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Pandemic didn’t stop the service or the mission of the Christ Child Society

By: Jennifer Willems - June 30, 2021 - Uncategorized

Carol Romanowski (center), the new president of the Christ Child Society of Central Illinois, is flanked by the members who were recognized for their service to the organization during the annual meeting on May 19. They include (from left) Pam Tomlianovich; Elaine Mills; Therese Peck, immediate past president; and Ingrid Ruscheinski. Not present was Pat Grove. (The Catholic Post/Jennifer Willems)

While the pandemic made it more difficult to meet in person, it didn’t stop the members of the Christ Child Society of Central Illinois from helping families in need who chose life for their child. “Our members kept making quilts at home and sewing and knitting and crocheting, so we have lots of hats. One […]

After 106 years of love, Rantoul bids farewell to the Springfield Dominicans

By: Jennifer Willems - June 30, 2021 - Featured Article

Sister Paulette Joerger, OP, embraces Sara Brown as they share memories at the reception after Mass at St. Malachy Church in Rantoul on June 27. She said she has a special place in her heart for the Springfield Dominicans because her aunt was also a member of the community, but there's another tie that binds with Sister Paulette: "She's a Cubs fan and so am I!" (The Catholic Post/Jennifer Willems)

RANTOUL — With a promise to pray for one another, Sister Paulette Joerger, OP, and the members of St. Malachy Parish said goodbye to one another during Mass last Sunday. There were tears shed on both sides since it is the first time the Rantoul parish and school will be without the Dominican Sisters of […]

Being of service key for new Christ Child Society president Carol Romanowski

By: Jennifer Willems - June 30, 2021 - Featured Article

The board of the Christ Child Society of Central Illinois includes (from left) Judy Weber of Pontiac, circle liaison; Becky Eberle of Peoria, new recording secretary; Judy Hayes of Gridley, corresponding secretary; Father John Verrier, spiritual adviser; Carol Romanowski of Peoria, the new president; Therese Peck of Peoria, immediate past president; and Gladys Butterfield of Peoria, second vice president and layette chair. Not pictured is Becky Fay, treasurer. (The Catholic Post/Jennifer Willems)

After Carol Romanowski retired in 2011, she started looking for volunteer opportunities around Peoria. Just staying busy wasn’t good enough. “I wanted to do something I felt had a purpose,” she said. Romanowski found it when she was talking to some traveling companions on a trip to Italy who were involved in the Christ Child […]

Priests observing milestone years invited to ‘return to roots’ at Jubilarian Mass

By: Jennifer Willems - June 24, 2021 - Featured Article

Maintaining safe social distances, the priests of the Diocese of Peoria remained in their pews as they concelebrated the Jubilarian Mass at St. Mary's Cathedral in Peoria. Coadjutor Bishop Louis Tylka, himself a silver jubilarian in 2021, presided at the June 22 liturgy. (The Catholic Post/Jennifer Willems)

It was not possible to hold the Jubilarian Mass to honor priests observing milestone anniversaries last year due to COVID-19, so this year’s liturgy on June 22 offered twice the reason to celebrate. Coadjutor Bishop Louis Tylka presided at the Mass at St. Mary’s Cathedral in Peoria and said it was good to be able […]

Five-year strategic planning process aims to strengthen diocesan high schools

By: Jennifer Willems - June 17, 2021 - Featured Article Alleman High School, Central Catholic High School, Marquette Academy, Partners in Mission, Peoria Notre Dame High School, Schlarman Academy, The High School of Saint Thomas More

Dr. Bob Tift of Partners in Mission talks with Brooke Rick, principal of Marquette Academy in Ottawa, and her team during the "soft launch" of a new strategic planning process for Catholic high schools in the Diocese of Peoria on June 10. (The Catholic Post/Jennifer Willems)

Catholic high schools in the Diocese of Peoria have begun a strategic planning process with the goal of not only growing stronger in terms of Catholic identity and living their mission, but also supporting their mission in new and creative ways over the next five years. A “soft launch” of the collaboration between Partners in […]

Galesburg parishes unite in celebration at diocese’s only Corpus Christi Church

By: Jennifer Willems - June 9, 2021 - Featured Article

At the outdoor altar decorated by women from Corpus Christi Parish in Galesburg, Father Lee Brokaw, pastor, led the Litany of Poor Souls and then incensed the Blessed Sacrament. The Corpus Christi procession also stopped for prayer and adoration at altars sponsored by Immaculate Heart of Mary and St. Patrick parishes, also in Galesburg. (The Catholic Post/Jennifer Willems)

GALESBURG — With pandemic restrictions easing, people are looking for ways to come together for worship, as well as fellowship. Members of the Galesburg Catholic Community did both last Sunday by gathering behind Jesus for a Corpus Christi procession around the only church in the Diocese of Peoria named for the feast day. “Every one […]

Gold Star Mass, restored plaque honor WWII deceased from St. Mark, Peoria

By: Jennifer Willems - June 2, 2021 - News Article

Msgr. Brian Brownsey, pastor of St. Mark Parish in Peoria, offers the opening prayer for the parish’s inaugural Gold Star Mass, which was held on Memorial Day, May 31. In the foreground is a plaque honoring nine men from St. Mark who gave their lives in service to their country during World War II, which was blessed and rededicated by Msgr. Brownsey. (The Catholic Post/Jennifer Willems)

She never knew her father, but Ann May of Peoria has been told he was talkative and could be stubborn. “Just a kid from St. Mark who would have played basketball right here,” she said as she stood in the school gym on Memorial Day. That “kid” was Marine Lt. James Richard Donovan, who died […]

Fr. Laible gets major ‘administry’ post with Archdiocese for Military Services, USA

By: Jennifer Willems - June 2, 2021 - Featured Article

As vicar general, Father Jeffrey Laible will be responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations of the Archdiocese for Military Services, USA, which serves 1.8 million Catholics worldwide. (The Catholic Post/Jennifer Willems)

LINCOLN — It would be an understatement to say that Father Jeffrey C. Laible was taken aback when he was asked to serve as the vicar general and moderator of the curia for the Archdiocese for the Military Services, USA. “I think I would have had a better chance of being the next person on […]

‘Heartbreak’ for Viola parishioners as fire extensively damages St. John Church

By: Jennifer Willems - May 28, 2021 - Featured Article

The sanctuary of St. John Church in Viola after the early morning fire on May 27.

(This story was updated on June 1.) VIOLA — Father John Thieryoung is asking for prayers for a 12-year-old male who has been charged with a single count of arson in a fire that caused extensive damage to St. John Church here on May 27. When parishioners gathered for Mass at nearby St. Anthony Church […]

East Moline deacon marks 25 years of following Mary’s ‘nudge’ to ministry

By: Jennifer Willems - May 25, 2021 - News Article

Deacon Jerry Buyck

EAST MOLINE — It was on a trip to Medjugorje in 1990 that Deacon Jerry Buyck heard the Blessed Mother invite him to be a permanent deacon. “No,” he said. His initial resistance didn’t survive a second trip, however. A native of East Moline, Deacon Buyck and his family were living in Horicon, Wisconsin, at […]

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