Born in Racine, Wisconsin, Father Jeffery Small attended St. Francis Seminary in Milwaukee from 1986 to 1989. He earned a bachelor’s degree in philosophy with a minor in theology from Marquette University in 1989, and completed studies for the priesthood at Mount St. Mary’s Seminary in Emmitsburg, Maryland. Father Small has served as parochial vicar […]
Continue readingHOOPESTON — After attending vows ceremonies and ordinations for three older brothers, Father Thomas Gibson had no intention of becoming a priest. That changed “Suddenly” as he was preparing for his senior year at the University of Notre Dame. “I worked as a stockbroker during the summers. The summer before senior year I actually landed […]
Continue readingPENFIELD — While he admired faithful priests and prayed the rosary daily, Father Michael Menner didn’t plan to be a priest. “I tell people that I always wanted to marry a good girl and did not think much beyond that path of adventure,” he said. “I was in the business world for seven years and […]
Continue readingROCK ISLAND — Msgr. Mark Merdian said it was “an interior call whereby I heard God calling me to explore service to Him as a priest” that brought him to priestly ministry. “When I was younger, I had dreams of being a priest,” he told The Catholic Post. “I had a quiet love for the […]
Continue readingWASHINGTON — When Father Stephen Willard was a second-grader at St. Thomas the Apostle School in Peoria Heights, Sister Mary Elizabeth O’Hara told him that one day he would be a priest. His response was succinct: “No way!” “As the years progressed, Sister would talk to me about the priesthood and remind me of my […]
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The celebrations have already begun for six priests of the Diocese of Peoria who are marking the 25th anniversary of their ordination in 2018. Father Thomas Gibson, Father Michael Menner, Msgr. Mark Merdian, Father Jeffery Small and Father Stephen Willard were ordained on May 29, 1993, by Bishop (now Archbishop) John J. Myers at St. […]
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This is a scene from the movie "Batman Ninja." The Catholic News Service classification is A-III -- adults. (CNS/Warner Home Entertainment)
By Catholic News Service Produced in Japan in the “anime” style, with its distinctive settings, frantic action scenes and unique character design, this is a thrilling, confusing, gorgeous and bizarre straight-to-video film. A time machine built by a supervillain ape (voice of Fred Tatasciore) transports Batman (voice of Roger Craig Smith) as well as most […]
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Alden Ehrenreich plays Han Solo and Joonas Suotamo plays Chewbacca in a scene from the movie "Solo: A Star Wars Story." The Catholic News Service classification, A-III -- adults. (CNS/Disney)
By Catholic News Service The origins and early adventures of future freebooter Han Solo (Alden Ehrenreich) are explored in this pleasing but insubstantial addition to the blockbuster franchise. Indebted to one of the villainous chiefs (Paul Bettany) of the intergalactic crime syndicate that has ensnared his childhood sweetheart (Emilia Clarke), the skilled but boastful pilot […]
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"May our farewell honor the dignity of their lives," prayed Deacon Joe Knapp, pastoral care manager at OSF HealthCare Saint Francis Medical Center in Peoria. Deacon Knapp is shown addressing about 50 people who gathered at St. Mary's Cemetery in West Peoria on May 24 for a burial service honoring the unclaimed, cremated remains of 13 individuals. Among those looking on is Peoria County Coroner Jamie Harwood. (The Catholic Post/Tom Dermody)
In death, the 13 individuals had no one to claim their bodies. In burial on May 24, more than 50 people gathered to prayerfully remember and honor their lives in a service at St. Mary’s Cemetery in West Peoria that the Peoria County Coroner would later call “the pinnacle” of his public service. “May our […]
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Msgr. Thomas Mack and Father Anthony Trosley are observing their 40th anniversary of ordination to the priesthood this year and the celebrations have already begun. Father Trosley offered Masses of Thanksgiving on Saturday, May 19, and Sunday, May 20, at Sts. Peter and Paul in Nauvoo and Sacred Heart in Dallas City. He also has […]
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