As we approach the Sept. 9 diocesan celebration of Pope Benedict XVI advancing the sainthood cause of the Venerable Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen, The Catholic Post is collecting memories from persons in central Illinois who had encounters with the media pioneer or whose lives were influenced by his ministry.

Did you ever meet Archbishop Sheen, a native of El Paso and a priest of the Diocese of Peoria? Did your family make a point of watching his television show? Did one of his books or talks resonate with you in a particular way?

Please share those memories by mail at The Catholic Post, P.O. Box 1722, Peoria, IL, 61656, or by email at cathpost@cdop.org. Or, simply tell us your story by calling our newsroom toll-free at 1-800-340-5630. We’ll include as many personal accounts as we can in a future publication.

Meanwhile, don’t forget to make plans to be a part of the celebration marking the latest advancement of Archbishop Sheen’s sainthood cause. Bishop Daniel R. Jenky, CSC, will be principal celebrant of a 10:30 a.m. Mass of Thanksgiving at St. Mary’s Cathedral on Sunday, Sept. 9. The public is invited.

Even if you can’t attend, your prayer requests can be present. Msgr. Stanley Deptula, executive director of the Archbishop Sheen Foundation, said written prayer requests received by the Foundation will be carried forward at the Offertory and placed at the altar. Following Mass, they will be entrusted to the cathedral’s Lady Altar. The prayer requests may be sent to: The Archbishop Fulton John Sheen Foundation, 419 N.E. Madison Ave., Peoria, IL 61603.

A reservations-only brunch will follow the Sept. 9 Mass. To make reservations or for more information, visit the new website celebratesheen.com or call the Foundation at (309) 671-1550.