The throng of Catholic men from across the diocese expected to prayerfully walk with Bishop Daniel R. Jenky, CSC, through downtown Peoria next Saturday, April 25, in a public demonstration of faith will likely include many fathers with their sons.

Former professional soccer player Chase Hilgenbrinck is looking forward to walking with his dad at this year’s “A Call to Catholic Men of Faith.”

“I am inspired to be a part of the march, which strives to motivate men to be spiritual leaders in thier own communities, starting with their own families,” said Hilgenbrinck, who will do more than walk. Now studying for the priesthood at Mount St. Mary’s Seminary in Maryland, he will be the featured pre-march speaker when 1,000 or more men gather at Liberty Park on Peoria’s riverfront at 9 a.m. on Saturday, April 25.

Chase told The Catholic Post that his father — Mike Hilgenbrinck of Bloomington — “was that leader for my brother, Blaise, and I growing up . . . . and still is today.”

This will be the sixth year that Catholic men and boys will assemble to take a public stand in defense of faith, family and priesthood at the invitation of Bishop Daniel R. Jenky, CSC, who will be the principal celebrant of a Mass at St. Mary’s Cathedral at the conclusion of the one-mile walk.

Under the patronage of St. Joseph, this year’s event will feature a special emphasis on the rosary. Each participant will receive a newly designed commemorative medallion blessed by the bishop that doubles as a rosary devotional. One side features a crucifix and the raised beads of a decade of the rosary.

The men will pray the rosary at the cathedral after their march and prior to the 11 a.m. Mass with the bishop. Following the Mass, there will be a time of fellowship at the new Spalding Pastoral Center, with lunch available for purchase.

There will be opportunities for confession both at the riverfront and prior to Mass at the cathedral.

There is no need to make reservations to attend the gathering. More information is available from the Office of Family Life at (309) 671-1550.