The next issue of The Mirror will be Nov. 29, 2019.Experiencing delayed USPS delivery? Sign up to receive the diocesan newspaper via Email in digital format: Contact Angie Toben at (417) 866-0841, or Email: atoben@dioscg.org.

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Bedrolls for homelessUgly Quilt Weekend

By Jacob Wiegand Cape Girardeau

People gathered to make bed rolls during the recent Ugly Quilt Week-end held Sat., Oct. 26,

2019, in St. Vincent de Paul Parish’s De Paul Center in Cape Girardeau. Kathy Berkbi-gler, volunteer coordinator for the Ugly Quilt program, said event participants were mak-ing bed rolls for the homeless.

“They can crawl into it and stay warm,” she said.

The Ugly Quilt project began in 1995 after parishio-ners saw an article in Family Circle magazine about quilt-ing and community service. The first few years, volunteers made eight to 20 quilts. In 2002, they made 400 quilts; in 2007, 600, and so forth.

An estimated 10,000 Ugly Quilts have been made providing warmth for the homeless. They have been donated to St. Vincent de

Paul Parish in downtown St. Louis, some to Kennett, MO, and Poplar Bluff, MO. A number of quilts have gone to Whole Health Outreach in Ellington, MO, and some stay in the Cape Girardeau area.

Quilters gather in St. Vincent de Paul Parish, in Cape Girardeau, every Wednesday from 8 -11 a.m. ©TM

OUR LADY PRAYS—Miraculous Medals from the Na-tional Shrine of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal in Perryville, MO, were attached to each bed roll made Oct. 26. (Photo by Jacob Wiegand/Southeast Missourian)

UGLY QUILTS—Norma Parker of Cape Gi-rardeau worked on a bed roll during the recent Ugly Quilt Weekend Sat., Oct. 26, 2019, in St. Vincent de Paul Parish’s De Paul Center in Cape Girardeau. (Photo by Jacob Wiegand/Southeast Missourian)

UGLY QUILTS—Bernice Baldwin of Jackson, MO, and Jane Weaver of Cape Girardeau worked on a bed roll during the recent Ugly Quilt Weekend Sat., Oct. 26, 2019, in St. Vincent de Paul Parish’s De Paul Center in Cape Girardeau. (Photo by Jacob Wiegand/Southeast Missourian)

UGLY QUILTS—Sandra Cryts of Oak Ridge, MO, worked on a bed roll during the recent Ugly Quilt Weekend Sat., Oct. 26, 2019, in St. Vincent de Paul Parish’s De Paul Center in Cape Girardeau. (Photo by Jacob Wiegand/Southeast Missourian)

BEDROLLS FOR THE HOMELESS—Pat Edwards of Cape Girardeau rolled up a bed roll during the recent Ugly Quilt Weekend Sat., Oct. 26, 2019, in St. Vincent de Paul Parish’s De Paul Center in Cape Girardeau. (Photo by Jacob Wiegand/Southeast Missourian)

2 The Mirror November 15, 2019COLUMN

Diocese loses pioneer religious in healthcareCOME, AND YOU WILL SEEBp. Edward M. Rice

Sister M. Cornelia Blasko, 94, of the Congregation of the Daugh-ters of Saint Francis of Assisi in Lacon IL, and Mountain View,

MO, died on Oct. 30, 2019, in Saint Joseph Nursing Home in Lacon. I cel-ebrated the Mass of Christian Burial for her on Sat., Nov. 2, in the convent of the Daughters of Saint Francis of Assisi in Lacon.

I never met Sr. Cornelia, but I know a lot about her. For one, she was a pioneer of healthcare in our Diocese of Springfield-Cape Girardeau.

Born in Binovce, Trnava, Slo-vakia, on Sept. 7, 1925, to the late Stephen and Cecelia Petrocova Blasko, Sr. Cornelia was attracted to religious life at the young age of 15 after wit-nessing the Profession of Vows taken by her sibling, Sr. Consolata. It seems the event impressed her enough to stay and become a postulate herself. In 1940, she joined the Congregation of the Daughters of Saint Francis of Assisi. Responding to her vocation as a daughter of the Church, Sr. Cornelia was among the pioneer sisters who, in 1946, crossed the ocean to extend their mission to America. In 1956, she, along with a handful of sisters, were pio-neers again as they worked tirelessly to re-open what is now Mercy St. Francis Hospital in Mountain View, MO.

Our Lord called Sr. Cornelia in the depth of her heart to follow Him, and she never looked back. That gift of herself, her “yes” to God and to the Church, would take her away from her homeland, away from her family, and away from all that was familiar to her. But I’m sure she accepted those sacrifices because she had already given

God her yes, allowing Jesus to send her wherever she was needed.

Crossing an ocean in 1946, this pioneer religious embraced her pioneer spirit once again in coming to Moun-tain View, MO, in 1956. I’m sure she must’ve said to herself, “Where in the world is Mountain View, Missouri?” But God provides. She dedicated more than 55 years in the healthcare min-istry, serving 42 years as a hospital administrator. She was a warm pres-ence and by her example, she lived her order’s mission beautifully.

The charism of the Daughters of St. Francis is “Service to our neighbor for the love of Christ.” They go on to say that the “basic norm of their religious life is the imitation of Christ in the Gospels.” When the sisters live their lives in that mission, they “glorify God.” For Sr. Cornelia did it. For her, that mission was not just theory. She lived it, day-in and day-out, and in so doing, she glorified God.

History of St. Francis HospitalThe story of the Daughters of St.

Francis of Assisi coming to Mountain View is rather amazing. Father Sylvester Bauer, a legend among the priests of the Diocese of Springfield-Cape Gi-rardeau, and a pioneer himself, sent a letter on Jan. 2, 1956, to every religious order in the US asking for sisters to reopen what is now Mercy St. Francis. As I was told, the Daughters of St. Fran-cis of Assisi were the only ones who responded, and so they came to serve the community and they continue to serve. In that letter, Fr. Bauer makes a plea for sisters to come run the hospi-tal because many people had to drive more than 100 miles for healthcare.

That very letter from Fr. Bauer is framed and hanging on the wall in the hallway of the hospital.

In 1956, there were not many Catholics in southern Missouri. Father Bauer quotes that there was less than one-half of one percent. I think now we are between five and six percent of the general population. Religious sisters were no doubt unknown in that area and to come here was quite a chal-lenge. I recall one of the sisters telling me that in those early years, the sisters couldn’t afford a Christmas tree. One year, as Christmas neared and they were shopping, they passed by some Christmas trees. They stopped to look, but they did not buy. Later, a tree was given to them, and that was the first act of kindness shown to the sisters in Mountain View.

Father Bauer’s letter also prom-ised, “The sisters would have Holy Mass every day and receive every other con-sideration.” I think that is the spiritual secret to the work of the sisters over the years. Our Lord was with them, especially in the Eucharist. That was all they needed in this new ministry they had undertaken. The presence of the sisters, especially through their service to others at the hospital, has helped to dismantle some of the misconceptions in the area about Catholics. Along the way, they have become a common site in Mountain View, and especially at the parish of St. John Vianney.

In a very beautiful way Sr. Cor-nelia’s “yes” modeled the “yes” of Our Lady who said, “Let it be done unto me.” With those words, and by the power the Holy Spirit, Mary conceived and brought Jesus into the world. She then took the presence of Jesus

Public CalendarMon., Nov. 18 Mass, Cause of Our Joy

Convent, SpringfieldTue., Nov. 19 Young Priests Gathering,

St. John Vianney Parish, Mountain View, MO

Wed., Nov. 20 The Catholic Center Staff Day of Recollection, Holy Trinity Parish, Springfield;

5:30 p.m. Farewell Mass of Thanksgiving for Fr. Paul Wightman, OMI, St. Leo the Great Mission Church, Ava, MO

Thu., Nov. 21 Mass, Cause of Our Joy Convent, Springfield

Thu., Nov. 28 THANKSGIVING HOLIDAY The Catholic Center closed

Fri., Nov. 29 The Catholic Center closedSat., Nov. 30 Mass, St. Joseph Parish,4 p.m. Billings, MOSun., Dec. 1 FIRST SUNDAY OF ADVENT8 & 10:30 a.m. Mass, St. Joseph Parish,

BillingsTue., Dec. 3 Mass, Southeast

Correctional Center, Charleston, MO

Wed., Dec. 4 Area principals meeting, Notre Dame Regional High School, Cape Girardeau

November prayer intention:Let us remember to pray for our departed family and friends, that they may rest in the peace of Christ.

Perpetual Adoration suspended

ThanksgivingThe Blessed Sacrament will be reposed in the chapel of

Holy Trinity Parish in Springfield Tue., Nov. 26, at

6 a.m. Adoration will resume on Mon., Dec. 2,

after the 9 a.m. Mass.

to others, beginning with her own cousin, Elizabeth. Sister Cornelia did the same thing. She gave her “yes” to God through her vocation and then she took the presence of Christ from Slovakia, across the ocean to the United States, to Illinois, and then to Mountain View, MO.

As I said in the beginning: I never met her, but I know a lot about Sr. Cornelia. She was a woman of faith, a pioneer of the Church in Southern Mis-souri, a faithful Daughter of St. Francis of Assisi who lived her life in the vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience, all in the service of others. I’m sure she had no regrets.

We recently gave this beautiful life back to God. We have confidence that her life will continue to bear much fruit. As St. John reminds us, “The Father will honor whoever serves me.” ©TM

DAUGHTER OF ST. FRANCIS OF ASSISI—At the behest of Fr. Syl Bauer, Sr. Cornelia Blasko, DSF, was one of a handful of sisters who came to the Diocese of Springfield-Cape Girardeau in 1956 to reopen the hospital that is now known as Mercy St. Francis in Mountain View, MO. The Daughter of St. Francis of Assisi died Oct. 30, 2019, at the age of 94. (The Mirror)

November 15, 2019 The Mirror 3DIOCESAN/NATIONAL NEWS

USCCB FALL ASSEMBLY—Members of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops pray together at the beginning of the morning session on the first day of their Fall Meeting in Baltimore, MD, on Nov. 11, 2019. (Photo by Christine Rousselle/CNA)

Bp. James V. Johnston, Jr., named chairman-elect of the Committee on Protection of Children and Young People.

Baltimore, MD

The US Conference of Catho-lic Bishops (USCCB) have elected a new secretary for the Conference, as well as

a chairman of the Committee for Religious Liberty, and chairman-elect of five additional standing commit-tees at their Fall General Assembly in Baltimore Nov. 11-14.

The bishops elected Abp. José H. Gomez of Los Angeles as president of the conference and Abp. Allen H. Vigneron of Detroit as vice presi-dent. Both the new president and vice president begin their terms at the conclusion of this year’s General Assembly. Archbishop Vigneron has served as the Conference secretary since 2018 and will vacate that office upon assuming the vice presidency. In order to accommodate this leader-ship change, Abp. Timothy P. Broglio of the Military Services, USA was elected secretary of Conference.

Bishop George V. Murry, SJ, of Youngstown was elected as chairman of the Committee for Religious Liber-ty and fills the vacancy created earlier this year after the committee chair-man stepped down due to health rea-sons. Bishop Murry assumes his post at the end of this year’s Fall General Assembly and will serve through No-vember 2021, at which time he will be eligible for re-election.

The remaining five will serve for one year as chairmen-elect before beginning a three-year term at the conclusion of the bishops’ 2020 Fall General Assembly. The bishops elected as chair-men-elect are:

Archbishop Jerome E. Listecki of Milwaukee, as chairman-elect of the Committee on Canoni-cal Affairs and Church Governance.

Bishop David P. Tal-ley of Memphis, as chair-man-elect of the Commit-tee on Ecumenical and Interreligious Affairs.

Bishop James V. John-ston, Jr., of Kansas City-St. Joseph, as chairman-elect of the Committee on Protection of Children and Young People.

Bishop Andrew H. Cozzens, auxiliary bishop of St. Paul and Min-neapolis, as chairman-elect of the Committee on Evangelization and Catechesis.

Bishop David J. Malloy of Rock-ford, as chairman-elect of the Com-mittee on International Justice and Peace.

Bishops approve action itemsThe US Conference of Catho-

lic Bishops (USCCB) voted on nine action items during their recent Fall General Assembly in Baltimore.

The bishops voted to approve the 6th edition of the Program of Priestly Formation for use in the dio-ceses of the United States. The vote required affirmation by two-thirds of the Conference membership and is subject to recognitio by the Vatican Congregation for Clergy.

The Latin Church members of the USCCB voted to approve two translations by the International

Commission on English in the Liturgy (ICEL). The first vote on a translation of the Order of Christian Initiation of Adults as the base text for a future edi-tion of this rite in the dio-ceses of the United States was approved. The vote re-quired affirmation by two-thirds of the Latin Church members and is subject to confirmatio and recogni-tio by the Vatican Congre-gation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments. The second vote on a translation of the Hymns of the Liturgy of the Hours for use in the

dioceses of the United States was ap-proved. The vote required affirmation by two-thirds of the Latin Church members and is subject to confirma-tio by the Vatican Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments.

In other items the bishops approved:• A short letter and five short video

scripts to supplement “Forming Consciences for Faithful Citi-zenship,” the bishops’ teaching document for the faithful on the political responsibility of

Catholics.• The body of bishops voted to ap-

prove the Conference’s Subcom-mittee on Hispanic Affairs to lead

Bishops elect officers, chairmen-elect of six committeesthe process of developing a new comprehensive vision for Hispan-ic/Latino ministry in response to the V Encuentro process.

• The bishops voted to approve the 2020 proposed budget, presented by the Committee on Budget and Finance.

• The results of the vote by dioc-esan and eparchial bishops for a three percent increase in the di-ocesan assessment for 2021, was 111 to 55, which fell short of the necessary majority. Ballots will be mailed to bishops not present in order to have a conclusive vote.

• The full body of bishops also approved the Revised Strategic Priorities for the 2021-24 USCCB Strategic Plan.

• By a voice vote of the majority of members present and voting, the bishops also approved to sup-port the request of Card. Philippe Barbarin of Lyon asking the Holy Father to name St. Irenaeus a Doctor of the Church.

• The bishops also elected the fol-lowing members to the Catholic Relief Services (CRS) Board of Di-rectors: Bp. Frank J. Caggiano of Bridgeport, Bp. Mark J. Seitz of El Paso, and Bp. Anthony B. Taylor of Little Rock. ©TM

PRAYERS FOR ALL SOULS—Bishop Edward M. Rice added to the stack of memorial cards that were returned to him from the faithful of the Diocese of Springfield-Cape Girardeau. Each year, Bp. Rice solicits the names of deceased loved ones for whom he prays during the month of November. Nearly 3,000 cards were returned thus far which Bp. Rice keeps near the altar in the chapel at his residence. (The Mirror)

November is for all souls

4 The Mirror November 15, 2019DIOCESAN NEWS

The Mirror: Newspaper of the Diocese of Springfield-Cape Girardeau USPS Publication 117-330 Publisher: The Most Rev. Edward Rice Editor: Leslie A. EidsonProduction: Glenn Eckl Circulation/Advertising: Angie Toben, atoben@dioscg.org

Published every other week at 601 S. Jefferson, Springfield, MO 65806-3143. Address all communications to 601 S. Jefferson, Springfield, MO 65806-3143; Telephone (417) 866-0841; Email atoben@dioscg.org

POSTMASTER: Send address changes to The Mirror, 601 S. Jefferson, Springfield, MO 65806-3143. When giving change of address, state both old and new address, also old and new parish.Periodicals postage paid at Springfield, MO, and additional mailing offices. Vol. LV No. 15 Nov. 15, 2019 Single copy price, $0.50 Subscription: $14 per year.

Digital subscriptions available as an option to USPS delivery with paid subscription. For more information, contact atoben@dioscg.org.Copyright © 2019, The Mirror, CNA, USCCB, The Vatican, as noted. The Mirror OnLine: www.dioscg.org

“Diocese of Springfield-Cape Girardeau” @DioSCG

DIOSCG.ORGFor more information regarding religious vocations, please

contact Fr. Scott Sunnenberg | 417-866-0841 | frscott@dioscg.org

OUR MEN IN DISCERNMENT FOR THE DIOCESE

Years in formation for the diocese: 7

Home Parish: St. Elizabeth Ann Seton, Springfield

Current Parish/City: Our Lady of the Cove, Kimberling City

Parent’s names: Katie and John Newton

Number of siblings: 2 (middle)

Confirmation Patron: St. Jean Mary Vianney

Are you a convert: No

Favorite Book(s) of the Bible: Luke

Favorite Saint(s): St. John Vianney, St. Faustina, St. Augustine

Favorite prayer: Litany of Humility

Favorite form of prayer: Liturgy of the Hours

Favorite book outside of the Bible: The Lord of the Rings

Favorite food: Pizza

Favorite restaurant: Hu-Hot Mongolian Grill

Favorite sport: Rugby

Favorite sports team: St. Louis Cardinals

Favorite hobby/pastime: Wood carving

Favorite vacation spot: Oregon coast line

Special talents: Card tricks, Guitar, Wood carving

FEATURED SEMINARIAN

Nicholas Newton

Age: 25 Seminary: Pastoral internship, Our Lady of the Cove, Kimberling City

Religious Inspiration: Fr. Denis Hughes. He baptized me and has been active in my family. He showed me the humanity of the priesthood.

Highlights of the past summer: I spent the summer at IPF (Institute for Priestly Formation) in Omaha, NE. It is a nine-week intensive spiritual formation program. One highlight was the eight-day silent retreat where I experienced my relationship with God strengthened.

What are you looking forward to the most this school year? Being in the parish and getting to know the people of God in a more personal way. To work with the people.

What is one simple piece of advice that you would give to young people discerning a religious vocation? Don’t be afraid to jump in. The worst thing that could happen is that you learn your vocation and become a better man.

Please share your own vocation/discernment story/journey: I first felt called when I received my First Communion. Then, after several years of fighting it, Bishop James Johnston encouraged me to apply, and so I did.

Is there anything else unique about yourself you’d like to share, or other words of wisdom? I have lived in 47 of the 50 states. I have a lot of random, useless knowledge that I love to share. Don’t be afraid to say “yes” to God.

Joplin Area Catholic Schools news

TEACHER OF THE YEAR—Six faculty members from the Joplin Area Catholic Schools (JACS) were recognized as 2019-20 Teacher of the Year recipients at the Celebration of Schools held at Missouri Southern State University (MSSU) on Oct. 29. Pictured were Missouri State Sen-ator Bill White, of Joplin; Emily Lone, Debi Staton, Margie Black, and State Representative Bob Bromley, of Jasper and Newton counties. Not pictured, but also named a 2019-20 Teacher of the Year are Mary Ann Turk, Bette Schoelberl, and Lorrie Hibbs-Estrada. Fr. J. Friedel, pastor of St. Peter the Apostle Parish, Joplin; St. Ann Parish, Carthage; and Sacred Heart Parish, Webb City, and Sr. Joan Schwager, RSM, were recognized for 10-plus years of service to the JACS School Board. Mrs. Carol Cignetti-Gaskill was recognized with the “Friend of Education Appreciation” award. (Submitted photo)

November 15, 2019 The Mirror 5

AnnouncementsParishes and organizations are invited to submit notices of future events to be printed in the Announcements. They will be printed on a space-available basis. There is no fee.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

ScheduleSafe environment in-service opportunities will be held at the following locations:

Mon., Nov. 18 6-9 p.m.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . St. Peter the Apostle, Joplin

Mon., Dec. 2 6-9 p.m.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . St. Denis, Benton

Fri., Dec. 6 12:30-3:30 p.m.. . . . . . . . The Catholic Center, Springfield

Sat., Dec. 7 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.. . . . Our Lady of the Lake, Branson

Tue., Jan. 7 6-9 p.m.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . McAuley Catholic High School, Joplin

Fri., Jan. 10 12:30-3:30 p.m.. . . . . . . . The Catholic Center, Springfield

Sat., Jan. 11 8:30-11:30 a.m. . . . . . . . . The Catholic Center, Springfield

Sat., Jan. 11 9 a.m.-12-noon . . . . . . . . St. Vincent de Paul, Cape Girardeau

Wed., Feb. 5 1-4 p.m.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . CCSOMO Consumer Credit Counseling, Springfield

Fri., Feb. 7 12:30-3:30 p.m.. . . . . . . . The Catholic Center, Springfield

Sat., Feb. 8 8:30-11:30 a.m. . . . . . . . . The Catholic Center, Springfield

Mon., Feb. 10 6:30-9:30 p.m.. . . . . . . . . St. Vincent de Paul, Cape Girardeau

Mon., Feb. 17 1-4 p.m.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . Our Lady of the Lake, Branson

Mon., March 2 6-9 p.m.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . McAuley High School, Joplin

Thu., March 5 5:30-8:30 p.m.. . . . . . . . . The Catholic Center, Springfield

Thu., March 5 6-9 p.m.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sacred Heart, Poplar Bluff

Pre-registration is necessary; go to www.virtus.org and click on “registration” on the left or

call your parish/school office for assistance; or call Rosie Francka at The Catholic Center,

(417) 866-0841; or Email her at rfrancka@dioscg.org. Participants must be present for

the entire training. Training sessions are for adults only. Schedules may be found on the

diocesan events calendar at www.dioscg.org, or at www.virtus.org.

Branson—The Knights of Columbus, Council #6470, Branson, and Our Lady of the Lake Catholic Church have partnered with American Red Cross to host several blood drives at Our Lady of the Lake Par-ish, 202 Vaughn Dr., Branson, Noon-5 p.m. There is a critical shortage of all blood types and blood products. You are eligible to donate blood if you are 18 yrs old, weigh at least 118 lbs., are in good health, and have a valid photo ID. The next blood drive will be held on Nov. 22, 2019. Walk-ins are welcome; an appointment is recommended. To schedule an appoint-ment, visit www.redcrossblood.org, or call (573) 465-0263.

Cape Girardeau—St. Mary Cathe-dral Council of Catholic Women (CCW) will host its annual Christmas Bazaar and Bake Sale, Sat., Nov. 30-Sun., Dec. 1, in the school cafeteria. Lots of crafts and homemade baked goods. There will also be a cookbook sale with many books for a do-nation as well as free religious items. For more information, contact Wanda Elfrink, elfrink4@charter.net.

Leopold—All are invited to attend the Country Christmas Home Tour, Sun., Dec. 15, 1-4 p.m. After touring the five decorated homes, visit St. John Church

to listen to Christmas organ music from 3-4 p.m., and then on to the school cafeteria next door to enjoy homemade soups and cookies. There is a $10 charge which will be shared with the church youth group. Tickets available on-site at any of the homes or can be purchased in advance at Bank of Missouri, Marble Hill, Leopold Store, and Beussink Family Den-tistry, Marble Hill. For more information, call Geri Geringer, (573) 208-6445.

Springfield—Sacred Heart Parish will host its 14th annual Craft/Vendor Sale. Fri., Dec. 6, 5-9 p.m., and Sat., Dec. 7, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., in the parish center. Come and take care of all your Christmas shopping. There will also be our wonder-ful holiday cookies by the pound sale. We will be one of the stops on the Mid-Town Victorian Hornomes Tour. For more information, contact Sharon Yorker at smyoker@prodigy.net.

Springfield—St. Joseph Parish will host a parish mission featuring Fr. Daniel Petsche, OSB, from Conception Abbey. On Sun., Dec. 8, 7 p.m., the topic will be “The Christian’s Interior Journey of the Heart;” Mon., Dec. 9, 3 and 7 p.m., hear “The Christian’s Personal Journey in rela-tionship to Jesus Christ;” Tue., Dec. 10, 3 and 8 p.m., listen to “The Christian’s

Journey in the Church to the World.” Wed., Dec. 11, 7 p.m. will be the St. Joseph Advent Communal Penance service. All are invited to attend and to participate in every session, and participate in the communal penance service. If you’re not able to attend, remember our mission and penance service in your prayers. For more information, please call the parish office, (417) 865-1112, ext. 4.

Springfield—The 31st annu-al Jack Frost 5K Run and 2.5K Walk will

be held on the Missouri State University campus on Sat., Jan. 25. Race begins at 9 a.m./registration at 8 a.m.; cost: $40, by 4 p.m. on Jan. 24, or $45 day of the race. Medals for top male and female overall and each age category. For more information, call Catholic Campus Ministry at (417) 865-0802. Online registrations to https://www.active.com/springfield-mo/running/distance-running/jack-frost-5k-2020 will include a T-shirt, finishing medal, snacks, and giveaways from sponsors.

Check out ournew-and-improvednew-and-improvedOnline giving page!To make a donation, use this QR code, or go to the Diocesan Website at www.dioscg.org and look for Diocesan Development Fund.

Click on the “Donate Now” link. Once you are on the Donate Now page, you are on a secure site.

Capital Campaign payments may also be made on this Website.

6 The Mirror November 15, 2019SCHOOL SPOTLIGHT

CATHOLIC SCHOOLS SPOTLIGHT

on...

Immaculate Conception School, Springfield, MO

Immaculate Conception Catholic School first opened its doors in 1870, focusing on deeply infusing the Catholic faith into the daily lives

of its students. This effort takes a village!

“For our part, our incredible teach-ers are using the transformative power of Catholic education to help IC students put their faith into ac-tion,” said Jenny Pendleton, principal. “For we know, ‘faith by itself, if it has no works, is dead’ (Jas 2:14-17). To truly integrate their faith into their lives, students must continually

experience moments of applying their classroom theology to their actions.”

Whether it be through acts of ser-vice, relationships with peers, or choices made throughout the day, the goal at Immaculate Conception School is for students to feel how they can truly bring Christ to life!

“Just as our Blessed Mother said ‘yes’ to God’s call, we hope our students can more fully experience how God calls them to action everyday,” Pend-leton said.

Multiple school-wide initiatives were implemented this year to help in this effort.

“In October, we kicked off our new Friendzy curriculum,” Pendleton said. “Friendzy is a faith-based, social, emotional learning program that fo-cuses on helping students learn how to intentionally use their faith to build strong, healthy friendships.”

Preschool through Eighth Grade moves through the curriculum to-gether creating a school-wide cohe-sive effort. October centered on the concept that “We Need Each Other,” understanding that God calls each of us to “encourage one another and build each other up” (1 Thes 5:11).

Faith-informed action“At all grade levels, teachers took students through lessons that dem-onstrated how we are better to-gether,” Pendleton said. “Each unit is founded on Scripture and reinforced with grade-appropriate hands-on activities, discussions, and parent resources to continue the conversa-tion at home.”

During the month of November, the focus has been on “Loving at All Times,” as students learn how to show God’s love to all people, espe-cially when it feels most difficult.

“We also want students to experience taking their faith-informed actions outside of the classroom,” said Pend-leton. “We have been joyfully watch-ing our faculty and students take up that call to action through our Faith Based Problem Solving initiative.”

Throughout the school year, the faculty and staff often feel the urg-ing of the Holy Spirit to more deeply incorporate service into the daily curriculum.

“Our third grade was presented with the problem of a classmate’s uncle who is currently serving on the USS Abraham Lincoln, a ship full of ser-vice men and women that go months without mail or contact from home,” Pendleton said. “The 3rd graders, along with their 7th grade prayer buddies, worked to send boxes full of encouraging letters to the service men and women.”

Similarly, after reading about refu-gees’ experiences, the 8th grade is currently organizing a class effort to support refugees in their hometown of Springfield.

Body of Christ“Our academic success is remark-able, but nothing is more beautiful than seeing children live out Christ’s

507 students Pre-K through eighth grade

Pastor: Fr. Thomas P. Kiefer Principal: Jenny PendletonSTUDENT COUNCIL—The Student Council of Springfield’s Immaculate Con-

ception Catholic School collected items for the parish St. Vincent de Paul food pantry. (Submitted photo)

November 15, 2019 The Mirror 7SCHOOL SPOTLIGHT

CATHOLIC SCHOOLS SPOTLIGHT

commandment to love one another,” Pendleton said.

“As God calls us into communion with each other, we also know the importance of children experienc-ing the living body of Christ through their community,” Pendleton said.

To help foster a deeper sense of community between the school and the parish, two new programs were begun: the IC Guardian An-gels and our IC Sunday Socials. The Guardian Angels are IC parishioners who generously give their time to supervise the students during morning drop-off. In addition to ensuring safety, our angels greet each child with a warm smiling face to start their day.

“It has been a beautiful way to see

future disciples in action!

“Both of these programs have been very fruitful ways of strengthening our IC com-munity as we work together in our shared mission of growing God’s kingdom,” Pendleton said. “Immaculate Conception wants to thank all of the gen-erous individuals who support our school--our efforts would not be possible without you. Your time, prayers, and sup-port are ever-present remind-ers that we truly are better together!” ©TM

our parishioners and students inter-act,” said Pendleton. “We are also bridging the gap between school and parish through our IC Sunday Socials that bring our families to-gether through the sharing of faith and fellowship.”

Starting in the middle school, each class is being highlighted dur-ing one of the Sunday Masses as students from the class help pre-pare and participate in the liturgy as servers and lectors. The entire class and family are invited to attend Mass, sit together, and afterward enjoy a meal together. Not only do students and families have the opportunity to participate in their faith together, but an added bonus is parish-ioners can see During one of his homilies, Fr. Tom

Kiefer said, “Faith should move you to action.” Here at Immaculate Conception we have been joyfully watching our faculty and students take up that call to action through our Faith Based Problem Solving initiative. Throughout the school year, when moved by the Holy Spirit, our faculty and staff are more deeply incorporating service into their daily curriculum. Our third grade was presented with the problem of a classmate’s uncle who is currently serving on the USS Abraham Lincoln full of service men and women that go months without mail or contact from home. The 3rd graders, along with their 7th grade prayer buddies, worked to send boxes full of encouraging letters. After reading about refugees’ experiences, our 8th grade is currently organizing a class effort to support refugees here in Springfield. Our academic success is remarkable, but nothing is more beautiful than seeing children live out Christ’s commandment to “love one another as I have loved you” (Jn 15:12).  Immaculate Conception wants to thank all those who support our school in helping teach our future disciples how to fully live their faith.

FACULTY & STAFF—The 2019-20 faculty and staff of Immaculate Conception Catholic School, Springfield. (Submitted photo)

FRIENDZY CURRICULUM—Students in Immacu-late Conception School learn “we need each other” through a Friendzy activity. Friendzy is a faith-based, social, emotional learning program that fo-cuses on helping students learn how to intentionally use their faith to build strong, healthy friendships. (Submitted photo)

GUARDIAN ANGEL—An Immaculate Conception School Guardian Angel, Hank Rainbolt, recently greeted stu-dents as they began their day. (Submitted photo)

Faith in Action

8 The Mirror November 15, 2019DIOCESAN NEWS/ADVERTISING

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Springfield

Carly walked up the small hill to her house with grocery bags in one arm and her baby daughter in the other.

She nonetheless manages to open her front door gracefully and stood in the entry for a moment, proud of the sight before her eyes. This is her home. This simple yet extraordinary experience has been a long-time coming.

Carly was homeless not so long ago. Her private struggles led to the streets where she moved from place to place trying to stay safe and away from abusive relationships. Neverthe-less, she became pregnant. She knew right then she needed help, which she found at a women’s substance abuse center that provided short-term hous-ing for 30 days. It could not certify for more. This would be a major problem for Carly. She worried about her ability to care for a newborn while homeless. She needed time and support. She was going to give her baby up for adoption.

This is when the miracle hap-pened. A case-worker at the treatment center referred Carly to Catholic Chari-ties of Southern Missouri’s “Healthy

Moms, Healthy Babies” program, where she met Family Strengthen-ing Coordinator Crystal Gilliland. Gilliland’s first job was to find Carly stable and safe housing. It didn’t take long for Gilliland to report back with good news: an apartment had

been found!

Love from New HamburgCarly’s vulnerability was pro-

found: she was starting out with nothing after issues related to her pregnancy caused her to leave work.

The “Healthy Moms, Healthy Ba-bies” program stepped in to help with two months of rent, a car seat, baby bottles, parenting classes, and a Pack-N-Play safe-sleep environment. Gillil-and also saw to it that Carly was sup-ported throughout her pregnancy. At Christmastime, she coordinated with St. Lawrence Catholic Church in New Hamburg, MO, to ensure Carly had pots and pans, and gifts to bring some measure of hope and holiday cheer.

When the day came for Carly to move out of her studio apartment, she went out and applied for a rental home. She especially liked one small house that had been donated to CC-SOMO as a low-income rental. On her own, she submitted her application to rent the house and qualified! In a single moment, Carly’s homelessness had ended.

“In order to work every day, or try to find employment to pay your bills, you can’t worry about where you’re going to sleep, what you’re going to eat,” Carly said. “It’s very important to have housing. Without it, homelessness is just a vicious cycle. It’s almost impossible to get out on your own.”

“Carly has really come full circle and is doing phenomenally well,” Gil-liland said. “She is working full-time, paying her rent, and is taking care of herself which is a big deal.”

For more information regarding the “Healthy Moms, Healthy Babies” program, other services, or to make a donation, log on to www.CCSOMO.org. ©TM

Homeless no longer, thanks to Catholic Charities of Southern Missouri

HEALTHY MOMS, HEALTHY BABIES—With the assistance of Catholic Charities of Southern Missouri, Carly ended her homelessness and begins to build her life for the first time, along with her daughter. (Photo by John Farmer de la Torre/CCSOMO)

Students study mysteries of the rosary

OCTOBER MONTH OF THE ROSARY—Zachary Graves, Leah Seiler, and Colby Johnston represented all second grade students in St. Au-gustine Catholic School, Kelso, MO, that studied the mysteries of the rosary during the month of October, the month of the rosary. By the end of the month, the students were able to name all 20 mysteries, earning them an ice cream treat and a their own rosary made by sev-enth grade St. Augustine student Kendyl Slinkard. (Submitted photo)

November 15, 2019 The Mirror 9

Administrator announced for Billings parish

BILLINGS, MO—Bishop Ed-ward M. Rice announced the reassign-ment of Fr. Augustine Njuu by his religious con-gregation, the Apostles of Jesus Mission-aries. Father Njuu concluded his ministry as pastor of St. Joseph Parish in Bill-ings on Oct. 28, 2019.

Effective Nov. 1, 2019, Msgr. Thomas E. Reidy was appointed Administrator of St. Joseph Parish, Bill-ings. He will continue to serve as pastor of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish, Springfield, and St. Francis of As-sisi Parish, Nixa. ©TM

‘Spelunker priest,’ Fr. Paul Wightman, OMI, retires

AVA, MO—Bishop Edward M. Rice recently accepted the retirement request of Fr. Paul Wightman, OMI. The Missionary Oblate of Mary Immaculate priest will head to Bel-leville, IL, on Dec. 3 after ministering for 32 years in the Mansfield, Ava, Gainesville area. Father Wightman first came to our diocese in 1969, where he taught at the Our Lady of the Ozarks Prepara-tory Seminary in Carthage, MO. His first pastoral assignment was in 1976 when he served as Pastor for St. Wil-liam Catholic Church in Gainesville. His most recent assignment had him serving as associate pastor in Gaines-ville, Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish in Mansfield, St. Leo Mission Church in Ava, Sacred Heart Parish in Mountain Grove, and St. Michael Mission Church in Cabool, since 1999. A Farewell Mass of Thanksgiving will be held for Fr. Wightman in St. Leo Catholic Church in Ava at 5:30 p.m. on Nov. 20. ©TM

Fr. Njuu

Msgr. Reidy

Fr. Wightman

DIOCESAN NEWS

Get your pic with

St. Nick!!Immaculate Conception

School Parish Center, JacksonFri., Dec. 6, 6-8 p.m.

$5 per Adult | $3 per Child | 2 and under FreeEnjoy some hot cocoa and cookies!

Please bring your own cameraFor more information or

torequest ticketsicsantabreakfast@gmail.com

Celebrated annually on the Tuesday following Thanksgiving, #iGiveCatholic#iGiveCatholic is an Online giving day that kicks off the charitable season

and brings the Catholic community together to give thanks and give back. In celebrating our unique Catholic heritage, #iGiveCatholic#iGiveCatholic inspires us to

share our blessings with our Catholic parishes, schools and ministries.

IT’S AS EASY AS …1. Visit iGiveCatholic.orgiGiveCatholic.org & find our Diocese on the map2. Search for your parish, school, or ministry3. Donate $25 or more

GIVE EARLY! ADVANCED DAY GIVING RUNS

Nov. 18—Dec. 2

10 The Mirror November 15, 2019ADULT FAITH

For more information or questions answered, contact the diocesan Office of Evangelization, Catechesis, and Youth Formation (417) 866-0841 or Email lmelendez@dioscg.org

The Franciscan University Catechetical Institute forms Catholics entrusted with the formation of others.

Its conferences, Online courses, personal support, and new catechetical resources make the riches of the Catholic faith more available and accessible to clergy and lay catechists alike.

The Online library of video-based catechetical workshops supplement existing diocesan formation and continuing education programs, with tracks for catechists, catechetical leaders, parents, youth ministers, RCIA leaders, and more.

How to set up your account

These courses are FREE for persons in the Diocese of Springfield-Cape Girardeauthanks to the generosity of the Missouri Knights of Columbus

***Members of mission churches will have access through their affiliated main parish.(i.e. members of St. Leo, Ava will sign up through Immaculate Heart Parish, Mansfield).

The Catechetical Institute has developed 18 distinct ministry tracks to meet a variety of catechetical needs. These tracks, however, are merely options. A diocese is free to select any workshops from any track to add to any aspect of its existing certification programs, continuing education requirements, or adult formation outreach. Dioceses are also free to create their own tracks from the workshops offered within various pre-designed tracks.

To set up your individual account:1. Go to www.franciscanathome.com/scg2. Scroll down to "Register Online"3. Click on "My parish or school is already registered, and

I would like to set up my individual free account under that institution"

4. Click on “create a new account” in blue lettering5. Fill in all of the required information. • You will need to upload a head-shot photo of

yourself in this information area. If you do not have a picture of yourself, you may upload any photo or image for now and you can come back to update your account with a different photo later.

• Click on “Create a new account” at the bottom of the screen when all information is complete.

6. A confirmation Email will be sent to you.7. When you go back into the program, you will be asked to search

for your parish/school in a list of parishes/schools in our diocese.

November 15, 2019 The Mirror 11ADVERTISING

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12 The Mirror November 15, 2019ADULT FAITH

©TM