Articles:
By: Jennifer Willems - July 1, 2020 -
Featured Article
Father Robert Lampitt, head chaplain at St. John’s Catholic Newman Center in Champaign, baptizes graduate student Yoo Kyung Go as sponsor Ellie Porath assists during a special Mass on June 27. Two more were baptized, confirmed and received Eucharist for the first time that morning, while arrangements were made to receive another 13 students later that day and over the summer. The Catholic Post/Jennifer Willems
It was a long time coming, but the 285 women, men and children chosen by God as his own are now being welcomed into the Catholic Church through the Easter sacraments at parishes around the Diocese of Peoria. Following guidelines regarding safety and social distancing, pastors are baptizing, confirming and giving Communion to people who […]
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By: Tom Dermody - July 1, 2020 -
Featured Article
The three priests granted senior status early this summer by Bishop Daniel R. Jenky, CSC, have offered diverse service to the Diocese of Peoria — and beyond — during their combined 134 years of active priesthood. The Catholic Post interviewed Msgr. Steven P. Rohlfs, P.A., Father David Heinz, and Father Michael Pakula for profiles of […]
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By: Tom Dermody - July 1, 2020 -
Uncategorized
Father Michael Pakula poses near a statue of St. Malachy, the patron of the parish in Geneseo where he has served as pastor for 25 years. His 47 years of priestly service also included a long stint on the Diocesan Tribunal and seven years as a part-time hospital chaplain. (The Catholic Post/Tom Dermody)
GENESEO — When Father Michael Pakula moves to senior status on July 8 after nearly 47 years of priestly service, including the last 25 years as pastor of St. Malachy Parish here, he could write a book looking back on what he calls his “checkered life.” “But I’m not going to,” claims Father Pakula, 76. […]
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By: Tom Dermody - July 1, 2020 -
Uncategorized
Father David Heinz is pictured outside St. Anthony Church in Bartonville. The Kickapoo native has guided the Bartonville faith community since 2002, and formerly served as pastor of St. Thomas, Philo; St. Mary, Westville; St. Bernard, Peoria, and Holy Trinity, Bloomington. (The Catholic Post/Tom Dermody)
BARTONVILLE — Father David Heinz has celebrated Mass on a bus crossing the Alps, on a riverboat table in the middle of the Nile, on a large rock in Minnesota, and in hotel rooms around the world. So the fact that his 43-year active priestly career is winding down with Father Heinz celebrating weekend Masses […]
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By: Tom Dermody - July 1, 2020 -
Uncategorized
Msgr. Steven P. Rohlfs, P.A., addresses a Seminary Family Weekend at Mount St. Mary's in Emmitsburg, Marlyand. Msgr. Rohlfs, who spent 11 years as rector of the nation's largest Catholic seminary and also held many diocesan leadership roles, has been granted senior status. (Provided photo/Mount St. Mary's Seminary)
ST. PAUL, Minnesota — It’s safe to say that Msgr. Steven Rohlfs, P.A., has played some role in the life of every priest of the Diocese of Peoria for almost four decates. Whether as vocations director, vicar general, teacher, administrator, spiritual director, or as rector of Mount St. Mary’s Seminary, Msgr. Rohlfs’ influence has been […]
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By: The Catholic Post - July 1, 2020 -
News Article
Even though the Daughters of St. Francis of Assisi will no longer own St. Joseph Nursing Home, the facility they founded in Lacon 56 years ago, they will continue to work and provide ministry on the campus.
LACON — Lacon Rehab and Nursing will become the new owners of St. Joseph Nursing Home on July 15. The Daughters of St. Francis of Assisi, who founded the home 56 years ago, said the decision to sell was difficult and came after “an extensive discernment process.” “It is important to know that even though […]
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By: Tom Dermody - July 1, 2020 -
Editorial
A vandalized statue of St. Junipero Serra in San Francisco is seen June 19, 2020. The Spanish Franciscan founded several missions in what is now California. (CNS/David Zandman via Reuters)
We wouldn’t venture a guess at the total number of life-sized statues located on Catholic properties throughout the Diocese of Peoria. It is certainly in the hundreds and likely in the thousands. Most are inside churches and chapels, hospitals, schools, etc., while others are outside in cemeteries or on parish and institution grounds. Made of […]
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By: The Catholic Post - July 1, 2020 -
Living the Word
Shawn Reeves
By Shawn Reeves 14th Sunday in Ordinary Time/July 5 Zechariah 9:9-10; Psalm 145:1-2,8-9,10-11,13-14; Romans 8:9,11-13; Matthew 11:25-30 I have bouts with insomnia. Often my mind can find no rest. Problems, planning, tasks, and obligations weigh it down and push sleep away. It is a frustrating and fatiguing phenomenon. In our first reading, God announces a message […]
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By: Jennifer Willems - July 1, 2020 -
Featured Article
"Papa Lou" Tylka shares a special moment with his son as he places a flower lei around his neck. The flowers represent a promise from the parishioners of St. Julie Billiart in Tinley Park to Bishop-elect Louis Tylka that they will continue to plant seeds of faith in his honor after he leaves to become Coadjutor Bishop of Peoria. (The Catholic Post/Jennifer Willems)
TINLEY PARK — With love and gratitude, members of St. Julie Billiart Parish said goodbye to Bishop-elect Louis Tylka, promising to continue the good work they had begun together. That affection was returned during the final Sunday Mass “Bishop Lou” celebrated there on June 28. “It has been a distinct honor and privilege of my […]
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By: The Catholic Post - July 1, 2020 -
News Article
Volunteers are pictured with one of several pro-life billboards created and installed at several locations in the Champaign area. Among those pictured is Father Fredi Gomez Torres, who blessed the sign and site. (Provided photo)
Teams of volunteers are creating and installing billboards with pro-life themes along roads in the Champaign-Urbana area. The billboards, designed by a volunteer graphic artist from St. Patrick Parish in Tolono, are placed on donated land. “We’d love to put up as many as possible to foster a stronger culture of life,” said Renee Mullen, […]
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