The Catholic Post Author: Jennifer Willems - Page 37

Diocesan pilgrims brave elements to be among 9,000 at March for Life Chicago

By: Jennifer Willems - January 16, 2020 - Featured Article bus, March for Life Chicago, Newman Center, pilgrims, SCTJM, Sister Ana Pia Cordua

It was easy to pick out the pilgrims from the Diocese of Peoria among the 9,000 pro-life advocates in Daley Plaza in Chicago on Jan. 11. They were the ones letting everyone know that "Life Plays in Peoria" as March for Life Chicago began. (The Catholic Post/Jennifer Willems)

CHICAGO — It was a tough year for respect life advocates in Illinois, still mourning the passage of the Reproductive Health Act that made abortion a fundamental right in the state. That didn’t stop March for Life Chicago, however. Organizers moved this year’s event to a bigger venue. According to their estimates, 9,000 people from […]

God’s hand evident throughout 55 years of teaching for Sr. Janet Cassidy, OSB

By: Jennifer Willems - January 15, 2020 - News Article

For most of her 55 years in Catholic education, Sister Janet Cassidy, OSB, taught first and second grade. Now she serves as the math interventionist at Seton Catholic School in Moline. "My life has been blessed," she said. (The Catholic Post/Jennifer Willems)

MOLINE — When Sister Janet Cassidy entered the Benedictine community at St. Mary’s Monastery in Nauvoo, she was willing to do whatever was asked of her. She just wanted to be a Sister. “I did not intend to become a teacher. They must have seen something in me that I did not see in myself,” […]

Creative models to support, deliver Catholic education are being sought

By: Jennifer Willems - January 15, 2020 - Featured Article

Students from Corpus Christi Catholic School in Bloomington walk hand-in-hand in this file photo. (The Catholic Post/Jennifer Willems)

Catholic schools across the Diocese of Peoria have strong support from their pastors, who see them as a mission of the parish. At the same time, the priests have expressed a desire for the Office of Catholic Schools to be “creative” in planning for the future, according to Dr. Sharon Weiss, superintendent. “They all believe […]

A list of Catholic Schools Week activities planned across diocese Jan. 26 to Feb. 1

By: Jennifer Willems - January 15, 2020 - News Article

Following is a listing of opportunities to visit Catholic schools around the Diocese of Peoria during Catholic Schools Week, Jan. 26 to Feb. 1. This list was compiled from schedules sent to The Catholic Post and will be updated as new information is received. For more information, visit the website included at the end of […]

Broadway-bound musical on St. Francis coming to Holy Family, Peoria, on Feb. 1

By: Jennifer Willems - January 15, 2020 - News Article

Will St. Francis of Assisi “play in Peoria”? Author, actor and composer James Twyman will find out when he brings his Broadway-bound musical, “Brother Sun, Sister Moon,” to his home parish, Holy Family, as he makes his way to New York City. The one-man musical based on the life of the beloved saint will be […]

Newly ordained Father Kevin Stolt, IVE, grateful for example of Galesburg priests

By: Jennifer Willems - December 31, 2019 - Featured Article Father Bill Miller, Father Kevin Stolt, Galesburg, IVE, James and Dr. Susan Stolt, Msgr. Ernie Pizzamiglio, ordination, priesthood

Father Kevin Stolt, IVE, celebrates his first Mass at St. John Baptist de la Salle Church in Chillum, Maryland, on Dec. 13. (Provided photo)

GALESBURG — It wasn’t in big ways that Father Kevin Stolt, IVE, realized God was calling him to priestly ministry. Rather, it was by staying focused on God’s will in the little things of everyday life, and he couldn’t happier. “I feel a great joy and a peace in my heart, to share in the […]

Catholic schools prepare for Christmas: prayer, service projects, plays, concerts

By: Jennifer Willems - December 19, 2019 - News Article

Surrounded by the Whos, Grinch Isaac Kidder prepares to carve the roast beast in a production of "How the Grinch Found Christ in Christmas" presented by St. Mary School in Metamora. It was one of many plays and concerts offered by Catholic schools around the Diocese of Peoria this year. (Provided photo)

As it turns out, the Grinch didn’t dislike Christmas at all, but was upset about how hypocritical people were about it. At least that’s the approach the students at St. Mary School in Metamora took when they presented “How the Grinch Found Christ in Christmas” on Dec. 16. The Metamora school was one of many […]

It’s the season of giving (back) for these women in Grand Ridge and East Moline

By: Jennifer Willems - December 19, 2019 - News Article

Nympha White of Grand Ridge has worked on Cross Catholic Outreach's Box of Joy project for two years. (The Catholic Post/Jennifer Willems)

FROM ‘BOX OF JOY’ TO ‘SIMBANG GABI’ GRAND RIDGE — Giving thanks to God is all part of giving back for Nympha White, a member of St. Columba Church in Ottawa who also serves on the board of the Peoria Diocesan Council of Catholic Women. As the PDCCW’s chair of international concerns, she has worked […]

10,208 students are enrolled this year at Catholic schools in the Diocese of Peoria

By: Jennifer Willems - December 19, 2019 - Featured Article Carroll Catholic School, Catholic schools, Dr. Sharon Weiss, enrollment, Holy Cross School, Jerry Sanderson, Lincoln, Mendota

Anna Sheley, Kinzley Bolen, Zoey Steinberg and Jase Bone, kindergartners at Carroll Catholic School in Lincoln, hold a sign welcoming the Priests Pedaling for Prayers in October. Meanwhile, the welcome mat that has been out for prospective students at the school has made this Carroll Catholic's largest kindergarten class since 2000. (The Catholic Post/Jennifer Willems)

Mirroring the national trend in Catholic school enrollment, the number of students in the 43 elementary and secondary Catholic schools and academies located in the Diocese of Peoria has declined from 10,488 in 2018-2019 to 10,208 this year. The loss of 280 students represents a decline of 2.7 percent, according to Jerry Sanderson, associate superintendent […]

Taryn Watkins is consecrated to Christ in the Order of Virgins at cathedral rite

By: Jennifer Willems - December 19, 2019 - Featured Article consecrated virgin, Peoria, St. Philomena, Taryn Watkins

Kneeling before Bishop Daniel R. Jenky, CSC, Taryn Watkins states her intention to follow Christ "in a life of perfect chastity." With them are priests who played a role in her discernment and formation as a consecrated virgin. (The Catholic Post/Jennifer Willems)

Declaring her resolve “to follow Christ in a life of perfect chastity,” Taryn Watkins was consecrated to the Order of Virgins by Bishop Daniel R. Jenky, CSC, on Dec. 8. The ritual took place during the 10:30 a.m. Mass at St. Mary’s Cathedral in Peoria. The bishop said that with her consecration, Watkins would be […]

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