NORMAL — Pilgrims will flock to the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela in northwest Spain next Saturday, the Feast of St. James, to celebrate the life of the apostle who was martyred for his faith. Joining them in spirit will be two pilgrims from central Illinois who recently walked 72 miles to visit the saint’s […]
Continue readingCouples celebrating their golden anniversaries this year will have some company at the Diocesan Wedding Anniversary Mass, which is planned for Sunday, Sept. 13, at St. Mary’s Cathedral in Peoria. This year the festivities have been expanded to include couples who have been married 25 years, according to Tim Roder, director of the diocesan Office […]
Continue readingFARMER CITY — When Don Olson drove Mary Brown home on the rainy night they met as teenagers 77 years ago, his car got stuck in mud on the long lane leading to her parents’ farm house in rural Weldon. “We walked the rest of the way,” recalls Don. “Mom was still up,” said Mary, […]
Continue readingDeacon Bob Sondag of Manito has been named victim assistance coordinator for the Diocese of Peoria. He succeeds Ann Slaughter, who has held the position since it was established in 2003. The appointment, which was announced last week by Patricia Gibson, chancellor and director of the curia, was effective July 1. “It’s with humility that […]
Continue readingThe Diocese of Peoria this week announced changes affecting the leadership of the St. Robert Bellarmine Newman Center serving Illinois State and Illinois Wesleyan universities as well as Heartland Community College in Bloomington-Normal. Father Antonio Dittmer, chaplain and director of the Newman Center since 2005, will become head spiritual director at Immaculate Heart of Mary […]
Continue readingThe State of Illinois budget crisis has forced Catholic Charities to make painful program and staffing reductions that are expected to adversely affect thousands of children, youths and adults across central Illinois. “It is with a heavy heart and extreme concern that today at Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Peoria we announce the beginning […]
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Photo Caption: 22 freshman and sophomore boys took part in Emmaus Days Session III at St. Bede. By: By Jared Olar God has an individual plan for everyone, and we are called to cooperate with that plan whatever it may be. That important message was delivered to about 100 boys and young men who took […]
Continue readingBy: By Msgr. Stuart Swetland Sixteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time, July 19 Jeremiah 23:1-6; Psalm 23:1-3,3-4,5,6; Ephesians 2:13-18; Mark 6:30-34 “Come away by yourself to a deserted place and rest awhile” (Mark 6:31). “For he (Christ) is our peace” (Ephesians 2:14). “The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. In verdant pastures he gives […]
Continue readingMary Olson knows a thing or two about marriage. The 93-year-old Farmer City resident has been in the same one for 75 years. (See story, page 1.) While she advises couples considering marriage to “make sure you’re ready to be married for life,” she’s troubled by the number of marriages that are ending in divorce. […]
Continue readingANAHEIM, Calif. (CNS) — Episcopal bishops, priests and lay delegates at their church’s triennial convention in Anaheim voted July 14 to lift a moratorium on the ordination of gay and lesbian bishops that had been in place for three years. As reported by Ecumenical News International/Religion News Service, more than 70 percent of lay and […]
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