Archives

Seminarian Justin Ramza to be ordained transitional deacon in Streator Dec. 16

Justin Ramza

STREATOR — Bishop Louis Tylka will ordain seminarian Justin Ramza to the transitional diaconate during a 10:30 a.m. Mass on Saturday, Dec. 16, at St. Michael the Archangel Parish, 407 S. Park St. in Streator. The public is invited to the ordination, but seating is limited and tickets are required. Tickets may be obtained online […]

Continue reading

Nine churches will host ‘Simbang Gabi’ pre-Christmas novena of Masses Dec. 14-22

Catholics hold up "parols," or Christmas lanterns, for blessing during a “Simbang Gabi” Mass in Seattle. The novena of pre-Christmas Masses, popular among Filipinos, will be hosted by nine Peoria-area churches Dec. 14-22. (CNS file photo)

One of the oldest and most revered pre-Christmas traditions in the Philippines, “Simbang Gabi,” will be observed in nine parishes of the Diocese of Peoria from Dec. 14-22. “Simbang Gabi” is Filipino for “Night Mass,” and the 2023 observance — coordinated by the Filipino-American Catholic Community — will include a novena of nine evening Masses […]

Continue reading

Full text of Bishop Tylka’s homily at dedication of St. Jude Church, Peoria

"This space will be a place where many lives are changed," said Bishop Tylka at the Dedication Mass for the new St. Jude Church in Peoria, "because here we will always remember that it is all about Jesus, and allowing him to do the necessary work in making us his disciples." (The Catholic Post/Tom Dermody)

EDITOR’S NOTE: Following is a transcript of the homily by Bishop Louis Tylka at the Dedication Mass for the new St. Jude Church in Peoria. The Mass was celebrated on the evening of Nov. 29, and our story is found here. — This is awesome! Take a moment and look around. Look what has been […]

Continue reading

750 Nativity scenes, including cathedral’s, will be on display at Peoria-area festival

This is just a section of the historic Nativity scene from St. Mary's Cathedral in Peoria. It will be among more than 750 Nativities on display at the Peoria Area Community Festival of Nativities Nov. 30 to Dec. 3.

“O Holy Night” is the theme of the 2023 Peoria Area Community Festival of the Nativities, which will feature more than 750 manger scene depictions from around the world. It also celebrates the 800th anniversary of the first crèche exhibit by St. Francis of Assisi. The display will be available for viewing on four days […]

Continue reading

Pope Francis cancels Dec. 1-3 Dubai trip, but Vatican says his health is improving

Pope Francis gives his blessing to people gathered in St. Peter's Square at the Vatican and watching a livestream of the midday Angelus prayer on Nov. 26. The pope did not go to his window overlooking the square because, he said, he had a "problem with inflammation of my lungs." (CNS/Vatican Media)

VATICAN CITY (CNS) — “With great regret,” Pope Francis has accepted his doctors’ advice to not travel to Dubai, United Arab Emirates, Dec. 1-3 and is looking at alternative ways the Vatican can participate in the U.N. Climate Change Conference, the director of the Vatican press office said. The pope was scheduled to be among […]

Continue reading

A daily December saintly journey

Cause of Our Joy / By Katie Faley I really enjoyed doing a mini-retreat through the month of October. So, if you’d like, follow along with me through December on another small daily spiritual journey. (Click here for a printable, one-page PDF of this calendar.) DEC 1: ST. EDMUND CAMPION He converted to Catholicism after […]

Continue reading

‘Body of Christ’ at Champaign parish unites in Thanksgiving Basket Ministry

The Thanksgiving Basket Ministry of St. Matthew Parish in Champaign on Nov. 18 delivered nearly 240 baskets brimming with Thanksgiving dinner fixings and more to families struggling with food insecurity in the Champaign-Urbana area. Here, baskets dropped off near the church await delivery. (Provided photo/Sarah Budden)

By Paul Thomas Moore CHAMPAIGN — There are Thanksgiving baskets, and then there are Thanksgiving baskets. Since 2021, the Thanksgiving Basket Ministry at St. Matthew Parish here has specialized in the latter variety. “Basket” is really the polite term for these 18-gallon bins, which include 27 items for creating a Thanksgiving meal, as well as […]

Continue reading

Local author Katie Bogner guides children through Advent and Christmas

Author Katie Bogner holds her just-released book, “All about Advent and Christmas.” (Provided photo)

Parents, catechists, and teachers have a new resource to help guide children through Advent and Christmas, thanks to a local author. “All about Advent and Christmas: Sharing the Seasons of Hope and Wonder with Children” is the title of a just-released book by Katherine (Katie) Bogner, junior high faith formation teacher at St. Philomena School […]

Continue reading

A reminder that only one King matters

Deacon Greg Kandra

Living the Word / By Deacon Greg Kandra Solemnity of Jesus Christ, King of the Universe, Nov. 26 Ezekiel 43:11-12, 15-17; Psalms 23:1-2, 2-3, 5-6; 1 Corinthians 15:20-26, 28; Matthew 25:31-46 Are we here already? Suddenly, we find ourselves at the end of the liturgical year, gazing down the road toward Advent and Christmas (!) […]

Continue reading

Disappointment, resolve after inaction ends tax credit scholarship program

Students, staff, and families from Central Catholic High School in Bloomington were among many who traveled to Springfield to urge the Illinois General Assembly to continue the Invest in Kids Act, providing donor-funded scholarships for families that otherwise might not be able to afford private school tuition. The Central Catholic contingent is pictured at the State Capitol on Nov. 7. (Photo from Central Catholic's Facebook page)

By Paul Thomas Moore Lawmakers failed to extend the Invest in Kids Act tax credit scholarship program during the recent fall veto sessions of the Illinois Legislature ending Nov. 9, but proponents say the fight is not over. More than 9,500 Illinois children of low-income families receive tuition support through the Invest in Kids program, […]

Continue reading
SPALDING PASTORAL CENTER | 419 NE MADISON AVENUE | PEORIA, IL 61603 | PHONE (309) 671-1550 | FAX (309) 671-1595
© Copyright 2025 - The Catholic Post || All Rights Reserved || Design by TBare.com