Bishop names three new directors for Curia offices in the Diocese of Peoria
Three women have been appointed by Bishop Daniel R. Jenky, CSC, to lead departments in the Diocese of Peoria’s Curia overseeing evangelization and faith formation, Hispanic ministry, and respect life efforts.
Shirley Plaag is the new Director of Evangelization and Faith Formation. A Peoria native and a 2009 graduate of Franciscan University of Steubenville with a bachelor’s degree in theology and catechetics, Plaag joined the diocesan staff in late 2014 as youth and young adult coordinator in the former Office of Catechetics and Evangelization. The department was later renamed the Office of Evangelization and Faith Formation, and Plaag has coordinated its programs for two years.
For profiles of the new directors and their future plans, click on their names.
She will be assisted by Karley Bates, who began duties this month as programs coordinator.
Sister Isabel Romero, SCTJM, has been named Director of Hispanic Ministry. Born in Mexico, Sister Isabel is a member of the Servants of the Pierced Hearts of Jesus and Mary and has served on the staff of Nazareth House in Henry since 2008. In 2016, she earned a master’s degree in religious studies from Regina Apostolorum Pontifical University in Rome.
She will be assisted by two Sisters of the Sacred Heart and of the Poor — Sister Reyna Hernandez and Sister Marina Ramirez — who have served in Hispanic ministry in recent years when the department was under the umbrella of Catholic Charities.
Cecilia Soñé has been appointed Director of Respect Life. Born in Puerto Rico and raised in New York, Soñé is a family nurse practitioner and a medical consultant for the Creighton Model FertilityCare System and the NaPro Technology women’s health science. She joined the diocesan staff in 2014 as associate director of Catholic Charities with primary duties in respect life and Hispanic ministry.
“These talented and Spirit-filled women will bring tremendous energy to the activities of the Diocese of Peoria,” said Bishop Jenky in making the announcements. “Their love for Christ, zeal for the Church, and the skills they have developed through education and experience will enhance the many programs, events, and ministries they will guide.”
Profiles of the new department heads and descriptions of their duties and future plans may be found by clicking on their names. Their offices are located in the Spalding Pastoral Center, 419 N.E. Madison Ave., Peoria, IL, 61603. They can be reached by phone at (309) 671-1550 or by the following email addresses: splaag@cdop.org; sr_isabel @cdop.org; or csone@cdop.org.
