Bishop Louis Tylka is strapped in and ready to bless farm fields of the Diocese of Peoria from the air, thanks to the use of a helicopter provided by OSF Aviation on April 21. At right, the bishop looks out at the farm of Helen Gillen in rural Monmouth. He would stop to bless the fields and family there and then continue to fly in all directions to offer a blessing "that keeps going" for the rest of the diocese. (The Catholic Post/Jennifer Willems and For The Catholic Post/ Phillip Lee)

There are smiles all around as Gretchen Lansford is confirmed by Father Andru O'Brien at the Easter Vigil at St. Matthew Church in Champaign.Standing behind her is her son, David, who was her sponsor. (The Catholic Post/Jennifer Willems)

In addition to some serious talk about the transition from being a boy to becoming a man, participants at the first Spanish Father-Son Encounter took the opportunity to have have fun while being physically active on April 9. Here they are running a three-legged race. (The Catholic Post/Jennifer Willems)

Father Jeremy Freehill, pastor, and those taking part in the "Stations through the Streets" on Good Friday leave the Garden of Hope at St. Ann Church and begin a prayerful two-mile walk through Peoria's South Side neighborhoods. Carrying the cross is Diego Uribe. (The Catholic Post/Tom Dermody)

Bishop Tylka celebrates Easter Sunday Mass at St. Mary's Cathedral in Peoria on April 17. In an extended Easter message to the faithful of the Diocese of Peoria, the bishop called Evangelization, the Eucharist, Discipleship, Vocations, and Archbishop Fulton Sheen as foundations to build upon in the coming years. (Photo for The Catholic Post by Lynn Kavelman)