whilst God, to inflict on His enemies the punishment they so richly deserve, has left them the prey of their own evil desires, so that they give themselves up to their passions and finally wear themselves out by excess of liberty.”
(Annum sacrum, no. 10)
3 Quas primas, no. 26
4 See Apostolicam actuositatem, no. 20.
5 Dilexit nos, no. 171.
6 Dilexi te, no. 16
7 Dilexi te, no. 16
our weakness,” Mother Cabrini tells the pope, “or we can serve our purpose. Not both.” Later in the film, when Mother Cabrini faces obstacles to her mission, she declares, “Begin the mission, the means will come.”
Mother Cabrini’s declaration is one of faith in God to provide for us when we set out to make the world a better place.
The declaration that set our nation in motion was rooted in faith and in a purpose articulated by Benjamin Franklin in a letter he wrote after signing the Declaration of Independence. “Our cause is the cause of all mankind,” Franklin wrote, “we are fighting for their liberty in defending our own.”
This coming July 4, we celebrate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. It’s a milestone that marks the moment when our freedoms were so boldly articulated. It has fallen to each successive generation to learn how to use those freedoms and make the necessary self-corrections.
We celebrate our nation’s milestone with gratitude because it set in motion the freedom that allowed Fr. James Keller, MM, to call a war-weary American people to move forward in faith when he founded The Christophers back in 1945. Soon after, Fr. Keller wrote the following words that embody the promise of America.
“The mere fact that you are alive, reading these words, no matter your age, the state of your health, or physical condition, means that you have been chosen by God to perform some work that no other person can do. If you wish to leave the world better than you found it, you must be convinced that you have been put here for a purpose, delegated by God to play a part in renewing the face of the earth.” ©TM
‘Light One Candle’ is the blog of The Christophers and Fr. Dougherty, MM, sits on its Board. Founded in 1949 by Fr. James Keller, MM, the mission of The Christophers is to encourage people of all ages, and from all walks of life, to use their God-given talents to make a positive difference in the world.
Fr. Ed Dougherty, MM
Notre Dame Regional High School, Class of 2026! Congratulations GRADUATION
Accomplishments 2025-26 School Year
• Owen Blattel: Individual SEMO Conference Tournament in singles and is signing a letter of intent for Franciscan University in Steubenville
• Lily Coy, Grayson Maurer: Signed letter of intent to West Point for athletics
• Track seniors: Have broken numerous records
• Competitive Cheer: Was started back up.
• Gabe Jones, Colton Landewee: Academic All State in basketball
• Mia Panton: 1st Team all conference in girls basketball
• Parker Lemons: Qualified for state all four years in wrestling
• Boys and Girls swim: Both had multiple state qualifiers
• Esports: Launched this year
• Peyton Duncan, TJ Bolen, Chase Lawson: Committed to Three Rivers for baseball
• Lily Coy: SEMO Conference girls cross country title
• Girls Golf Team: qualified for state
• Wrestling: Hosted 1st annual Harter Invitational
• Boys Soccer: Won districts and lost in OT in the quarterfinal game
• Girls Cross Country: Won 1st state title
• Mary Tyler Cox: qualified for doubles for state 2nd straight year
• Emmie Gamel: MO Top 100
• Nicholas Dial: National Merit Finalist
• Elena Ripperda: Valedictorian
• Lucy Ripperda: Salutatorian
• Addison Downs, Isabel Jones: DECA State Career Development Conference
• Ryder Siebert: Top five silver in interpersonal communications FCCLA state
• Ella Hahn, Kambri Huckstep: Gold in Focus on Children FCCLA state
• Olivia Cisneros: Competed at FBLA state
• JP Alipala: Competed at archery state
• JP Alipala: Medaled at Scholar Bowl districts
Notre Dame Regional High School, Class of 2026 Graduates
Ifaz Alam
John Paul Alipala
Owen Blattel
Michael Bogdanovich
Thomas Bolen
Lily Brotherton
William Brown
Ellis Brune
Samuel Canter
Ethan Casey
Mavis Chahin Radlein
Sonnie Childress
Olivia Cisneros
Adam Cork
Mary Tyler Cox
Lily Coy
Houston Crawford
Blake DeBrock
Charleigh DeShaney
Nicholas Dial
Genevieve Diebold
Rylan Dirnberger
Cole Donze
Addison Downs
Peyton Duncan
Lauren Ecker
Thurston Edwards
Ayda Emmons
Parissa Faisal
Colton Farrow
Vita Claire Galati
Emmie Gamel
Adeline Gardner
Valerie Gooch
Cole Graham
DayJon Gray
Brynna Greenley
Ella Hahn
Kambri Huckstep
Elias Huff
• Lauren Williamsen, JP Alipala, Lucy Ripperda, Emmie Gamel, Elena Ripperda, Minh Pham, Sebastian Schaaf, Adam Cork, Dalton Leimbach, Nate Imhoff, Alyssa Jurgens: Received Exemplary at MSHSAA District Music Festival for solo and small ensemble; will compete at state
• Cierra Landewee: Awarded Daughters of the American Revolution Good Citizenship Award
• Samantha Schoolman, Ella Hahn, Lily Coy, Abby Martin: Had a piece selected for SEMO’s 48th Annual “Exhibiting Excellence” display
Parker Hulshof
Nathaniel Imhoff
Julian Iwuchukwu
Jake Jansen
Heidi Jimerson
Claudia Jones
Gabriel Jones
Isabel Jones
Jackson Jones
Alyssa Jurgens
Jeffrey Keck
Cierra Landewee
Colton Landewee
Chase Lawson
Tanner Le
Amelia LeGrand
Max LeGrand
Dalton Leimbach
Noland Parker Lemmons
Owen Lochmann
Abigail Martin
Grayson Maurer
Gary Graham McMullan
Caroline Moon
Luke Naughton
Dylan Neumann
Kayla Niedbalski
Aidyn O’Daniel
Mia Panton
Claire Pfautsch
Presley Pfeiffer
Minh Pham
Harper Raffety
Annabelle Rhodes
Elena Ripperda
Lucy Ripperda
Angelica Robles
Sebastian Schaaf
Samantha Schoolman
Mark Schuchardt
• Lauren Williamsen: Earned Superior rating for solo musical performance at Missouri Thespian Conference and qualified for Nationals
• Minh Pham, Adam Cork, JP Alipala: Earned superior rating in the Improv competition at Missouri Thespian Conference and qualified for Nationals
• Olivia Cisneros: Earned an excellent rating for her contrasting monologues at Missouri Thespian Conference
• Samantha Schoolman: Earned an excellent rating in the solo dance competition at Missouri Thespian
Conference
Maria Seyer
Ryder Siebert
Gabriela Stroup
Maya Thebeau
Julia Thompson
Anna Turner
Eloisa West
Lauren Williamsen
Bleve Thompson
Willoughby
Haley Wissinger
Lolah Wunderlich
Felix Brian Zarate-
Mauleon
Jay Zhang
Lueck Zimmerman
• Senior Pledge Walk: Class chose to support an underclassman’s family
• JP Alipala, Adam Cork, Nate Imhoff, Amelia LeGrand, Dalton Leimbach, Elena Ripperda, Lucy Ripperda, Sebastian Schaaf, Maria Seyer, Lauren Williamsen: Selected to participate in the Quad State Music Festival
• JP Alipala, Adam Cork, Nate Imhoff, Dalton Leimbach, Elena Ripperda, Sebastian Schaaf, Lauren Williamsen: Selected to be in the All-District Honor Choir
Cape Girardeau, MO
GRADUATION
Springfield Catholic High School, Class of 2026! Congratulations
TOP TEN STUDENTS
Springfield, MO
Accomplishments 2025-26 School Year
ACADEMIC HONORS:
• 41 Seniors are recognized as Summa Cum Laude (4.00 or better).
• 27 Seniors are recognized as Magna Cum Laude (3.75 - 3.99).
• 9 Seniors are recognized as Cum Laude (3.503.74).
• 27 Seniors are members of the National Honor Society.
• 7 Seniors are members of the Tri-M Music Honor Society.
• 23 Seniors are members of the DECA Honor Society.
• 10 Seniors are members of the Rotary Interact Society.
• 1 Senior is a member of the Speech and Debate Honor Society.
• 27 Seniors are members of the National Art Honor Society.
• 6 Seniors are members of the International Thespian Society.
• 7 Seniors are members of Students for Life.
• 15 Seniors are members of the United Nations International Emergency Fund (UNICEF)
• 26 Seniors are members of the National Art Honor Society
• 17 Seniors are members of the A+ Schools Program
• 3 Seniors earned their Eagle Scout Lifetime Achievement Award
• 19 Seniors received a 31 or better on the ACT qualifying for Missouri’s “Bright Flight” Scholarship.
• 1 National Merit Scholar Semi-Finalist
• 1 National Merit Scholar
COLLEGE PLANS: 100% of the class is planning to attend college.
SCHOLARSHIP AWARDS: The 81 members of the class of 2026 were offered more than $14.7 million in scholarships.
SERVICE AWARDS:
• 20 Seniors performed more than 120 hours of community service.
• 4 Seniors performed more than 240 hours of community service.
• 11 Seniors performed more than 360 hours of community service.
• The Class of 2026 performed more than 13,800 hours of community service while attending Springfield Catholic High School!
LOCAL & REGIONAL SCHOLARSHIPS:
• The Arin Elizabeth Beckers Memorial Scholarship, in memory of Arin Beckers, was awarded to Azul Longoria.
• The Katie Bolls Memorial Scholarship, in memory of Katelyn Marie Bolls, was awarded to Cole Hunt.
• The Viorel Family Scholarship was awarded to Kyle Rues and Michell Truong.
• The Women’s Legislators of Missouri, for impressive educational and community achievements, was awarded to Parker Duckett.
• Missouri Scholars 100 is given to the top 100 students in the state of Missouri by the Missouri Association of Secondary Principals. Christopher Todd was awarded this honor.
• Bella McGuire was the recipient of the Henry J. and Lucille J. Straus Scholarship and the Wall and Libby Walter Scholarship.
• Madeleine Jones was the recipient of the Henry J. and Lucille J. Straus Scholarship.
• Luke Butler was awarded the Youth Empowerment Program Scholarship
Drew Tackett Christopher Todd
Ella Weiss Noah Whitely
Vivian Sharp
Dawson Henley Dylan Henley
Bennett Otto
Sarah Han Cadence Gelner
GRADUATION
Congratulations
McAuley Catholic High School Class of 2026!
Accomplishments
2025-26 School Year
• FBLA: Max Anreder, Alex Bohachick, Orion Brewer, Vanessa Diaz, Norah Gardner, Guillermo Lechuga, Keira Mays, Brooke Stone, Connor Taffner, Cristal Torres
• National Honor Society: Max Anreder, Alex Bohachick, Vanessa Diaz, Norah Gardner, Keira Mays, Sam Perrin, Brooke Righter, Brooke Stone, Cristal Torres, Trae Veer
• National Art Honor Society: Vanessa Daiz, Norah Gardner, Keira Mays, Sam Perrin, Brooke Righter, Brooke Stone, Cristal Torres
• Yearbook: Orion Brewer, Vanessa Diaz, Norah Gardner, Keira Mays, Brooke Stone, Cristal Torres
• National Merit Scholarship Finalist: Trae Veer
Maxwell Benjamin Anreder
Attending the University of Arkansas
Major: Biomedical Engineering
Alexander Lee Bohachick
Attending the University of Arkansas Major: Engineering
Orion Michael Brewer
Attending Missouri State University Major: Computer Science
CMcAuley High School, Class of 2026 Graduates
Vanessa Camila Diaz
Attending Pittsburg State University Major: Nursing
Norah Mae Gardner
Attending the University of Arkansas Major: Biology
Guillermo Jr. Lechuga Attending Crowder College Major: Business Administration
Keira Susan Mays
Attending Pittsburg State University Major: Biology
Samantha Grace Perrin
Attending Northwest Missouri State University Major: Law
Case Richards
Attending Lincoln University Major: Education; Baseball
Brooke Accalia Righter Attending Crowder College Major: Early Childhood Education
Paul Anthony Stachura III
Attending Missouri University of Science and Technology Major: Aerospace Engineering
Brookelynn Jade Stone Attending the University of Missouri-Columbia Major: Bachelor of Science in Psychology
FAITH & FORMATION for the Class of 2026
ongratulations to our students, parents, principals, administrators, and staff of our diocesan Catholic schools as you complete another successful year of faith and academic formation. I thank you for your dedication to Catholic education and fostering Catholic discipleship in our children and young people! For my end-ofthe-year column, I want to share the inspiration for the address I delivered to our three Catholic high schools at commencement: It is a letter I received March 13 from a graduate of the Springfield Catholic School System. Hopefully, what she said could apply to all graduates from our three diocesan Catholic high schools.
“Our school has created an environment where students are encouraged not only to grow
academically but also to deepen their faith and understanding of the values that guide us as members of the Catholic community.
“We have experienced the impact of this mission in many ways: Through Mass, service opportunities, and the example set by our teachers and administrators. We have been challenged to grow both intellectually and spiritually, molding us into students who strive to live out the Gospel in our daily lives, and we are endlessly thankful for that.
“Over the past four years, we have grown not only in knowledge but in character, faith, and leadership. Our greatest achievement isn’t any one thing in particular—it’s how we’ve grown together to lead with faith, to serve others, and reflect the values of the Catholic education we have
received. We are deeply grateful for the diocese’s support, and we will strive to carry forward the mission of our Catholic education in the years to come.”
So, this year, the basis for my homily at graduation was one of gratitude, found in this student’s letter: gratitude for everyone who had a hand in her formation as a life-long Catholic disciple. I pray that her words reflect the mind and heart of every student graduating from our Catholic schools.
I recently read an article titled, “Catholic Education: Now More than Ever.” The basic point of the article was simple—all education is valueseducation. No educational system is neutral. All education has an agenda. The only question is: which values? Secular, public-school systems have
Connor Ray Taffner Attending the University of Arkansas
Major: Animal Science
Cristal Torres-Gonzalez Attending Crowder College Major: General Studies
Franklin “Trae” Veer Attending Tulsa University Major: Pre-Medicine
values and agendas and so, too, do private, religious, or Catholic schools. Again, the question is: which values are being held up to students in order to form them? Catholic values promote what is good, beautiful, and true. Catholic values teach the dignity of the human person, respect for others, the importance of service, and the life-long pursuit of holiness.
My point is this: If you ever wonder if you are making a difference in passing along the faith, YOU DO!
The Most Rev. Edward M. Rice Bishop of Springfield-Cape Girardeau
• National Merit Scholarship Commended Student: Max Anreder
• National Society of High School Scholars (Gold): Brooke Stone
• Valedictorian: Max Anreder
• Salutatorian: Alex Bohachick
Joplin, MO
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Missouri Right to Life Gala Dinner marked by enthusiasm & strong support
The Missouri Right to Life
“Make Missouri Pro-Life
Again” gala dinner held on Wednesday, May 20, at the St. Charles Convention Center drew an impressive crowd of over 1,000 attendees, marking it as one of the largest pro-life gatherings in the state’s history. The event featured keynote speaker Riley Gaines and was emceed by Missouri Right to Life State President Steve Rupp.
Missouri Right to Life, the largest and oldest pro-life organization in Missouri and the sole state affiliate of National Right to Life, hosted this blockbuster event to support the “Yes on 3” campaign. This campaign aims to restore protections for unborn
8TH GRADE GRADUATION AT GUARDIAN ANGEL SCHOOL
8TH GRADE GRADUATION Congratulations Veronica Seyer, Harper Gadberry, and Kyla Rains as they pose for their last picture as an 8th grade class on May 11 at Guardian Angel Catholic School, Oran, with Fr. Joseph Kelly, Pastor (The Mirror) Oran, MO
Monday evening, May 11, three girls from Guardian Angel Catholic School, Oran, celebrated Mass for the last time as 8th grade students. The students are Harper Gadberry, Kyla Rains, and Veronica Seyer and this was their graduation night.
After Mass, a reception was held at the Guardian Angel School gym honoring the graduates, their families, with
teachers and staff all invited.
After the meal, diplomas, bibles, report cards, and award certificates were given to the girls from Fr. Joseph Kelly, Mrs. Katrina Kluesner (Principal), and Mrs. Jodi McVay (8th grade teacher). Valedictorian was Harper Gadberry and Salutatorian was Kyla Rains.
Congratulations Harper, Kyla, and Veronica from Guardian Angel School. We wish you much success as you head to high school. ©TM
children and their mothers in Missouri and prevent gender transitions on minors.
A highlight of the evening was the presentation of the Champion for Life Award to Carl Landwehr, a founding organizer of Missouri Right to Life and the founder of the Vitae Foundation, recognizing his longstanding dedication to the prolife cause.
emphasized the significance of the Amendment 3 campaign, stating, “The Amendment 3 battle is bigger than one ballot and bigger than Missouri. It is about the child in the womb who has no voice, the mother who’s told abortion is her only option, the parents who deserve to be involved in their children’s medical treatments, and the culture that must decide whether life still matters.”
Jessica Flanagain of Axiom Strategies shared insights into the group’s winning campaign strategy, energizing the crowd with a clear path forward. President Steve Rupp
TWO PRIESTS PARTICIPATE IN COMMENCEMENT EXERCISES AT SEMO
Cape Girardeau
Amid all the graduations in May, Fr. Patrick Nwokoye shared a priest-graduation photo with The Mirror: Rev. Emmanuel Dibia (far right in photo) recently graduated from Southeast Missouri State University, in Cape Girardeau, with a Master of Arts Degree in Mental Health Counseling. Father Dibia serves as Sacramental Priest in St. John Henry Newman Center Chapel, Cape Girardeau, on the campus of SEMO university.
The evening was marked by strong support and enthusiasm from attendees, reinforcing Missouri Right to Life’s commitment to protecting life and shaping a culture that values every human being. ©TM
center) studied at Southeast Missouri State University, Cape Girardeau, and received a masters degree in higher education administration. Father Chukwukere is in residence at St. Lawrence Parish, New Hamburg. He was also awarded a certificate in trauma and resilience studies, also from SEMO.
Congratulations Fr. Dibia and Fr. Chukwukere! ©TM
Fr. Maurice Chukwukere (photo
Fr. Thomas Kiefer will celebrate the 45th anniversary of his priesthood ordination on June 12. Fr. Kiefer serves at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish and as diocesan Vice Chancellor.
Happy Anniversary, Fr. Kiefer!
Pam Fichter, Eastern Region Chairman with Riley Gaines, Keynote Speaker (The Mirror)
DIOCESAN NEWS
WINNERS ANNOUNCED IN ANNUAL VOICE FOR LIFE CONTEST
Cape Girardeau
Award ceremonies for the annual Voice for Life Contest were held on May 3, in the St. John Henry Newman Center, in Cape Girardeau, and on May 5 in St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish, Springfield, for the winners of the 2026 Voice for Life contests, celebrated in grades K-12 in the Diocese of SpringfieldCape Girardeau. The Most Reverend Edward Rice presented the contest winners with a certificate, a ribbon, and a monetary award for their winning entries.
Earlier this year, the young people in the Diocese were asked to use their creativity to promote the pro-life St. Gerard Majella (April 6, 1726-October 16, 1755), “The Mother’s Saint,” chosen to represent the Dignity of Life for the 2026 initiative for diocesan youth. An Italian lay brother of the Congregation of the
POSTERS
THIRD GRADE
Most Holy Redeemer, better known as the Redemptorists, St. Majella is an intercessor within the Catholic Church for children, unborn children, women in childbirth, mothers, expectant mothers, motherhood, the falsely accused, good confessions, lay brothers and Muro Lucano, Italy. Kindergarten4th grade students could color a provided picture of the Saint to submit. Grades 3-12 could make posters. Students in grades 5-12 were invited to write a poem or an essay on the theme, using St. Majella’s life as their subject. In addition, students in grades 5-12 could design a T-shirt with a Pro-life slogan. Three design winners were chosen and won the chance to have T-shirts made with each design and sold to the public by Voice for Life (VFL).
“What a special honor to see people wearing T-shirts at any time with their
First Eleanore Deken St. Teresa, Glennonville
Second Amelia Lanigan Immaculate Conception, Springfield
Third Layton Randol Immaculate Conception, Jackson
FOURTH GRADE
First Nora Beachner St. Mary, Joplin
Second Avery Parnell St. Agnes Cathedral, Springfield
Third Autumn Brunke Immaculate Conception, Jackson
FIFTH GRADE
First Eduardo Esteves St. Vincent dePaul, Cape Girardeau
Second Greta Buersmeyer St. Vincent dePaul, Cape Girardeau
Third Norah O’Sullivan Immaculate Conception, Springfield
winning designs!” said Donna Anderson, lead VFL consultant and member of the diocesan VFL Committee.
All entries were judged on four levels: School, PSR, Youth Group, and Home School, with one winner per grade/classroom and one winner per category. These entries were sent to the Voice for Life committee and judged anonymously. Each category had First and Second place winners as well as several honorable mention distinctions..
HISTORY OF VFL
In cooperation with the diocesan Respect Life office, Anderson presents the contest annually to diocesan youth and continues to take on the good work of VFL founder, Rosie San Paolo. Springfield resident San Paolo began her mission of involving children in the crusade for pro life witnessing in the Diocese, Sept. 20, 1988, especially in the schools and homes of Catholic education. Bishop John J. Leibrecht was instrumental in giving permission for Voice for Life to be established as a diocesan lay apostolate organization in January of 1994. San Paolo’s efforts were continued by Kathleen Keesee for many
SIXTH GRADE
First Helen Lipscomb
years. Both women have passed away but their good work continues because so many choose to be involved.
For more information about Voice for Life activities and/or to become involved in Voice for Life, text or call Donna Anderson at (573) 450-1451 or Email tanderson@semo.edu. ©TM
Immaculate Conception, Springfield
Second Patricia DesPres St. Teresa, Glennonville
Third Paul Nguyen St. Francis Xavier, Sikeston
SEVENTH GRADE
First Hadley Bade
Second Ella Johnson
Immaculate Conception, Springfield
Immaculate Conception, Springfield
Third Payton Simmons St. Augustine, Kelso
EIGHTH GRADE
First Olyvia Ella Danastasio
Immaculate Conception, Springfield
Second Analita Buker St. Joseph Catholic Academy, Springfield
Third Ada McClanahan Immaculate Conception, Springfield
Poster Design Winners—From left: Design by Helen Lipscomb, 6th grade, Immaculate Conception, Springfield; Design by Eduardo Esteves, 5th grade, St. Vincent dePaul, Cape Girardeau; Design by Nora Beachner, 4th grade,St. Mary, Joplin. (Submitted graphics)
Poster by Eleanore Deken, 3rd grade, St. Teresa, Glennonville (Submitted graphic)
St. Gerard Majella
DIOCESAN NEWS
POEMS
FIFTH GRADE
First Kinsley Hindman Immaculate Conception, Jackson
Second Josephine Vollink St. Vincent dePaul, Cape Girardeau
Third Jack Tiedeman Immaculate Conception, Springfield
SIXTH GRADE
First Leanne Gaisie St. Elizabeth Ann Seton, Springfield
Second Remi Bruenderman Immaculate Conception, Jackson
Third Carly Cunningham Immaculate Conception, Springfield
SEVENTH GRADE
First Mason Sells
Immaculate Conception, Jackson
Second Evan McLain Immaculate Conception, Jackson
Third Lila Dieckhoff St. Agnes Cathedral, Springfield
EIGHTH GRADE
First Jackson Peek
Immaculate Conception, Jackson
Second Margaret Cunningham Immaculate Conception, Springfield
Third Camille Malkmus St. Elizabeth Ann Seton, Springfield
COLORINGS
KINDERGARTEN
First Emily Kresta St Joseph Catholic Academy, Springfield
Second Clara Blattel St. Augustine, Kelso
Third Jackson York Immaculate Conception, Springfield
FIRST GRADE
First Augie Wellever St. Agnes Cathedral, Springfield
Second Lydia Randol Immaculate Conception, Jackson
Third Annie Schade St. Vincent dePaul, Cape Girardeau
SECOND GRADE
First Charlee Essner Immaculate Conception, Jackson
Second Beckham Fischer St. Agnes Cathedral, Springfield
Third Ashtyn Lynn St. Teresa, Glennonville
THIRD GRADE
First Henry Swinford St. Ambrose, Chaffee
Second Elizabeth Jane Ezell Immaculate Conception, New Madrid
Third Lettie Mercer St. Agnes Cathedral, Springfield
FOURTH GRADE
First Kate Grojean St. Ambrose, Chaffee
Second Lewis Huff Immaculate Conception, Jackson
Third Emily Paxtor Hernandez St. Canera, Neosho
T-SHIRT DESIGNS
First 8th grade Brooklyn Bader St. Teresa, Glennonville
Second 8th grade Rebecca Niedbalski Immaculate Conception, Jackson
Third 6th grade Daphne Arendt St. Vincent dePaul, Cape Girardeau
ESSAYS
FIFTH GRADE
First Kali Keperien St. Teresa, Glennonville
Second Jeffrey Gilliam Sacred Heart, Poplar Bluff
Third Finley Essner Immaculate Conception, Jackson
SIXTH GRADE
First Isabella DesPres St. Teresa, Glennonville
Second Chloe Caudle Guardian Angel, Oran
Third Briley Richardson Sacred Heart, Poplar Bluff
SEVENTH GRADE
First Cora Houchins Guardian Angel, Oran
Second Brody Moore St. Teresa, Glennonville
Third Henry Luzecky Immaculate Conception, Springfield
EIGHTH GRADE
First Alyssa Dannenmueller St. Denis, Benton
Second Kelsey Kerperien St. Teresa, Glennonville
Third David Bollinger St. Francis Xavier, Sikeston
Coloring by Emily Kresta, Kindergarten, St. Joseph Catholic Academy, Springfield. (Submitted graphic)
Coloring by Charlee Essner, 2nd grade, Immaculate Conception, Jackson (Submitted graphic)
VOICE FOR LIFE COLORING AWARD Donna Anderson of Voice for Life (VFL) looked on as Bishop Edward Rice congratulated Elizabeth Jane Ezell from Immaculate Conception Parish, New Madrid, on May 3, for her Second Place Coloring win in the Third Grade category. Award ceremonies for the annual Voice for Life Contest were held on May 3, in the St. John Henry Newman Center, in Cape Girardeau, and on May 5 in St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish, Springfield (The Mirror)
VOICE FOR LIFE COLORING AWARD Bishop
Edward Rice congratulated Lewis Huff, Immaculate Conception Parish, Jackson, on May 3, for his Second Place Coloring win in the Fourth Grade category. Award ceremonies for the annual Voice for Life Contest were held on May 3, in the St. John Henry Newman Center, in Cape Girardeau, and on May 5 in St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish, Springfield (The Mirror)
T-Shirt Designs (from left) by Brooklyn Bader, 8th grade, St. Teresa, Glennonville; Rebecca Niedbalski, 8th grade, Immaculate Conception, Jackson (Submitted graphic)
Coloring by Augie Wellever, 1st grade, St. Agnes Cathedral, Springfield (Submitted graphic)
St. Vincent de Paul School earns prestigious Cardinal Newman Recognition
Cape
Girardeau
St. Vincent de Paul Catholic School
is proud to announce that it has been awarded the distinguished Cardinal Newman Recognition by the Cardinal Newman Society. This honor affirms the school’s strong commitment to providing an education that is both academically rigorous and faithfully Catholic.
The Cardinal Newman Recognition is granted to schools that demonstrate excellence in integrating Catholic identity throughout all aspects of school life, including curriculum, faculty, student life, and community engagement. Schools receiving this recognition are evaluated on their commitment to fostering a vibrant faith environment while maintaining high academic standards.
Through daily prayer, sacramental opportunities, service initiatives, and a values-centered curriculum, St. Vincent de Paul students are encouraged to grow in their relationship with Christ while striving for excellence in the classroom. Father Rick Jones serves as Pastor of St. Vincent de Paul Parish, Cape Girardeau.
RIGOROUS STANDARDS Kay Glasstetter, Principal of St. Vincent de Paul Catholic School; Fr. Rick Jones, Pastor, and Assistant Principal Lenore Herndon celebrate the Cardinal Newman Recognition of St. Vincent de Paul Catholic School, Cape Girardeau, by the Cardinal Newman Society. The Cardinal Newman Recognition is granted to schools that demonstrate excellence in integrating Catholic identity throughout all aspects of school life, including curriculum, faculty, student life, and community engagement. (The Mirror)
The recognition places St. Vincent de Paul School among a select group of Catholic schools nationwide that have met the rigorous standards set forth by the Cardinal Newman Society. ©TM
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U.S. Bishops to Meet June 10-12 in Orlando
The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) will gather for the 2026 Spring Plenary Assembly in Orlando, Florida, June 10-12. The public sessions on June 10 and 11 will be livestreamed on the USCCB website.
Washington
The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) will gather for the 2026 Spring Plenary Assembly in Orlando, FL, June 10-12. The public sessions on June 10 & 11 will be livestreamed on the USCCB Website.
The public portion of the assembly will begin with an address by Archbishop Paul S. Coakley of Oklahoma City, who will deliver his first remarks as president of the Conference. Archbishop Gabriele Giordano Caccia, the Papal Nuncio to the United States, is also expected to deliver an address to the body of bishops.
BISHOPS SPRING MEETING ORLANDO—Archbishop
Paul S. Coakley of Oklahoma City, now president of the US Conference of Catholic Bishops, and Bishop James S. Wall of Gallup, NM, share a light moment during a break June 16, 2023, at the USCCB’S spring plenary assembly in Orlando, FL. The USCCB’s 2026 spring assembly will be held in Orlando June 10-12, with public sessions scheduled for June 10 & 11 (OSV News photo/Bob Roller)
The plenary agenda has not yet been finalized and is therefore subject to change but is expected to include votes on a number of action items:
• Two items pertain to a consultation on causes of beatification and canonization: Monsignor Joseph Francis Buh and John Rick Miller.
• The Committee on Divine Worship will also present elements of a new edition of the Lectionary for Mass and the 2025 Roman MissalLiturgy of the Hours Supplement for approval by the body of bishops.
• A revision to the “Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People,” which was first discussed by bishops in regional meetings in November 2022. The action item addresses elements of the Charter that the bishops have determined are in need of improvement or further development. The proposed revisions align with the Charter’s original intention of safeguarding minors and underscores the bishops’ continued commitment to addressing the prevention of
abuse and ensuring the structures continue to be in place to respond to allegations. The Committee for the Protection of Children and Young People has emphasized that the revision attempts to balance its care of and sensitivity to victimsurvivors, with an awareness of due-process, the rights of the accused, pertinent aspects of the revised Book VI of the Code of Canon Law, Vos estis lux mundi, and the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith’s Vademecum.
Also expected to be addressed at the plenary are updates on the following:
• Synod implementation and evaluation
• The feedback received during the bishops’ fraternal dialogues at the November 2025 plenary about
Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship
• Catholic prison ministry
• The USCCB’s engagement with the Intercontinental Guadalupan Novena
• World Youth Day 2027 in Seoul, South Korea
• The 25th anniversary of the implementation of Ex Corde Ecclesiae in the United States. The presentation is expected to provide a reflection on Pope John Paul II’s apostolic constitution to guide Catholic colleges and universities on theological and pastoral principles.
In celebration of the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, the US bishops will consecrate the United States of America to the Sacred Heart of Jesus on Thursday, June 11. To prepare for this occasion, the bishops will have time to
hear reflections on the Sacred Heart from several of their brother bishops before the special Mass of consecration, which will be livestreamed on the USCCB’s YouTube channel. The bishops’ livestream event is intended to be a catalyst to encourage parishes and individuals to participate in the America 250 commemoration by contributing to 250 Hours of Adoration and/or 250 Works of Mercy.
The Livestream of the public portions of the plenary on June 10 and 11, and the bishops’ Mass consecrating the United States to the Sacred Heart of Jesus will be available at www.usccb. org/meetings. Those wishing to follow the meeting on social media may use the hashtag #USCCB26 and follow on Instagram (@USCCB), Facebook (@USCCB), TikTok (@USBishops), Threads (@USCCB), Bluesky (@ usccbofficial.bsky.social) and X (@ USCCB). ©USCCB
