During an historic pandemic, our country faces one of the most contentious presidential election campaigns in recent memory. Some of our fellow Americans may be wondering if they are living in the … more

“For as in one body we have many parts, and all the parts do not have the same function, so we, though many, are one body in Christ and individually parts of one another.” — … more

On June 21, 2020, the feast of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, the patroness of the Diocese of Jefferson City, Bishop W. Shawn McKnight preached a homily at the Cathedral of St. Joseph, in which he … more

It’s summer, and for some it’s a time of vacation and relaxation. For our pastors and parish pastoral councils, it’s a time to gather the discernment of parishioners and develop … more

CLICK HERE to read a related article.  Now that I have reached my two-year anniversary as your bishop, I find myself grateful every day for the opportunity to be the shepherd for God’s … more

This Advent, many Catholics throughout our diocese will be participating in a four-session program called “A Steward’s Way.” We’ll be meeting in small groups in our … more

The preparation for my ad limina visit to the Holy See is well under way. In July, I submitted to Rome a 137-page report, which covers the activity of the Diocese of Jefferson City since the last … more

Bishop W. Shawn McKnight issued the following letter on Sept. 13, 2019, to be distributed to parishes the weekend of Sept. 14-15: Dear Faithful of the Diocese of Jefferson City, On Friday, the Missouri Attorney General issued … more

What is an offering for a Mass intention? For some, their first encounter with a Mass offering is at a funeral service. There’s those piles of envelopes, obviously meant for money, with … more

Bishop W. Shawn McKnight released the following statement on June 13, at the close of the U.S. Catholic Bishops’ 2019 spring general assembly in Baltimore: I am returning to our Diocese … more

This year, we have seen some wonderful news for our diocese. In late January, we were able to announce that generous, anonymous donors have given $1 million to the diocese to use for tuition … more

Next January, I will be making a special trip to Rome, along with other bishops from Missouri and some adjoining states. We have been invited to make our “ad limina” visit to the Holy … more

At the conclusion of the retreat earlier this month convoked by our Holy Father, Pope Francis, for the bishops of the United States in light of the clergy sexual abuse crisis, I returned to Missouri … more