RITE OF ACOLYTE During the Mass celebrated Sept. 20 by Bishop Edward M. Rice on Sept. 21 during the day of retreat for the diocesan permanent diaconate community, five Deacon Candidates received the Rite of Acolyte. They were Mike Wilson (wife, LeAnn), Sacred Heart Parish, Webb City; Howard Mohn (wife, Lisa), Holy Trinity Parish, Marshfield; Kevin Haverly (wife, Paula), SS Peter and Paul Parish, Pulaskifield; Jim Haston (wife, Denise), St. Lawrence Parish, Monett; and Steve Reddin (wife, Kelly), Sacred Heart Parish, Webb City. The day of retreat was held in Holy Trinity Parish, Springfield. The men and their wives were pictured with (back) Deacon Mark Kiblinger, Deacon Dan Vaughn, Bishop Edward M. Rice, The Very Rev. Shoby Chettiyath, JCL, V.G.; and Deacon Mike Fritz. (The Mirror)
Springfield
Accompanied by their wives, Candidates and Aspirants for the permanent diaconate in the Diocese of Springfield-Cape Girardeau, recently enjoyed a day of retreat and a Mass in Holy Trinity Parish, Springfield. Joining the retreat were the permanent deacons currently in ministry throughout the Church of Southern Missouri and their spouses along with Bishop Edward M. Rice, celebrant for the liturgy, and The Very Rev. Shoby Chettiyath, JCL, V.G., pastor of Holy Trinity Parish, Springfield, and St. Francis of Assisi Parish, in Nixa, who concelebrated the Mass. Father Chettiyath also serves as diocesan Vicar General.
Retreat speaker for the Sat., Sept. 20, gathering was Deacon Rick Wagner, from the Archdiocese of Indianapolis. He presented, “God needs Storytellers,” which emphasized that each person has a story to tell, the call to share one’s faith, and to use daily ‘God moments’ in order to evangelize, to transform lives, and to be intentional disciples of Jesus Christ.
During the Mass celebrated by Bishop Edward M. Rice, five Deacon Candidates received the Rite of Acolyte. They were Mike Wilson (wife, LeAnn), Sacred Heart Parish, Webb City; Howard Mohn (wife, Lisa), Holy Trinity Parish, Marshfield; Kevin Haverly (wife, Paula), SS Peter and Paul Parish, Pulaskifield; Jim Haston (wife, Denise), St. Lawrence Parish, Monett; and Steve Reddin (wife, Kelly), Sacred Heart Parish, Webb City.
“These men have spent the past four years in preparation toward the diaconate attending formation classes at Conception Abbey Seminary College with eight men from the Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph,”said Deacon Dan Vaughn, diocesan Director of the Permanent Diaconate. Deacon Vaughn ministers in Our Lady of the Lake Parish, Branson, and Our Lady of the Ozarks, Forsyth. “They have been deemed properly-formed to
assist the priest at the altar in offertory preparation duties, the sacred purification of the vessels after holy communion, and to assist with Eucharistic Adoration.”
“[As Acolytes], these men begin their last year of diaconate formation with the hope and humility to be ordained in the summer of 2026,” said Deacon Vaughn.
RITE OF CANDIDACY
During the Sept. 20 liturgy, Bishop Rice accepted three men into candidacy for the permanent diaconate. The three new candidates; Brian Bauknecht (wife, Barbara), Immaculate Conception Parish, Jackson; Jimmy McClearey (wife, Holly), Sacred Heart Parish, Mountain Grove; and Ronald Yates (wife, Linda), St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish, Springfield, have been attending their formation sessions with 10 men in the Diocese of Belleville in Illinois.
“They have completed their first two years of aspirant discernment and studies and have three more years of spiritual, pastoral, and academic studies before the possibility of being called to Holy Orders in the summer of 2028,” said Deacon Vaughn.
“ While they collectively study as a cohort (class) with other men, it is an individual undertaking in discerning if God is indeed calling them to be deacons,” Deacon Vaughn said. “None of us are worthy of Holy Orders. There are many sacrifices that each man and his wife have made and will continue to make in this call to action, this ministry of service.”
In total, there are eight men in formation for the permanent diaconate for the Diocese of SpringfieldCape Girardeau and 20
8 MEN are in formation for the permanent diaconate in the Diocese of SpringfieldCape Girardeau, with three receiving the Rite of Admission into Candidacy and five receiving the Rite of Acolyte, the latter of which signals their last year of formation on the road toward ordination.
active permanent deacons (and wives) who presently serve in diocesan parishes.
“The Diocese of Springfield- Cape Girardeau is blessed to have these eight men discern the possibility that God may be calling them to serve as permanent deacons in our diocese,” said Deacon Vaughn. “Please join me in praying for these men and their families that God will continue to bless them with love, wisdom, encouragement, and charity,”
ASPIRANCY—Three men who have completed their two-years of Aspirancy diaconate formation received the Rite of Admission into Candidacy during the liturgy celebrated by Bishop Edward M. Rice in Holy Trinity Parish, Springfield, on Sat., Sept. 20. The men were Brian Bauknecht (wife, Barbara), Immaculate Conception Parish, Jackson; Jimmy McCleary (wife, Holly), Sacred Heart Parish, Mountain Grove; and Ron Yates (wife, Linda), St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish, Springfield. They were pictured with (back) Deacon Mark Kiblinger, Deacon Dan Vaughn, Bishop Edward M. Rice, The Very Rev. Shoby Chettiyath, JCL, V.G.; and Deacon Mike Fritz. (The Mirror)
DIOCESE OF SPRINGFIELD—CAPE GIRARDEAU, MISSOURI
WILL SEE
Bp. Edward M. Rice
Devotion to the Eucharist strengthens us in all circumstances COME, AND YOU
“From the first day of her existence, and then for centuries, the Church has celebrated Mass, from Sunday-toSunday, in memory of what the Lord did for her. In the hand of the priest and [with] his words: ‘This is my Body, this is my Blood,’ Jesus still gives his life on the altar. He still sheds his blood for us today…The celebration of the Mass saves us today! It saves the world today! It is the most important event in the life of the Christian and in the life of the Church, because it is the meeting where God gives Himself to us out of love, again and again. The Christian does not go to Mass out of duty, but because he needs it—absolutely—we need the God who gives Himself without awaiting return!”
These are the words of Pope Leo addressed to young altar servers who traveled to Rome on pilgrimage from France. And to those servers he also offered a challenge “Little-by-little, from Sunday-toSunday, discover the beauty, the happiness, and the necessity of such a vocation (to the priesthood).”
DIOCESAN EUCHARISTIC CONGRESS (DEC)
At a recent Knights of Columbus Clergy/Religious Appreciation Dinner, I was asked what was behind the idea of having the Diocesan Eucharistic Congress next August 15, 2026, at the West Plains Convention Center. On a practical level, it is a great way to celebrate the 70th anniversary of the establishment of our diocese in 1956 by Pope Pius XII. But on a spiritual level, I would like to continue to build on the momentum of the recent three-year National Eucharistic Revival sponsored by the USCCB.
We all know the challenges of postCOVID where some people are still in
the habit of watching Mass on TV. If you’re capable of going shopping, playing golf, getting your hair done, going to breakfast, lunch, or dinner, to the casino, etc., then you’re capable of going to Mass. Does that sound judgmental? So be it. I’m tired of dancing around the issue. Watching the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass on TV is not the same thing as gathering at the altar, at the foot of the cross, with Mary, and one another. I’m just one step away from asking all priests to stop Live-streaming the Mass! I firmly believe that the more we know about the Mass, the more we will want to be present at the offering of Holy Mass. If somebody is legitimately ill, then why don’t we participate in the traditional work of bringing Holy Communion to them in their home. It’s a corporal work of mercy! I firmly believe that the more we know about the Mass, the more we will want to be present and participate in the offering of the Mass.
While we continue to face other challenges, including reclaiming Sunday as the Lord’s day and competition with Sunday sports, we have had an increase in membership throughout the diocese. As I’ve noted in a recent column, in 2021 we had 102 new Catholics. In 2025, we had 324. Over the past five years, we’ve had 1,093 new converts. But let’s not have those numbers blind us: Each of us knows the challenge of keeping new converts engaged after Holy Saturday/ Easter, and we
know also the challenge of making sure that new converts are given authentic teaching regarding the true teaching of Jesus’ presence in the Eucharist—His Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity. If a new Catholic does not believe in the true presence of Christ in the Eucharist, then we have failed that individual in truly forming him or her in the faith, and shame on us.
FRUITS OF THE CONGRESS
What about us who do believe?
Would we not benefit from a greater understanding of Holy Mass and the effects of receiving Our Lord in Holy Communion? Can we not be better encouraged and strengthened in that belief? Will not a greater devotion of the Eucharist, an encounter with total, unconditional, sacrificial love of Jesus Christ, strengthen husbands and wives in marriage and
family life? Will not a deeper love for the Eucharist inspire young men to the priesthood and young women to consecrated life? Will not that love for the Eucharist inspire young adults searching for meaning and purpose in this world and God’s will for their lives? And would not the bishops, priests, and religious of the diocese be called to even greater sanctity?
Thus is the reason for the Diocesan Eucharistic Congress, …dare I say Revival, on August 15, 2026, in West Plains, MO. Please make it a point to join us in our One Church, East to West, at the altar, at the DEC.
The month of October is both the month of the HOLY ROSARY and RESPECT LIFE MONTH, a time to reflect on the dignity of all human life and growing in our respect for the gift and Gospel of Life. Several of our parishes have a prayer grotto with a statue of the Blessed Mother on their grounds, and Bishop Rice will pray the Rosary at several of these parishes during the month of October. All are invited to join him at the following locations:
Wed., Oct. 1 Pierce City St. Mary 6:00 pm Thu., Oct. 2 Licking St. John the Baptist 5:00 pm* Mon., Oct. 6 Leopold St. John 6:30 pm Tue., Oct. 7 New Hamburg St. Lawrence 6:30 pm** Tue., Oct. 21 Portageville St. Eustachius 5:30 pm Wed., Oct. 29 Springfield Immaculate Conception 6:00 pm*
*Mass Following **After the 6:00 pm Mass
ANOTHER WALK THROUGH: ‘Walking Together’
By Bishop Emeritus John J. Leibrecht
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.
January 7, 1994 Little Todd was in the first stages of learning that the birth of Jesus was associated with the celebration of Christmas. After unwrapping all his gifts under the tree, he said, happily, “I sure hope Mary has another baby next year!
January 14, 1994 The second grade teacher was perplexed. She had asked her class what Scribes and Pharisees were. Another little girl offered a response, “They were horses: ‘Jesus said, “Whoa to you Scribes and Pharisees.’”
January 21, 1994 The average man’s life consists of 20 years of having his mother ask where he is going; over 40 years of having his wife ask him the same question; and at the wake, mourners wondering the same thing.
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
DIOCESAN NEWS/ADVERTISING
Catholic school principal shares importance of practicing safety protocols
By Paula Wright Joplin, MO
Catholic schools around the nation are reviewing their security protocols and safety procedures following the August 27 deadly shooting in Annunciation Catholic Church in Minneapolis, including the 26 Catholic schools within the Diocese of Springfield-Cape Girardeau.
“Every school is always evaluating and updating safety protocols,” said Deacon Rob Huff, Superintendent of Catholic Schools and diocesan Chancellor.
The principal of St. Peter the Apostle Middle School, Joplin, Dr. Stephen Gilbreth, has experienced an active shooter within his education career and recently shared his story about this experience and the importance of drilling safety protocols.
An active shooter
In October 2006, Dr. Gilbreth was principal of Memorial Middle School, Joplin, MO, when a student brought an assault rifle into the school and fired it. Miraculously, the student was only able to fire an initial shot into the ceiling and on his next attempt, the gun jammed. The incident took place early in the morning right before classes had begun. No one was injured that day.
“I was in the office taking a phone call at the time the young man discharged the weapon. I ran down the hall and confronted the young man,” said Dr. Gilbreth. “The gun had jammed, thankfully, or I wouldn’t be here today. I got the young man out of the building.”
Gilbreth attributes him being able to get him outside was a five-minute conversation he had with the young man.
“Through my one-sided conversation, I was able to disrupt his plans,” Gilbreth said. “When he got close to a door, he took off and ran. The police were coming down the street at that time and I pointed to where he had gone, and he was apprehended.”
The importance of practicing safety protocols
Since that event, Dr. Gilbreth has continued to read and research about school shootings.
“The army has done a lot of research about active shooters and when somebody is going to take an initiative. The shooter’s mind is set on exactly what they are going to do, [it is] planned step-by-step,” Gilbreth said. “Most times, school shooters are familiar with the place they are going. If you can get somebody off their game long enough to
distract them, it takes time for them to regroup, giving you time to act and do something.”
With that being said, Gilbreth acknowledged that the safest thing that people can do is stay locked down in a safe area until law enforcement shows up to release people. And practice makes the lockdown and the lockdown release routine familiar.
“There are protocols for lockdown and protocols for release from lockdown. If you don’t drill in the way you are going to do in the event of, then people may not know what to do,” said Gilbreth.
“In the moment there is a sense of panic, especially if you hear a gun shot. But that is why you practice what to do: know you may hear gun shots, and know the safest thing to do and what the protocols are,” Gilbreth said. “As long as the protocols are in place, people know what they are, and have practiced what to do, then I think playing the ‘what if’ game can just create uncertainty. You can’t plan for every ‘what if.’ In the moment, there will be so much adrenaline, your brain is in flight or fight. That is the reason practicing and drilling is so important, so even when you are in that fight or flight mode, you know exactly what to do.”.
The Catholic schools of the diocese practice safety drills and procedures.
“ We do four lockdown drills a year at McAuley Catholic High School and at St. Peter Middle School,” Gilbreth said. “After each one, it gives us a chance to reevaluate and rethink our approach.”
And he had some suggestions on what to do if the worst-case scenario becomes reality.
Post-support & resources for healing
“An active shooter impacts an entire community. Have mental health experts on-hand after an event. People that really understand helping those that have experienced first-hand trauma, and loss-of-life trauma,” Gilbreth said. “Especially for a child that has lost a
friend. Understand that kids are going to respond in a variety of ways. Give everybody grace: adults and children will all respond differently. We can’t read people’s minds, so we don’t know how they are processing things. But we make things available to them including real, expert mental health available to everybody.”
“Then, give everybody the tools to look for signs of concern and check on individuals that may need additional support. You know there are long lasting effects, you are vigilant about watching for how kids react and respond. Are they angry? Are they isolating themselves?” Gilbreth said, and share those observations with parents.
Changes in the past 20 Years
MASSES WITH STUDENTS CLOSED TO GENERAL PUBLIC IN SPRINGFIELD
On Sept. 18, 2025, Bishop Edward M. Rice issued a letter to Springfield Catholic School Families in Springfield Catholic School System: “After consultation with the lead security at Springfield Catholic Schools and with input from the Springfield pastors, I authorize the pastors of the Springfield Catholic Schools to celebrate Holy Mass for our elementary and high school students without a public congregation. This would limit attendance to students, faculty, staff ,and parish staff. This decision will be reviewed regularly.”
Springfield Catholic Schools System includes St. Agnes Cathedral Catholic School, St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic School, Immaculate Conception Catholic School, and Springfield Catholic High School. And Bishop Rice’s letter only affects those four schools in Springfield.
Only a few days before Bishop Rice’s letter to SCS families, Fr. Andrew Williams, Director of Catholic Campus Ministry on the campus of Missouri State University, Springfield, made the decision to lock the doors to the O’Reilly Catholic Student Center during large events and during Mass.
“ We thought, ‘We have large public events here, what are some base-level cautions we can put into place?’”
“I think what has changed for the better is that schools are more aware, they [proactively] take measures to keep people safe. They do everything they can to mitigate the effects of a really bad event. They are aware,” Gilbreth said “The divisiveness we are experiencing right now in our country makes people angry, it creates hatred. And some people who take actions like this are people that are not balanced.”
Father Williams said it was time to take the step and he made the announcement during the Sept. 14 Mass on campus.
“As the mental health of the nation continues to struggle, violence is going to be a reality,” he said.
Catholic Campus Ministry serves students at Drury University, Ozarks Technical Community College, and MSU.
“Ever since that happened to me in 2006, I don’t go anywhere that I am not aware of my surroundings and thinking about what I would do if something happens,” Gilbreth said. “I don’t sit with my back to the door. I am pretty conscious of where I am and I always walk into a room and look for the exits, considering what is the room layout; what can I grab to protect myself. A lot of people don’t think about things in those terms, but unfortunately, I think the world is this crazy now. I think everybody should at least have a thought for their safety. Even for their driving.”
GRANDPARENTS & ELDERLY On hand Sept. 7 for the parish celebration of Grandparents and the Elderly in St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church, Sikeston were (front row) parish guest; Cherie Hinde; Lewis Blanton; Roger Sherman; Karen Ferrell, Grandparents Association member; Glenda Dacus, and Mr. & Mrs. Jeff Marchini; (second row): Betty Heckemeyer, Grandparents Association member; Barbara Blanton; Patty Bogue; Linda Scott, Grandparents Association member; Jim Bucher; Karen Horton, Grandparents Association President; Bob Dacus; Sarah Lee Hunter, Grandparents Association member; Henry Gross, and Furg Hunter; (back row): Toni Grojean; Annie Schuchart; Emil Schuchart; John Scott; Marilyn Klueppel; Fr. Colby Elbert, Pastor, STFXCC; Cathy Bucher, Grandparents Association member, and John Klueppel. (Submitted photo)
The 5th Annual World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly was celebrated on Sun., Sept. 7, 2025, in Saint Francis Xavier Catholic Church (STFXCC), in Sikeston, MO, under the theme, “Blessed are those who have not lost hope.” After the Mass, grandparents and the elderly were invited to the Altar for a picture with Fr. Colby Elbert, Pastor. The celebration was sponsored by the STFXCC Grandparents Association. Prior to the Mass, a total of 144 grandchildren were revealed by the grandparents.
Bishop Emeritus John J. Leibrecht presided over Mass in Our Lady of the Ozarks, in Forsyth, MO, on “Knights Sunday,” Aug. 31. Pictured are members of the Knights of Columbus Council 7680. (Submitted photo)
CAREER OPPORTUNITY AT NEWMAN PARISH IN COLUMBIA, MO!
GRANDPARENT DAY CELEBRATION HELD AT GUARDIAN ANGEL SCHOOL
The official Grandparents Day on the calendar this year was on Sun., Sept. 7, but Guardian Angel School in Oran celebrated their grandparents on Tue., Sept. 9. The morning started with Mass for PreK4-8th grade students. However, this day was extra special because the grandparents of these students were present with them at Mass. The PreK3 doesn’t attend Mass on Tuesdays, so they joined their grandparents in the school gym after Mass.
Elmer Georger, Michelle Anderson, Gus Anderson (K), Addelyn Griffin (K), Charlotte Griffin, Bill Anderson, Briggs Griffin (PreK3), and Cecelia Georger enjoyed each other’s company at the Grandparent Day celebration at Guardian Angel School in Oran, on Sept. 9. The children made artwork to present to their grandparents as well as giving them lots of hugs and kisses (Submitted photo)
Owen Morrison (5th) enjoyed the presence of his grandparents and his great-grandmother at the Grandparent Day celebration.
Pictured are Kevin Tenkhoff, Carolyn Tenkhoff, Sherry Tenkhoff, and Owen (Submitted photo)
Newman Parish is seeking to fill the position of DIRECTOR OF ADULT FAITH FORMATION to lead resident parishioners in deepening their discipleship through faith formation, volunteer coordination, and dynamic parish events. If you are passionate about forming adults in the Catholic Faith, please submit your cover letter, resume, and three current professional references by December, 2025, to Fr. Dan Merz at frdan@comonewman.org. To see a full job description, go to: https://www.comonewman.org/job-openings/.
Around the table clockwise are Linda and Mike Wheeler, August (2nd); Carla, Robert, Aubrey (4th); and Atlas (PreK4) Graviett, and Elizabeth David (6th). The Wheeler’s are grandparents to Elizabeth and Robert and Carla are grandparents to Aubrey, August, and Atlas. Linda and Robert are siblings. One big extended family enjoyed each other’s company while partaking of cookies, coffee, and milk at Guardian Angel’s Grandparents Day on Sept. 9 (Submitted photo)
Explore Incredible Catholic America
Where is the tallest crucifix in America?
Which Jesuit was the only missionary to have his portrait done in corn? Yes, corn! Where do cats go to church? Why is the Diocese of Orlando over the moon? How many incorruptibles does America have? (Hint: It’s more than one.)
You’ll discover the answers to these questions and much more in the new book
On Sept. 14, with the help of the St. Vincent DePaul Discipleship Committee, the parish celebrated the canonization of Saint Pier Giorgio Frassati and Saint Carlo Acutis.
After the 10 a.m. Mass, two parish youth, pictured here with Fr. Rick Jones, Pastor, beautifully portrayed these inspiring young saints-reminding parishioners that holiness is possible at any age (Submitted Photo)
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DIOCESAN NEWS
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Aurora—All are welcome as Holy Trinity Parish will have its First Saturday devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary, every first Saturday with a rosary at 7:30 a.m., followed by Mass at 8 a.m. Cape Girardeau—St. Mary Cathedral will hold its annual Craft & Bake Sale fundraiser, Sat., Nov. 15, 7 a.m.-6 p.m., and Sun., Nov. 16, 7:30 a.m.-12-Noon, in the school gym. Lots of amazing homemade crafts, yummy baked goods, (including favorites of peanut brittle & cinnamon rolls), there will even be a section with second-hand treasures! Tickets will be available for a one-night stay at a Drury Hotel, $100 cash, a framed diamond dot picture, or a four-piece set of “The Greatest Story Ever Told” figurines.
Glennon St. Anthony Parish Fall Dinner will be Sun., Oct. 12, 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m. in the Glennon Parish Hall. Menu includes kettle beef, dumplings, dressing, and all the trimmings, dessert & drinks included. Adults: $14; children (612):$8; ages 5 and under: free.
Fredericktown— St. Michael the Archangel Church will hold Oktoberfest, Sun., Oct. 5, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. at 400 W. Main St., Fredericktown. Everyone is welcome! Fried chicken and pulled pork dinners, served inside: Adults-$15, Children-$8 (ages 6-12 yrs.) Carry-Out is available. Bratwurst, porkburgers, & nachos. Be sure to visit Carrie Jo & Trish’s Country Store, featuring homemade bread, all kinds of baked goods, canned produce, and more! Craft room, themed baskets, bounce house and much more!
Jackson—Options for Women will hold its 13th Annual Banquet for Life, Tue., Oct. 14, in the Knights of Columbus Hall, located at 3305 N. High St. Featured speaker is Amy Ford. Registration begins at 5 p.m., dinner and program start at 6 p.m. RSVP to (573) 339-2032 or director@optionsforwomencape. com.
Jackson—The Knights of Columbus Ladies Auxiliary will host BUNCO, Sun., Nov. 2, at the Jackson KofC #6405 Upper Hall. Doors open at 12:30 p.m.& play begins at 1 p.m., pre-registration is not needed. Cost is $10/person.
Light snacks will be provided. Money raised will fund our scholarship program and other organizations such as Options for Women, Birthright, Veteran’s Home, and others. For more information, contact Deena at (573) 382-1745 or jacksonkcaux@ gmail.com.
Jackson—Jackson Knights of Columbus #6405 will host a Fish & Chicken Dinner, Fri., Oct. 17, 4:30-7:30 p.m., in the lower KC Hall. Fried fish, fried chicken, fries, hushpuppies, baked beans, slaw, homemade mac & cheese, tea & lemonade. Cost-$15. Dine-in or carry-out available.
Jackson—Jackson Knights of Columbus #6405 will have a Sausage & Pancake breakfast, Sun., Nov. 2, 7-11 a.m. Homemade sausage, pancakes, eggs, hashbrowns, and biscuits & gravy. Cost: Free-will offering with proceeds to benefit the Jackson Ministerial alliance food pantry. Taking orders for sausage—link and 1-lb. bulk packaging, for information, or to order, contact the KofC Hall at (573) 243-5464 or kchalljacksonmo@att.net.
Kimberling City— Our Lady of The Cove Catholic Church, will have its Fall Garage Sale, Fri., Oct.10, 8 a.m.-2 p.m., and Sat., Oct.11, 8 a.m.-Noon. Clothing, furniture, appliances, tools and much more. Something for everyone!! For more information, call the church office at (417) 739-4700.
Leopold—St. John Parish Council of Catholic Women will host its annual Hotze Mission Breakfast, Sun., Oct. 19, 7:30-10:30 a.m., at the Leopold Knights of Columbus Hall. Buffet breakfast, for your good-will donation, and bake sale. All proceeds benefit the 70-year tradition of supporting Hotze Missions. For information, please contact Geri Geringer at (573) 208-6445.
Marshfield— Holy Trinity Catholic Church and the Knights of Columbus #10844 will have its Autumn Fish Frys beginning Fri., Sept. 26; and continuing on Fri., Oct.10, and Fri., Oct. 24, 5-7 p.m., in the parish hall. Fried and/ or baked fish, French fries, hush puppies, green beans, cole slaw, and dessert! Cost: Adult-$12; child, ages 6-12 yrs.-$7; ages five
and under-free.
Poplar Bluff—LIFE CHAIN: Please come and pray with us, for our nation, and those victimized by abortion on Sun., Oct. 5, 2025, 2-3 p.m., on the steps of the Butler County Courthouse, located on Business Hwy 60 & N. Main Street in Poplar Bluff, MO. For more information, please contact Cassie (573) 429-1824 or Judy at (573) 247-0825. Background information on this movement can be found at lifechain.org and lifechain.net.
Sikeston—The St. Francis Xavier Catholic Grandparents Association will sponsor a Rosary Rally, Sat., Oct. 11, beginning at 12-Noon, at Malone Park, located at West North St. A litany and song will be included. Please bring your rosary and a lawn chair.
Sikeston—The Women of St. Francis Xavier Parish will have its annual (40+ years!) Chili & Soup Day, Fri., Nov. 14, 10:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. in the school gymnasium. Chili & soup, dessert & drink for $10.
Springfield Praise & Worship Night is a great opportunity to come together in praise, fellowship, and a wonderful way to learn more about our faith. This group meets every Thursday, 6:30-8 p.m., in the chapel at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish, located at 2200 W. Republic Rd. All are welcome to participate! For more information, contact Shelly Pichler at (417) 838-2730.
Webb City—Sacred Heart Catholic Church will hold its annual Turkey Dinner, Sat., Nov. 1, 11a.m.-7 p.m. and Sun., Nov. 2, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Enjoy delicious turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes/gravy, green beans, roll, and dessert while supporting the many functions of the parish. Carry-out is available.
Cost: Adults-$10, children-$5. Beginning Oct. 4, pre-sale tickets will be available in the Parish Hall after weekend Masses, or by calling the Parish office during office hours at (417) 673-2044. More information may be found at http://www.sacredheartwebbcity. org/2025-turkey-dinner.html.
Parishes and organizations are invited to submit notices of future events to be printed on a space-available basis. There is no fee
Spiritual bouquet
gathers more than 2 million offerings from 72 countries for pope’s birthday
OSV News
Pope Leo XIV turned 70 on Sept. 14, and more than 2 million prayers and works from 72 countries around the world were offered for him for the occasion through an OSV News-organized initiative, making up one very special “spiritual birthday bouquet” of prayer, love, and support.
The effort resulted in 1,005,687 rosaries, 6,520 remembrances at Mass, 2,485 Chaplets of Divine Mercy, 1,777 Eucharistic Holy Hours, 693 novenas, 644 recitations of the Divine Office, and 1,000,866 acts of mercy or other prayers for the pope, for a total of 2,018,672 offerings.
In addition, the “Pizza and Prayer” spiritual bouquet encouraged participants, when possible, to pray together and then raise a slice of pizza in his honor, one of the Chicago native’s favorite treats.
OSV News was joined in
partnership by the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB); the Pontifical Mission Societies, USA; Relevant Radio; Hallow; the National Eucharistic Revival; the Daughters of St. Paul; Sing the Hours; Pray More Novenas; the Daily Nothings; and more to help spread the word.
The name of every person, group, or family that participated in this spiritual bouquet was included on the card OSV News sent to the Vatican—making it a truly universal gift. The majority of the prayers were submitted from the US, Canada, the UK, Hungary, Australia, Vietnam, and the Philippines.
“In a world where so much is tearing us apart, it was gratifying to work on a project where people could come together, united in prayer for Pope Leo on this milestone birthday—his first as pope,” said Gretchen R. Crowe, editorin-chief of OSV News. “We are honored to be able to present this to him.” Organizations and influencers
throughout the Catholic world participated, with New York Cardinal Timothy M. Dolan giving a video endorsement that went viral, encouraging participation.
Playing another key role was the USCCB, whose communications department informed and encouraged dioceses throughout the country to join in. Those dioceses, in return, including the Diocese of SpringfieldCape Girardeau, encouraged the local faithful to participate. As a result, numerous dioceses, churches, schools, and families pledged prayers, along with many religious sisters and brothers, priests and deacons. The Diocese of St. Petersburg, Florida, added 1,000,000 works of mercy, a Jubilee Year initiative, into the bouquet.
Many groups posted videos or photos to social media of their efforts. Students from the Catholic campus ministry program at Indiana University in Bloomington shared a video greeting
his 70th birthday Sept. 14, 2025, as cardinals, Vatican officials, and ecumenical leaders look on after a prayer service at Rome’s Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls. (CNS photo/Vatican Media)
of more than 220 eating pizza in honor of the pope. Bishop William Byrne of Springfield, MA, prayed for Pope Leo and sent greetings from a local correctional facility, where two inmates had recently been confirmed -- both with the patron “Leo.”
What is a spiritual bouquet? Here’s what you need to know
By Zoey Maraist OSV News
For each day of one spiritual bouquet she made, St. Thérèse of Lisieux paired a flower with a prayer. Beneath the name of every white bloom —white rose, white iris, daisy, lily, and jasmine—she wrote a little “aspiration.”
“My God, I believe in you, I hope in you, I love you with all my heart,” said one.
“O Jesus, I only want to taste joy in you alone,” said another.
Then she presented the little booklet to Sr. MarieMadeleine, a nun in her Carmelite convent who was preparing to take her perpetual vows.
Making spiritual bouquets, like the one created by St. Thérèse more than 100 years ago, is a timehonored devotion that can take many forms. Often, an individual or group of people will offer prayers and sacrifices on behalf of someone or something. The collected prayers might be listed in a card or accompanied by flowers. They are typically given on a special occasion, such as a birthday or anniversary, or when the recipient is facing some sort of hardship.
A spiritual bouquet was one of the most meaningful gifts ever received by Raquel Rose, a Catholic mom and the owner of an Online Catholic gift shop. Back when Rose was 21 years old, she
found herself unexpectedly pregnant and unmarried. She felt anxious about being judged by her church community, and was surprised when her friends offered to throw her a baby shower.
One of the gifts she received from her friends was a spiritual bouquet in the form of a series of notecards with written prayers.
“I started opening them and just was immediately bawling,” she said. “It was so healing to know that people were praying for me and taking my intentions to the Lord, especially at a time where I obviously felt down on myself and unworthy of that type of a gift.”
Rose still has the notes saved in a scrapbook.
Now, she loves making spiritual bouquets for others. Her website, TheLittleRoseShop.com, offers a printable spiritual bouquet template with images of flowers accompanied by messages such as “I prayed a rosary for you” or “I fasted for you.”
She also has a tutorial of how to attach the notes to wooden stems and “plant” them in a flower pot.
Making the supernatural tangible
So much of the Catholic faith involves physical reminders of the spiritual world, Rose said, explaining that making spiritual bouquets is another way to make the supernatural tangible.
“It makes it easier to encounter God that way,” she said.
In the aftermath of Hurricane Ian in 2022, members of the Diocese of Venice, Florida, quickly mobilized to donate food, water and other supplies to those who had been displaced by the storm. But they also knew their efforts would be incomplete if they didn’t provide spiritual support as well.
“Sometimes people think that the spiritual is not practical,” Jim Gontis, director of evangelization at the diocese, said. “But that which is authentically spiritual is always practical, because it’s concerned with the most important things—the good of people and helping them to get to heaven.”
So, led by Bishop Frank J. Dewane, the diocese’s Catholics were asked to contribute to a spiritual bouquet for the victims of the hurricane. Gontis shared with OSV News that participants in their spiritual bouquet submitted 2,399 offerings, including 821 rosaries, 141 Stations of the Cross, 203 novenas and litanies, and 222 acts of penance.
It was beautiful to see how individuals, families, schools and youth groups from all over the diocese joined in, said Gontis.
“In the letter to the Hebrews, the saints are referred to as a ‘great cloud of witnesses,’ and here you have all these witnesses to the Christian life who are living it out,” he said, revealing in this way “both love of God and love of neighbor: the two great commandments.”
POPE LEO marked his 70th birthday on Sept. 14, 2025. He is seen as he gestured, arriving to lead the canonization Mass of Blessed Carlo Acutis and Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati, in St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican, Sept. 7, 2025. (OSV News photo/Guglielmo Mangiapane, Reuters)
BIRTHDAY CAKE Pope Leo XIV blows out a candle on a cake for
and St. Paul to pray and offer sacrifice on behalf of each other.”
Prayer changes things
The Catholic Church’s teaching on intercessory prayer, as described by the Catechism of the Catholic Church, calls it “a prayer of petition which leads us to pray as Jesus did.” It goes on to teach that intercession, or “asking on behalf of another,” has also “been characteristic of a heart attuned to God’s mercy” since Abraham; and for the Church, it is also “an expression of the communion of saints.”
the first time, Bolster said he advises starting with a simple card that can be signed by whomever wants to participate in the bouquet.
But, he added, there are any number of prayer Apps that allow users to make a commitment to pray together with others for a specific intention, too.
Spiritual bouquets can be simple to carry out, too. Raquel Rose said she has made elaborate spiritual bouquets with prayer cards and flowers in a vase; but more often, her bouquets consist of scraps of papers from her to-do lists with notes about the prayers and sacrifices she offered on behalf of someone else that day.
“It’s so powerful when someone gets to actually know someone was doing something for them,” she said. “And I think that’s the real gift.”
At the heart of spiritual bouquets is intercessory prayer, a practice that dates back to biblical times, said Ron Bolster, dean of the School of Theology and Philosophy at the Franciscan University of Steubenville in Ohio.
“St. Paul in his letter to Timothy urges Timothy to offer prayers and petitions and intercessions and thanksgivings for all people,” he told OSV News. Bolster said spiritual bouquets “are certainly consistent with the practice encouraged by Our Lord
Making and giving spiritual bouquets is a common practice on Franciscan University’s campus, said Bolster. Third Order Franciscan Fr. Dave Pivonka, the university’s president, presented the late Pope Francis with a spiritual bouquet from the campus community when he visited the pontiff in 2024. At the end of one of his own courses, Bolster said, his students presented him with a spiritual bouquet. It was a surprising and touching experience.
“I only survive on the prayers of the students that I hope I’ve helped,” he said.
For those looking to make a spiritual bouquet for
In the spirit of St. Thérèse’s spiritual bouquet, Carmelite Fr. Christopher Kulig, assistant coordinator of the National Shrine and Museum of St. Thérèse in Darien, IL, said that he advises making a spiritual bouquet in preparation for an important event, such as a first Communion, wedding, the start of a new job, or an upcoming surgery.
Although there has been a long standing association between prayer and flowers in the church, Fr. Christopher said Catholics can think of their offerings to God also as precious jewels or courses in a delicious meal, or anything else really that speaks to them.
GRADE-SCHOOL STUDENTS GIVE CARDS TO POPE—Grade-school students created these cards for Pope Benedict XVI, offering a spiritual bouquet and birthday wishes, after the pope had left New York April 20, 2008. (CNS photo/Alessia Giuliani)
OLIGHT ONE CANDLE
Fr. Ed Dougherty, MM The Christophers’ Board of Directors
n Oct. 9, the Church will celebrate the Feast Day of St. John Henry Newman, who will soon be formally declared by Pope Leo XIV as a Doctor of the Church. Newman will be the 38th Doctor of the Church and is only the second English saint honored with the distinction, joining St. Bede, who lived during the late 7th and early 8th centuries.
A Vatican News write-up about the announcement included Newman’s prayer, “From Shadows and Images into the Truth,” which opens with the famous words: “Lead, kindly Light, amid the encircling gloom, Lead Thou me on. The night is dark, and I am far from home.”
The deep longing for clarity expressed in these words reflects the seed of conversion planted in Newman’s heart during a trip to Italy. He was 32 years old at the time but was already a highly-regarded and influential Anglican priest.
In his Vatican News story, Alessandro De Carolis writes, “The 1832 trip to Italy deepened his inner search. Newman carried within him a thirst to know the depths of God, His ‘kindly Light,’ which for him was also the light of Truth—truth about Christ,
New Doctor of the Church sought ‘kindly Light’
the true nature of the Church, and the tradition of the early centuries, when the Church Fathers spoke to a still undivided Church.”
It was more than a decade later that Newman converted to Catholicism. Returning to Italy in 1846 to spend time as a humble seminarian, Newman wrote, “It is like a dream, and yet so calm, so happy, as if it were the fulfillment of a long hope, and the beginning of a new life.”
After his time studying in Rome, Newman went back to England and spent the rest of his life sharing the joy of his conversion in lectures, writings, and the homilies he gave to those he served in parish life. It is said that he wept in 1879 upon learning that Pope Leo XIII had decided to make him a cardinal. “The cloud is lifted forever,” Newman declared. Eleven years later, he passed away at the age of 89. His tomb reads, “Ex umbris et imaginibus in Veritatem,” which means, “From shadows and images into the Truth.”
In his prayer, “The Mission of My Life,” Newman wrote, “I am a link in a chain, a bond of connection between persons. He has not created me for naught. I shall do good; I shall do His work. I shall be an angel of peace, a preacher of truth.”
This prayer inspired The Christophers’ 1957 half hour film, “A Link in the Chain,” which starred James Cagney as an aging college
philosophy professor looking back on his life and wondering if his efforts to impart wisdom to young people made a difference. Toward the film’s end, Cagney’s character declares, “I, too, was but a link in the chain, a chain that was first forged with a word, the Word of God.”
‘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. The mission is best expressed in The Christophers’ motto: “It’s better to light one candle than to curse the darkness.” For more information: mail@christophers.org
For a free copy of The Christophers’ BLESSED ARE THE PEACEMAKERS, write: The Christophers, 5 Hanover Square, New York, NY 10004; or e-mail: mail@christophers.org
PASTOR INSTALLED IN FREDERICKTOWN
ST. JOHN HENRY NEWMAN—St. John Henry Newman, a British-born scholar who dedicated much of his life to the combination of faith and intellect at universities. The Vatican announced July 31, 2025, that Pope Leo XIV has paved the way for St. John Henry Newman to become the newest doctor of the Church. (OSV News file photo/Crosiers)
FIRST-TIME PASTOR—Father Alex Sutachan was installed as Pastor of St. Michael the Archangel Parish on Sat., Aug. 30, 2025, during the 5 p.m., Vigil Mass by Bishop Edward Rice. Father Sutachan has served as the Parochial Administrator of the parish since January 17, 2024. (The Mirror)
By Rev. Daniel Belken
Over the past year, I undertook a project that may seem a little unusual for a priest to do on his own, but one that I deeply desired: I renovated a room of the rectory at St. Denis in Benton. Where it was once an office, I pulled up the old carpet, laid tile, repainted the walls, added new lighting, and treated the windows. I envisioned this space as something entirely different from the rest of the rectory, and something that had never been there before: a chapel where the Blessed Sacrament could be reserved (with the Bishop’s permission).
This room is now more than just another part of the house — it is set apart as a place of encounter with Jesus, present in the Eucharist. Each morning, I begin my day there with prayer before our Lord, and each night, I return for my evening prayers before turning off the lights and retiring. Why would a priest go to so much effort simply to bring the tabernacle into the rectory?
Because the Eucharist is at the very center of our priestly life.
This may sound obvious, since people naturally expect the Eucharist to be important to a priest — after all, it is our privilege to make Christ present in the Sacrament of the Altar. But it is more than “important.” It is essential. I want to highlight three simple ways the Eucharist is essential in my own life as a priest — and in the life of all priests throughout the world.
The Priest and the Eucharist ADULT FAITH
the Eucharist or leads others back to it, since every other Sacrament is oriented toward it. We must have the Eucharist. We must live near it. We must be nourished by it. Even simple meetings in the office should be affected by where we draw our strength and God’s grace— which we draw so much of through the Eucharist.
BEFORE & AFTER—Father Daniel Belken renovated a room in the rectory of St. Denis Parish, Benton, “... because I wanted to keep the Eucharist physically close to me—in the place where I dwell—because the Eucharist is my source of life and ministry, the Sacrament that transforms me, and the bond that unites me to Christ and his Church.” (Submitted photos)
1. The Eucharist is the source and summit of our ministry. The Catechism makes this clear in paragraph 1324. From the Eucharist, priests draw the very strength to carry out ministry fruitfully. Without regular presence at the altar and before the Blessed Sacrament, our ministry quickly withers. Apart from Christ, we can do nothing of true value. In some way, everything we do as priests flows from
2. The Eucharist conforms us to Christ. In a recent article, I reflected on the “hidden burdens” priests carry — and one of them is simply our humanity. We are not perfect, yet we are called to make the Perfect One present and to stand in His place. On our own, this would be impossible. But by feeding on the Eucharist, we are nourished and transformed, gradually becoming more like the Christ we seek to represent. We need His forgiveness and His grace to conform us more deeply to the mysteries we celebrate. This is much like what I attempted to accomplish in transforming a simple room in the rectory. If the Eucharist is present, it should make things much different—and much better. It should transform the space—or the person—that receives it. Priests, too, must be transformed by the Eucharist that we receive.
3. The Eucharist unites us to the Church and to our people. If you’ve ever noticed closely during the “Lamb of God” at the liturgy, the priest
breaks the large host and drops a piece into the chalice. Though it looks like division, it is actually a profound sign of unity, recalling Christ at the Last Supper who took bread, blessed, broke, and gave it to His disciples. From the one Bread that is broken, we are united: to our bishop, who ordained us to celebrate this Sacrament; to our brother priests, who celebrate it daily across the world; and to the people we serve, for whom we are called to pray and to whom we distribute the Eucharist. We are not lone rangers, but co-workers in the same vineyard, united in the one Sacrament that sustains us all.
When I speak of the Eucharist, it is tempting to fall silent, because there is always more mystery than words can capture. I cannot imagine priesthood without the Eucharist, because it is what sustains us day-by-day and gives shape to everything we do.
Fr. Daniel Belken is pastor of St. Denis Parish, Benton, and St. Lawrence Parish, New Hamburg. As a “cradle Catholic,” he had an early start on a path that eventually led him to the seminary after graduating high school. This was due in great measure to the boundless passion and zeal of Pope Saint John Paul II, several good priests, and ultimately, God’s great mercy. He was ordained a priest on June 12, 2020. In his leisure time, he enjoys practicing and playing the organ, reading classic literature, and publishing to his Podcast “Open Wide the Doors.”
Saturday, Oct. 4 - Friday, Oct. 10
Seven days of Eucharistic Adoration and Hourly Rosary in response to Our Lady of Fatima’s call to conversion, consecration, and prayer! The Eucharistic Rosary Congress encourages us to renew our worship of Our Lord, Jesus Christ in the Eucharist and to encounter His healing grace.
Perpetual Adoration
(24 hours a day, seven days a week)
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
A column by Fr DanielBelken
Benton—St. Denis Home & School will host its 26th annual Winter Wonderland of Treasures craft show, Sat., Dec. 6, 8 a.m.-2 p.m., in the Parish Center. Interested in becoming a vendor? We welcome all talents— woodworking, art, jewelry, soaps, signs, candles, or other items. Booth or table rental available, for more information, text or call Crystal at (573) 264-1217.
Jackson—Immaculate Conception School will host its annual Fall Craft Fair fundraiser on Sat., Nov. 8, 9 a.m.-3 p.m., in the school gym, located at 300 S Hope St. Over 50 vendors, with Christmas gift items, handmade crafts, woodworking, soap, home decor, jewelry, and more. Concessions, pulled pork lunch, and bake sale will be available. Admission is $2 for ages 13 and up. For more information: iccraftshow@gmail.com.
Springfield—St. Agnes Cathedral will hold its annual Holiday Market, Sat., Nov. 1, 9 a.m.-4 p.m., and Sun., Nov. 2, 8:30 a.m.-1 p.m., in the school gymnasium, located next door at The Catholic Center. There will be a variety of crafts and other products for sale. For more information, contact Judy at (641) 751-6632 or judyhauschildt@gmail.com.
Springfield—Holy Trinity Parish Council of Catholic Women will hold its Fall Bazaar, Sat., Nov. 8, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. and Sun., Nov. 9, 9
DIOCESAN NEWS/ADVERTISING
OBITUARY // Sister Ann Marie Owen, OSU
St. Louis, MO
AROUND THE DIOCESE!
a.m.-12 p.m. Vendors will offer a wide variety of items, including original artwork and crafts; children and baby hats, blankets, and clothing; Christmas gifts and décor; jewelry; homemade candy, and hand-crafted items. Tickets available to purchase for a homemade quilt. Huge White Elephant Sale and Gardening Booth with lots of houseplants and gardening tools. Coffee & donuts available both mornings; lunch available on Saturday; from the Knights of Columbus-enchilada meal, beverage, dessert, hotdogs/chips too! Everyone welcome…stop in and browse! For questions, contact Mary Tilton at (417) 496-8500, marymtilton@gmail. com or Jana Hukriede at (417) 840-4109, janahukriede@gmail.com.
Springfield—St. Elizabeth Ann Seton PCCW will hold its annual Fall Bazaar, Sat., Nov. 1, 9 a.m.-6 p.m. & Sun., Nov. 2, 8 a.m.-1 p.m., in the SEAS Pavilion and the gymnasium, located to the west of the main building. We have many returning vendors as well as new vendors—come see us!
Springfield—Immaculate Conception Parish PCCW will hold its annual Holiday Sale, Sat., Nov. 8 and Sun., Nov. 9. White Elephant Sale, Bake Sale, and yummy items available at our Bistro. Beginning Oct. 2, we are accepting clean and working items you would like to donate for the White Elephant sale. Please, no clothing or electronics.
Prices are all inclusive w/airfare from anywhere in the continental US.
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To register call 855-842-8001 or at www.proximotravel.com.
Sister Ann Marie Owen, OSU, also known as Sr. Charles Marie, died peacefully on Sept. 5 at St. Andrews at Francis Place in Eureka, MO. She served many years in the Diocese of Springfield-Cape Girardeau.
The daughter of Charles Joseph and Rosemary Loos Owen, Sr. Owen was born on Oct. 30, 1938, in Chicago, IL. She entered the Ursuline community on July 5, 1956, and professed her vows on Jan. 6, 1959. She earned a bachelor’s degree in history from the College of New Rochelle and a master of teaching degree in religion from Webster University.
Sister Owen was known for her sharp wit and keen sense of humor in addition to her great compassion for those she served during her more than 40 years of ministry in Missouri and Illinois. Upon retirement, she referred to her ministry as a “ministry of love.”
She began her teaching ministry at St. Patrick School in Alton, IL, where she served from 1962-65. She taught upper grades at Corpus Christi Elementary School, in Jennings, MO, from 1965-72; was principal of Blessed Sacrament
School, in Springfield, IL, from 197278; and was the religious education coordinator for St. Thomas Parish, in Decatur, IL, from 1979-81. She taught at St. Rose of Lima School, in DeSoto, MO, from 1981-1983.
She taught junior high religion at St. Peter School in Kirkwood, MO, from 1983-84 and was acting director of religion there from 1984-85. She was a pastoral associate at Notre Dame de Lourdes, in Wellston, MO, from 1985-92 and coordinator of services to homeless persons at St. Patrick Center, in St. Louis from 1992-94.
In 1994, Sr. Owen moved to Springfield, MO, where she served as social minister for Sacred Heart Parish, from 1994-95 and case manager for The Kitchen from 1996-2001. She was a community support worker for Burrell Behavioral Health from 2001-2009. She remained in Springfield as a volunteer until returning to St. Louis in 2020.
A burial service was held on Sept. 12 at St. Peter Cemetery in Kirkwood.
—Bishop Edward M. Rice installed Fr. Vincent Joseph, VC, as pastor during the liturgy celebrated Aug. 31 in St. John Parish, Leopold. He is pictured surrounded by members of the Knights of Columbus and Bishop Rice after Mass. Father Vincent also serves St. Anthony Mission Church, in Glennon. (The Mirror)
PASTOR
DIOCESAN NEWS
OBITUARY // Father Sherman Wall, OMI
Father Sherman Wall, OMI, died on Sept. 21, 2025, in the Benedictine Living Community at the National Shrine of Our Lady of the Snows, Belleville, IL. He was 94. May he rest in peace.
Born in East St. Louis, IL, in 1931, Fr. Wall grew up Baptist. He professed his first vows as Missionary
2021 FIRST COMMUNION Father Sherman ‘Sherm’ Wall, OMI, was pictured with his last First Communion class in 2021 before he left the Diocese of Springfield-Cape Girardeau and returned to his religious community in Illinois, the Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate. At the age of 94, Fr. Wall died on Sept. 21, 2025 (The Mirror)
Oblate of Mary Immaculate in 1952 and was ordained to the priesthood in 1957, having only been baptized into the Catholic faith nine years prior.
The first half of his 68 years as a priest were spent primarily in the preaching ministry at various retreat centers in Minnesota, Illinois, and Canada. He also served brief stints in parishes in Minnesota. For 10 years, he was Director of Kings House of Retreats in Henry, IL. His longest assignment before retiring in 2021 was serving for 36 years as pastor of Sacred Heart Parish in Willow Springs, MO, and St. Joseph Mission Church, White Church. In that year, he moved to St. Henry’s Oblate Residence in Belleville.
Throughout his 68 years a priest in the order of the Oblates of Mary Immaculate, Fr. Wall had many assignments across North America, including parish priest, treasurer of a seminary, and upon 10days notice, he became involved in radio broadcasting as a radio personality for the National Shrine of Our Lady of the Snows in Belleville, IL.
“I had 13 addresses in my first 15 years as a priest,” Fr. Wall told The Mirror readership in 2010, in his “Year For Priests” reflection.
“In the summer of 1985, I was offered the only choice I was every given in an assignment, ‘North or South?’ I was already in Minnesota, so I knew what north meant. I picked south,” Fr. Wall said. And the letter he received from his superiors said he was headed to Willow Springs, MO, and White Church, MO.
According to parishioners, his smile, wit, compassion, and empathy lifted many a heart.
“He is never ‘too tired’ or ‘too busy’ to listen, a rare thing in today’s world,” Martha Lawler told The Mirror in 2017.
Once assigned in Howell County in Missouri, Fr. Wall immediately began work to establish MUNCH (Missourians United to Combat Hunger) a food pantry for those in need in the Willow Springs area.
“The project began at the request from then-Bishop John J. Leibrecht that the parishes in Howell County should look for
ways to address hunger in the county,” Fr. Wall said. “The ladies ain the Sacred Heart Guild undertook the effort to collect food for needy families.
Then came a visit from Sr. Mary Sax, ASC, then diocesan Director of Social Concerns, who spoke to the parish Social Concerns Committee.”
It was decided to organize a food distribution project for the community, and the community enthusiastically got involved, with several local churches, not just the Catholic Church, providing willing hands for the long haul. Today, MUNCH and its thrift store has grown into an interdenominational effort and serves several hundreds of individuals weekly at its location on Main Street in Willow Springs.
Father Wall was heavily involved with the local chamber of commerce and the ministerial alliance.
Preceded in death by his parents, James L. and Joyce (Moyers) Wall, as well as by his siblings, Joyce Marco, Elizabeth Collinsworth, and James Wall, Fr. Wall is survived by several nieces and nephews. He is also survived by his religious family of the Missionary Oblates in the United States and throughout the world.
Public visitation was held for Fr. Wall in Sacred Heart Parish, in Willow Springs, MO, on Fri., Sept. 26, 2025, at 11:30 a.m., followed by the Funeral Mass at 12:30 p.m., with Bishop Edward M. Rice, celebrant. Public visitation with the Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Sat., Sept. 27, in the Church of Our Lady of the Snows, in Belleville. The Mass of Resurrection will begin at 11:30 a.m., followed by burial at St. Henry’s Oblate Cemetery, in Belleville.
“It has truly been a privilege to serve as a priest in the Diocese of Springfield-Cape Girardeau,” Fr. Wall wrote in 2010 during the Year For Priests. “An man who would reject the Lord’s invitation to share the Priesthood of Christ has missed a blessing beyond telling.”
DURING THIS EUCHARISTIC REVIVAL, FR. DAVID COON OFFERS THE FOLLOWING QUOTE FOR THE REFLECTION ON THE EUCHARIST:
“The Eucharist is the Sacrament of Love. It signifies love. It produces love. The Eucharist is the consummation of the whole spiritual life.”
— ST. THOMAS AQUINAS
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.
PRIEST:
Fr. Glenn Eftink, Oct. 1, 32 yrs. DEACON:
Deacon Gregg Erickson, Oct. 8, 42 yrs.
The VIRTUS Protecting God’s Children Safe Environment training for adults is available online.
Preregistration is necessary: If you are a new registrant please go to www.virtus.org and click on “first time registrant” on the left, and follow the prompts to register for Online training. Instructions for the registration process can also be found on the Child and Youth Protection Page of the diocesan Website.
Both in-person and online training sessions are for adults only.
Before engaging in activities involving minors and/or vulnerable adults, new volunteers or employees are required to complete the VIRTUS Protecting God’s Children training for adults, submit a current Background Disclosure and Authorization Form, and read, sign and submit the annual Code of Conduct, which are available on the VIRTUS Website and the Diocese of Springfield-Cape Girardeau Child and Youth Protection Webpage: www.dioscg.org/childyouth-protection/
For more information, please contact the Office of Child and Youth Protection, childandyouthprotection@dioscg.org; or Bill Holtmeyer, billholtmeyer@dioscg.org; or Shelly Ferry, sferry@dioscg.org, (417) 866-0841.
Sr. Pauline Nugent, CCVI, reflections on a blessed life
By Paula Wright Springfield, MO
After 33 years of living and working in Springfield, MO, Sr. Pauline Nugent, CCVI, recently retired to her Motherhouse in San Antonio, TX. She spent most of her career teaching, with 30 years teaching Latin, Greek, and Hebrew at Missouri State University, in Springfield, MO. Sr. Pauline has been a beloved figure within the Springfield community, and her absence is felt by many. The Mirror recently visited with Sr. Pauline to talk to her about her retirement and reflections from her time spent within the diocese:
“I left Ireland to come to the United States in 1954 at the age of 16, and was a postulate from 1954–1955 in the Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word Convent, San Antonio, TX. I took my first vows in 1957, and final vows in 1962. My ministry has been teaching throughout my life as a Sister—an assignment I have always enjoyed.” (Sr. Pauline celebrated her 65th Jubilee anniversary in October of 2022.)
“I have to say, I really miss my last assignment in Springfield. It was over 30 years, an absolute delight. It was a wonderful time. I left there with a huge sense of gratitude, not regret, for the opportunity to witness there. That is how blessed I felt when I left there.
A member of Holy Trinity Parish, Springfield, a Mass of Thanksgiving and send off was held at the parish on July 16, 2025.
“I enjoyed everything about Springfield, the association with the students there was just a wonderful time. I taught at MSU for 30 years. It was a wonderful opportunity to interact with people in a meaningful way. And I hope in a way that I impacted their lives, so they would have more peaceful
and blessed lives and would pass that on to their families and to the next generation, and so on. That was my concept of teaching. It’s not just ‘throwing the books’ at people. That is not my idea of what teaching is. Teaching is dealing with the minds, the intellect of another human being. What more ecstatic task could you ever ask for.
The mind of a human being. I just think that was such a privilege. When I started, I taught 1st grade for six years, then stayed home for a year to finish my undergraduate degree. After that, I went on for a master’s and a PhD at the University of Texas at Austin. I got a double doctorate there in Greek and in Latin. I did my homework! (lol). And Hebrew, I love it and picked it up when I lived there for three months. Latin, Greek, and Hebrew are my three specialties. And of course, French, but every two-year-old speaks French, so that is no big deal. (lol)
GRATEFUL SERVICE TO THE COMMUNITY—After 33 years of living and working in Springfield, MO, Sr. Pauline Nugent, CCVI, recently retired to her Motherhouse in San Antonio, TX. She spent most of her career teaching, with 30 years teaching Latin, Greek, and Hebrew at Missouri State University, in Springfield, MO. A member of Holy Trinity Parish, Springfield, a Mass of Thanksgiving and send-off was held at the parish on July 16, 2025. Pictured are (front) The Very Rev. Patrick Nwokoye, Sr. Pauline Nugent, CCVI, Fr. Pompeyo Tan, Jr., (back) Fr. Charles Peirano, Bishop Emeritus John J. Leibrecht, and The Very Rev. Scott Sunnenberg. (Photo courtesy of The Very Rev. Patrick Nwokoye)
“ When I started teaching, I was so close in age to the students, I could still remember sitting on a bench listening to faculty. I knew of many faculty experiences I did not want to repeat. Teaching at MSU, we always established a good rapport, where we liked each other and knew each other. I needed to know why the students were in my class. Then we started with the information they wanted most. I taught Latin, Greek, and Hebrew. I had a lot of medical students that came to my class. I discovered recently, while I was at Mass at Holy Trinity, one of my former students met me, she told me, “We used to fight amongst ourselves to get into your class.” I had no idea! I thought that was so cute. So, you just never know. I always
intended the class to be a two-way street, their intellect and my intellect interacting. Most of my students were medical students, so I knew they needed a good foundation in communication and in understanding the language. If they got the Latin and the Greek, then they didn’t need a dictionary for the rest of their lives. They would know how to figure out the meaning of the word since they knew the compounds of the word. So that is what I tried to do for them: make it easier for them in their medical careers.
“Most of them haven’t complained
SCHS ALUMNUS AWARDED PRESTIGIOUS SCHOLARSHIP TO ITALY
Springfield, MO
Springfield Catholic High School graduate, John Lunardini (Class of 2024), has been awarded the NIAF Daniel Megliola Scholarship at the Università Campus Bio-Medico di Roma (UCBM) in Rome, Italy. Lunardini will embark on a three-year program in Biomedical Engineering, a field dedicated to designing, developing, manufacturing, and overseeing medical
devices throughout their life cycles.
Biomedical engineering has become a transformative discipline in healthcare, with engineers playing a vital role in innovations that improve patient outcomes, from diagnostics and imaging devices to life-saving technologies like pacemakers and prosthetics. Lunardini noted that he looks forward to contributing to this expanding field and gaining hands-on international experience in one of Europe’s most prestigious biomedical programs.
The NIAF Daniel Megliola Scholarship provides both financial assistance and recognition for academic
excellence, leadership, and dedication to advancing Italian American and global ties. For Lunardini, this award signifies not only academic achievement but also an opportunity to make a meaningful impact in healthcare on a global scale.
Springfield Catholic faculty and staff expressed pride in his accomplishment, noting that Lunardini’s drive, leadership, and dedication to learning were evident during his time at SCHS. His success stands as an inspiration for current students who aspire to lead in fields of science, medicine, and humanitarian service.
yet. (lol) That was the whole point, helping them to see why words said what they did, and that’s for all kinds of unpronounceable, never-ending, long medical words. We had so much fun; I never had a dull class. It was always hilariously funny. You don’t learn if you are bored, and if you hate every minute of the time. You only learn if you like the class. And, they got the message, and we had a good time together, all 30 years. That’s not bad!
“Springfield was a wonderful time! I had a fabulous time, really, really had a good time. It was very enjoyable. No regrets, and that is a very pleasant thing to be able to say at my age. I really have had a blessed life, that is what the joy of living is. I see life as a ministry to my neighbor, to people who have ever come across my path. I have absolutely been blessed with the people I have met. I have never had what I could say is an awkward or unpleasant exchange with any of the people I have been working with. That is something to be very grateful for, as well as very proud of. I worked my tail off! I did work, but I loved it! It was pleasant work.
“I am more involved in meditation and contemplation now. More into the contemplative life instead of active engagement at the moment. Which I think is appropriate for my years, because I am moving on in age. I have had such a blessed life, so aging is not a bother for me. I have had so many wonderful and meaningful communications in my life.
“I had former students, from my early days of teaching, visit me just the other day. One said she was retiring, so I guess it is time for me to officially retire. Time is slipping away from me. Not a wasted life I would say. I have been in touch with so many wonderful students. I don’t know how I deserved such wonderful students, but I got them anyway.
