The Catholic Post Author: Jennifer Willems - Page 31

‘Very rich rite’ filled with symbolism will be used to consecrate Bishop-elect Tylka

By: Jennifer Willems - July 17, 2020 - Featured Article

Archbishop Bernard A. Hebda of St. Paul and Minneapolis prays over Bishop Donald E. DeGrood during his episcopal ordination and installation Mass as the ninth bishop of Sioux Falls, South Dakota, at the Cathedral of St. Joseph in Sioux Falls Feb. 13, 2020. This is one of the moments to watch for when Bishop-elect Louis Tylka is ordained to serve as coadjutor bishop of the Diocese of Peoria on July 23. (CNS/Michael G. Brown Photography)

In normal circumstances, St. Mary’s Cathedral in Peoria would be bursting at the seams with people for the ordination of Coadjutor Bishop-elect Louis Tylka this Thursday, July 23. Nevertheless, the celebration will be filled with enough prayer, music and ancient ritual to provide a joyful welcome for the man who will one day be the […]

Sisters share how family, faith provide firm foundation for Bishop-elect Tylka

By: Jennifer Willems - July 17, 2020 - Featured Article Bishop Louis Tylka

Louis Tylka, the youngest child of Louis M. and Norma Tylka, is seen with his older sisters (clockwise from left) Brenda (BJ), Therese (Tésa), Patty, Mary Lou and Linda in this undated photo. (Tylka family photo)

Long before being a priest — let alone a bishop — was a thought in his mind, Coadjutor Bishop-elect Louis Tylka was playing church with his five older sisters, Linda, Brenda, Therese, Patty and Mary Lou, in the garage of their Hazel Crest home. The “host” was fashioned from Wonder Bread and they used a […]

Long-awaited welcomes begin for 285 in our diocese being received into church

By: Jennifer Willems - July 1, 2020 - Featured Article

Father Robert Lampitt, head chaplain at St. John’s Catholic Newman Center in Champaign, baptizes graduate student Yoo Kyung Go as sponsor Ellie Porath assists during a special Mass on June 27. Two more were baptized, confirmed and received Eucharist for the first time that morning, while arrangements were made to receive another 13 students later that day and over the summer. The Catholic Post/Jennifer Willems

It was a long time coming, but the 285 women, men and children chosen by God as his own are now being welcomed into the Catholic Church through the Easter sacraments at parishes around the Diocese of Peoria. Following guidelines regarding safety and social distancing, pastors are baptizing, confirming and giving Communion to people who […]

St. Julie Parish bids ‘Bishop Lou’ a loving farewell as he leaves for Peoria Diocese

By: Jennifer Willems - July 1, 2020 - Featured Article

"Papa Lou" Tylka shares a special moment with his son as he places a flower lei around his neck. The flowers represent a promise from the parishioners of St. Julie Billiart in Tinley Park to Bishop-elect Louis Tylka that they will continue to plant seeds of faith in his honor after he leaves to become Coadjutor Bishop of Peoria. (The Catholic Post/Jennifer Willems)

TINLEY PARK — With love and gratitude, members of St. Julie Billiart Parish said goodbye to Bishop-elect Louis Tylka, promising to continue the good work they had begun together. That affection was returned during the final Sunday Mass “Bishop Lou” celebrated there on June 28. “It has been a distinct honor and privilege of my […]

Four priests give thanks for blessings received during 25 years of priesthood

By: Jennifer Willems - June 26, 2020 - News Article

This year has been memorable for many reasons, including a global pandemic that changed everyone’s lives in ways no one could imagine. Despite everything, however, four priests of the Diocese of Peoria are giving thanks to God for blessings received during 25 years of priesthood. Father Patrick DeMeulemeester, Father Joseph Dondanville and Father John Verrier […]

Memorable moments abound for golden jubilarians Msgr. Beebe, Father Henderson

By: Jennifer Willems - June 25, 2020 - Featured Article

Golden jubilarians Father Donald Henderson and Msgr. Charles Beebe were honored with a drive-thru parade at St. Jude Church in Peoria on June 6. The celebration included honking horns, waves, smiles, signs and cards of congratulations. (The Catholic Post/Jennifer Willems)

As they look back on 50 years of ordained ministry, Msgr. Charles J. Beebe and Father Donald J. Henderson count numerous baptisms and weddings, as well as helping people prepare to “go home” to the Lord and then consoling their families as among the most memorable moments they’ve had. “All of those times were unbelievably […]

60 years of change, opportunities to serve for Fr. George Remm and Fr. Tom Royer

By: Jennifer Willems - June 18, 2020 - News Article

“Amazing changes” have taken place since Father George F. Remm and Father Thomas J. Royer were ordained by Bishop John B. Franz on May 29, 1960, at St. Mary’s Cathedral in Peoria. They embraced what the Second Vatican Council brought, however, and learned to adapt in ways that made for fruitful, fulfilling ministry for the […]

Sr. Susan Hutchens is elected prioress by Rock Island Benedictine community

By: Jennifer Willems - June 17, 2020 - Featured Article

Sister Susan Hutchens, OSB, the newly elected prioress of St. Mary Monastery in Rock Island, is a former teacher who has served the Benedictine community as treasurer and was president of the Federation of St. Benedict from 2009 to 2015. (Provided photo)

ROCK ISLAND — Sister Susan Hutchens, OSB, has succeeded Sister Sandra Brunenn, OSB, to become the 14th prioress of St. Mary Monastery in Rock Island. Her election took place on Sunday, June 14, after a long discernment process by the Benedictine community. Sister Kerry O’Reilly, OSB, president of the Federation of St. Benedict, was present […]

First Communions being celebrated again, and on the ‘perfect’ day at Morton parish

By: Jennifer Willems - June 17, 2020 - Featured Article

Leah Duffy receives her First Communion from Msgr. Gerald Ward as her happy parents Tim and Abi Duffy look on. Trying to catch a glimpse is big brother Beau, while little sister Cecilia watches intently. Leah was one of 35 children to celebrate the sacrament in two Masses last weekend at Blessed Sacrament in Morton. (The Catholic Post/Jennifer Willems)

MORTON — Telling them they all looked beautiful and handsome, Msgr. Gerald Ward welcomed 20 girls in white dresses and veils and boys in suits and ties to Blessed Sacrament Church as they received the Blessed Sacrament for the first time on June 13. He would offer the same welcome to 15 boys and girls […]

Rock Island artist Jill Rodts’ chalk creations are inspiring area parishioners

By: Jennifer Willems - June 8, 2020 - News Article

Jill Rodts, a member of St. Pius X Parish in Rock Island, is pictured with her chalk depiction of the Blessed Mother quietly meditating while holding her Son and a lamb. She told The Catholic Post this image was inspired after she received Holy Communion May 15 at St. Pius X Church. (Provided photo)

SILVIS — The Holy Spirit invited artist Jill Rodts to get creative during the COVID-19 pandemic and she responded by inspiring others with chalk art left on the sidewalks of Quad Cities churches and her own driveway. Among her latest creations, drawn at the invitation of Father Peter Zorjan, pastor of Our Lady of Guadalupe […]

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