Our Story
Providing care and creating hope across central and northern Missouri
The Charitable Arm of the Diocese of Jefferson City
Catholic Charities of Central and Northern Missouri (CCCNMO) was officially established in May 2011 through the merging of three diocesan offices: Family Life, Refugee & Immigration Services (with roots dating back to 1974), and Social Concerns. As the charitable services arm of the Diocese of Jefferson City, we operate as both a 501(c)(3) nonprofit social services agency and an official ministry of the Diocese, serving 38 counties and 92 parishes. We are also a proud member of Catholic Charities USA, one of 167 agencies nationwide working to serve vulnerable populations.
- Established May 2011 through the merging of three diocesan offices
- A 501(c)(3) nonprofit
- Serving 38 counties and 92 parishes across the region
- A proud member of Catholic Charities USA
- Approximately 21 staff members and hundreds of dedicated volunteers
- Main Office in Jefferson City
- Mobile services throughout the entire diocese
Rooted in Catholic Social Teaching
Guided by our Catholic faith, we recognize the inherent dignity and worth of every person and are called to put Christ’s love into action. Our work goes beyond meeting immediate needs to helping individuals and families build pathways toward lasting stability and self-sufficiency. Striving to be intentional in how we serve by identifying unmet needs, we focus our efforts to make the greatest impact.
Mission
Rooted in Christ's love, we support vulnerable neighbors across our diocese with compassionate, dignified services, empowering each person to strengthen our shared community.
Vision
A community where everyone experiences God's love and hope, is strengthened to live with dignity and independence, and is empowered to reach their full potential.
Catholic Social Teaching
We serve our neighbors regardless of faith, culture, or circumstance, not because they are Catholic, but because we are. The seven principles of Catholic social teaching guide how we live out this commitment:
Human life is sacred and the dignity of the human person is the foundation of a moral vision for society.
The person is not only sacred but also social. We have a right and duty to participate in society, seeking the common good.
Every person has a fundamental right to life and to those things required for human decency.
A basic moral test is how our most vulnerable members are faring.
The economy must serve people, not the other way around.
We are one human family whatever our national, racial, ethnic, and ideological differences.
We show our respect for the Creator by our stewardship of creation.
Our History
From a seminary founded in 1948 to a senior center and community theater, our Jefferson City home carries a rich history of service. Catholic Charities purchased the property in 2019, completing an extensive renovation to create a welcoming home for our programs and the people we serve.
La Salette Seminary
The Congregation of the Missionaries of La Salette purchased a 10.5-acre tract on Myrtle Avenue for a preparatory seminary for high school boys wishing to join the order. The large concrete and brick building was converted into a chapel, classrooms, recreation rooms, dormitories, and a kitchen and dining room for about 150 students. On September 8, 1948, the new junior seminary opened with a Solemn Pontifical Mass.
Seminary Life and the Chapel
Through the 1950s the seminary grew, adding the chapel and gymnasium building that stands at the heart of our campus today. Seminarians studied, prayed, and played here, and the grounds welcomed pilgrimage processions and prayer along the outdoor Stations of the Cross.
Helen A. Shikles Senior Center
After the seminary closed, the former chapel served as a senior center for Jefferson City residents. Renamed the Helen A. Shikles Senior Center in honor of Helen and Lonnie Shikles, the building, owned by the Jefferson City Housing Authority, also hosted community groups such as JC Parks and Capital City Productions.
Open Hearts, Open Doors
How much pain can be soothed, how much despair can be allayed in a place where we feel at home! This requires open doors, especially the doors of our heart.— Pope Francis
Catholic Charities purchased the property in 2019 and launched the Open Hearts, Open Doors campaign to renovate the former chapel and gymnasium into a comprehensive health and social services center, at the heart of one of Jefferson City's most vulnerable neighborhoods. Plans included a modern client-choice Food Pantry, exam rooms for clinic services, community and classroom space, a chapel for reflection and renewal, and a community garden. Despite delays from COVID-19, the renovation was completed in December 2021.
Operations Begin
Operations began in January 2022. Family Immigration Services moved into the Central Office in December 2022, relocating from the lower level of the Missouri Catholic Conference on Clark Avenue.
Celebrating Our 15th Anniversary
This year we celebrate 15 years of serving our neighbors across central and northern Missouri. This year launches our 2026-2029 Strategic Plan.
Leadership & Board of Directors
Meet the people guiding our mission across central and northern Missouri.
Our Mission at Work
Stay connected with the latest stories, events, and impact from Catholic Charities.
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Let Us Pray for You
Every Tuesday at noon, our staff gather for 15 minutes of contemplative prayer. We would be honored to hold your intentions in prayer with us. Whatever you are carrying, you do not carry it alone.