The Catholic Post Author: Jennifer Willems - Page 13

Holy Cross School, Champaign, becomes pioneer in the study of aquaponics

By: Jennifer Willems - April 7, 2022 - Featured Article

Among the dignitaries who attended the ribbon cutting for the Tryon Aquaponics Tower at Holy Cross School in Champaign was Miss Wisconsin Angelica Niemann, who went to the University of Illinois and ran on a platform of "Eat Right, Future Bright." Joining principal Greg Koerner at the other end of the ribbon is fourth-grader Lydia Durdan, third-grader Camille Christhilf, and fifth-grader Emma Lwao. (The Catholic Post/Jennifer Willems)

CHAMPAIGN — With the snip of an oversized pair of scissors, Holy Cross School took a giant leap into the future as a new Tryon Aquaponics Tower and lab was blessed on March 24. It is only the second such tower in the country and the first one in Illinois. Aquaponics is a method of […]

Divine Mercy Lenten Day of Reflection explores redemptive suffering, hope

By: Jennifer Willems - April 5, 2022 - News Article

Sister Faustina Thomas, OP, one the speakers at the Divine Mercy Lenten Day of Reflection, catches up with (from left) Peggy Shane, Jessica Shane and Pat Franzoni of St. Jude in Peoria, during a break. She offered a reflection on Divine Mercy. (The Catholic Post/Jennifer Willems)

Suffering is not something we seek, but it offers an invitation to surrender to God and trust in his infinite love for us, Father John Verrier told more than 200 people who gathered at the Spalding Pastoral Center in Peoria for a Divine Mercy Lenten Day of Reflection. “The cross and suffering is the way […]

Bishop Tylka leads Act of Consecration to Mary with students in Champaign

By: Jennifer Willems - March 25, 2022 - Featured Article

With Msgr. Stanley Deptula, pastor, kneeling to his left in front of the statue of Mary, and the students of St. Matthew School in Champaign filling the church, Bishop Louis Tylka prays the Act of Consecration of humanity, especially the nations of Ukraine and Russia, to the Immaculate Heart of Mary on March 25. They were among Catholics from around the world praying with Pope Francis. (The Catholic Post/Jennifer Willems)

CHAMPAIGN — Joining people around the world, Bishop Louis Tylka offered the Act of Consecration of the human family, especially the nations of Ukraine and Russia, not once but twice during a visit to St. Matthew School and St. John’s Catholic Newman Center on March 25. The prayer at St. Matthew, on the Solemnity of […]

President-principal model coming to Central Catholic, Bloomington, in July

By: Jennifer Willems - March 24, 2022 - News Article

BLOOMINGTON — After nearly two years of research and planning, Central Catholic High School will transition to a president-principal model of governance, effective July 1. Sean Foster, who has served as principal since 2014, has been named the school’s first president. A search is being conducted for the next principal. “This is an exciting time […]

Input of deaf Catholics sought via online survey in advance of Synod of Bishops

By: Jennifer Willems - March 24, 2022 - Featured Article, News Article

Worshippers use American Sign Language while praying during a Palm Sunday Mass. (CNS photo/Gregory A. Shemitz)

CHAMPAIGN — They may not be able to participate in a traditional listening session for the Synod of Bishops 2023, but that doesn’t mean Catholics who are deaf or hard of hearing have nothing to say. Their input is being sought by the National Catholic Office for the Deaf by means of a survey that […]

Bishop Tylka addresses permanent deacons, candidates, and their wives

By: Jennifer Willems - March 23, 2022 - Featured Article

Bishop Louis Tylka takes questions during his visit with the permanent deacons of the Diocese of Peoria at their Deacon Convocation March 5. He thanked them for their ministry and said he looked forward to working with them for many years to come. (The Catholic Post/Jennifer Willems)

As they gathered for the first time since COVID-19 shut down many public meetings and events in March 2020, permanent deacons from around the Diocese of Peoria had the joy of seeing one another in person and hearing words of gratitude and support from their new spiritual father. “Your ministry is valued. I appreciate what […]

Easter egg coloring project brought back to help Sophia’s Kitchen, guests

By: Jennifer Willems - March 10, 2022 - News Article

Coloring an Easter egg and writing a note of encouragement, would brighten the lives of those who receive meals at Sophia's Kitchen. Adding a donation and sending it to Sophia's Kitchen, c/o Sacred Heart Church, 504 Fulton St., Peoria, IL 61602, along with the artwork and Easter greeting would help to keep the meals coming. (Provided graphic)

Brightly colored Easter eggs can lift spirits, even when they’re made of paper. Add a note of encouragement and it can make someone’s day. Volunteers at Sophia’s Kitchen in Peoria have seen that firsthand. That’s why the Easter project and fundraiser are back for a second round of cheer. “It was very successful last year. […]

Joy as nearly 300 from diocese advance in their faith journeys at Rite of Election

By: Jennifer Willems - March 10, 2022 - Featured Article

As the candidates who are preparing to be confirmed and receive the Eucharist at the Easter Vigil listen on March 5, Bishop Tylka asks their sponsors to affirm their readiness "to participate fully in the sacramental life of the Catholic Church" and the assembly if they will support them in "faith, prayer and example." (The Catholic Post/Jennifer Willems)

Nearly 300 people came to St. Mary’s Cathedral in Peoria last weekend to declare their intention to enter fully into the life of the Catholic Church through the Easter sacraments of baptism, confirmation and Eucharist, a step that created so much joy that the only response was applause and praise of God. That applause filled […]

Make it 3: Bement woman among 276 expected for Rite of Election March 5-6

By: Jennifer Willems - March 4, 2022 - News Article

David Lansford, daughter Jerrica, and wife Jill surround his mother, Gretchen, who will be received into the Catholic Church at the Easter Vigil on April 16 at St. Matthew Church, Champaign. They are standing in front of Our Lady of St. Matthew in the parish center. (The Catholic Post/Jennifer Willems)

CHAMPAIGN — Jill Lansford of Bement didn’t know what she was looking for, but she knew she wasn’t finding it in the other faith traditions she was exploring with her husband, David, and daughter, Jerrica. It wasn’t until she heard another person’s story of faith after they entered the Catholic Church and started to delve […]

Prayers for peace in Ukraine are lifted at St. Matthew, Champaign, candlelit rosary

By: Jennifer Willems - March 4, 2022 - Featured Article

Pope Francis called on Catholics around the world to fast and pray for peace in Ukraine on Ash Wednesday and St. Matthew Parish in Champaign obliged by holding a Candlelit Rosary for Ukraine at the Mary Grotto. Those who attended were given blue and gold candles -- the colors of the Ukrainian flag. (The Catholic Post/Jennifer Willems)

CHAMPAIGN — Gathered around the Blessed Mother in the grotto at St. Matthew Church, members of the parish raised their hearts and prayers, as well as blue and gold votive candles, as they pleaded for peace in Ukraine. The candlelit rosary took place on Ash Wednesday, the day Pope Francis had asked Catholics around the […]

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