8-15-25 The Mirror(digital)

St. Francis of Assisi Parish dedicates new altar and

blessing of the renovations of the sanctuary, Aug.

4

Established in 2004 in a temporary location in a shopping strip mall, St. Francis of Assisi parishioners took just six short years to construct a church on 11 acres in southwest Nixa. With grit and determination, founding members embraced the concept of Total Stewardship, sharing time and talent while raising $1.1 million to build a church home.

Twenty-one years later, the parish has continued its focus on total stewardship: Every year, members are asked to commit their time and talent in traditional ministries and small-group study, and in 2023 they embarked on a $2.2 million capital campaign for a building addition for PSR classes, meeting room, and offices. The sanctuary was hoped to be remodeled to address the happy influx of young families and enhance worship, and included the relocation of the altar, new pews, and a drop ceiling.

The next issue of The Mirror will be August 29, 2025

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“Remember: St. Francis of Assisi was instructed by God to ‘build My church,’ both the physical building and the spiritual,” The Very Rev. Shoby Chettiyath, JCL, V.G., reminded the parish during its capital campaign. “Jesus wants us to work together. This is our future.”

By early September 2024, the campaign reached its pledge-goal as well as the cash-on-hand threshold required by the diocese to start building. A groundbreaking ceremony with Bishop Rice was held on Sept. 29, 2024.

Dedication & placement of relics

The community gathered Aug. 4, 2025, with Bishop Edward M. Rice, Bishop Emeritus John J. Leibrecht; The Very Rev. Shoby Chettiyath, JCL, V.G., pastor; Dean of diocesan Deanery 4, The Very Rev. David Hulshof, and many area clergy and religious to bless and dedicate the new altar, ambo, baptismal font, and altar of repose, as well as the building itself, and its parishioners.

A highlight of the evening’s celebrations and liturgical acts included the Prayer of Dedication and the Anointings, which saw the purification and dedication of the church’s altar.

As a tradition, the altars within Catholic Churches, oratories, and chapels contain within them fragments and articles that the Church calls “relics” to connect us, those of us who are here on earth, to heaven. Relics placed in the altar by Bishop Rice included The Holy

Martyrs Saints Clement, Irenaeus, and Berenice; diocesan co-patron Pope St. Pius X; St. Vincent de Paul, and Blessed Michael J. McGivney. After the altar was permanently sealed, the bishop prayed the Prayer of Dedication. The altar was then anointed with Chrism that was poured on five points of the altar, symbolizing the five wounds of Christ: the middle, and each of the four corners, as the beautiful St. Francis of Assisi-style crucifix hung behind the altar’s attendants in the background.

The altar was then incensed, along with the bishop and the people gathered in the church. Next, consecrated religious of the diocese went forward to wipe the altar with cloths and cover it for the first time with an altar cloth. Candles were placed on the altar, symbolizing the light of Christ that emanates from the altar, and the candles were lit for the celebration of the Eucharist. After the Communion Hymn, the Blessed Sacrament was returned to its proper place in the sanctuary’s tabernacle and the sanctuary lamp, indicating Christ’s presence in the Blessed Sacrament was lit. The evening concluded with remarks from Bishop Leibrecht and Fr. Chettiyath and a parish reception. ©TM

IAND YOU WILL SEE

Bp. Edward M. Rice

An extraordinary summer draws to a close COME,

recently received a letter from Catholic Charities USA thanking our diocese for the gift of $98,455.73 to support those affected by Hurricane Helene (2024) and Hurricane Milton (2025). As stated in the letter, our donation, “will help us make a difference in getting them back on their feet.” Not everyone can help financially but no doubt our financial contributions were accompanied by prayer for those affected by those devastating storms!

By the way, a special word of thanks to all of those who sent me greetings for my 65th birthday! I don’t know how that “number” happened, it sort of snuck up on me. And it seems that the older I get, the faster the months pass.

Speaking of the passing of time, we are on the verge of a new school year. Where did the summer go? Our PSR programs, along with our day schools will once again be up and running, offering faith formation as well as education. Special thanks to all of those who volunteer to teach PSR. Most of our parishes do not have schools and so we rely upon so many volunteers to pass the faith on to the next generation, preparing our young people for the reception of the sacraments and forming them in the faith. It can seem to be a thankless job and so I say “thank you” to all who share in this good work. Make sure and give them special notice and gratitude as the Church celebrates Catechetical Sunday, on Sept. 21, under the theme, “Always be ready to give an explanation…for a reason for your hope,” —1 Pet 3:15.

MOSCHOLARS PROGRAM

On an important side note, I encourage everyone who pays taxes to consider

participating in the Bright Futures Scholarship Program, which is part of the MOScholars Initiative. This program is funded by a tax credit model in which individuals can donate and reserve tax credits in any amount of $500 or more. A MOScholars tax credit is equal to 100% of an eligible donation, not to exceed 50% of the donor’s state tax liability. This could be a real game-changer for our diocese and our parochial schools. It removes financial obstacles for parents who desire a Catholic education for their children. Participating requires a very simple process in which you complete the MOScholars tax credit reservation through the State Treasurer’s Office (see the psa graphic on p. 6 of this issue of The Mirror). With the support of business leaders and individuals, we can make a difference in our Catholic school enrollment and in turn will assist us in the mission of Catholic education, bringing our youth into a deeper relationship with Christ and his Church. I am excited for this opportunity and ask everyone to please join me in this extraordinary endeavor.

EXTRAORDINARY SUMMER FOR OUR YOUTH

This brings me to extraordinary summer endeavors: this last summer offered so many opportunities for the youth of our diocese. Between Totus Tuus, at 12 different parishes, Camp Re-NEWAll in Fredericktown and Conway, and the recent two Steubenville MidAmerica Youth Conferences in July, in Springfield, the young people of our diocese have had so many opportunities to grow in their faith. It is my hope that every high school student in our

FIRST FRIDAY MASS for VOCATIONS

Join Bishop Rice on the First Friday of each month to pray for an increase in Vocations to the priesthood and religious life in the Diocese of Springfield-Cape Girardeau. The Rosary will be prayed following the liturgy. Parishes are invited to do the same as we continue to pray for more vocations to the priesthood and religious life in the diocese.

Fri., Sept. 5 +EMR Holy Land Pilgrimage Mass

Fri., Oct. 3 St. Mary Cathedral, Cape Girardeau 5:15 p.m.

Fri., Nov. 7 St. Agnes Cathedral, Springfield 5:30 p.m.

Fri., Dec. 5 O’Reilly Catholic Student Center, Springfield 12:15 p.m.

diocese would participate in at least one Steubenville conference. I’m grateful for the college students who gave their summer experiences with the Totus Tuus program. And of course Camp ReNEW-All could not get along without the many young and adult volunteer staff members. Many of our youth were able to apply for and received grants from the Diocesan Youth Endowment Fund from our Capital Campaign. The Finances raised through the capital campaign are truly bearing fruit! Thank you to all donors!

ADULT SEEKERS

As we gear up for another year of faith formation and academic excellence, many of the parish OCIA programs are preparing for another year of faith formation for adults as well. I encourage everyone to reach out to those who might be searching for a more meaningful life. Discover new ways to invite others to be part of your parish. Walk with them on their journeys of faith. The diocesan Parish Pastoral Council Norms, inspire parish leadership teams to focus on personal holiness, discipleship, and witness. This is a good place to start as we seek to draw others to the faith in all of our southern Missouri communities. Jesus loves each one of us. He died for us. He walks with us in all the events and challenges we face each day. In a culture of polarization and isolation, Jesus desires to be our guide and our focus. Pope Paul VI reminds us, “The Church exists in order to evangelize.” Pope Francis, God bless him, said in The Joy of the Gospel: “Go forth… be that evangelizing community… move forward, boldly take

the initiative, go out to others, seek those who have fallen away, stand at the crossroads and welcome the outcast.” May the Eucharist be our strength in this endeavor as we strive to make Him known to everyone we meet.

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

CORRECTION

In the recent story in the Aug. 1 edition of The Mirror, p. 1, “St. Ann Catholic Church, Malden, celebrates 135th anniversary,” the town of Clarkton, MO, was misspelled as Clarkston, MO. We regret this error and any confusion it may have caused.

ANOTHER WALK THROUGH:

‘Walking Together’

by Bishop Emeritus John J. Leibrecht

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

October 29, 1993 A husband celebrating his 25th wedding anniversary bragged to his friends, saying, “My wife and I have had only one argument in our years together.” He explained “We had an argument at our wedding reception—and it’s still going on.”

November 5, 1993 Did you hear about the dog who could play Bach? In truth, he was terrible. His Bach was worse than his bite!

November 12, 1993 Recently, during my parish visit to St. Elizabeth of Hungary Parish, El Dorado Springs, I was getting a cup of coffee when I noticed the message on the cup: There are four basic food groups—chocolate, chocolate, chocolate, and hot chocolate.”

ADULT FAITH

By Deacon

Tony Peters

Made for Love, NOT SHAME: Redeeming intimacy within the Sacrament of Marriage

In a culture often marked by confusion and shame around intimacy, the Sacrament of Marriage offers a path of healing, dignity, and faithful love through Christ.

“The human body, male and female, is a gift. And marriage is the sacred context in which that gift becomes a reflection of divine love.” — Bishop Edward M. Rice

Shame is heavy. It isolates. It whispers lies.

“You are not lovable.”

“You are defective.”

“You are the only one.”

These words can be found in the hearts of many faithful Catholics. Whether the shame arises from childhood confusion, painful experiences, or past sins, especially sexual ones, it is not uncommon for people to enter marriage carrying silent wounds.

But our Catholic faith offers something greater: a path from shame to healing, from secrecy to communion, from fear to love. That path is Jesus Christ.

A hidden crisis in Catholic Marriages

Many therapists now recognize that shame, especially sexual shame, is the hidden cause behind many of the struggles couples face. And as Bishop Rice has said in pastoral reflection, “So many carry wounds they never speak aloud. But our struggles do not scandalize the Lord Jesus. He desires to walk with us through them, toward freedom.”

As Catholics, we believe sexuality is not a source of shame, but a gift. In the words of the Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC), “Sexuality affects all aspects of the human person… especially the capacity to love and to procreate” (CCC 2332). The human body, with its capacity for intimacy, vulnerability, and union, is created in the image of God (Genesis 1:27).

Because of original sin, shame entered the human experience: “The man and his wife were both naked, yet they felt no shame” (Genesis 2:25).

That was before sin. After the sin,

they covered themselves and hid.

Shame is the wound of separation, from God, from one another, and our dignity. But the Good News is that Christ came to restore us, not to condemn us. “There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus” (Romans 8:1).

Marriage: A Eucharistic and Nuptial Vocation

For many years, the priesthood and religious life were upheld as the “holier” vocations. Marriage, while beautiful, was sometimes viewed as the ordinary path to take. But as Bishop Rice affirms, “Marriage is not Plan B. It is a vocation meant to reveal the love of Christ for His Church.”

Saint John Paul II, in his groundbreaking series of Wednesday audiences known as the Theology of the Body (TOB), taught that the human body reveals a “nuptial meaning:” it is created for self-gift, not self-gratification.

“The body, in fact, and only the body, is capable of making visible what is invisible: the spiritual and the divine” (TOB, Jan 16, 1980).

Christopher West expands on this by emphasizing that the Eucharist and the marital act both involve a mutual exchange of bodies. In the Mass, Christ says, “This is my Body, given for you.”

In the intimacy of marriage, spouses express this same truth—not just with words, but with their very selves, given freely, fully, faithfully, and fruitfully.

As the Catechism affirms:

“The acts in marriage by which the intimate and chaste union of the spouses takes place are noble and honorable... they signify and enrich the mutual gift of the spouses” (CCC 2362).

Shame, healing, and the joy of love

When people carry sexual shame into marriage, perhaps from trauma, addiction, abuse, or even scrupulosity, they may feel unworthy of love or intimacy. Some withdraw from their

spouse. Others grow cold or angry. Still others suffer silently, convinced that God is disappointed in them.

However, healing is not only possible, but it is also promised. “You are precious in my eyes, honored, and I love you.” (Isaiah 43:4)

In Amoris Laetitia (On Love in the Family), Pope Francis offers a compassionate view of the Church’s mission to walk with married couples in the real complexities of life:

“ We are called to make love visible… to accompany with mercy and patience the eventual stages of personal growth as these progressively appear” (Amoris Laetitia, §312).

outside the bedroom?

• Have I apologized or forgiven?

• Have we prayed together or made peace?

Catholic spirituality calls us out of isolation and into communion, a network of healing relationships: with God, with our spouse, with the Church. Through honest conversation, sacramental confession, and spiritual companionship, even the most deeply buried shame can be brought into the light.

Bishop Rice reminds us:

“The Lord never tires of calling us back into communion. He meets us where we are, but He never leaves us there.”

Marital embrace, sacraments, and signs of peace

Before receiving the Eucharist, we confess our sins, extend the sign of peace, and proclaim our belief in the Body of Christ. Might we apply the same reverence to our vocation of marriage?

Before the marital embrace, consider:

• Have I shown my spouse love today,

EThe Eucharist is not a moment isolated from the rest of the liturgy; it is the summit of a whole act of worship. Similarly, sexuality in marriage is not disconnected from daily life; it is the summit of a daily life of love, service, sacrifice, and forgiveness.

A final word:

Love is stronger

To every Catholic man or woman burdened by shame, know this: You are not alone. You are not unlovable. You are not beyond healing. Whether your wounds are old or new, Christ stands ready, not to shame you, but to restore you. “When we know God loves us,” Bishop Rice says, “everything begins to change. Even our wounds become windows of grace.” You were made for communion. You were made for self-giving love. You were made for the holiness of marriage.

Part of our mission is to cultivate a Church that speaks openly and reverently about sexuality, not with fear or embarrassment, but with gratitude and truth, especially to a more secular world. Supporting one another in this journey is part of God’s design for humanity—we are made not for shame, but for love, and in Christ, we are called to love boldly and reflect His image in each other. ©TM

Deacon Tony Peters serves as a Permanent Deacon for the Diocese of Springfield-Cape Girardeau. He is a husband, father, registered nurse, a professed Secular Franciscan, and holds a Master of Arts in Theology.

(24 hours a day, seven days a week)

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

Perpetual Adoration at Saint Francis Medical Center, Cape Girardeau Call Donna (573) 450-1451

Perpetual Eucharistic Adoration at Holy Trinity Church, Springfield Call Marilyn (417) 224-4043

Thousands of Vietnamese Catholics gather in Carthage for Marian pilgrimage

By Tessa Gervasini

Every summer, the small city of Carthage, Missouri becomes a booming landmark of religion and culture as tens of thousands of pilgrims gather to celebrate family and faith, honor the Blessed Mother, and share in Vietnamese traditions.

The Marian Days (Ngày thánh Mẫu) pilgrimage originated as a way to create unity among Catholic immigrants after the Vietnam War. Nearly five decades later, the annual gathering continues to expand as more pilgrims return each year.

This year, the 46th Marian Days pilgrimage was held July 31 to Aug. 3 on the campus of the Congregation of the Mother of the Redeemer (CRM) in Carthage. Thousands of Catholics took over the city to celebrate with daily Mass, processions, religious workshops, and Vietnamese culture.

Congregation of the Mother of the Redeemer

The pilgrimage was organized by the CRM order, which is known for serving the Vietnamese community through ministry, evangelization, and its devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary.

The order was originally founded in Vietnam in 1953 before establishing

an unexpectedly strong presence in Carthage. Following the Vietnam War, when the country reunified as a socialist state under the Communist Party, 185 clergy members of the CRM fled with a number of others known as “the boat people.”

“In 1975, the wars had gone and our community left,” Father John Paul Tran, provincial minister of CRM, told CNA.

The priests and brothers left after struggling to preach the word of God under a communist regime. During their travels to America the members looked to Mary for guidance, prompting the order’s lasting devotion to her.

“Almost 200 members left Vietnam and [were] scattered around all the refugee camps in the United States,” Tran said.

“There happened to be a big group of us in Fort Chaffee,” a resettlement center for Vietnamese and Cambodian refugees in Arkansas.

A chaplain at the base connected the group with then-Bishop Bernard Law of the Diocese of Springfield-Cape Girardeau, Missouri. “The bishop … [found] out about us and he sponsored us into his diocese.” The group then moved to Missouri to stay at the vacant Oblates of Mary Immaculate (OMI) Seminary.

“They were about to close it up,” Tran said of the OMI seminary. “So the bishop … asked them to rent it to us. So he brought every one of us back to this place in Carthage, [where] we live right now.”

KNIGHTS SERVE COMMUNITY Youth Michael and Fr. Daniel Robles, Pastor of St. Ann Parish, Carthage, and Sacred Heart Parish, Webb City, are ready to work! For some 35 years, the St. Ann Parish Knights of Columbus Council #9190, has been operating a food tent during the annual Marian Days, serving up hotdogs, burgers, chicken tenders, foot-long corn dogs, French fries, cold beverages, and water, and now: dessert items—deep fried Oreos and Twinkies. For Council #9190, it is the biggest event of the year, taking most of two weeks with preparation and execution. While many of the Knights are retired, other younger members schedule a vacation to help serve. (Submitted photo)

Eventually, “we bought the place over from the OMI,” and the order turned the old seminary grounds into the CRM campus. “Then Marian Days started in 1978,” Tran said.

Pilgrimage to Carthage

“Marian Days started as a small gathering for the Vietnamese people, ‘the boat people,’ to gather, to give thanks, and to celebrate [and] march together. And just to encourage each other,” Tran said.

The first celebration was only one day with about 1,500 people. Today, the event lasts

three days and welcomes so many that they have “stopped counting” how many join, but the priest said the city estimates “around 60,000 to 70,000 people.”

46TH ANNUAL MARIAN DAYS Bishop Edward M. Rice opened up the 46th annual Marian Days held July 31-Aug. 3 on the campus of the Congregation of the Mother of the Redeemer with close to 100,000 converging in the farming community of Carthage, MO. Following the Pontifical Mass in honor of the Blessed Sacrament, Bishop Rice led the solemn Eucharistic Procession and Benediction. (Photos courtesy of CRM/The Mirror)

Although the event is primarily organized and attended by the Vietnamese community, many locals and other groups also participate. Carthage has a population of about 15,600 people, but the event brings in almost five times the number of residents. Tran said that over the three days, “the city was packed.”

Hundreds volunteered to help it go smoothly, including religious men and women from a number of Vietnamese orders, including sisters of the Congregation of Mary Queen. Sister Janine Tran, CMR, told CNA they “have been volunteering at Marian Days for over 40 years.” [Editor’s note: Sister Janine Tran is no known relation to Father John Paul Tran.]

In order to house the thousands, the CRM campus welcomed people to camp on the grounds. “We have 60 acres,” Father Tran explained. “It’s first come first served [of] any open space. They can put their tent and park their car there.”

“But then the city, they open up. Everybody who [has] a yard, they let the pilgrims [camp] on their yards and sometimes stay in their houses.” Some Vietnamese pilgrims have stayed with the same Carthage families for decades.

Marian Days

Marian Days is “a big culture gathering, a family gathering, too. It’s religious, but then there’s a culture and a celebration to it,” Tran said. He explained that many pilgrims use the annual celebration as their family reunion and to unite with long-distance friends.

Over the three days, pilgrims attended Mass, received the sacraments, and deepened their faith at workshops and conferences “for [the] Vietnamesespeaking, for the English-speaking, and for the youth,” Tran said.

On Saturday, pilgrims participated in a large procession with a statue of Our Lady of Fátima. The pilgrims processed

around the city as they prayed the rosary, with many wearing traditional Vietnamese attire while holding signs that indicate where they traveled from.

The pilgrims got a strong sense of Vietnamese culture as hundreds of tents and booths were set up around the city, with people selling traditional cuisine and people spreading the faith in “vocation booths.” This year, Sister Janine Tran said, “10-12 religious communities” were expected to set up in tents “to help promote the consecrated life.”

In the evenings there were performances by attendees and even well known entertainers to celebrate and honor Vietnamese heritage. Sister Janine shared that “this year, six of [the] sisters along with six young women from the Springfield Vietnamese Catholic community performed a dance for Friday night’s entertainment to promote religious life as well as the Jubilee Year of Hope.”

After the festivities, the event ended on Sunday morning with the closing Mass. Following the Mass, the pilgrims packed up and left the small city behind for another year. ©CNA

Sr. Weiler celebrates 65th jubilee as an Adorer of the Blood of Christ

St. Louis, MO

Sister

Elizabeth Ann Weiler, ASC, celebrated 65 years as a vowed member of the Adorers of the Blood of Christ on July 1, 2025, in the chapel of Benedictine Living Community at the Shrine of Our Lady of the Snows, Belleville, IL. She made her first profession on July 1, 1960, and her final vows on July 1, 1965. Sister Weiler marked her anniversary with the Eucharist and a reception with the ASC community.

Sister Elizabeth Ann was born in Olney, IL, to Sylvester and Coletta (Kocher) Weiler. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Psychology at Southern Illinois University in Carbondale, IL, in 1970; her RN in Nursing from DePaul School of Nursing in St. Louis, MO, in 1976; and her master’s in Pastoral Ministry from St. Joseph College in West Hartford, CT, in 1989.

Her first 12 years in ministry were spent as an elementary school teacher and parish organist. She served in St. Augustine in Kelso, MO, and at the following schools in Illinois: Sacred Heart, in Dupo; St. Elizabeth, in East St. Louis; St. Albert the Great, in Fairview Heights; St. Rose, in Metropolis; St. Andrew, in Murphysboro; St. Lawrence,

in Lawrenceville; and St. Mary, in Mt. Carmel.

Following her training as an RN, Sr. Weiler served in Saint Francis Hospital, in Cape Girardeau, MO; Clementine Residence and St. Clement Hospital, both in Red Bud, IL; and at then-St. John Hospital, in Springfield, MO. Her ministry in Springfield included parish work, both at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish and Holy Trinity Parish.

For several years, she worked with Friendship Community in Pennsylvania, a group home for Mennonites. She served as a residential nurse at St. Anne Retirement Community in Columbia, PA, and at AseraCare Hospice in Lancaster and Lebanon County in PA.

In terms of community service, Sr Weiler served as Vocation Director on the ASC Vocation/Formation Team in the former Ruma Province. She was also the Health Care Assistant, then Coordinator of Health Care at the Ruma Center.

Sister Weiler returned to Springfield, MO, where she served as Coordinator of the Ministry of Care for St. Agnes Cathedral Parish, while also working parttime for Oxford Home Care and Hospice.

She recently moved to Benedictine Living Community where she is Living Mission in Later Life while volunteering at the Belleville Conference of St. Vincent de Paul in East St. Louis, and also at Our Brothers’ Keepers, which assists parolees as they embark on a new beginning. She also reads for the visually impaired at The Mind’s Eye, a service located at the Shrine.

Lebanon—St. Francis de Sales Parish will hold its Rummage Sale, Fri., Sept. 12, 7 a.m.-1 p.m., and Sat, Sept. 13, 7 a.m.-Noon. Household goods, home décor, collectables, fall and Christmas decorations, and much more!

Marble Hill Band Fest VI benefitting Options for Women will be held Sat., Sept. 20, at 10 Point Lake, CR 520. Questions: Contact Terrie Rose (573) 238-5731.

Scott City St. Joseph Parish Charity Rummage Sale will be held Thu., Aug. 21; Fri., Aug. 22; and Sat., Aug. 23, at the Knights of Columbus Hall (lower level) located at 28745 Highway 61 in Scott City. Doors open at 7 a.m. and will close at 6 p.m. on Thursday & Friday, and 12-Noon on Saturday. Furniture, appliances, plants, jewelry, toys, bikes, shoes, lots of clothes, and much more!

Sikeston—The Knights of Columbus will have a Chicken Fry, Sat., Sept. 13, 4-7 p.m. Fried chicken, potato salad, slaw, and dessert. Cost: $12. This is drive thru only, at the KofC Hall, 829 Tanner St.

Sikeston—St. Francis Xavier Parish Seasons of Hope Grief Support Group will begin a new six-week session on Mon., Sept. 8, 2025. To enroll, please contact the parish center, (573) 471-2447.

Springfield—Families, if you have a child with special needs, St. Agnes Cathedral offers a special needs class in Faith Formation. The instructor is certified in special needs education, and there is a classroom aide who is experienced in special needs as well. We welcome all ages. We also help families to prepare your children for the reception of the sacraments, using a special curriculum to prepare young people. Even if you are not registered at St. Agnes Cathedral as a parishioner, you are welcome. Class meets Sundays

at 10 a.m. in St. Agnes Catholic School. If you would like more information, please contact the parish office at (417) 831-3565 or contact Iris Bounds at ibounds@sta-cathedral.org.

Springfield—St. Agnes Cathedral will hold its annual Holiday Market the first week in November: new vendors are welcome! Share your talents: homemade items, crafts, and much more. Electricity is available. For more information or to reserve your table, contact Judy at (641) 751-6632 or judyhauschildt@gmail.com.

Springfield—Sacred Heart Parish will hold its Annual Festival of Nations, Sat., Aug. 23, 5-9 p.m. in the Parish Hall and outside grounds. Please mark your calendars and come enjoy delicious food, music, and entertainment from many countries. There will be an area for children to enjoy.

Springfield—The annual Friends of the Poor Walk, benefitting area St. Vincent de Paul Societies will be held at St. Agnes Cathedral on Sat., Sept. 27—the feast day of St. Vincent de Paul. Registration begins at 8:30 a.m., walk at 9 a.m. There is a one-mile walk for the Relaxed and Fun-Loving Walker, & a three-mile walk for the Serious and Experienced Walker. Start and finish in the parking lot, at the rear of the building. The Friends of the Poor Walk is a unique fundraising effort organized nationally and locally and allows community members to participate in a simultaneous, nationwide event to raise national awareness of the challenges faced by the nation’s people in need and to raise funds for use in direct service to people in poverty. Funds raised locally will be used locally. Please join us for this fun event! Your support is much needed at this time.

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

Consecrated Religious reflect Jesus’ healing ministry in Mercy

Springfield, MO

Bishop Edward M. Rice joined those ministering in pastoral care in Mercy Springfield Communities on Aug. 12, many of whom are consecrated religious.

Bishop Rice celebrated Mass with Mercy staffers as Mercy Chaplain Fr. John Ogu concelebrated. After the liturgy, the bishop joined the Mercy team for lunch and conversation, where he highlighted the importance of pastoral care, which directly

reflects Jesus’ healing ministry. Pictured with Bishop Rice are the consecrated religious serving in Mercy Springfield Communities (not in photo order) :

Sisters of Mercy

Sr. Elizabeth Bui-Thi-Nghia, RSM

Daughters of St. Francis (St. Francis Mountain View)

Sr. Michael Fox, DSF

Sr. Rudolfia Petrick, DSF

Sr. Seraphia Mato, SDF

Congregation of Mary Queen

Sr. Julie Pham, CMR

Sr. Theresa Ha, CMR

Society of Kristu Dasis (Handmaids of Christ)

Sr. Bindu Kodakkanal Joseph, SKD

Sr. Naijil George, SKD

Franciscan Sisters of St. Elizabeth

Sr. Ludovica Pallippadan, FSSE

In discernment for Sisters of St. Joseph in Concordia Sr. Mary Nguyen

Order of St. Francis

Sr. Cecila Bergschneider, OSF (Volunteer)

Congregation of our Lady of Unity Sr Mary Thuy, CUM. ©TM

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR, FROM OUR READERS

Appreciate priest’s article: personal & real

Father Daniel Belken’s poignant article, “A Reflection on the Hidden Burdens of Priests” brought me to tears (The Mirror, July 18, 2025, p. 3).

Suicide is always tragic and so sad. I have experienced it in my family and people I have known.

God is the most important thing in my life. When bad things happen I just put it in God’s hands with the trust and love that he will take care of us.

I so love and admire our priests. Father Belken’s article opened up things of which all Catholic should be made aware. What a holy person he is in taking on this vocation! Always know, Fr. Belken, that you are doing God’s work. It is so hard today stretching the few priests we have to do so much! Please know we appreciate each of you and pray for you!

Thank you for this article plus all your past submissions to The Mirror, Fr. Belken. We need the perspectives of our young priests in our Church today. ©TM

*Name withheld

A sincere The Mirror subscriber

TWhat is a woman—A Love letter

he answer to the question “What is a Woman” is Mary. She is all that all women should strive to be. She never said yes to Satan or no to God. She never, to our knowledge, raised her voice in anger or dressed in a manner to shock or to draw attention to herself. She always pointed to her Son.

The first time a woman is spoken of in the bible, is when God said, “It is not good for man to be alone. I will make him a helpmate. “ Mary is Jesus’s mother and, in our times, our helpmate and mother. A woman clothed with the sun, and the moon under her feet, and on her head a crown of 12 stars. She is beautiful. She does battle with the dragon. She has won that battle by saying “yes” in Luke 1: “Behold I am the handmaid of the Lord. Be it done to me according to your word.” Jesus said, “Who is my mother and who is my brother and sister—Those who do the will of my father.” She always did and that is why she was chosen.

A woman is someone who does the will of God the Father. She follows the vocation he gives her. One who says yes to children, to suffering, to getting up in the middle of the night to flee in order to protect her child. One called to chastity, if not called to marriage. God’s way of increasing the chances that children will know their fathers. The sisterhood as well. A great vocation of doing God’s will, and not one of just being lonely or selfish. A woman is one having a great purpose even if you are no Madam Curie. We are not all called to do great things. But all things with great love. The answer to “What is a woman?” is to love as Mary did. To say yes to all of God. Thank you, God, for making women. Thank you for making the woman, Mary. ©TM

Patti Forman

St. Ann Parish, Carthage, MO

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...

DIOCESAN NEWS/ADVERTISING

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.

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.

October, 4, 2025 begins with Holy Sacrifice of the Mass 7:30 am in Church

• Adoration

• Discussions

• Confession

• Manly Meal

SEPT. 7, 2025

10:30 AM - 1:00 PM

KC #4311 Hall 8681 State Hwy 77

Kettle Beef, Chicken & Dumplings, Chicken & Dressing, Mashed Potatoes, Green Beans, Slaw, Dessert, Tea and Coffee

SERVED BUFFET STYLE

Adults $15

Children 6-12 $7

Children 5 & Under Free

SAVE THE DATE: Diocesan Eucharistic Congress 2026

AUG. 15, 2026 | WEST PLAINS CIVIC CENTER

On August 15, 2026, we will celebrate the 70th Anniversary of the foundation of our diocese (Aug. 24, 1956) during our firstever Diocesan Eucharistic Congress to be held in the West Plains Civic Center. All people of the diocese are invited to participate in a year of spiritual preparation for these momentous celebrations by participating in the activities listed at www.dioscg.org/diocesan-eucharistic-congress. Let us entrust all these efforts and activities to the Eucharistic Heart of Jesus, so that we may be united in bringing the love and peace of Jesus to Southern Missouri!

• Celebration of the Holy Mass with Keynote speaker Bishop James Conley, Bishop Edward Rice, and the priests of our diocese

• National Speakers: Author & Theologian Dr. Scott Hahn; Award-winning chef, radio & TV host Fr. Leo Patalinghug of “Plating Grace,” and more!

• Youth speaker tracks for kids and teens

• Exhibit Hall with displays, games, Catholic products

Visit WWW.DIOSCG.ORG/DIOCESAN-EUCHARISTIC-CONGRESS or scan the QR CODE for more resources, including suggestions for the Year of Spiritual Preparation, updates to the Congress and to help promote the Congress!