Hey Deacon!

To mark its 70th anniversary milestone, the Diocese of Springfield-Cape Girardeau recently hosted its first-ever Diocesan Eucharistic Congress at the West Plains Civic Center. Established on August 24, 1956, by Pope Pius XII, our diocese was carved from the St. Louis Archdiocese and Kansas City Diocese to serve the southern third of Missouri. Reflecting on this milestone celebration, Bishop Edward Rice called upon the faithful to join together, “so that we can truly be one church, east to west, united in the Eucharist.”

Spanning 25,719 square miles across 39 counties, our unique diocese is anchored by two mother churches: the Cathedral of St. Agnes in Springfield (west) and St. Mary of the Annunciation Cathedral in Cape Girardeau (east). Living in a region where Catholics make up about 5% of the population, these seven decades have fostered a deeply tight-knit community known for local evangelization and strong ecumenical relationships.

The Legacy of Our Seven Shepherds
 

Our diocese has been uniquely nicknamed a spiritual "springboard" because its early leaders were repeatedly promoted to major global assignments. Over 70 years, these seven bishops have left profound, lasting marks on our history:

• Most Rev. Charles H. Helmsing (1956–1962) – As our first bishop, he built the initial diocesan infrastructure from scratch and dedicated his work to the Sacred Heart of Jesus.
 

• Most Rev. Ignatius J. Strecker (1962–1969) – Guided the diocese through the historic renewals of Vatican II and established our first Parish Councils to empower lay leadership.

• Most Rev. William Baum (1970–1973) – Prioritized ecumenical dialogue before being named Archbishop of Washington, elevated to Cardinal, and helping draft the universal Catechism in Rome.

• Most Rev. Bernard Law (1973–1984) – Greatly expanded local ministries, social outreach, and established our diocesan newspaper, The Mirror, before being named Archbishop of Boston and later elevated to Cardinal.
 

• Most Rev. John J. Leibrecht (1984–2008) – Our beloved, longest-serving bishop guided us for 23 years. A passionate educator, he led national Catholic education initiatives and expanded parish facilities.
 

• Most Rev. James Vann Johnston, Jr. (2008–2015) – Focused heavily on spiritual preparation, local vocations, and a strategic plan to revitalize local Catholic identity.
 

• Most Rev. Edward M. Rice (2016–Present) – Our current bishop leads with a joyful focus on parish revitalization and priestly & religious vocations and called our historic Eucharistic Congress to anchor our people in the Real Presence.

Our Lady of the Lake: Roots in Branson

As our diocese celebrates 70 years, our own parish family here at Our Lady of the Lake looks back on a legacy that deeply predates the diocese itself! Our community originally began as a mission church in 1921, serving early settlers, railroad workers, and homesteaders. We found our first permanent home in 1936 when Msgr. James J. McCaffrey officially dedicated a converted stone structure formerly used by the Farmers Bank.

As Branson’s tourist economy grew, our community expanded, leading to the dedication of a larger church on Vaughn Drive in 1971, with Bishop William Baum officiating. During the entertainment "boom" years of the late 1980s and 1990s, visitors poured in from all over the world, prompting a structural "Vision for the Future". Today, we are a thriving parish family welcoming over 150,000 "part-time parishioners" and visitors annually alongside our active, year-round households.

Today, under the patronage of St. Rose Philippine Duchesne and Pope St. Pius X, our diocese serves over 65,000 Catholics across 66 parishes. As we look back on 70 years of diocesan blessings, we give thanks for the heroic priests, religious, and lay faithful, both across southern Missouri and right here in Branson, who built the vibrant community we enjoy today. May God continue to bless the Diocese of Springfield-Cape Girardeau and Our Lady of the Lake Parish!