2-27-26 The Mirror(digital) (1)

TCatholic Schools Week

highlights the gifts and witness of Catholic education in local communities

he theme for National Catholic Schools Week (CSW) 2026 (January 25–31) was “Catholic Schools: United in Faith and Community.” This theme highlights the shared mission of fostering spiritual, academic, and societal growth, focusing on gratitude for the teachers, staff, and families who sustain Catholic education in the 23 Catholic elementary schools and three Catholic high schools in the Diocese of Springfield-Cape Girardeau.

Key highlights for CSW 2026:

• Core Focus: Emphasizes that schools are vibrant communities rooted in Christ, educating the whole person (body, mind, and spirit).

• Daily Themes & Activities:

- Sunday: Celebrating Your Parish

- Monday: Celebrating Your Community

- Tuesday: Celebrating Your Students

NOTRE DAME REGIONAL HIGH SCHOOL—The annual All-School Mass during Catholic Schools Week was celebrated in Notre Dame Regional High School, Cape Girardeau, on Jan. 30, with Bishop Edward Rice, Fr. Colby Elbert, Fr. Jesse Hiett, Fr. David Dohogne, and diocesan Superintendent of Catholic Schools Deacon Rob Huff. The community honored the life of JJ Bledsoe with the Bledsoe family in attendance, as Bishop Rice blessed a portrait of Saint Padre Pio that will hang in the halls of Notre Dame in his memory. Faculty members were also recognized for their years of service to Notre Dame. (The Mirror)

- Wednesday: Celebrating the Nation

- Thursday: Celebrating Vocations

- Friday: Celebrating Faculty, Staff, and Volunteers

- Saturday: Celebrating Families

• Activities: Schools will hold allschool Masses, open houses, and community service projects.

The event is sponsored by the National Catholic Educational Association (NCEA). ©TM

FACULTY RECOGNITION

Sarah Strohmeyer, 25 years; Bishop Rice, Phyllis Wiedefield, 20 years; and Tim Garner, 25 years, were recognized at Notre Dame High Regional High School during Catholic Schools Week 2026. Not pictured was Dave Sanders, who has served Notre Dame for 25 years. (The Mirror)

IAND YOU WILL SEE

Bp. Edward M. Rice

can the King of Glory enter COME,

hope everyone has been taking advantage of the monthly Eucharistic Resources on the diocesan Website in order to draw us closer to Jesus in the Holy Eucharist. Beginning in January, each month there are lessons from the catechism, the writings of Pope St. John Paul II, a particular song, an activity, a movie suggestion, and a piece of art to help us spiritually prepare for our Diocesan Eucharistic Congress on Aug. 15. If you have not been utilizing these resources, I encourage you to go to p. 20 of this issue for the March resources and check out the Website each month leading up to our 70th anniversary. If you fell behind, you can still go back and utilize the resources for the month of January and February.

Have you signed up to attend the Diocesan Eucharistic Congress on August 15th at the West Plains Civic Center? That, too, can be easily done by visiting our Website or by scanning the QR code on the resource page in this issue of The Mirror. As I write this, we have close to 1,000 people who plan to attend but I just simply believe that’s not enough. The Conference Center holds over 3,000, and it would be wonderful if

Only when the doors of the heart are open,

we could fill that space with people who are on-fire for the Eucharist! All parish groups, youth groups, PCCWs, Knights of Columbus, parish pastoral councils, Eucharistic ministers—anyone who volunteers in the parish, should truly be participating in this once-in-a-lifetime event for our diocese as we celebrate our 70th anniversary.

We continue to reflect on Romano Guardini’s Sacred Signs. This column will focus on the “doors” of a church:

“When you step through the doorway of a church, you are leaving the outer world behind and entering an inner world. The outer world is a fair place abounding in life and activity, but also a place with a mingling sense of the base and ugly. It is a sort of marketplace, crossed and recrossed by all in sundry. Perhaps ‘unholy’ is not quite the word for it, yet there is something profane about the world. Behind the church doors is an inner place, separated from the marketplace, a silent, consecrated and holy spot. It is very certain that the whole world is the work of God and his gift to us, that we may meet him anywhere, that everything we receive is from God’s hand, and, when

received religiously, is holy. Nevertheless, men have always felt that certain precincts were in a special manner set apart and dedicated to God.

“Between the outer and the inner world are the doors. They are the barriers between the marketplace and the sanctuary, between what belongs to the world at large and what has become consecrated to God. [T]he door warns the man who opens it to go inside that he must now leave behind the thoughts, wishes, and cares which are out of place [here]: his curiosity, his vanity, his worldly interest, his secular self.

“Make yourself clean. The ground you tread is holy ground. Do not rush through the doors. Let us take time to open our hearts to their meaning and pause a moment beforehand so as to make our entering in a fully-intended and recollected act… This is God’s house and the seat of his hidden presence. It is the doors that admit us to this mysterious place. …Open your heart, lift up your eyes. Let your soul be free, for this is God’s temple. … Unless the doors of your heart are open, how can the king of glory enter?”

ETHNIC DIVERSITY IN OUR PARISHES

As most of you know, we have a good number of parishes that celebrate Mass in Spanish for the significant Hispanic population in our diocese. I’ve

ANOTHER WALK THROUGH: ‘Walking Together’

mentioned numerous times that our diocese is quite diverse with significant Filipino, Hispanic, Vietnamese, and Micronesian communities—all are a beautiful testament to the universality of our Catholic faith. And while we have had our problems with immigration regarding religious visas for our priests and religious, it seems now that some of our immigrants are facing arrests and detention. Then, to add to the problem, some of them have been denied religious services.

Everyone should be treated with dignity. Everyone has a right to religious freedom. Catholics who desire Mass/ Holy Communion should not be denied this basic human right. A federal judge recently ordered that detainees should have access to church services for Ash Wednesday. Prior to that decision, the Coalition for Spiritual and Public Leadership, along with other religious leaders, filed a federal lawsuit in November alleging that DHS has stopped allowing the ministry access to immigrants. The recent decision stated, “The US Department of Homeland Security must allow plaintiffs access to offer ashes and Holy Communion for those who desire it. … With reasonable notice and communication, addressing legitimate security and safety concerns, allowing plaintiffs to provide pastoral care to migrants and detainees does not pose any undue hardship on the government.”

While the four correctional facilities in the diocese enjoy a good relationship with the wardens and are allowed weekly access for Mass, the rosary, and prayer, closer to home, our priests, deacons, and volunteers have not been able to gain entrance into the Greene County prison to visit detainees. We will continue to press the issue.

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

By Bishop Emeritus John J. Leibrecht

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

December 2, 1994 I have been told the three developmental stages of a man are: he believes in Santa Claus; he does not believe in Santa Claus; he is Santa Claus. December 9, 1994 An employee asked his boss for a day off. “Why?” the employee was asked. “It’s our silver anniversary, and my wife and I want to celebrate,” he explained. “Does that mean,” the boss inquired, “that we’ll have to put up with this every 25 years?”

December 16, 1994 He was being rather obnoxious to everyone as he checked into the hospital as a patient. Barking orders left and right, he made it difficult on each person who approached him. Observing all this as she snapped on his wrist the plastic bracelet with his name on it, a mild-mannered lady was taken aback when the man said, “What’s this for?” She said, “This is so we won’t give you to the wrong mother when you’re ready to leave.”

DIOCESAN NEWS/ADULT FAITH

ANNUAL GATHERING OF RELIGIOUS WITH BISHOP RICE HELD FEB. 7

JUBILARIAN—Bishop Edward Rice presented Sr. Josephine Do, CMR, a card commemorating her celebrating 60 years as a vowed religious with the Congregation of Mary, Queen, in 2026. (The Mirror)

MOUNTAIN VIEW, MO—Bishop Edward M. Rice gathered with consecrated religious in St. John Vianney Catholic Church, Mountain View, on Sat., Feb. 7. The annual event brings the religious together for a day of reflection, fellowship, games, Mass and vocational affirmation along with the bishop. For 2026, the theme was taken from Isaiah: “I have called you by name, you are mine,” (Is 43:1), and was the focus of remarks from speaker Fr. Michael Monshau, OP. A highlight of the day is always the liturgy, a chance to take photos, and acknowledging this year’s jubilarians: Sr. Josephine Do, CMR, who will be celebrating 60 years as a vowed religious with the Congregation of Mary, Queen, and Sr. Marciana Dinh, CMR, who was not present for the day but who will be celebrating 50 years as a vowed religious also with the Congregation of Mary, Queen. (The Mirror)

Saint Francis Foundation accepting 2026 Healthcare Scholarship applications

Cape Girardeau

The Saint Francis Healthcare Scholarship Program, funded by the Saint Francis Foundation and Auxiliary, is now accepting applications for 2026. The program awards more than 20 scholarships of up to $2,000 annually to students pursuing a healthcare-related career.

The Steven C. Bjelich Executive Scholarship is available for students pursuing a master’s degree in healthcare administration and is awarded to one recipient every-otheryear. Additionally, the scholarship pays the recipient’s institution $5,000 per year for two years, equaling a $10,000 total reward.

Applicants must have completed one year as a student in an accredited healthcare program and be currently enrolled. Students must have a

DIOCESAN NEWS/ADULT FAITH

minimum 3.0-grade point average on a 4.0 scale. As defined in the application, they must also reside within Saint Francis Healthcare System’s service area. Applicants must submit a fully completed online application and all required documentation to the Foundation by 5pm, Friday, June 26, 2026. Students may receive one scholarship per year for a maximum of two years.

Since its launch in 1980, the scholarship program has awarded more than $929,000 to support students pursuing healthcare-related careers.

All applicants are considered regardless of race, creed, color, national origin, religion, ancestry, age, handicap, or veteran status. Applications are available at foundation.sfmc.net/ scholarship-program/. For more information, please call the Foundation at (573) 331-5177. ©TM

DIOCESAN NEWS/ADVERTISING

FREDERICKTOWN—St. Michael the Archangel Parish will have Fish Fry-Days, Fri., March 6 and Fri., March 20, 4-7 pm. Catfish, hush puppies, fries, slaw, mac & cheese, baked beans, green beans, drink & dessert. Cost: $15; ages 5-7 yrs: $7; under age 5: free.

JACKSON—Jackson Knights of Columbus #6405 will have its Lenten Fish Fries, all Fridays during Lent, 4:30-7:30pm | Lower Knights of Columbus Hall. Fried fish, fried chicken, fries, hush puppies, baked beans, slaw, homemade mac & cheese, water, tea & lemonade; Cost: $15. Dine-in or carry-out.

JOPLIN—The Knights of Columbus will have its Lenten Dinner, Fri., March 13, 5-7pm | St. Mary Parish Center | Baked tiliapia fillet, grilled cheese sandwiches, vegetable stew, cheesy potatoes, green beans, cole slaw, dinner rolls, dessert & drink. Cost: $10-adults; $8-children; $30-family; under age 5 eat for free. | Join us for Stations of the Cross after dinner, 7pm.

JOPLIN Lenten Fish Fry, all Fridays during Lent, 5-7pm | St. Peter the Apostle Church. Cost: $10-All-you-can-eat; $5-ages 5-12 yrs.; Age 4 and under, eat free.

LEBANON—The Knights of Columbus #6871 will have Fish

Fries, Fri., March 13 and Fri., March 27, 5-7pm | St. Francis de Sales Parish Family Center. Fried fish, fries, hush puppies, coleslaw, drink & dessert. Cost: goodwill donation. Proceeds to benefit local charities supported by the KofC programs and pro-life activities.

MARSHFIELD Fish Fry

Fundraiser, Enjoy a great meal of fried or baked catfish, French fries, hush puppies, green beans, cole slaw, and tasty desserts; Fri., March 13 and Fri., March 27, 5-7 pm Holy Trinity Catholic Church. Cost: $12-adults; $7-ages 5-12 yrs.; age 4 and under, free (credit & debit cards accepted).

OZARK Lenten Fish Fry, all Fridays during Lent, 5-7 pm | St. Joseph the Worker Catholic Church. Cost: $15; $10-ages 6-12 yrs.; meatless spaghetti-$5

SIKESTON—The Knights of Columbus will have its annual Lenten Fish Fry, Fri., March 27, 11am-1pm and 4-7pm, at the Knights of Columbus Hall. US catfish fillets, all the trimmings & dessert | DRIVE THRU ONLY— Cost: $18

SPRINGFIELD—St. Joseph Catholic Church will have its Lenten Soup Suppers, all Fridays during Lent, 5:30pm, followed by Stations of the Cross and Benediction.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Aurora—Holy Trinity Catholic Church and the Aurora Council of Catholic Women will have their annual Indoor Rummage/ Bake Sale, Sat., March 14, 7am-12noon, in the gymnasium. Come shop for the many treasures we have available and enjoy the delicious baked goods for sale!

Dexter—Sacred Heart will have its Parish Mission-The Eucharist, March 2-March 5, 7pm. Presenter will be Fr. Denis Lemieux, Chaplain at Marian Acres, Salem, MO. All are invited to join in this time of spiritual renewal and refreshment, and to renew your devotion and love for Jesus’ Real Presence in the Blessed Sacrament.

Jackson—The Knights of Columbus Ladies Auxiliary will host a “Bunco Bash,” Sun., March 22, in the upper KC Hall. No pre-registration; doors will open at 12:30pm, play begins at 1pm. Cost: $10/player, snacks will be provided. Money raised will be used to support the scholarship program and various other organizations, such as: Options for Women, Birthright, Special Olympics, and many others.

Leopold—St. John Parish Council of Catholic Women will have its Rummage Sale, Thu., May 7, 7am-5pm; Fri., May 8, 7am-5pm, and Sat., May 9, 7-11am, in the Knights of Columbus Hall. Saturday is $5 bag day. All are invited to shop with us-merchandise is priced to sell! For information, contact Geri Geringer, (571) 208-6445.

Oran St. Ann PCCW will be making Cinnamon Rolls on March 14! Orders will be available for pick up Sat., March 14, 2-5pm & Sun., March 15,

7am-12noon. Cost: $15 dozen. Place your order by calling/texting Julie Duenne, (573) 620-2899; Agnes Moore, (573) 887-1038; Debbie Gaines, (573) 887-1015, or call Guardian Angel Catholic School, (573) 262-3583. Orders should be placed by Wed., March 11.

Scott City Annual Spring Dinner will be held in St. Joseph Catholic Church on Sunday, March 29, 2026 from 10:30am1pm. Enjoy fried chicken, chicken & dumplings, dressing, mashed potatoes, green beans, coleslaw, dessert, and drink. Pricing: Adults - $15, children (612) - $7, children under 5 - free. Carryouts are available!

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

Singles-Late 50s and Above—Are you looking for a renewed sense of purpose & belonging? Register today for a life-changing RENEW weekend retreat at the Pallottine Retreat Center (30 min from downtown St. Louis), April 10-12, 2026. Take a chance and get involved ... you won’t regret it! For more details, visit www.RenewRetreats.org, E-mail renewretreat.stl@gmail.com, or call (314) 703-1002.

Stockton—St. Peter, Apostle, Parish Council of Catholic Women will have its annual Corned Beef & Cabbage St. Patrick’s Day Dinner, Sun., March 15, 11:30am-1:30pm, in the Social Hall. Corned beef and cabbage, parsley potatoes, honey-ginger carrots, green beans, dinner roll, dessert and beverage. Cost: $12; $5- children, ages 6-12 yrs.; free-children, ages 5 yrs. and under.

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

DIOCESAN NEWS/ADULT FAITH

McAuley Catholic Future Business Leaders of America excel in

Small

School

Division

MO

Nearing the end of 2025, students in the McAuley Catholic Future Business Leaders of America Chapter (FBLA) competed at the 4th Annual Missouri Southern Business Gateway competition and Workshop. Over 650 students from 27 different schools were at the event. The day was designed to engage students in competitive events, presentations and workshops dealing with real-world business concepts.

Congratulations to those students who placed in the Small School Division

1st Place:

Personal Finance - Alex Bohachick

Economics - Daniel Horinek

Business Communication- Norah Gardner

2nd Place:

Marketing- Brooke Stone

Website Design-Crystal Torres & Orion

Brewer

Social Media - Norah Gardner, Brooke Stone, Vanessa Diez & Keira Mays

3rd Place:

Accounting 2-Claire Schmitt

International Business- Keira Mays

Travel & Tourism- Kara Righter, Max Anreder, Ellie Bohachick & Joselyn Perez

Social Media Strategies 1- Claire Schmitt, Edie Nolan, Mallory Williams & Izzie Cornelius. ©TM

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

“Our essential commitment in life is to preserve and advance constantly in Eucharistic life and Eucharistic piety and to grow spiritually in the climate of the Holy Eucharist.”

— POPE ST. JOHN PAUL II

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.

The life of Blessed Stanley Rother

Lenten Springfield event to be held March 10

By Araceli Mingura Oklahoma City, OK

The first United States-born priest and martyr to be beatified in the Catholic Church was a man who grew up in a small farming town, who led an ordinary life but had an extraordinary impact.

Blessed Stanley Rother grew up in the small town of Okarche, about 40

miles northwest of Oklahoma City. After his ordination and service in Oklahoma, he was sent by the Archdiocese of Oklahoma City to be a mission priest in Guatemala.

During his ministry in Guatemala, he contributed significantly to the faith life in the town of Santiago Atitlan. He was assigned to St. James the Apostle Catholic Church, which was built by the Spaniards in the 16th century. Ministering to the people of Guatemala by giving them the sacraments and leading his flock, Blessed Rother quickly became a part of their daily life. He did not simply minister to them as a priest, but also as a friend. He immersed himself into their culture, learned the Tz’utujil language, and translated the Gospels to their dialect. He also played a significant role in establishing a radio station and a school in their village, which has over 400 students

today. Additionally, he built a church in a nearby village, Cerro de Oro

Having the knowledge of farming in Oklahoma, he used his skills to help the villagers cultivate their crops. The walk was at least 45-minutes from the church to the fields, hauling supplies back and forth.

Guatemala was suffering through civil war from the years 1960 to 1996, affecting the safety and living conditions for the people of Santiago Atitlán. Kidnappings and killings were frequent, affecting the Church community. Blessed Rother defended his people against the violence that was prevalent in the village.

Threatened by his positive impact, a violent political group put Blessed Rother’s name on a death list. Due to the danger, he then returned to Oklahoma. During his time in Oklahoma, Blessed Rother’s family members describe him as being melancholic and desperate to return because he had felt that he abandoned his people. He was back in Guatemala in time for Easter like he had promised to his people.

On July 28, 1981, his feast day, he was killed in the night by gunmen in his rectory bedroom. Members of the community soon found him, and cleaned up the blood that was left. Today, the bedroom where he was killed was converted into a mini chapel, containing a relic of his blood that is still in liquid form.

SPRINGFIELD LENTEN EVENT

Blessed Rother’s cousin and rector of the Blessed Stanley Rother Shrine, Monsignor Wolf, will give a presentation about Blessed Rother’s life, with stories that can’t be found Online or in books. Monsignor’s presentation will be held in the Holy Trinity Parish, Springfield, on March 10, at 6:30 p.m., with the purpose of encouraging devotion to Blessed Stanley Rother and visits to the Blessed Stanley Rother Shrine in Oklahoma City. Make plans now to attend this evening at Holy Trinity Parish.

What makes Blessed Rother so special is that he was so ordinary: He was not rich, he did not live centuries ago, and he did not hold any magnificent titles. He was a man from Oklahoma, who answered the call to the priesthood, and followed where the Lord led him.

Oklahoma’s own extraordinary “ordinary” martyr is buried in the

Beatified Sept. 23, 2017 Shrine dedicated Feb. 17, 2023

chapel of the Blessed Stanley Rother Shrine in Oklahoma City. However, his heart remains in St. James the Apostle Church, in Santiago Atitlan

The shrine welcomes hundreds of thousands of pilgrims each year, and is a holy site dedicated to sharing the Gospel witness of Blessed Stanley. The 40,000-square-foot church building is a beauty that can only truly be experienced to its fullest extent in person. The Spanish colonial style architecture and Italian retablo pieces inside are just a few of the many aspects to behold at the shrine.

Open to visitors every day, the shrine campus includes an imitation of Tepeyac Hill that pilgrims can climb to find statues of Our Lady of Guadalupe and St. Juan Diego. The shrine campus also includes a Pilgrim Center that contains a theater and a museum that tells the story of Blessed Rother’s life. The shrine building itself encompasses the main shrine church and a chapel, where Blessed Rother is buried in the altar.

At first glance, the shrine may not seem typical of Oklahoma architecture because of the structures of the shrine that come from different parts of the world. However, all the pieces come together in beautiful uniformity, making it the biggest Catholic Church in Oklahoma.

The shrine invites visitors from all over the country and the world to come and see it as a beacon of faith, and to witness more intimately the Christ-like life of Blessed Stanley Rother.

For more information about the shrine, visit https://rothershrine.org.

©TM

ADULT FAITH/ADVERTISING

It 's not too late to begin !

Here are 12 new resources to encounter Christ this Lent 2026

By Katie Yoder OSV News

For Lent 2026, a multitude of Catholic leaders and ministries are inviting the faithful to walk with them during this 40-day season of prayer, fasting, and almsgiving.

Here are 12 new resources—Online retreats, Apps, Podcasts, books and more—that promise to help Catholics grow in faith and draw closer to the Lord Jesus Christ ahead of Easter.

1. Hallow’s ‘Pray40: The Return’

This Lent the Catholic prayer App Hallow is presenting an annual Lenten prayer challenge called “Pray40: The Return.” The 40-day experience embraces the theme of returning home to God and to one another while exploring two books: Father Henri Nouwen’s The Return of the Prodigal Son and Fyodor Dostoevsky’s The Brothers Karamazov

Institute’s team told OSV News. “Jesus Christ, the pioneer and perfecter of our faith (Heb. 12:2), invites us with him into the desert to discover anew the inner sanctuary, the core of our being—a place reserved for ourselves and God alone to which the enemy has no access. It is this ‘inner room’ where we are completely seen and completely known.”

The retreat, “Seeking the Inner Room,” consists of seven videos released each week of Lent.

People who sign up for the retreat at Word on Fire’s Website will receive a free 30-day trial to Sr. Heidland’s reflections, discussion prompts, and prayer activities. People can continue membership for $27 per month.

3. Sisters of Life’s ‘Let Love’ Podcast

In collaboration with Catholic multimedia network Ascension, the Sisters of Life are releasing a new season of their Podcast, “Let Love,” this Lent.

4. Ascension’s ‘Crux’

Also through Ascension, Fr. Columba Jordan of the Franciscan Friars of the Renewal is offering a daily Lenten challenge called “Crux.” Focused on surrender to God, the program invites Catholics to practice four disciplines: a daily Scripture reading, a nightly examen, a form of physical exercise, and a dietary fast.

Crux, which is available through the Ascension App, features daily video reflections from Fr. Jordan and weekly encouragement from Crux ambassadors.

“If Lent is about anything, it’s about learning to trust in God and to rely on him alone, like the Israelites in the desert,” Pat Millea, a Crux ambassador who co-founded a mental health clinic and podcast with his wife, Kenna, said. “Ascension’s ‘Crux’ challenge is such a great program because it gives people a framework to surrender to God, to open themselves more fully to his love, and to be honest with other people making the journey through the desert with them.”

Crux is available to paid premium App subscribers. Ascension also offers new or returning subscribers full access for 90 days at $4.99.

5. Real Life Catholic’s Lenten Phone Fast Challenge

6. Father Patrick Mary Briscoe’s ‘Witness’ Father Patrick Mary Briscoe, a Dominican friar, invites readers to walk with those who witnessed Christ’s passion in his new daily Lenten devotional, Witness: A Guided Lent Journal for Prayer and Meditation

“Come on this journey this Lent, walk the dusty roads of the streets of Jerusalem, step into the courtyards, stand at the foot of the cross, and see Christ anew from the perspective of those who saw him,” Fr. Briscoe says in a teaser. “Embrace what they knew, love what they loved, and be transformed.”

The book, which opens with a forward by Roumie, focuses on a key virtue each week. Each day presents a quote from the Church Fathers, a meditation, questions for reflection, journaling space, and a prayer.

The book by Fr. Briscoe’s promoter general for social communication for the Dominican Order, co-host of the “Godsplaining” Podcast and former editor of Our Sunday Visitor magazine— is available for purchase from Ave Maria Press for $14.95.

The challenge includes daily reflections, weekly homily reflections, prayer sessions and interviews that feature faith leaders and well-known actors such as Jonathan Roumie, Sr. Miriam James Heidland of the Society of Our Lady of the Most Holy Trinity, Chris Pratt, Fr. Mike Schmitz, and Mark Wahlberg.

“It’s the biggest thing we’ve ever done by far with now well over 1.5 million people joining the challenge, but also I think the most beautiful and powerful,” Alex Jones, CEO and cofounder of Hallow, said. He added: “May the Lord use it for his glory to bring us all closer to himself.”

For people interested in participating, Hallow offers a free threemonth trial.

2. Word on Fire’s

‘Seeking the Inner Room’

In addition to participating in Hallow’s Pray40, Sr. Heidland is leading an Online Lenten retreat with Bishop Robert Barron’s Word on Fire ministry.

“The Word on Fire Lent Retreat … is an invitation to a complete and total transformation of the heart,” Word on Fire

“This season of ‘Let Love’ is called ‘What do you think about?’” Sr. Cora Caeli, one of three sisters on the current season of the Podcast, said. “We will explore the power of thoughts, what shapes our thoughts, and how to redirect negative thinking.”

The Podcast will also address artificial intelligence and how AI affects the mind during the new season that runs Feb. 23 through March 30. Listeners can tune in through the Ascension App and other platforms, including the sisters’ Website.

Sister Cora Caeli added: “I hope that this topic inspires our listeners to invite God into their lives to transform, heal, and restore this very place.”

Real Life Catholic, a ministry run by Catholic speaker and author Chris Stefanick, is inviting Catholics to join its “Lenten Phone Fast Challenge.”

To participate, Catholics can sign up at Real Life Catholic’s Website and choose a specific phone “fast.” Options include putting away one’s phone after 6 p.m., picking one day each week to be phone free or scroll free, enabling grayscale to make one’s phone less enticing, and deleting all social media Apps.

“The Lenten Phone Fast Challenge is an opportunity to choose a truly sacrificial form of fasting from these devices to make room for prayer, silence, and authentic renewal of our relationships with our spouse, children, and friends,” Real Life Catholic vice president of marketing Matt Paolelli said. “Participants will offer up their sacrifice for the spiritual protection of the next generation of young Catholics who are struggling to maintain their faith.”

During this challenge, Real Life Catholic encourages participants to not only pray for young Catholics but also financially support CORE, its Confirmation prep project.

7. Our Sunday Visitor’s ‘What Christ Suffered: A Doctor’s Journey Through the Passion, Revised and Expanded’ Amid Lent’s focus on Christ’s passion and death on the cross, a scientific and medical account of the passion can help the faithful enter more deeply into meditation on Christ’s great sacrifice. In “What Christ Suffered,” newly revised and expanded just in time for this Lent, Dr. Thomas W. McGovern offers a fresh perspective on Christ’s suffering and death using ancient Greek and Latin literature about crucifixion, discoveries of ancient images, archaeology, medical reenactment studies, and medical case reports.

This book also highlights the teachings of Pope St. John Paul II in “Salvifici Doloris,” meditating on human suffering and offering practical ways to respond to suffering in our lives and the lives of loved ones.

The book is available for purchase from OSV for $32.95.

ADULT FAITH/DIOCESAN NEWS

NATIONAL EUCHARISTIC CONGRESS

INDIANAPOLIS Bishop Andrew H. Cozzens of Crookston, MN, chairman of the board of the National Eucharistic Congress Inc., during adoration at the opening revival night of the 10th National Eucharistic Congress at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis.The Augustine Institute, a Catholic educational apostolate and graduate college, together with the National Eucharistic Congress, is offering an eight-part Lenten series called “The Heart of Prayer,” which Bishop Cozzens leads. (OSV News photo/Bob Roller)

8. Blessed Is She’s ‘Who Do You Say That I Am?’

Blessed Is She, a Catholic women’s ministry, is inviting women to encounter Christ through a new Lent devotional called Who Do You Say That I Am?

The book by Debra Herbeck, a Jewish convert to Catholicism who serves in youth and women’s ministry, includes Scripture reflections, guided prayers, journal prompts, and more.

“I’m so eager for women to encounter Jesus this Lent, whether for the first time or all over again,” Beth Davis, director of formation at Blessed Is She, said. “He wants to dispel the lies we believe (or fear) about him and reveal who he truly is through Scripture.”

“As we look more closely at the ‘I Am’ statements of Jesus in the Gospel of John,” she added, “I hope the women

will be able to rest in the perfect love and protection of Jesus.”

Women can purchase a print copy for $28 or digital copy for $15.

9. Augustine Institute’s ‘The Heart of Prayer’

The Augustine Institute, a Catholic educational apostolate and graduate college, together with the National Eucharistic Congress, is offering a Lenten series called “The Heart of Prayer.”

Bishop Andrew H. Cozzens of Crookston, MN, who serves as chairman of the Bishops Advisory Group for the National Eucharistic Congress, leads the eight-part video series. He provides teaching and reflection on prayer and its role in spiritual life.

“Our hope is that ‘The Heart of Prayer’ inspires the faithful to turn to Scripture and the saints to enrich and to deepen their prayer,” Scott Hefelfinger, a professor and director of content development at the Augustine Institute, said. “Guided by Bishop Andrew Cozzens, a wise and practical retreat master, viewers will be offered both teaching and practices for renewal and growth in prayerful union with the Lord during this holy season of Lent.”

The episodes are available on Formed, the institute’s faith-formation streaming platform. Individuals can sign up for a free seven-day Online trial. Afterward, a subscription costs $9.99 per month.

10. St. Paul Center’s ‘Bible Across America: Lent’

For Lent 2026, the St. Paul Center for Biblical Theology, founded by Catholic theologian Scott Hahn, is hosting seven weekly video Bible study sessions. Shane Owens, a St. Paul Center theologian and assistant professor of theology at the Franciscan University of Steubenville, leads the study called “Bible Across America: Lent.” Catholic leaders John Bergsma, Emily Stimpson Chapman,

Megan Hjelmstad, and Franciscan Fr. Dave Pivonka join him.

“Our mission at the St. Paul Center is to help Catholics grow into a deeper love and knowledge of Christ through Scripture and Doctrine, and we are praying that with Bible Across America, Catholics can experience the power of encountering Jesus through the Word in community,” A.J. Arand, vice president of marketing and production at the St. Paul Center, said.

People can join through the center’s Website by signing up for a free membership trial that lasts through April 12.

11. The US bishops’ ‘2026 Daily Lent Calendar’

The US Conference of Catholic Bishops is providing a free downloadable 2026 daily Lent calendar at its Website., in both English and Spanish.

The calendar, which runs from Ash Wednesday (Feb. 18) through Easter Sunday (April 5), promises to deepen people’s faith with reflections, calls to action, and quotes from Scripture and Pope Leo XIV.

12. Our Sunday Visitor’s ‘Lenten Prayer for Families’ and ‘OSV Kids Lent Activity Book’ For Catholic families looking to enter into the Lenten season together, Lenten Prayer for Families, by Colleen Pressprich offers a way for parents and children to dive deep into Scripture

every day of Lent, with meditations on a daily Scripture reading, a discussion of what the Scripture means for everyday life, and illustrations approachable to young children. The book includes weekly verses for memorization and suggestions to help families customize daily Lenten reflections into their busy schedules.

For children ages 5 to 8, OSV Kids Lent Activity Book offers fun and educational activities to help young kids learn about the season of Lent. Various word games, hidden image activities, and small projects guide children through the central concepts surrounding the liturgical season of penitence and sacrifice, Christ’s crucifixion and the glory of his resurrection.

Lenten Prayer for Families is available for purchase from OSV for $21.95, and OSV Kids Lent Activity Book is available for $14.95. ©OSV News

Katie Yoder is an OSV News correspondent. She writes from Maryland. OSV News culture editor Lauretta Brown contributed to this story.

Mother’s House Outreach Center

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

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

All proceeds after expenses will benefit Mother’s House.

CATHOLIC SCHOOLS WEEK

WARRIOR PREVAIL DURING DAY-TIME BASKETBALL GAME—On January 29, students in grades K-12 came together at the McAuley Catholic campus to cheer on the McAuley Warrior basketball teams as they faced off against New Covenant Academy. The bleachers were packed with cheering students encouraging the Warriors to victory! A highlight for the elementary students was getting autographs from the McAuley Catholic players. (The Mirror)

WEATHER HINDERS ORIGINAL CSW MASS—Joplin Area Catholic Schools (JACS) is made up of St. Mary Catholic School, St. Peter Middle School, McAuley Catholic High School and St. Ann Catholic School in Carthage. Catholic Schools Week was to include an all-school Mass with Bishop Rice and area priests on Tue., Jan. 27, but because of winter weather, the liturgy was put off until Fri., Feb. 6. (The Mirror)

CATHOLIC SCHOOLS WEEK 2026 IN ORAN—Mother Nature did her best to meddle with Catholic Schools Week (CSW) with much ice and snow.  Thus, CSW was celebrated Feb. 2-6 in Guardian Angel Catholic  School, Oran.

On Monday, February 2, the faculty prepared a delicious breakfast for staff, volunteers, Home & School officers, and school board members.  Students and staff could wear pajamas to school.  After breakfast, the students were able to play games with each other in the gym.  Each classroom decorated their class door with a CSW theme and were judged for the best design.  Mrs. Kalli Priggel’s 3rd/4th grade classroom won the honor of being the best-decorated.  The other rooms were close runner-ups.

Community was celebrated on Tue., Feb. 3.  In addition to Mass, treat baskets were made for the school’s neighbors (Manac, Oran Public School, and the rectory).

On Wed., Feb. 4, students prayed the Patriotic rosary in the library.  A chili/ cinnamon roll luncheon was held for parents & grandparents.

Vocations were celebrated on Thu., Feb. 5. Each classroom was assigned one or two diocesan seminarians from the Diocese of Springfield-Cape Girardeau. Seminarians Thomas Dittmer and Michael Eftink graduated 8th grade from Guardian Angel School.  The teachers purchased snacks, gift cards, etc. for the men and the packages were shipped out on Friday.

School was dismissed at noon on Fri., Feb. 6.  In the morning, PK3, PK4, and kindergarten went to Bootheel Gymnastics in Sikeston while grades 1-8 traveled to Willow Grove Roller Rink in Chaffee (The Mirror)

CATHOLIC SCHOOLS WEEK/DIOCESAN NEWS

All-school Mass lifts up Catholic education & annual award recipients

Joplin, MO

Annual Benefactor and Educator of the Year Awards were presented during the Catholic Schools Week System-Wide Mass held in St. Mary Catholic Church, Joplin, on February 6. Joplin Area Catholic Schools represents St. Mary Catholic School, Joplin, McAuley Catholic High School, Joplin, St. Peter Middle School, Joplin, and St. Ann Catholic School, Carthage. The award recipients were:

BENEFACTOR OF THE YEAR

This year our Benefactor of the Year went to the system’s Anonymous Donors. These individuals exemplify faithful, behind-the-scenes generosity that strengthens Joplin Area Catholic Schools every day. Through volunteer service, classroom support , and gifts to key funds, their commitment has expanded opportunities for students and families and ensured a thriving, faith-filled environment.

EDUCATOR OF THE YEAR

This year our Educator of the Year is Andy Youngworth, who exemplifies faithful leadership and dedication to the mission of Joplin Area Catholic Schools. Serving as a teacher, mentor, and coach at McAuley Catholic High School, Youngworth fosters respect, academic engagement, and spiritual growth by encouraging students to live their faith both in and beyond the classroom. He has led championship winning teams and his passion for education and commitment to our schools have inspired students, families, and community partners alike. ©TM

BENEFACTOR OF THE YEAR—Fr. Brian

and Fr. Joe

accepted the award for the Joplin Area Catholic Schools Benefactor of the Year with Bishop Edward M. Rice on Feb. 6. The award recognized the system’s Anonymous Donors. (Submitted photo)

Youngworth is a teacher, mentor and coach at McAuley Catholic High School, in Joplin. (Submitted photo)

McAuley Catholic Senior Named 2026 National Merit Finalist

Joplin,

MO

McAuley Catholic senior Franklin “Trae” Veer has advanced to the Finalist stage of the 2026 National Merit Scholarship Program, placing him among the most elite high school students in the country. National Merit Scholar winners will be announced in March by the National Merit.

McAuley Catholic honored Veer with an official Certificate of Merit on Thu., Feb. 26, at 9:30 a.m. This recognition confirms his eligibility for a share of the prestigious National Merit Scholarships, which the organization will award later this spring.

Veer’s journey to the finals began in October 2024 when he took the Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT). His performance placed him in an initial pool of 50,000 high scorers. By October 2025, he secured a spot as one of only 16,000 Semifinalists nationwide.

The National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC) conducts this annual academic competition to honor the nation’s highest scholastic achievers. To reach the Finalist level, Semifinalists must maintain an outstanding academic record, receive a recommendation from their high school principal, and submit a detailed scholarship application highlighting their leadership and community contributions.

SCHS Christopher Todd National Merit Finalist

Springfield, MO

Christopher Todd, a senior at Springfield Catholic High School has advanced to the Finalist stage of the 2026 National Merit Scholarship Program, placing him among the most elite high school students in the country. National Merit Scholar winners will be announced in March by the National Merit.

SCHS will honor Todd with an official Certificate of Merit after Mass on March 6. This recognition confirms his eligibility for a share of the prestigious National Merit Scholarships, which the organization will award later this spring.

Todd’s journey to the finals began in October 2024 when he took the Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT). His performance placed him in an initial pool of 50,000 high scorers. By October 2025, he secured a spot as one of only 16,000 Semifinalists nationwide.

The National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC) conducts this annual academic competition to honor the nation’s highest scholastic achievers. To reach the Finalist level, Semifinalists must maintain an outstanding academic record, receive a recommendation from their high school principal, and submit a detailed scholarship application highlighting their leadership and community contributions.

IWorld Mission Sunday: October 19, 2025

n 1926, Pope Pius XI instituted Mission Sunday for the whole Church throughout the world to publicly renew its commitment to the missionary movement, coordinated by the Pontifical Mission Societies. The Mission Sunday collection is always taken on the next-to-last Sunday during the month of October, and celebrated as a feast of catholicity and universal solidarity so that Christians all of the world will recognize their common responsibility to evangelize the world. In 2026, World Mission Sunday will be Oct. 18. Please find below the final report on the recent diocesan World Mission Sunday collection:

Diocesan World Mission Sunday Report 2025

Advance, St. Joseph 197.00

Aurora, Holy Trinity 884.00

Ava, St. Leo 124.00

Benton, St. Denis 1,800.00

Billings, St. Joseph 449.00

Bolivar, Sacred Heart 1,332.42

Branson, Our Lady of the Lake 2,146.50

Buffalo, St. William 443.38

Bunker, Christ the King 00.00

Cabool, St Michael 00.00

Cape Girardeau, Old St. Vincent 110.00

Cape Girardeau, St Mary 921.00

Cape Girardeau, St Vincent 4,364.10

Carthage, St. Ann 974.30

Caruthersville, Sacred Heart 550.35

Cassville, St Edward 499.30

Chaffee, St. Ambrose 402.00

Charleston, St Henry 395.00

Conway, Sacred Heart 216.00

Dexter, Sacred Heart 724.00

Doniphan, St Benedict 166.00

El Dorado Springs, St Elizabeth 254.00

Eminence, St. Sylvester 35.00

Forsyth, Our Lady of the Ozarks 471.00

Fredericktown, St Michael 1,094.26

Gainesville, St. William 342.00

Glennon, St Anthony 327.00

Glennonville, St Teresa 440.00

Greenfield, St. Patrick 164.00

Houston, St Mark 207.00

Humansville, St Catherine 48.00

Ironton, Ste Marie du Lac

682.00

Jackson, Immaculate Conception 2,169.00

Joplin, St Mary 3,405.00

Joplin, St Peter 1,780.00

Kelso, St. Augustine 925.00

Kennett, St Cecilia 45.00

Kimberling City, Our Lady of Cove 1,580.47

Lamar, St. Mary 221.00

Lebanon, St Francis de Sales 986.00

Leopold, St John 1,745.00

Lesterville, Our Lady of Sorrows 00.00

Licking, St John the Baptist 75.00

Malden, St Ann 95.00

Mansfield, Immaculate Heart of Mary 00.00

Marshfield, Holy Trinity 1,168.00

Monett, St Lawrence 2,677.10

Montauk, St. Jude Chapel 00.00

Mount Vernon, St Susanne 154.00

Mountain Grove, Sacred Heart 45.00

Mountain View, St. John Vianney 289.00

Neosho. St Canera 1,346.14

New Hamburg, St Lawrence 00.00

New Madrid, Immaculate Conception 538.00

Nixa, St Francis of Assisi 1,500.00

Noel, Nativity of Our Lord 586.00

Oran, Guardian Angel 266.00

Ozark, St Joseph the Worker 1,233.00

Piedmont, St Catherine 476.00

Pierce City, St. Mary 1,439.00

Poplar Bluff, Sacred Heart 543.00

Portageville, St Eustachius 830.00 Pulaskifield, SS Peter & Paul

St. Vincent

TDiocesan Missionary Co-Operation Plan Report 2025

as of Feb. 24, 2026

his annual report summarizes the financial support for the Missionary Cooperation Plan (MCP) throughout the diocese by the Society for the Propagation of the Faith (SPOF). The amount raised by each parish, along with the total of each deanery, is listed here. Thank you for your generosity in supporting the missionary work of the church. ©TM

Deanery 1: Pallottine Fathers & Brothers, SAC

Carthage, St. Ann 00.00

Greenfield, St. Patrick 143.00

Joplin, St. Mary 3,400.00

Joplin, St. Peter 2,058.00

Lamar, St. Mary 611.00

Neosho, St. Canera 1,776.00

Noel, Nativity of Our Lord 750.00

Seneca, St. Mary 00.00

Webb City, Sacred Heart 00.00

Total 8,738.00

Deanery 2: Schoenstatt Fathers; Isch

Aurora, Holy Trinity 1,475.00

Billings, St. Joseph 1,016.00

Cassville, St. Edward 1,655.00

Monett, St. Lawrence 1,707.00

Mount Vernon, St. Susanne 591.00

Pierce City, St. Mary 813.00

Pulaskifield, SS. Peter & Paul 1,091.00

Sarcoxie, St. Agnes 3,169.00

Shell Knob, Holy Family 1,679.00

Verona, Sacred Heart 889.00

Total 14,085.00

Deanery 3: Glenmary Home Missioners

Bolivar, Sacred Heart 2,311.00

Buffalo, St. William 00.00

Conway, Sacred Heart 928.00

El Dorado Springs; St. Elizabeth 602.00

Humansville, St. Catherine 187.00

Lebanon, St. Francis de Sales 407.00

Marshfield, Holy Trinity 1,882.00

Stockton, St. Peter 550.00

Total 6,867.00

Deanery 4a: Congregation of the Mission; CM

Branson, Our Lady of the Lake 5,652.00

Forsyth, Our Lady of the Ozarks 794.00

Kimberling City, Our Lady of Cove 4,464.00

Ozark, St. Joseph the Worker 2,234.00

Springfield, Holy Trinity 4,518.75

Total 17,662.75

Deanery 4b: Society of Our Mother of Peace, SMP

Nixa, St. Francis of Assisi 00.00

Springfield, Immaculate Conception 6,525.00

Springfield, Sacred Heart 2,108.00

Springfield, St. Agnes 3,549.69

Springfield, St. Eliz. Ann Set. 6,507.00

Springfield, St. Joseph 2,290.41

Total 20,980.10

Deanery 5: Company of Mary; Montfortians Ava, St. Leo 674.00

Bunker, Christ the King 201.00

Cabool, St. Michael 229.00

Eminence, St. Sylvester 966.00

Gainesville, St. William 1,081.00

Houston, St. Mark 855.00

Licking, St. John the Baptist 560.00

Mansfield, Immaculate Heart of M. 838.53

Montauk, St. Jude Chapel 124.00

Mountain Grove, Sacred Heart 00.00

Mountain View, St. John Vianney 712.00

Roby, St. Vincent 130.00

Salem, Sacred Heart 1,012.00

Thayer, Sacred Heart 250.00

West Plains, St. Mary 2,634.25

White Church, St. Joseph 351.00

Willow Springs, Sacred Heart 00.00

Total 10,617.78

Deanery 6a: Congregation of Rogationists; RCJ

Advance, St. Joseph 683.00

Benton, St. Denis 1,235.00

Cape Girardeau, St. Mary Cath. 3,825.89

Cape Girardeau, Old St. Vincent 00.00

Cape Girardeau, St. Vincent 7,595.68

Chaffee, St. Ambrose 2,439.00

Glennon, St. Anthony

Jackson, Immaculate Conception

Kelso, St. Augustine 1,507.00

Leopold, St. John

New Hamburg, St. Lawrence

Deanery 7b & 6b: Yarumal Missioners;

Society for the Propagation of the Faith Deacon Mark Kiblinger, Director mkiblinger@svparish.com Thank you for your generosity in supporting the missionary work of the Church!

PROLIFIC CATECHIST PAUL THIGPEN DIES AT 71

Kennesaw, GA

Catholic theologian and prolific writer

Thomas “Paul” Thigpen died Feb. 24 at the age of 71. A resident of Kennesaw, GA, he wrote more than 60 books and hundreds of articles on religion and faith. An award-winning journalist, as well as an apologist and catechist, Thigpen wrote for dozens of religious and secular publications, both scholarly and popular. His writing topics ranged widely, with book subjects spanning A Dictionary of Quotes from the Saints and The Biblical Names of Jesus to Extraterrestrial Intelligence and the Catholic Faith and Saints Who Battled Satan.

Among his works were several children’s books, including God’s Wildest Wonderment of All about creation, animals, and the human person. After being raised in the Presbyterian church and serving in various Christian ministries, Thigpen became Catholic as an adult in 1993.

In a tribute to Thigpen posted Feb. 25 to X, TAN Books CEO Conor Gallagher called him “not only one of the most respected Catholic authors in our industry, but a man who never left a conversation without making you a better person. He was one of those rare souls whom people did not merely admire—they loved.” ©OSV News

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CATHEDRAL SCIENCE OLYMPIAD TEAM HEADED TO STATE

Springfield, MO—Congratulations to the St. Agnes Cathedral Catholic School (Springfield) Science Olympiad Team, and their incredible coaches, for taking 4th place at the regional competition held Feb. 21 on the campus of Missouri State University! The team is now headed to the State Competition in April! Science Olympiad is a multi-disciplinary science competition for high-school and middle-school students across Missouri. Region VII Science Olympiad tournament is for southwest Missouri students. (The Mirror)

UPCOMING EVENTS

NOTRE DAME SUNDAY MARCH 7-8

What is Notre Dame Sunday? Each year, parishes across southeast Missouri join together to celebrate and support Notre Dame Regional High School, Cape Girardeau, the area’s diocesan Catholic high school. Join us March 7-8 for Notre Dame Sunday as our students share their stories during all parish Masses, and help us #BlueOutThePews by wearing blue to show your support for Catholic education! Together, let’s honor our past and help build the next 100 years of faith and excellence. Please consider financially supporting Notre Dame Sunday at www. notredamehighschool.org/give.

ND SHOWCASE SPRING OPEN HOUSE

Join Notre Dame High School on March 17 for the ND Showcase - a reimagined Open House where students and families can experience ND in action! Step inside, feel the energy and discover what makes ND a place where students thrive.

• Step inside the art room where creativity comes to life

• Churn butter in history class to experience the past in a new way

• Compete with ND scholar bowl to feel the thrill of academic competition

• See science sparked into action in

Chemistry

• Discover faith life at ND & explore retreats and mission trips

• Meet coaches and learn about athletics and team culture

• Get a taste of student life at ND and so much MORE!

Families of all area 6th-8th graders welcome! Learn more & register here: https://www.notredamehighschool.org/ openhouse.

NOTRE DAME FEAST DAY CELEBRATION MARCH 25

As Notre Dame Regional High School concludes its Centennial year, it invites the community to gather for a Feast Day Celebration event on March 25, the Feast of the Annunciation with a special prayer service at 6pm featuring the Notre Dame Choir, reflecting on Mary’s ‘yes,’ and the hope it brings to the world and to the school community. Following the prayer service, alumni, parents, students, and friends are invited to gather for light appetizers, reconnect with fellow Bulldogs, and reflect on 100 years of Notre Dame history displayed throughout the evening. Guests are invited to place a written prayer or hope for the future on our Tree of Hope, a living symbol that will be planted on campus as a lasting sign of faith and confidence in the next 100 years of Notre Dame. ©TM

Prices are all inclusive w/airfare from anywhere in the continental US.

Several trips to different destinations: Holy Land, Italy, Greece, France, Portugal, Spain, Lourdes & Fatima, Ireland & Scotland and much more...

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.

We specialize in custom trips for Bishops, Priests & Deacons! Currently hiring Deacons to promote our many pilgrimages. ATTRACTIVE compensation. For more information contact: Karen@proximotravel.com.

To register call 855-842-8001 or at www.proximotravel.com.

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