By: By Jennifer Willems Deacon Johnathan Steffen knows that prayer has power. While practicing law in Pontiac, he started going to daily Mass at St. Mary’s Church. One morning, as he walked from his car to the church, he prayed that this would be the Mass that changed his life. Msgr. Thomas Mack, the pastor, […]
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Photo Caption: During a break at the Psalms workshop, young Gregory Raymond Hodes seems pleased with the bunny made by Sister M. Marion, FSJB, as he looks blissfully into the eyes of his mother, Mary Catherine. By: By Jennifer Willems Jeff Cavins may not have explored each of the 150 Psalms found in the Bible, […]
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Photo Caption: Clockwise from upper left, are Deacons Daniel Gifford, Timothy Hepner, Johnathan Steffen, and Joel Phelps. By: By Jennifer Willems Filled with knowledge, the four young men who will be ordained priests for the Diocese of Peoria on Saturday, May 26, are also filled with a desire to boldly proclaim the Gospel of Jesus […]
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Photo Caption: Woodhull native and 2012 University of Illinois graduate Kristin DeSutter has created a website to offer faith-filled young adults a solid Catholic presence on the Internet and in social media. By: By Jennifer Willems CHAMPAIGN — Kristin DeSutter will receive her bachelor’s degree in agricultural communications from the University of Illinois this weekend […]
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Photo Caption: Sister Sandra Brunenn, OSB, will be installed as the new prioress of the Rock Island-based Benedictine community on Saturday, June 16. By: By Jennifer Willems ROCK ISLAND — As Sister Sandra Brunenn, OSB, considers her future as the new prioress of St. Mary Monastery, she acknowledges that there’s “a huge mixed bag” of […]
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Photo Caption: Rachel Adell, the 2012 Outstanding Volunteer from Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish in Silvis, receives her certificate from Msgr. Dale Wellman, DCCW spiritual director. By: By Jennifer Willems At the end of each season, sports teams honor their MVP — Most Valuable Player. Last week the Peoria Diocesan Council of Catholic Women followed […]
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Photo Caption: Father Ric Schneider, OFM, is one of 10 recipients of the Distinguished Pastor Award from the National Catholic Educational Association. Brother Richard Bimonte, NCEA executive director, looks on. By: By Jennifer Willems BLOOMINGTON — “He is the pastor every principal longs for” is how Mark Csanda, principal of St. Mary’s School here, describes […]
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Photo Caption: “Drew’s Faithful Feet” charity run/walk that begins and ends at St. Malachy’s Church bears the name of Drew Schaaf, who died in a tragic accident at home on July 10, 2010. By: By Jennifer Willems GENESEO — Drew Schaaf never walked or talked, but the charity 5K run/walk that is dedicated to his […]
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Photo Caption: The Holy Oils to be used in sacramental anointing at parishes around the Diocese of Peoria are processed down the center aisle of St. Mary’s Cathedral at the close of the Chrism Mass. By: By Jennifer Willems When it comes to applause, Bishop Daniel R. Jenky, CSC, is clearly more at ease giving […]
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Photo Caption: Bishop Jenky greets Jamie Wire and her daughter Ruby Sayers after the Rite of Election at St. Mary’s Cathedral. By: By Jennifer Willems PEKIN — When Jamie Wire was first approached about exploring the Catholic faith through the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) at St. Joseph’s Church, she demurred. “I said, […]
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