Archives
By: Jennifer Willems - January 31, 2019 -
News Article
artist, Bishop Jenky, Christmas card, Isabella Schmillen, Peoria, St. Mark
Isabella Schmillen of St. Mark School in Peoria holds her winning artwork that was chosen for the cover of the Christmas cards sent out by Bishop Daniel R. Jenky, CSC. On the back she wrote her own sentiment: "Never forget to always love God." (The Catholic Post/Jennifer Willems)
She may only be a fifth-grader at St. Mark School in Peoria, but Isabella Schmillen is no novice when it comes to art. Anyone who received a Christmas card from Bishop Daniel R. Jenky, CSC, has seen her drawing of the Nativity, which put Jesus, Mary and Joseph under a sky filled with gold stars. […]
Continue reading
By: Jennifer Willems - January 31, 2019 -
News Article
Father Logan Zeglis, Father Ronald Margherio, Olivia Smith, parable, St. Bede Academy, talents
Sophomore Logan Zeglis and senior Olivia Smith got creative and had fun with their projects. (Provided photo)
PERU — Making the Gospel come alive often leads to programs involving committees, meetings, and great sums of money. But could you do it with $20? That’s what Father Ronald Margherio, OSB, challenged eight students and two teachers at St. Bede Academy to do between Thanksgiving and the time they returned from Christmas break on […]
Continue reading
By: Jennifer Willems - January 31, 2019 -
News Article
Bloomington, Catholic radio, Catholic Spirit Radio, Normal, Pontiac, WPJC
The coverage map for Pontiac-based WPJC, 88.3 FM.
NORMAL — Catholic Spirit Radio of Bloomington-Normal, WSPI 89.5 FM, is undergoing network expansion. Public Reality Radio, WPJC, 88.3 FM was transferred to WSPI ownership on Nov. 30. The talk radio station in Pontiac was deeded to Catholic Spirit Radio by Goodrich Radio, which simulcasts its sister flagship station WPRR from Grand Rapids, Michigan. WPJC began broadcasting in […]
Continue reading
By: Jennifer Willems - January 31, 2019 -
Featured Article
Father Anthony Co, pastor, blesses the first Catholic Care Packs during a recent Mass at Sacred Heart Church in Rock Island. The new ministry to assist the homeless has drawn an enthusiastic response from people throughout the community. (Provided photo)
ROCK ISLAND — If anyone is able to see the big picture when it comes to homelessness, it may be Tim Ott, a deputy in the Rock Island County Sheriff’s Office. It’s hard not to see it as he drives throughout the community or visits with the inmates as he works court security. “When inmates […]
Continue reading
By: Jennifer Willems - January 18, 2019 -
Featured Article
Distinguished, Eileen Lohr, Msgr. Brian Brownsey, Pastor, principal, Randy Simmons, Teacher
Receiving recognition from the diocesan Office of Catholic Schools for 2018-2019 are, from left: Msgr. Brian Brownsey, pastor of St. Mark Parish in Peoria, Distinguished School Pastor of the Year; Eileen Lohr, longtime kindergarten teacher at St. Vincent de Paul School, Peoria, Distinguished Teacher of the Year; and Randy Simmons, principal of Peoria Notre Dame High School, Distinguished Principal of the Year.
“Distinguished” isn’t a title that sits easily with the pastor, principal and teacher being honored by the diocesan Office of Catholic Schools. In fact, each admitted to being surprised by the honor, which was announced in late December. “I’m humbled by it,” said Randy Simmons, who was named Distinguished Principal of the Year. He leads […]
Continue reading
By: Jennifer Willems - January 18, 2019 -
Uncategorized
Distinguished Teacher, Eileen Lohr, kindergarten, St. Vincent de Paul
Surrounded by her kindergarten class at St. Vincent de Paul School in Peoria, Eileen Lohr said the key to working with them is helping them believe they can do anything, in small steps. (The Catholic Post/Jennifer Willems)
When Eileen Lohr was first approached to teach kindergarten at St. Vincent de Paul School in Peoria, she was inclined to decline. “I had never taught kindergarten,” she told The Post. “I did a lot of volunteering and summer camps, but not kindergarten. I didn’t know if I could do it.” That was 21 years […]
Continue reading
By: Jennifer Willems - January 18, 2019 -
Uncategorized
Distinguished Principal, Peoria Notre Dame, Randy Simmons
Randy Simmons holds an impromptu meeting with John Alwan, Ben Ramsey, Sarah Rashid, Luke Carroll and Quinn Pallardy in his office at Peoria Notre Dame High School. "If you truly love what you do, really not work," he said. (The Catholic Post/Jennifer Willems)
In his “Leadership Development” class at Peoria Notre Dame, Randy Simmons tells the juniors and seniors, “You never have to work a day in your life if you’re passionate about what you do. The money comes and it goes, but if you truly love what you do, it’s really not work.” He speaks from experience. […]
Continue reading
By: Jennifer Willems - January 18, 2019 -
Uncategorized
Distinguished Pastor, Msgr. Brian Brownsey, Noreen Dillon, Peoria, St. Mark
While he doesn't get into the classroom as often as he'd like, Msgr. Brian Brownsey tries to get over to St. Mark School in Peoria a couple times during the week, even if it's just to walk through the cafeteria or see students on the playground. "When I go to school and see my kids, I get new life," he said. (Provided photo)
He might have been named the Distinguished School Pastor of the Year, but Msgr. Brian K. Brownsey, pastor of St. Mark Parish and School in Peoria, prefers to expand the spotlight. “I just did what everybody else does,” he said simply. “Our principal, Noreen Dillon, is top-notch. If there’s anything good at St. Mark’s, it’s […]
Continue reading
By: Jennifer Willems - January 18, 2019 -
Featured Article
Central Catholic, March for Life Chicago, Pro-life, St. Bede
Jacob Hopper, Kevin Ellis, Sam Menacher and Chase Stevens of the St. John Paul II Catholic Newman Center in Normal carry the banner for the Diocese of Peoria during March for Life Chicago on Jan. 13. It says, “Life Plays in Peoria.” (The Catholic Post/Jennifer Willems)
CHICAGO — Respect life advocates of all ages proved that it takes more than a snow storm to keep them from standing up for the unborn when they gathered for March for Life Chicago last Sunday. The enthusiastic rally in Federal Plaza and walk through downtown Chicago proceeded, despite the storm on Jan. 12 that […]
Continue reading
By: Jennifer Willems - January 10, 2019 -
News Article
Father Simon Taabu, Logan County Catholic Community, Love Repeated, Nancy Davis
Father Simon Taabu looks over some of medical equipment that was being prepared for shipping to Tanzania by Love Repeated, an organization he founded with Nancy Davis of the Logan County Catholic Community to assist the people of Tanzania through education, medical treatment, and development efforts. (Provided photo)
LINCOLN — He may be returning to his home Diocese of Rulenge-Ngara in Tanzania, but Father Simon Taabu has planted seeds in the Logan County Catholic Community that will continue to bear fruit for years to come through Love Repeated. The organization, founded in 2012 by Father Simon and Nancy Davis of Holy Family Parish […]
Continue reading
