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Evangelization

Role of the Office

Mission

To provide support and encouragement for the parishes and all people of God in the Diocese of Springfield-Cape Girardeau as they actualize the three priorities of the Diocesan Mutually Shared Vision: “grow in holiness, form intentional disciples, and sent to witness”.

 

Purpose

  • Aid the Bishop in his role as the Pastoral Leader of our diocese
  • Provide support and resources for parishes as they create and continue to update their individual Parish Pastoral Plans to promote and implement the Diocesan Mutually Shared Vision.
  • Provide ongoing evangelization and discipleship formation for parish ministry leaders and others serving in the life of the Church
  • Collaborate with all offices of the Catholic Center to keep the Church’s mission of evangelization at the forefront of all ministry activity.

Staff

Lynn Melendez

Lynn Melendez

Director

Shasta Beckers

Shasta Beckers

Administrative Assistant

Upcoming Events

Marriage Encounter Retreat

Marriage Encounter Retreat

March 7, 2025 - March 9, 2025

Uncover the secrets to a lasting supportive, transformational marriage! The Marriage Encounter experience helps you listen, share, and connect more deeply with each other. There’s no group discussion. It’s just

Read More

Marriage Encounter Retreat

Marriage Encounter Retreat

August 1, 2025 - August 3, 2025

Uncover the secrets to a lasting supportive, transformational marriage! The Marriage Encounter experience helps you listen, share, and connect more deeply with each other. There’s no group discussion. It’s just

Read More

Resources

Lay Apostolates

Mission

The laity is called in a special way to make the Church present and operative in those places and circumstances where only through them can it become the salt of the earth. Thus every layperson, in virtue of the very gifts bestowed upon him, is at the same time a witness and a living instrument of the mission of the Church itself according to the measure of Christ’s bestowal. (Lumen Gentium #33, Dogmatic Constitution on the Church “Light of the Nations”, Vatican Council II).

The Church speaks of two forms of lay apostolate. Pope St Paul VI in his Decree on the Apostolate of the Laity (Apostolicam Actuositatem) describes the first: the apostolate common to all baptized laity. We are ALL called to be “spreading the kingdom of Christ throughout the earth for the glory of God the Father, to enable all men and women to share in His saving redemption” (#2). He emphasizes “modern conditions demand that their apostolate be broadened and intensified… in view of the fact that many areas of human life have become increasingly autonomous” (#1).

For this reason, there is a need for the second form of lay apostolate. They are the specific organizations of (mostly) lay people ministering in a specific way in a relationship of subsidiarity (CCC 1883) and complementarity with diocesan authorities. Our diocese is blessed to have varied lay apostolates working in close collaboration with the Office of Evangelization, Catechesis, and Youth Formation for the spread of Good News and deepening intimacy with Jesus Christ.

LAY APOSTOLATES

The following lay apostolates are recognized by our Bishop. Please click on their name for more information.

Men’s Conference – Springfield
Strengthening and Healing Souls Conference

CATHOLIC HOMESCHOOLING

Two Catholic Homeschooling support groups are available in the diocese. For a group in the Springfield/Ozark, Missouri area, please contact Cathy Bonham, springfieldmo@catholicschoolhouse.com. For a group in the Cape Girardeau area, please contact Nicole Allcock, [email protected].

CATHOLIC ORGANIZATIONS

In addition to the local Lay Apostolate ministry groups, the diocese supports the following Catholic organizations which are active in our diocese:

Catholic Charities of Southern Missouri
Knights of Columbus

Cursillo
St. Vincent de Paul Society

Diocesan Council of Catholic Women

Grant Opportunities

The Diocese of Springfield-Cape Girardeau has special funds available:

Diocesan Youth Endowment Fund Grant
* For parishes and schools, to support ministries or for individuals to attend camps or conferences

Diocesan Lay Endowment Fund Grant
* For adults to use for lay ministry training

Diocesan Youth Endowment Fund

The main objective of the Diocesan Youth Endowment Fund is to support those activities which: create opportunities for youth and families to encounter Christ, provide more effective ways of accompanying youth and families in their faith formation, and prepare them as intentional missionary disciples. The Diocesan Youth Endowment Committee will continue to pray, seek input from parish leaders, and discern carefully the priorities for ministering to youth and their families. May our good and gracious God continue to bless all of the generous donors and guide the endeavors of parishes, schools, and the diocese in ministering to youth and their families.

Parishes and Schools

Parishes and schools may use this form for:
* New Faith Formation/Evangelization initiatives in Catholic High School
* Guest speaker presentations or retreats in Catholic grade schools
* Guest speaker presentations or retreats in parishes
* Youth Adventure Program Retreats/Lock-ins
* Funding for Youth Ministry program subscriptions (ie. Lifeteen, YDisciple)
* Resources/Supplies for faith formation and youth ministry programs – books, online resources, computer/smart tv, etc.

 

Individual Youth

Individuals may use this form for assistance with:
* National Conferences, Institutes (ie. NCYC, Notre Dame Institute, etc.)
* Camps (ie. Life Teen Camp)
* Steubenville Conference
* DYC
* Camp Re-NEW-All
* Camp Barnabas
* March for Life Pilgrimage

Check the application for deadlines.

Lay Endowment Grant Fund for Adults

The Endowment Fund for Lay Leadership is a fund to promote continuing Catholic education and formation among the laity of the Diocese of Springfield-Cape Girardeau. Read more. 

Synod Reports

NORTH AMERICAN CONTINENTAL REPORT

View the full report

NATIONAL SYNOD REPORT

US Report – National Synthesis

US Report – National Synthesis (Spanish)

REGION IX REPORT

Combined Report from Region IX Dioceses: Missouri, Iowa, Nebraska, and Kansas

DIOCESE OF SPRINGFIELD-CAPE GIRARDEAU REPORT

Diocesan Synod Report

Consultation Session Reports

Click on the name below to view the submitted report.

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