Saint Peter the Apostle Catholic Church | Joplin MO
The Most Reverend Edward Matthew Rice was born on July 28, 1960, in St. Louis, Missouri. The son of John L. and Helen (Madden) Rice, both deceased, Bishop Rice comes from a family of 10 children (7 boys, 3 girls). His oldest brother, John, is deceased.
Bishop Rice attended Catholic grade school and high school in St. Louis. He graduated from Cardinal Glennon College in 1982 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Philosophy and from Kenrick-Glennon Seminary in St. Louis in 1987 with a Master of Divinity. Bishop Rice was ordained to the Transitional Diaconate on May 3, 1986. He was ordained to the Priesthood on Jan. 3, 1987, in the Cathedral Basilica in St. Louis. On July 2, 2008, Pope Benedict XVI appointed him with the title “Monsignor.”
Bishop Rice taught religion at St. Mary High School in St. Louis, has served in several parishes within the Archdiocese of St. Louis. He was the Director of Cardinal Glennon College Seminary in St. Louis from 1996-2000.
The episcopal consecration of Bishop Rice as an Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of St. Louis was on Jan. 13, 2011. As Auxiliary Bishop, he served on the Archbishop’s Committee for Eucharistic Renewal, as the Spiritual Moderator for the Legion of 1,000 Adorers, the USCCB Committee for Catholic Education, and he is on the Board of Directors for Kenrick-Glennon Seminary.
Bishop Rice has served as Retreat Director for several groups, including the Marion Sisters of Waverly, NE; Sisters of St. Francis of Perpetual Adoration, Mishawaka, IN; Pink Sisters, Philadelphia, PA; Discernment Retreat, Little Sisters of the Poor; Retreat for priests of the Diocese of Lafayette, IN.
The Most Rev. Edward M. Rice was appointed by Pope Francis as Bishop of the Diocese of Springfield-Cape Girardeau on April 26, 2016. His installation was June 1, 2016, in St. Elizabeth Ann Seton, Church, Springfield.
“Since the Feast of the Annunciation, March 25, 2011, a few months after my episcopal consecration, I have been intentionally praying for my future diocese,” said Bishop-designate Rice at a press conference announcing his appointment by the Holy Father as the Seventh Bishop of Springfield-Cape Girardeau. “Specifically, for the priests and religious, to be clothed in holiness and inspire vocations; for the laity, for the renewal of marriage and family life; and for the youth, to come to know Christ and be zealous for our faith.”
An avid runner, Bishop Rice runs five miles a day, most every day, and tries to get in at least one half-marathon annually. He prays the rosary daily and is devoted to Eucharistic Adoration.
Episcopal Motto
For his motto, His Excellency Bishop Rice has selected the Latin phrase “VENITE ET VIDEBITIS.” The phrase is taken from the Gospel of John, Chapter 1:39, the call of the first disciples, Andrew and John. When they ask Our Lord where he is staying Jesus responds, “Come, and you will see.” The verse was chosen to recognize His Excellency’s seminary and vocation work and to highlight the call of Pope John Paul II and Pope Benedict XVI for a time of “new evangelization” in the Church.
Meet Our Staff
Terri Giarratano
Director of Outreach Ministry
The Diocese of Springfield-Cape Girardeau
Dear Friends,
Congratulations to all of you at St. Peter’s as you celebrate the parish’s 125 years of life in Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior. From the first pastor, Farther Henry O’Reilly, to the current pastor, Father Joe Weidenbenner, from the original 15 families to today’s 560 households, St. Peter’s has had a long and graced history. For that we give thanks to God and all who have ever been a part of St. Peter’s parish family.
Your 125th anniversary is a time to look to the future with deep trust in Jesus Christ the one you are called upon to follow. He is your way, truth and life. He is your companion during your pilgrimage on this earth and the one who leads you to eternal happiness. Rededicate yourselves to him, to your Heavenly Father and to the Holy Spirit who give you wisdom and spiritual energy in your daily lives.
I am happy to be with you on Sunday September 23, to celebrate the Opening Eucharist for your year-long celebration of this 125th anniversary, God bless you on this historical occasion!
With every best wish that St. Peter, your patron, will continue to be a blessing, I am
Sincerely in Christ,
Most Reverend John J Leibrecht
Bishop of Springfield-Cape Girardeau