Father Timothy Hepner
Living the Word / By Father Tim Hepner Solemnity of Pentecost/June 5 Acts 2:1-11; Psalm 104:1,24,29-30,31,34; 1 Corinthians 12:3b-7,12-13 or Romans 8:8-17; John 20:19-23 or John 14:15-16,23b-26 Imagine a young man bringing his girlfriend home to meet his family, introducing her one by one to each person, telling her their names as she smiles and shakes their […]
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To help him integrate his faith into his work as professor and associate director of the School of Communication at Illinois State University, Dr. Peter Smudde has a crucifix and religious emblems in his workspace. He said they are also good discussion starters with the students. (Provided photo)
NORMAL — As students graduate from college, degrees in hand and hopes for a bright future in their heart, it is essential to take more than knowledge, skills and experience into the search for a job, said Dr. Peter Smudde, professor and associate director of the School of Communication at Illinois State University. “The time […]
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Ken Goins, president of Central Illinois Right to Life, speaks at the Sanctity of Human Life Rally on May 24 at Redeemer Presbyterian Church in Peoria. Members of the pro-life organization regularly hold the sign in the background on overpasses of Interstate 74 in downtown Peoria to share its message with those driving by. (The Catholic Post/Tom Dermody)
With anticipation high for an imminent U.S. Supreme Court ruling that could overturn the Roe v. Wade decision legalizing abortion, speakers at the Sanctity of Human Life Rally in Peoria on May 24 expressed high hopes but emphasized much pro-life work will remain no matter the outcome. “We can almost taste it,” said Monica Cline, […]
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EDITOR’S NOTE: Below are photos and brief biographies of the valedictorians and salutatorians of the seven Catholic high schools and academies in the Diocese of Peoria. We congratulate them, all Class of 2022 graduates, their school staffs and families for their accomplishments and perseverance — especially through the years of pandemic. The top students were […]
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Leaders of Catholic Charities in the Diocese of Peoria pose with Bishop Louis Tylka following a Mass for staff, volunteers, partner groups, and other supporters at St. Mary’s Cathedral in Peoria on May 18. From left are Suzie Meismer, ministry coordinator and senior case manager; Sister Michelle Fernandez, SCTJM, executive director; Bishop Tylka; Jan Blaney, coordinator of the Tolono Food Pantry; and Angelica Toliver, Champaign outreach ministry coordinator. The Catholic Post/Tom Dermody
The Catholic Charities “family” in the Diocese of Peoria gathered for a day of prayer, thanksgiving, and fellowship on May 18. “It’s so overwhelming to see all of you present today,” said Sister Michelle Fernandez, SCTJM, executive director, prior to a luncheon at the Spalding Pastoral Center recognizing staff, volunteers, and others who partner with […]
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In this 2021 file photo, children in the Totus Tuus day program at Blessed Sacrament Parish in Morton gather for prayer, song and a fun activity as the day begins. (The Catholic Post/Jennifer Willems)
Twenty-four sites throughout the Diocese of Peoria will host “Totus Tuus” weeks this summer, providing Catholic children in grades 1-12 a prayer-filled and fun environment to help them come closer to Christ. “Totus Tuus” is a Latin phrase that means “totally yours.” It was St. John Paul II’s motto to describe his dedication to Jesus […]
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A water bottle bearing the Emmaus Days prayer is in the foreground during an outdoor discussion at a 2021 Emmaus Days session. (Provided photo)
Boys and young men from throughout the Diocese of Peoria are invited to take part in Emmaus Days this summer, a vocations awareness program that provides a spiritual and fun environment designed to make them more aware of God’s presence in their lives. Four sessions, led by seminarians and with involvement from diocesan priests on […]
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Father John Bosco Mujuni, who will celebrate his 25th anniversary of ordination on Aug. 17, is pastor of Immaculate Conception, Lacon, and St. John XXIII, Henry. (Provided photo)
LACON — When he was 8, Father John Bosco Mujuni became an altar server. While he was at Mass one day, his father pointed to the priests and said, “I would like you to be like these priests.” “The wish of my father and my active involvement as an altar boy and being involved in […]
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Bringing the sacraments to people -- especially those who are dying -- have been rewarding moments for Msgr. Jason Gray, pastor of St. Thomas the Apostle Parish in Peoria Heights. (Provided photo)
PEORIA HEIGHTS — It was attending Emmaus Days, a vocations awareness program sponsored by the Diocese of Peoria, that drew Msgr. Jason Gray to the priesthood. “This retreat was important in helping me realize that praying, ‘Thy will be done’ in the Our Father really means that I should want to do God’s will over […]
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Father Antonio Dittmer raises the monstrance during Benediction at the Spanish Father-Son Encounter April 9 at the Sacré-Coeur Retreat House in Magnolia. (The Catholic Post/Jennifer Willems)
MOLINE — Father Antonio Dittmer credits his parents, Ramona and the late Richard Dittmer with creating the “fertile soil” for his vocation. Attending Emmaus Days in 1985 nurtured the seeds that had been planted. “I think Emmaus Days taught me that God has a will for me and if I am faithful to prayer, he […]
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