PHOTOS: Mass for deceased priests of the diocese

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Priests of the Jefferson City diocese join Bishop W. Shawn McKnight in St. Joseph Church in Westphalia Nov. 5 to offer Mass for the repose of the souls of priests of this diocese who have died. Father Gregory Oligschlaeger, pastor of Holy Rosary Parish in Monroe City and St. Stephen Parish in Indian Creek, preached the homily. A choir made up of students of St. Joseph School in Westphalia led the singing. At the end of Mass, Father Christopher Cordes, pastor of Our Lady of Lourdes Parish in Columbia, and Father John Schmitz, pastor of St. Patrick Parish in Laurie, read the names of all the priests of this diocese who have died since its founding in 1956. After each group of names, the people in song called upon the saints in heaven to “receive their souls” and “present them now to God most high.” The bishop and priests then adjourned to the school’s festively decorated cafeteria, where students served them a meal prepared by the cafeteria staff. (52 photos)