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Three weeks from now we will be celebrating an exciting, faith-filled, and joyous occasion, the priesthood ordination of Deacon Christopher Hoffmann! Make plans to join us on Saturday, June 1st and Sunday, June 2nd as we come together as Deacon Christopher Hoffmann’s home parish to celebrate with him and his family. See below for Q&A with details on the weekend events.

When and where is Deacon Hoffmann being ordained a priest?
At the Cathedral of Jefferson City on June 1, 2024 at 10am along with Gregory Clever who will be ordained a transitional deacon.

How can I attend Fr Hoffmann’s priesthood ordination and the reception in the Cathedral basement (Cana Hall) after the ordination?
Click HERE to register on-line. OR, Sign up on the sign-up sheet at the back of church and the parish office will complete the on-line registration for you. OR, Call (660) 619-6509 and leave a message. We will turn in your RSVP for you.

When do I have to know if I am going to the Ordination and Reception afterwards?
All RSVP’s are due by May 21. Food has to be prepared.

Will there be transportation available?
Yes, transportation will be available for a small fee, $25 per person non-refundable. Please make checks out to St. Vincent de Paul; write “Ordination Transportation” in the memo line and turn it into the parish office by May 21. Seats are limited and are first come first served, so turn your name and money in as soon as possible. If you are writing a check or paying for more than one person in your group, make sure the names and contact information of the people you are with are on a piece of paper attached to the check. Once our transportation is filled, we cannot take more. Everyone who signs up for transportation will be attending both the ordination and the reception.

How long will the ordination last?
Ordination starts at 10am. It will probably be over about noon. You can probably be in and out of the reception in as little as an hour if you choose.

What can I expect at the Reception?
An introduction of Fr Hoffmann and Deacon Clever; a meal prayer; a meal; a place for greeting cards and gifts; a receiving line with a kneeler next to Fr. Hoffmann so you can greet him and kneel down (if you prefer) to receive a blessing from him; a festive joyful atmosphere.

Will Fr. Hoffmann come and celebrate with us the next day, June 2?
Fr. Hoffmann will celebrate his Masses of Thanksgiving at St. Vincent de Paul Parish the next day June 2, The Feast of Corpus Christi. He will celebrate the 10am Mass in English and the 11:30am Mass in Spanish.

Will we still have our Corpus Christi Procession?
Yes! Fr. Hoffmann will process out of St. Patrick Church with the Blessed Sacrament as the 11:30am Mass ends. He will take the Monstrance, go down the steps and under the canopy and carry the Blessed Sacrament to Sacred Heart Chapel, stopping for a few prayerful moments at the courthouse. Once we arrive at Sacred Heart Chapel he will carry the Monstrance into church and place it on the altar where we will have individual prayer, Benediction and Reposition.
Those who received First Communion and/or Confirmation or joined the church this year, join us in a place of honor for the procession. Everyone not at the 11:30am Mass, who wants to be in the procession, be outside near the main steps of St. Patrick Church at 12:15pm.

Will we have a reception for Fr Hoffmann on Sunday June 2?
YES! The meal will be served at 2pm in the McGremlin Gym in Sacred Heart School. And since this is also our parish picnic celebration, we all get to participate in making this reception happen! We need everyone to make (or purchase) a dish for 12-15 people. Bring it to the cafeteria doors at Sacred Heart School any time after 9am on Sunday June 2. We are looking for young people to take food out of the vehicles and down the steps to our volunteers who will mark and store the food until the 2pm start time of the reception.

How do I know what dish I am supposed to bring?
The parish will provide tableware, fried chicken and drinks of tea, lemonade and water.
Anglo community, if your last name begins with:

• A-F, bring salads
• G-N, bring hot veggies/casseroles
• O-Z, bring desserts

Hispanic Community: Speak to Osmaro DeLeon.

Should I RSVP for the June 2nd reception?
YES! Click HERE to sign-up online. OR, Complete the RSVP form in the back of church and remember to also state what food you are bringing.

What if I cannot bring a dish but I want to come to the reception?
RSVP without filling out the food section. It is understood that some may not be able to bring a dish; if too many capable of bringing a dish choose not to bring one, we will not have enough food.

When do I have to decide if I am coming to the reception/parish picnic?
All RSVP’s are due by May 21. Food and supplies have to be ordered with enough time.

What can I expect at the ordination reception on June 2nd?
An introduction and congratulations; a meal prayer; a meal; a table for gift cards and gifts; a guest book to sign; a receiving line with kneeler to greet Fr. Hoffmann and to receive a blessing from him.

How can I help on June 2nd?
We need help in lots of ways: taking an active role in the Corpus Christi Procession; setting up the McGremlin Gym on Friday evening (time TBD); running food from vehicles to the kitchen at the school; receiving the food when it arrives; moving the food from the kitchen to the gym; assisting those who are in charge of setting out the food; clean-up crew and more. To volunteer, call (660) 619-6509 and leave your name, phone number and how you want to help. Messages will be checked and sent to the appropriate people. Make sure you speak clearly.

We look forward to seeing you at this amazing prayerful celebration along with the celebration I will write about next week, the National Eucharistic Procession!