Why am I here?  What is the meaning of life? What happens after death?

Welcome to being human!  Each of us is created in the image and likeness of God and we are invited to become a child of God, to make this world a better place, and to enjoy an eternal life of loving communion with each other and God.

However.  However, the human journey many times does not seem this clear. Or easy. Or possible.

Thank you for visiting our webpage and allowing us to accompany you as you figure out life’s deepest questions.

1. Consider watching the 7-part series “The Search” by Augustine Institute. Each video is approximately 25-30 minutes. Watch it with a friend. Or two.

Episode 1:  What do you seek?

Episode 2:  Who are you?

Episode 3:  Why a God?

Episode 4:  What’s our story?

Episode 5: Who is Jesus?

Episode 6: Am I saved?

Episode 7:  Why a Church?

2. Read about how others found meaning and purpose. Here are some recommendations:

The Long Loneliness by Dorothy Day

The Ear of the Heart:  An Actress’ Journey from Hollywood to Holy Vows by Mother Dolores Hart OSB

Rome Sweet Home by Kimberly and Scott Hahn

Treasure in Clay:  The Autobiography of Fulton J. Sheen by Fulton J. Sheen

3. Pray this prayer by Thomas Merton

 “My Lord God, I have no idea where I am going. I do not see the road ahead of me. I cannot know for certain where it will end. Nor do I really know myself, and the fact that I think that I am following your will does not mean that I am actually doing so. But I believe that the desire to please you does in fact please you. And I hope I have that desire in all that I am doing. I hope that I will never do anything apart from that desire. And I know that if I do this you will lead me by the right road though I may know nothing about it. Therefore will I trust you always though I may seem to be lost and in the shadow of death. I will not fear, for you are ever with me, and you will never leave me to face my perils alone.”

4. If you are interested in joining the Catholic Church, we WELCOME you. Please give us a call here at 417-866-0841 OR visit a Catholic church nearest you by using this link Find a Church. And you can learn more about these first steps here at our  RCIA page.

Know that we are praying with you and do not hesitate to reach out to us if you want to chat.

Explore Franciscan Univ. Catechetical Institute

Catholic school administration and teachers, parish ministry leaders, and catechists are asked to complete the workshops in their designated Learning Track to receive Catechetical Certification through Franciscan University and the Diocesan Office of Evangelization, Catechesis, and Youth Formation. Other individuals may scroll through the complete list of available workshops and select the topic that most interests them to begin learning more about the Catholic faith and the evangelical mission of the Church.

For directions on opening a Franciscan Catechetical Institute account, completely free to all those in our diocese, please click here.

To know more about the complete Diocesan Catechetical Certification Process, please click here to download the handbook.

The Diocesan Office of Evangelization and Catechesis supports catechetical leaders (CRE’s and DRE’s) in their ministry with children and families. We are here to assist you in a variety of ways. Read More.

When seeking answers to questions about doctrine and/or ministry practices, it is often helpful to turn to resources from the Vatican, the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, and other National Ministry organizations

• Vatican
• United States Conference of Catholic Bishops
• Catechism of the Catholic Church
• Videos about the Catholic Church
• National Conference for Catechetical Leadership
• National Catholic Educational Association
• National Catholic Partnership on Disability
• Go and Make Disciples
• Disciples Called to Witness:  The New Evangelization
• ‘Evangelization and Catechesis – Diocese of Springfield-Cape Girardeau’ Facebook group

Penance & Reconciliation

First Holy Communion

Confirmation

Each year during Lent, Bishop Edward Rice issues a special invitation to all of the children of the diocese to join him in a collaborative work of mercy. Donations are collected and moments of prayer are offered in the Catholic Schools and in Parish Schools of Religion in an effort to help the poor, the marginalized, or those in need of special assistance during a time of crisis in their life. A specific community organization, in a designated area of the diocese, is chosen as a recipient of the donations collected each year.

This year, Bishop Rice is inviting the youth of our diocese to help raise money in support of five different local food pantries as they provide food, clothing, and other necessities to those in need. Please join us in the mission to feed the hungry in our diocese!

This year’s Lenten Youth Project – Feeding the Hungry in Southern Missouri

Past Lenten Youth Projects

Past efforts have contributed to the following organizations:

• 2023—Stockton Area Ministerial Alliance (SAMA)
• 2022 — Mother’s House
• 2021 – Children’s Haven
• 2020 – Whole Kids Outreach
• 2019 – Birthright
• 2018 – Eden Village

Do you need help funding your parish or school events? Do you want to attend an event, but need financial help? Would you like to take some classes or attend a conference to improve your knowledge of Catholic teachings?

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.

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.

All adults, age 18 and older, who are working or volunteering with minor age children, must be compliant with the Diocesan Safe Environment Policies.

Safe Environment Requirements for Adults Working and Volunteering with Children

1. Fill out and submit a Background Check form
2. Register for and attend a Virtus training class (in person or online options) – Calendar of upcoming classes
3. Read, sign, and submit a copy of the Diocesan Code of Conduct. This is required every year.

Safe Environment Lessons

Each child, grades Kindergarten through Twelve, enrolled in parish religious education programs and/or Catholic schools is to be taught two safe environment lessons annually.  Parish catechetical leaders and Catholic school principals log on to their Virtus accounts to access the introductory video.  You can find more information on these lessons under the TRAINING tab on the Office of Child and Youth Protection page. Contact the Office of Child and Youth Protection for help.