GALESBURG — “Go forward with a new enthusiasm for the priesthood.” That challenge, issued Tuesday by actor Leonardo Defilippis from the stage of Brophy Auditorium at Costa Catholic Academy, was embraced by hundreds who saw his dramatic portrayal of St. John Vianney at five regional performances in the Diocese of Peoria this week. After receiving […]
Continue readingROCK ISLAND — Second-grade students at Jordan Catholic School here got a very practical education on the sacrament of baptism last Friday when they witnessed three of their classmates receiving it. “There is a lot of love and support here for you,” Father Michael Schaab told the newly baptized students, who stood with their parents […]
Continue readingBradley University female students leaving a program earlier this month called “Sex Ed Bingo” were greeted by more than two dozen male students handing out flowers bearing a Bible verse and the message “You’re worth waiting for.” The students waiting outside the Markin Center represented the St. Joseph’s Catholic Newman Center, the newly formed Guardian […]
Continue readingBLOOMINGTON — If timing is everything, then this is obviously Bill Wielander’s year to finish what was started for him at a baptismal font in suburban Chicago four decades ago. Part of the RCIA process at St. Mary’s Church here, he will be confirmed and receive the Eucharist for the first time at the Easter […]
Continue readingLike at their wedding in the same church 62 years ago, Bob and Marcella Lindley of Farmington faced one another last Saturday, joined hands, and made promises to one another and God. This time, however, the Lindleys were not the sole focus of attention. They were joined at St. Mary’s Cathedral in Peoria by hundreds […]
Continue readingCHAMPAIGN — After two hours of debate between Christian and atheist authors on the topic of “Does the Christian God exist?” Dr. Kenneth Howell declared a winner: the 1,200 who attended Feb. 9 at Foellinger Auditorium on the campus of the University of Illinois. “Our hope is that you’ve been stimulated to think,” said Dr. […]
Continue readingWESTVILLE — “With a heavy heart,” the pastor of St. Mary’s Parish in Westville has announced that the parish’s Catholic grade school will close at the conclusion of the current academic year. “St. Mary’s Grade School will be closed at the end of May 2010 after 100 years of service to the parishioners and people […]
Continue readingROCK ISLAND — Jordan Catholic School’s capital campaign, “Shaping the Future,” seems to be moving in only one direction — forward, and at full speed. Launched last fall, the campaign has raised $1.5 million of its $2.6 million goal and bids on Phase I are expected back by Feb. 22, according to Janine Parr, director […]
Continue readingA live, theatrical one-man drama based on the life of St. John Vianney, the patron saint of all priests, will be performed at five locations in the Diocese of Peoria during the week of Feb. 22-26. Featuring veteran actor Leonardo Defilippis, “Vianney” is touring the U.S. as part of the worldwide celebration of the Year […]
Continue readingSara and Jared Woiwode aren’t making any big plans for Valentine’s Day this weekend. Everything they needed to say to one another about love they said in front of 250 members of their family and friends at St. Mary’s Cathedral two weeks ago when they got married. “We’re actually going to be babysitting some of […]
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