Bishop W. Shawn McKnight of the Catholic Diocese of Jefferson City is to host a series of "listening sessions" regarding the abuse crisis in the Catholic Church.
The intent is to gather information, insight and prayers before he attends the U.S. Catholic bishops' fall assembly Nov. 12-14 in Baltimore, Maryland. The crisis is expected to top the assembly's agenda, according to the Catholic News Service.
A Jefferson City session is planned at 4 p.m. Nov. 4 at the Cathedral of St. Joseph, 2215 W. Main St.
Other sessions will be 4 p.m. Sunday at Holy Family Church, 1111 Broadway in Hannibal; 6 p.m. Monday at Mary Immaculate Church, 716 E. Washington St. in Kirksville; 6 p.m. Nov. 5 at Our Lady of Lourdes Church, 903 Bernadette Drive in Columbia; and 6:30 p.m. Nov. 6 at St. Patrick Church, 17 St. Patricks Lane in Rolla.
McKnight also will hold a gathering for an afternoon of prayer and conversation with young adults in the diocese - ages 18-35 - from 2-2:30 p.m. Nov. 3 in the Alphonse J. Schwartze Memorial Catholic Center, 2207 W. Main St. in Jefferson City.