Catholic Charities of Central and Northern Missouri (CCCNMO) is the social services outreach arm of the Diocese of Jefferson City. We are tasked with assisting our bishop, Bishop W. Shawn McKnight, with ensuring the Catholic Church in Central and Northern Missouri is fulfilling her mission to reach out to those on the margins and follow through with our biblical call to serve those in need.

• We believe in the message of Jesus that conveys love and hope.
• We affirm the sacredness and dignity of all human life.
• We work in partnership with others who share in our mission.
• We pursue excellence and uphold integrity in all we do.
• We offer service to those in need regardless of background, belief or circumstance.

Together we help those who are hungry achieve food security, welcome new neighbors to safety from war torn areas around the world, support survivors of natural disasters to rebuild their homes and their lives, counsel those struggling with addiction and mental illness, and advocate for systemic change to alleviate poverty of body, mind, and spirit.

We recognize the importance of engaging the Catholic community in our mission. When parishioners support our work, we are all united as the Body of Christ. 

As the direct line of communication between CCCNMO and their respective parishes, Ambassadors give witness to their own passion for our mission and invite fellow parishioners to join them in answering Christ’s call to Love our Neighbors. Parish Ambassadors commit to:

• Learning more about CCCNMO and its programs by reviewing provided materials and attending ambassador meetings or events.
• Coordinating the parish’s existing and future efforts to support CCCNMO.
• Praying for the CCCNMO mission and inviting others to do so.
• Communicating CCCNMO news to your parish regularly, including events, volunteer opportunities, and program needs.
• Sharing their personal witness annually at a parish Mass or major ministry event.
• Developing at least one unique opportunity for parishioners to support CCCNMO, such a volunteer day or fundraiser.

Catholic Charities commits to supporting Parish Ambassadors by:

• Providing ongoing training and support, including a Parish Ambassador resource page on the CCCNMO website.
• Sending a monthly Parish Ambassador email to all Ambassadors with the latest news and updates on CCCNMO programs and events
• Working with Ambassadors to identify opportunities for parishes to take direct actions that strengthen the parish’s work as a center of charity in their community. 

APRIL 9: CCCNMO presented an overview of the Catholic Charities Parish Ambassador program to the Diocesan Pastoral Council.

MID-APRIL: Diaconate formation leadership met with CCCNMO to map the diaconate community involvement and strategy.

END OF APRIL: CCCNMO developed an online “hub” of resources for Parish Ambassadors at cccnmo.diojeffcity.org/ambassadors. 

TODAY: Catholic Charities presents Parish Ambassador program to the diaconate community.

JUNE: Follow-up webinars hosted by Catholic Charities for the diaconate community to engage with CCCNMO on best practices, ideas to tailor programs to parish needs, and implementation plans.

JULY 1: Catholic Charities Parish Ambassador program launch.