Totus Tuus happening in the Jefferson City diocese this summer

In person and online

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Three teams of Totus Tuus missionaries are facilitating the energetic catechetical experience for Catholic grade school and high school students in 11 parishes in the diocese.

“These 12 young missionaries are positively on fire,” stated John DeLaporte, director of youth ministry and religious education for the Jefferson City diocese.

“Totus Tuus” is Latin for “Totally Yours,” which was Pope St. John Paul II’s papal motto.

Logistic concerns due to the COVID-19 pandemic and social distancing have required some creative thinking on behalf of the missionary teams.

The teams are currently producing a “virtual” version of the program consisting of catechetical videos for kids and teens to view, as well as social media campaigns for high schoolers.

Parishes can use these virtual resources to create a modified Totus Tuus experience or share them with their kids and families in the home. 

“We’ve instituted many protocols and measures to offer the program in a safe, responsible way, in compliance with local and CDC guidelines,” Mr. De­Laporte noted.

Bishop W. Shawn McKnight encouraged Mr. DeLaporte to pursue options for giving young people in the diocese a positive, faith-filled summer experience in spite of the COVID-19 outbreak.

“He believes we can do this safely and responsibly and not let all of the restrictions quell every effort to minister to young people,” said Mr. DeLaporte.

This year’s curriculum focuses on the Ten Commandments and the moral life of the Church, as well as faith and the Glorious Mysteries of the Rosary.

Mr. DeLaporte said parishioners who “would like to bring a team of faith-filled, dynamic missionaries” to their parish should contact their pastor, check their parish calendars and contact him at jdelaporte@diojeffcity.org to learn how.

diojeffcity.org/totus-tuus

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