The Catholic Post Category: Featured Article - Page 54

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 […]

Profiles of the three priests granted senior status after decades of service

By: Tom Dermody - July 1, 2020 - Featured Article

The three priests granted senior status early this summer by Bishop Daniel R. Jenky, CSC, have offered diverse service to the Diocese of Peoria — and beyond — during their combined 134 years of active priesthood. The Catholic Post interviewed Msgr. Steven P. Rohlfs, P.A., Father David Heinz, and Father Michael Pakula for profiles of […]

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 […]

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 […]

Pandemic, other intentions inspire priests’ Galesburg to Peoria “walking pilgrimage”

By: Tom Dermody - June 19, 2020 - Featured Article

Father Eric Bolek and Father Joe Baker walk down a country road during their four-day, 62-mile walk from Galesburg to Peoria at the start of June. (Provided photo)

“No pain, no gain.” Father Joe Baker repeated that phrase often as he and Father Eric Bolek hiked 62 miles on a walking spiritual pilgrimage between Galesburg and Peoria from June 1 to 4. The pain from the resulting blisters and muscle aches has proven to be temporary. The gain? Plentiful and likely long lasting. […]

3 to senior status in priest assignments announced by Bishop Jenky; full list here

By: The Catholic Post - June 18, 2020 - Featured Article

Fourteen priests of the Diocese of Peoria have received new assignments in clergy appointments announced this month by Bishop Daniel R. Jenky, CSC. Three priests were granted senior status. They include: Msgr. Steven P. Rohlfs, P.A., 70, a former vicar general and administrator of the Diocese of Peoria and rector emeritus of Mount St. Mary’s […]

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 […]

‘Happy day’ as transitional deacons ordained, Bishop-elect Tylka welcomed

By: Tom Dermody - June 14, 2020 - Featured Article

The newly ordained transitional deacons pose for a formal photo in the cathedral sanctuary following the June 14 Mass. From left are Coadjutor Bishop-elect Louis Tylka, Deacon Austin Bosse, Bishop Daniel R. Jenky, CSC, Deacon Nicolas Wilson, and Msgr. Philip Halfacre, vicar general. (The Catholic Post/Jennifer Willems)

Proclaiming it “a very happy day for our diocese,” Bishop Daniel R. Jenky, CSC, ordained seminarians Austin Bosse and Nicolas Wilson as transitional deacons during the first public Sunday liturgy in St. Mary’s Cathedral since the start of coronavirus pandemic restrictions in mid-March. “It’s good to be together,” said the bishop in welcoming remarks as […]

As churches reopen for Mass, first returnees say it is ‘wonderful’ to be back

By: Tom Dermody - June 9, 2020 - Featured Article

Wearing face coverings and in socially distanced pews, members of St. Michael the Archangel Parish in Streator take part in the 9 a.m. Mass on Sunday, June 7. Many churches in the Diocese of Peoria reopened for Masses last weekend, welcoming up to 25 percent of their seating capacity. (The Catholic Post/Tom Dermody)

STREATOR — “Wonderful” was the adjective of choice after Mass on Sunday when members of St. Michael the Archangel Parish here were asked how it felt to be back inside their church for the first time since coronavirus precautions closed it and others to the public almost three months ago. “To see people and to […]

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