The Catholic Post Author: Jennifer Willems - Page 7

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 […]

Vandals damage Peoria church windows; donations welcomed to assist repairs

By: Jennifer Willems - June 4, 2020 - News Article

This detail shows where one of the rocks thrown by vandals on May 25 broke the stained glass window at St. Joseph Church in Peoria. (Provided photo)

Windows depicting the Queenship of Mary and the Assumption of Mary were damaged over Memorial Day at St. Joseph Church in Peoria. Father Alexander Millar, pastor, said large rocks were thrown through the protective glass and two of the panes, perhaps with a slingshot. Police estimated the damage at $15,000. Bids are being taken to […]

500 attend outdoor Pentecost Mass at Costa Catholic Academy in Galesburg

By: Jennifer Willems - June 4, 2020 - Featured Article

Jessica and Marcos Sanchez and their children and goddaughters pray the rosary, led by Father William Miller, pastor, before the Pentecost Mass on the lawn of Costa Catholic Academy in Galesburg. They were one of many family groups from the Galesburg Catholic Community at the May 31 liturgy. (The Catholic Post/Jennifer Willems)

GALESBURG — For the first time in 10 weeks, people from throughout the Galesburg Catholic Community came together for Mass on May 31 and it seemed to be the Holy Spirit’s own timing that made it possible. More than 500 people walked in, rolled in by strollers and walkers, rode in on bicycles, and drove […]

Churches reopen for private prayer; public Masses resume on June 6, with limits

By: Jennifer Willems - May 29, 2020 - Featured Article

Two people take a few moments for private prayer in the chapel of St. Thomas the Apostle Church in Peoria Heights on May 29. The Diocese of Peoria entered Phase IA of the plan to reopen churches, which allows for private prayer and adoration for 10 or fewer people, on Friday, and then announced that public Masses could resume on June 6. (The Catholic Post/Jennifer Willems)

Just as parishes were opening their doors to people for private prayer and adoration on May 29, it was announced that Bishop Daniel R. Jenky, CSC, had given permission for public Masses to resume on Saturday, June 6. The Masses that weekend celebrate the Solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity. Each church must be certified […]

‘My flock is here’: Pastor celebrates Mass from truck bed in Granville, Hennepin

By: Jennifer Willems - May 26, 2020 - Featured Article

Rejoicing that "my flock is here," Father Patrick DeMeulemeester welcomes parishioners to an outdoor Mass at Sacred Heart in Granville in May 24. He celebrated Mass in the parking lot of St. Patrick in Hennepin earlier that morning. (The Catholic Post/Jennifer Willems)

GRANVILLE — Three days before his 25th anniversary of ordination, Father Patrick DeMeulemeester got a wonderful gift when he was able to celebrate Mass with his parishioners for the first time in two months. The liturgies took place in the parking lots of St. Patrick in Hennepin and Sacred Heart in Granville on May 24. […]

Seminarians excited that ordination date as transitional deacons now set: June 14

By: Jennifer Willems - May 22, 2020 - Featured Article

Diocese of Peoria seminarians Austin Bosse, left, and Nicolas Wilson had anticipated being ordained as transitional deacons on May 17. The ordination, delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, will now take place June 14.

Details are still being worked out, but one thing is certain: seminarians Austin Bosse and Nic Wilson will be ordained transitional deacons for the Diocese of Peoria on Sunday, June 14. Bishop Daniel R. Jenky, CSC, will preside at the 10:30 a.m. Mass at St. Mary’s Cathedral in Peoria. There is no word yet on […]

‘Totus Tuus’ summer youth program plans to offer its teaching content online

By: Jennifer Willems - May 20, 2020 - News Article

Totus Tuus participants take part in an exercise of trust led by team member Jacob Martini in this 2017 file photo from St. Patrick Church of Merna in Bloomington.

People who were sad to hear that Totus Tuus, the popular, parish-based faith formation program for children and teens, might not be able to take place this summer can rejoice. While the weeklong sessions with Totus Tuus missionaries and teachers is not possible due to COVID-19 restrictions on large gatherings, Father Timothy Hepner and Amy […]

Despite circumstances, Class of 2020 grads are making memories and feeling loved

By: Jennifer Willems - May 20, 2020 - Featured Article

The 2020 graduates of Peru Catholic School, socially distanced and wearing specially made PSC masks that match their maroon graduation robes, pose with Peru Mayor Scott Harl on the steps of the Peru Municipal Building. The major invited graduate representatives from Peru schools to come for photographs and the enitre Peru Catholic 8th grade class obliged. (Provided photo)

They might not have been able to gather at their schools for honors assemblies, Baccalaureate Masses and graduation ceremonies as originally planned, but members of the Class of 2020 ended the academic year knowing they were loved and would be remembered. “You have done many great things, but these are not the best four years […]

The wait is over: Bishop allows parishes to offer Communion outside churches

By: Jennifer Willems - May 14, 2020 - Featured Article

Father Jeffrey Stirniman, pastor, places the Blessed Sacrament in the hands of Connie Ley outside Historic St. Patrick Church in Bloomington on May 13. Bishop Daniel R. Jenky, CSC, is permitting parishes to make Communion available to the faithful until Masses are able to resume. (The Catholic Post/Jennifer Willems)

BLOOMINGTON — When Feli Sebastian heard that Communion would be distributed at Historic St. Patrick Church for the first time since March 14, she put on her coat and got in the car. “Two months I’ve waited. There’s no delay,” she told The Catholic Post after receiving the Eucharist and spending a long time in […]

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