1-30-26 The Mirror(digital)

for successful DDF 2025: ‘One Church, Anchored in Christ’

By Paula Wright Springfield

We are truly grateful for the incredible support shown for the Diocesan Development Fund 2025, which has led to pledges and gifts totaling $3,144,830.42 through December 31, 2025. This achievement represents 101% of our diocesan goal and reflects the generosity of 6,414 households, undergirding the accuracy of the 2025 campaign’s goal: ‘One Church, Anchored in Christ.’

“I am amazed at all God accomplishes in our local Church, and that is due in no small part to the generosity of our people: generosity in spirit, in time, talent, and treasure: WE DO A LOT within our diverse, missionary diocese where Catholics continue to number around 5 percent of the general population!” said Bishop Edward Rice.

The Bishop’s Annual Appeal, our Diocesan Development Fund Campaign (DDF), takes place each year on the first weekend of May. The funds raised during this campaign help propel our mission forward by supporting a variety of ministries that benefit our families, parishes, and all diocesan ministries within the Diocese of Springfield-Cape Girardeau.

“Because of the success of the annual DDF campaign, monetary donations made to the local parish are able to stay in the local parish for local needs and the annual assessment for the parish to the diocese is able to remain at the national low of 1 percent, or 1/2 a percent for those with a school,” Bishop Rice said.

The heartfelt sacrifices made by parishioners throughout the diocese have a direct and positive impact on the lives of those who worship in our churches, those who engage in our religious education programs, and those who find solace and support through our ministries.

In total, 46 parishes and mission churches made or exceeded their goal in dollars (based on pledges received on or before Dec. 31, 2025).

We recognize the following as the ‘Top 10’ exceeding their donation dollar goal:

St. Michael Mission Church, Cabool –384%

ONLY BECAUSE OF OUR DONORS—The annual Diocesan Development Fund, or the annual Bishop’s Appeal, anchors the operational costs associated with some 45 ministries being conducted through the Bishop’s ministry, including Vocations support and recruitment; diocesan Catholic schools’ Superintendent and assistant; and Catechetical resources, Faith Formation and Youth & Young Adult ministries, to name a few. (The Mirror)

Our Lady of Sorrows Mission Church, Lesterville – 196%

St. Sylvester Mission Church, Eminence – 170%

St. George Mission Church, Van Buren – 148%

St. John Parish, Leopold – 137%

St. Peter Apostle Mission Church, Stockton – 127%

St. Joseph Parish, Advance – 127%

Our Lady of Sorrows Mission Church, Williamsville – 123%

St. Francis Xavier Parish, Sikeston – 120%

St. Michael the Archangel Parish, Fredericktown – 120%

Additionally, 25 parishes, mission churches, and campus ministries made or exceeded their goal in the number of donors. The ‘Top 10’ in this category are:

St. Michael Mission Church, Cabool – 250%

Catholic Campus Ministry, Springfield – 200%

Our Lady of Sorrows Mission Church, Williamsville – 167%

St. Sylvester Mission Church, Eminence – 140%

St. Anthony Mission Church, Glennon – 139%

Christ the King Mission Church, Bunker – 125%

St. John Parish, Leopold – 118%

St. Vincent de Paul Mission Church, Roby – 114%

Holy Family Parish, Shell Knob – 113%

St. Joseph the Worker Parish, Ozark – 112%

There were 30 parishes and mission churches that had at least 50% parishioner participation compared to the number of registered households. The ‘Top 10’ in parishioner participation compared to registered households are:

St. Michael Mission Church, Cabool – 143%

Continued on page 7...

LWILL SEE

May this Lent bring us back into His wounded heart COME, AND YOU

Bp. Edward M. Rice

ent – the word itself conjures images of purple vestments, fish fries, and Stations of the Cross. And, as I’ve mentioned in past years, I’ve always enjoyed the 40 days of Lent, especially the songs and the Scriptures that call us to repentance. There are the classic songs of Lent: “Lord, Who Throughout These Forty Days,” “Draw Near O Lord Our God,” “Parce, Domine,” and the song that accompanies the Stations of the Cross, “At the Cross Her Station Keeping.” The entire season lends itself to self-reflection, discipline, and renewal: that’s the point.

Mass is the Sacrament of Penance and Reconciliation. Most of our parishes will have a communal penance service or additional time for Confession.

Fasting can include so much more than alleviating one’s favorite snacks. How about an alcohol-free Lent? “Dry January” has become popular so why not a “Dry Lent?”

BEGINS FEB. 18

Let us all remember the expectations placed upon us by Holy Mother Church:

Ash Wednesday and Good Friday are obligatory days of fasting and abstinence.

Fridays during Lent are obligatory days of abstinence from meat.

Fasting applies to those aged 18 to 59.

The “Paschal Fast” which is little known these days, (and not obligatory) is from Good Friday to the Easter Vigil in honor of the suffering and death of the Lord and to prepare for the Resurrection. These days, with intermittent fasting, the Paschal Fast might catch on once again!

Let us remember the three works of Lent – prayer, fasting, and almsgiving. Many people try to attend daily Mass during Lent, which is the greatest prayer this side of heaven. If you cannot attend daily Mass, pick a day of the week that will work for your schedule. Or how about introducing the family rosary at the end of the day, reading the Gospel for the upcoming Sunday to help prepare for Sunday Mass, or Friday Stations of the Cross. The perfect complement to

Dry January highlights so many health benefits while a “Dry Lent” could have spiritual as well as health benefits. Again, similar to the Paschal Fast and intermittent fasting, a “Dry Lent,” continuing into Easter, could catch on as well. For decades, I have been observing a “Dry Lent,” long before “dry January” came along. One could also fast from television, social media, YouTube and the use of technology. What would you do with all this extra time? How about visiting the elderly, volunteer at a food pantry or join in other works of mercy, or spiritual reading, or visiting an Adoration Chapel, or Scripture study, or volunteering at your parish. There are endless possibilities. Whatever your prayer, fasting, and almsgiving looks like, the end result should be a deeper relationship with Jesus! The annual Rice Bowl campaign is a great way for people to make an impact on poverty. And I ask our parents to support the Lenten Mission of Mercy with our school students, which for 2026 will support Mother’s

House, in Hayti, MO, a ministry of the Glenmary Sisters in a poverty pocket of our diocese.

In the January 2026 issue of “Restoration,” from Madonna House, Combermere, Canada, Catherine Doherty wrote about the New Year, “How Will We Fill This New Year?” But, if you substitute “Lent” for “New Year” the points of the article apply:

“The dawn of a new ‘Lent’ has broken. …Will this ‘Lent’ bring us to our senses and hence to our knees, making us realize, finally, that all of us, with our tragic civilization, our magnificent buildings, and all our technical achievements constitute but a grain of dust in the hollow of God’s hand? Will we begin to understand that there is but one way, really, to avert war and that is to don sackcloth and ashes, to mortify our senses, to retire into the fastness of our own souls and hearts and spend most of our leisure time in prayer? Prayers of repentance, of atonement, of petition and adoration. Prayer besieging the Prince of Pardon and Peace to take us back into His wounded heart from which, like the

THROUGH: ‘Walking Together’

Prodigal of the Gospel, we have wandered far. O Lord of Mercy, make this ‘Lent’ a miracle ‘Lent.’ Bring us to our knees. Give us the grace to weep over our sins.”

Sounds like that would make for a really great Lent!

Make sure to make use of our Diocesan Eucharistic Congress resources for the month of February. They may be found on p. 12 of this issue of The Mirror, along with being on the diocesan Website.

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

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.

October 21, 1994 The pastor wanted everyone, without exception, to sing during Mass. “If you have a good voice,” he told the people, “sing as a way of thanking God for your good voice. If you do not have a good voice, sing to God in order to get even!”

October 28, 1994 A mother of eight was asked how she could take care of all of her children. “Well,” she replied, “when I had only one, it took all my time, so how could

seven more make any difference?”

November 4, 1994 A driving instructor asked his student, “What would you do if you were driving up a steep, icy hill when the motor suddenly died, and the brakes failed?” The student answered quickly, “I’d look in the rear-view mirror to watch what was going to happen!”

30th World Day of Prayer for Consecrated Life and profiles of most recent profession class

RELIGIOUS IN HEALTH CARE

Washington

“Consecrated men and women are a witness to the hope of a life lived in Christ that is awaited to be fully received in Heaven,” said Archbishop-designate Ronald A. Hicks, chairman of the US Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Committee on Clergy, Consecrated Life, and Vocations. The committee assists the US bishops in promoting, supporting, and educating about the Church’s pastoral needs and concerns for the priesthood, diaconate, and consecrated life, and addresses issues concerning the life and ministry of bishops. Instituted by Pope Saint John Paul II in 1997, the Catholic Church observes the World Day of Prayer for Consecrated Life on Feb. 2 each year. Dioceses, parishes, and schools take the opportunity to recognize, celebrate, and

pray for those in consecrated life and those discerning this state of life.

“By responding to the vocational call such as consecrated virginity, religious life, and members of secular institutes and societies of Apostolic life, consecrated men and women reveal God’s invitation to love him with one’s whole life even now while on Earth as it will be in Heaven,” said Archbishopdesignate Hicks. “Living out this love can start before one enters into consecrated life through active participation in the Mass, such as being an altar server or lector, or parish ministry, and teaching the faith to God’s people.”

In preparation for this annual celebration, the USCCB Committee on Clergy, Consecrated Life, and Vocations, commissions a study each year on newly professed men and women religious through the Center for Applied Research in the Apostolate (CARA) at Georgetown University. The full CARA report and profiles of the Profession Class of 2025 may be found at https://www.usccb.org/ committees/clergy-consecrated-lifevocations/profession-classes. ©TM

DIOCESAN NEWS/ADULT FAITH

ASH WEDNESDAY COLLECTION FOR THE CHURCH IN CENTRAL AND EASTERN EUROPE CONTINUES 35-YEAR HISTORY OF RESTORATION & HEALING

Washington

On Ash Wednesday, Feb. 18, Catholics in dioceses across the United States are invited to give to the annual Collection for the Church in Central and Eastern Europe, sponsored by the US Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB).

Now in its 35th year, this collection continues its mission of helping churches in nearly 30 countries recover from militantly atheist communist rule, including ministry and relief efforts related to the war against Ukraine.

Bishop Gerald L. Vincke of the Diocese of Salina, chairman of the USCCB’s Subcommittee on Aid to the Church in Central and Eastern Europe, witnessed the collection’s work in Ukraine last March.

“I visited a shelter for families whose homes were destroyed and an orphanage for children whose parents were killed. Veterans I met, expressed their gratitude for therapy they have been able to receive for their posttraumatic stress,” he said.

“An elderly man who had survived a Siberian gulag told me, ‘What gives me hope is that, in the end, evil does not win.’ He is right – but that requires all of us to follow Christ’s call to build the kingdom of God. Pope St. John Paul II knew that in 1990 when he urged Catholics in the United States to join the great rebuilding effort in lands newly liberated from communist oppression – lands from which many of our families had

immigrated,” continued Bishop Vincke.

The Collection for the Church in Central and Eastern Europe was the US bishops’ response to that call.

Many dioceses take up this annual collection on Ash Wednesday, though some dioceses have different dates. The Online giving site iGiveCatholic also accepts funds for the program.

In 2024, gifts to the collection funded 547 grants totaling more than $9.5 million. Examples of how donations are used include:

In Kokshetau, Kazakhstan, sisters of the Community of the Beatitudes expanded their mission of evangelization by establishing a day

center for preschool children with Down syndrome and their families.

In the Slovak Republic, a multi-faceted outreach to vulnerable pregnant women provides material assistance, counseling, training in prevention of abuse, and “Evenings of Mercy,” a gathering featuring Mass, confessions, and healing prayers.

This collection continues its mission of helping churches in nearly 30 countries recover from militantly atheist communist rule, including ministry and relief efforts related to the war against Ukraine.

One of the many projects in Ukraine trains lay leaders in the Ukrainian Greek

Catholic Exarchate of Lutsk to develop new skills in pastoral and social ministry so they can help bring hope and comfort to people who have lost everything.

A thousand-year-old Benedictine monastery in Hungary is helping clergy and laity discover the teachings of Vatican II on topics ranging from liturgy to interfaith relations.

CHARITY & SERVICE PART OF CATHOLIC SCHOOLS WEEK

DONATION MADE TO BABY BOX

As part of Catholic Schools Week 2026, students in St. Ann Catholic School, in Carthage, raised money through the Spartan La Tiendita Store to give back to the community. The students proudly presented a check to Vicky Ziler, Safe Haven Baby Boxes, to help offset the cost of maintaining the Carthage Baby Box. The baby box is located at the Carthage Fire Department at 3000 S. Main St. We are proud of our students for living out their faith through service and generosity. (The Mirror)

In Bulgaria, a village church has been able to engage in digital media evangelization and now offers a post-abortion healing ministry. They were also able to send young pilgrims to the Jubilee in Rome and financed Englishimmersion studies for a priest in order to reach non-Bulgarians.

“For 35 years, your contributions to the Collection for the Church in Central and Eastern Europe have made a profound difference. You have rebuilt cathedrals, renewed hope, healed the suffering, and brought joy where there had been despair,” Bishop Vincke said. “As these churches continue to heal from old wounds and suffer new ones, it is my hope that you give generously and become part of our ongoing and loving response.”

Additional information on grants and impact is at www.usccb.org/ccee. ©TM

DIOCESAN NEWS/ADVERTISING

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Aurora—All are welcome as Holy Trinity Parish celebrates First Saturday devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary, every first Saturday with rosary at 7:30am, followed by Mass at 8am.

Cape Girardeau—Notre Dame Regional High School Performing and Visual Arts will host Trivia Night, Fri., Feb. 20, 7pm, in King Hall. Cost: $160 for a table of eight. Ticket purchase includes a trivia night seat, Heads or Tails, BuyA-Student, Mulligans for each round, popcorn, and soda. Doors open at 6pm, game play begins at 7pm. All proceeds to benefit Notre Dame Visual and Performing Arts! Register Online at www. notredamehighschool.org/trivia.

Cape Girardeau—Summer is coming... and so are Notre Dame Summer Camps Registration is now open! See the full camp lineup and register Online at www.notredamehighschool.org/camps. Get ready for an incredible summer of athletics, arts, and STEM fun!

Carthage & Fredericktown— Upcoming Men’s and Women’s Cursillo Weekends: The Cursillo® Movement pursues two purposes or objectives. The immediate purpose is to provide a conduit for living what is fundamental for being a Christian, namely, the on-going and total conversion of the person. The end purpose is to vertebrae Christianity in society by means of these persons who live what is fundamental for being Christian (the love of God and neighbor) in their daily lives. Simply explained, the purpose of the Cursillo Movement is that we become the Good News, and that one’s actions naturally turn out to be evangelical in daily life. Upcoming Cursillo Weekends: Men’s Weekend: Feb. 26-March 1, 2026, Fredericktown. Women’s Weekends: March 19-22, 2026, Fredericktown; April 23-26, 2026, in Carthage. For more information and to Register Online: https://dioscg. org/cursillo/.

Sikeston—The St. Francis Xavier Catholic Grandparents Association (CGA) will hold a CUPID BASH Sat., Feb. 14-Valentine’s Day, after the 5 pm Mass,

in the parish center. Families are invited to enjoy a spaghetti dinner and activities for children. Cost is your good-will donation. Proceeds will be used for VBS and CGA activities.

Sikeston—SAVE THE DATE: St. Francis Xavier Catholic School will hold its 2026 Dinner Auction: Down on the FARM, Sat., March 21, 2026.

Springfield— All are welcome for a contemplative evening aimed at deepening understanding of the Catholic doctrine of the real presence of Christ in the sacrament of the Eucharist. A mini retreat will be held at Catholic Campus Ministry, Sun., Feb. 8, 4-8pm— REAL PRESENCE, Understanding Christ in the Eucharist, with special guest, Dr. Bruce Marshall; at the O’Reilly Student Center, located at 847 S. Holland Ave. Dinner will be provided, and the retreat will conclude with Mass at 7:30pm. Cost: Students-$5; All Others-$15.

Springfield—Join hundreds of men for a day of life-changing motivation at the 7th annual Catholic Men’s Conference on Sat., Feb. 21, 2026, at Springfield Catholic High School. Keynote speaker, Marcel LeJeune, will help you take your faith to the next level! He has decades of experience leading men closer to Christ so they can lead those around them to Christ. Register for free at www. CatholicConference.men.

Springfield LOCATION CHANGE! All couples who plan to attend the special Diocesan Anniversary Celebration in the Springfield area—Due to the construction at St. Agnes Cathedral, the celebration in Springfield will be held at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish, located at 2200 W. Republic Rd., Sun., Feb. 8, 1:30-3:30 pm.—RSVP now to attend, by completing the Online Registration at https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FA IpQLSdz4Lgd3jTPY56jQT8JPLyN1BLSb 10ZLm0t7092H7mjYmt_CA/viewform or by calling the Diocesan Family Life Office at (417) 866-0841.

Parishes and organizations are invited to submit notices of future events to be printed on a space-available basis. There is no fee.

2025 DDF campaign the first in 32 years without Tammy Stander

By Paula Wright Springfield

Right before the launch of the most recent Diocesan Development Fund (DDF) Campaign 2025, the campaign’s Coordinator for the Diocese retired after many years. Tammy Stander retired on Feb. 3, 2025. The 2025 DDF campaign was the first she hadn’t facilitated for almost 32 years, serving as the Diocesan Development Fund Coordinator for the Church in Southern Missouri.

Stander began her career with the diocese in August of 1993. She was seven-months pregnant when hired to work on the Diocesan Development Fund (DDF) by former Chief Financial Officer, Jan Smith. In 31 1/2 year tenure, Stander saw tremendous growth in the number of services made possible in the diocese with funding provided through the Bishop’s Annual Appeal, known as DDF.

“Tammy has seen the many phases of DDF. It is kind of insane where the first DDF numbers were compared to where we are now. It has grown so much,” said Taryn Vogan-Bohrer,

LAST PLEDGE BEFORE RETIREMENT—In anticipation of Tammy Stander’s retirement after almost 32 years with the Diocese of SpringfieldCape Girardeau, Bishop Rice presented her with his 2025 DDF pledge card for the 2025 Bishop’s Annual Appeal. (The Mirror)

diocesan Director of the Office of Development and Properties. “She really worked to hone-in on something that has been extremely impactful in our diocese. We are grateful for all she has done.”

When asked what successes and challenges are most memorable from her time on the Bishop’s staff at The Catholic Center, Stander shared, “Definitely the first few years were the most memorable, probably because there were so many new challenges. When I started working at The Catholic Center, we did not have an in-house database. I was able to choose an inhouse database that I thought would benefit our program. I remember keeping a notebook by my bed because I would dream about solutions and when I woke up thinking of something that would work, I had to write it down so I wouldn’t forget! Also, I remember all of the challenges of printing so many letters and getting them stuffed into the correct envelopes. Thankfully, as time went by, everything went smoother. Probably because we only added one or two new things a year.”

“Another thing I will always remember was in 2016, right before Bishop Rice was installed as our bishop, he was attending DDF meetings with me and Gene Aug (former director of Development and Properties for the diocese). On the way to the Monett regional meeting, I was driving, and the weather became tornadic: pouring rain, hail, and wind. Bishop Rice was praying the rosary, Gene was watching for the funnel, and I did my best to keep going down the road. After we got to safety, Bishop looked at us and said, ‘I was thinking, “I’m going to die with these people!’ My thoughts were, ‘At least if I die, I’ll be with a Bishop!’”

Stander and Bishop Rice went on to work together for over eight years. During her service, Stander worked with three bishops: Bishop John Leibrecht, Bishop James Johnston,

RETIREMENT PARTY—After the Mass and reception for her retirement, Tammy Stander was surrounded by former and the present diocesan Directors of Development & Properties from her almost 32 years with the Diocese of Springfield-Cape Girardeau, where she served as coordinator of the annual Diocesan Development Fund. Pictured are Tom Walmsley, who served 1993-2008; Gene Aug, (2008-2020); Tammy Stander, Doug Kissinger (2020-2023; presently serves as CFO for the Diocese); and Taryn Vogan-Bohrer (2023-present). (The Mirror)

Jr., and of course: Bishop Edward Rice.

“ What I admire about all three of them is their willingness to meet and talk to you on a personal level. They made me feel important and appreciated,” Stander said. “Regarding the DDF program, each bishop had his own thoughts on what they wanted DDF to be, but they were also willing to meet with the committee and come up with ‘new’ ideas that would help DDF continue to be successful.”

Although Stander looks forward to being home more in her retirement, it also means a change of careers.Most recently, she has been building a business as an Eyelash Extension Technician in Reflections Salon, Bolivar, MO. She has recently completed manicure school to add that service to her business, too.

“I look forward to just doing something new and getting to do it in my own time-frame,” she said.

Stander is a member of Sacred Heart Parish, Bolivar. She has been married to her husband, Roger, for 36 years. Together their family

includes daughter Jaclyn, son-in-law Dalton Freeze, and granddaughter Brinley; son Jonathon; son Devin and daughter-in-law Jade; and three dogs –Romeo, Luna, and Brave “Heart.”

Stander shared that what she enjoyed most, and would miss, are the people she met and worked with at The Catholic Center.

“They always made me feel at home and one of the family,” she said.

What will Stander miss the least? She laughed: “The 45-minute commute!” ©TM

DURING THIS EUCHARISTIC REVIVAL, FR. DAVID COON OFFERS THE FOLLOWING QUOTE FOR THE REFLECTION ON THE EUCHARIST:

“Our communal worship at Mass must go together with our personal worship of Jesus in Eucharistic Adoration in order that our love may be complete.”

— POPE ST. JOHN PAUL II

Eucharistic Face of Jesus.

One year down: Riley as diocesan Associate Director of Development for the Diocese

By Paula Wright Springfield

The diocese welcomed the newest member of The Catholic Center staff, Kandice Riley, as Associate Director of Development on Jan. 13, 2025. She has just completed her first Diocesan Development Fund (DDF) Campaign, having met its target goal for 2025.

Riley is from Rogersville and is a graduate of Missouri State University, Springfield. Prior to joining the diocesan team, she was the Community Engagement and Events Coordinator for the United Way of the Ozarks. In that role, she was part of the development office working specifically on fundraising, volunteer events, and other programs that connected to both corporate and non-profit partners.

has recently changed under her experience and research.

RILEY

“Day-to-day I am still learning, but hopefully just keeping the momentum for what has been started for this year’s DDF and doing things well,” said Riley. “I am looking forward to seeing more of the diocese and meeting the priests and others in the parishes throughout southern Missouri. I am a new Catholic; I joined the Church in April of 2024. So, this is not only a new position for me, but it is also an opportunity to learn a lot more about our faith and how we keep things running.”

Riley also serves with the OCIA program in her parish, Holy Trinity, in Springfield.

DIOCESAN NEWS

St. Sylvester Mission Church, Eminence – 100%

St. Peter Mission Church, Stockton – 88%

Christ the King Mission Church, Bunker – 79%

St. George Mission Church, Van Buren – 72%

Our Lady of Sorrows Mission Church, Lesterville – 71%

St. Agnes Mission Church, Sarcoxie – 71%

St. Joseph Parish, Billings – 71%

St. Patrick Mission Church, Greenfield – 70%

St. Mary Parish, West Plains – 68%

Plans are underway for DDF 2026, under the theme, ‘We Are One in Him.’ With deanery meetings slated to kick off in March, more information will be available to parishioners soon!

THANK YOU—The annual Diocesan Development Fund (DDF) enables opportunities for our communities to witness to the faith and assemble for clergy formation & education. The success of the annual Bishop’s Appeal allows local money to stay local to address local parish needs, such as facility maintenance, construction & refurbishment, and social outreach. (The Mirror)

In her role within the diocese, Riley is coordinating the existing Diocesan Development Fund (DDF) program but also working to expand and develop new donor programs.

“It will be a slow change, but we do want to start to make changes to target more donors. Over the years, we have seen donor numbers decrease,” said Taryn Vogan-Bohrer, diocesan Director of the Office of Development and Properties. “We have a weird phenomenon where the amount of donations keeps going up, and they are larger gift amounts, we are really blessed for that. But we want to try to reach the demographics we are not reaching currently, and really increase our donor base.”

“ We want to be more available to our parishes and parishioners regarding planned giving, non-cash gifts, and other opportunities, and really just build up those conversations on stewardship,” Vogan-Bohrer said.

“I have gotten my feet wet with DDF. The plans for the next few months in 2026 are the March deanery meetings and preparing to get mailings out,” Riley said, having one successful DDF campaign under her belt. The diocesan database platform

You might see Riley around town enjoying time with her dog, Eleanor, at one of the various parks. She also enjoys hiking, traveling when she can, and coffee with her friends. For those curious about how she determined to become a Catholic, Riley shared her story:

“I previously attended James River Church in Ozark for a good portion of my high school and adult life. I had grown up in the evangelical atmosphere, I learned a lot from that, about Scripture and the word. Growing up I always had a lot of questions about my faith and theology,” Riley said. “There was always a disconnect for me between the fact that the faith I grew up in was only 100 years old. How could we say that connects to when the Church first started when there is such a big gap in history. Going to other denominations, I still wasn’t getting the answers I was looking for. My college roommate and best friend is a cradle Catholic. I had been to Mass with her and had been around Catholicism because of that. She was really my first encounter with someone who was Catholic. Speaking with her, she showed me the Catholic Church does have answers to my questions. From there, it was really a pretty easy decision.”

©TM

To learn more about the ministries and programs supported by the DDF, or to donate or make a pledge, visit the Website at https:// dioscg.org/ddf-2025/

“Thank you for giving generously to our 2025 DDF campaign so that the love of Christ and his salvation may be made known and continues to be visible in each of our communities,” said Bishop Rice. ©TM

CONCEPTION SEMINARY COLLEGE ANNOUNCES

Fall 2025 Dean’s List

Conception, MO

The Office of the Registrar at Conception Seminary College, in Conception, MO, recently announced the students named to the Dean’s List for the 2025 Fall semester.

To be included on the Dean’s List, a student must be enrolled as a full-time student and earn a 3.70 GPA or higher on at least 12 semester credit hours. A list of three students meeting those requirements for the Diocese of Springfield-Cape

Girardeau can be found below.

Conception Seminary College is a four-year liberal arts college seminary preparing candidates for ministry in the Roman Catholic Church through human, spiritual, intellectual, and pastoral formation in the Benedictine tradition.

Diocese of SpringfieldCape Girardeau

Thomas Dittmer

Jackson Gaeta

Nathan Haak

Mother’s House Outreach Center

This year, the beneficiary of our annual Lenten Youth Project will be MOTHER’S HOUSE, located in Hayti, MO.

Mother’s House is an outreach center, run by the Glenmary Sisters, that is focused on supporting low-income women who are caring for young children in Pemiscot County. Besides the biological mothers, many of these women are foster mothers, grandmothers, aunts, and great grandmothers, who for one reason or another find themselves caring for children without adequate resources.

Mother’s House Provides:

• Diapers and pull-ups once a month

• Items, such as wipes, bottles, clothing, and blankets, available as needed.

• Other items, such as baby beds, baby swings, and other furnishings, if available.

The Glenmary Sisters have a mission in Pemiscot County, Missouri, which opened in June of 2005 and is located in the Diocese of Springfield-Cap e Girardeau.

Pemiscot County is located in the Bootheel region of southeast Missouri, nestled between Arkansas and Tennessee. Sadly, it is one of the poorest counties in the state.

HAYTI, MO

For more information, scan the QR code or go to dioscg.org/faith-formation/LYP

House.

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.

www.dioscg.org/wp-content/uploads/How-to-Register-for-a-VIRTUS-withOnline-Option.pdf

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.