Thirty-five priests and deacons gathered last Thursday at the Spalding Pastoral Center in Peoria to learn ways to be effective mediators of Christ’s love and healing for women and men who suffer from post-abortion trauma. “Make us instruments of your peace and witnesses of your love, especially for those who carry the cross of abortion,” […]
Continue readingCatholic students who took part in “Catholics at the Capitol” last Wednesday in Springfield had the chance to stand for their faith and their church in the halls of our state government. But for 27 junior high students from Holy Cross School in Mendota, the day was also a “vocations adventure” that culminated in a […]
Continue readingPRINCETON — Sister Anne Germaine Picard, SMP, was about 13 when she read about St. Joan of Arc and the story of the young “maid of Orleans” had a profound impact on her life. “I had in my heart a desire to be a soldier for Christ and to fight for the faith,” she recalled. […]
Continue readingANNAWAN — Cradled in the love and prayers of her family and her parish since before she was born, 10-month-old Katelyn Hope DeRycke will once again receive the support of her parish next weekend when a benefit raises money to help pay her rising medical expenses. Katelyn, daughter of Adam and Hope DeRycke, members of […]
Continue readingPHILO — Though summer break is still three months away, the community of St. Thomas School is looking ahead to important changes next fall that will address the challenges of rising costs and declining student enrollment. The changes are part of a new strategic plan that includes a restructuring of classrooms, reducing the number of […]
Continue readingOne of the greatest sources of power that Father Patrick DeMeulemeester has encountered in his life has nothing to do with nuclear weapons systems or high political office. It is the rosary and he credits the devotion not only for his vocation but for the very survival of his family in Belgium during World War […]
Continue readingHer life hasn’t always been easy, but Kimberly A. Padan chooses to side with the author of the first letter of Peter, who encouraged the Christians in Asia Minor by saying, “Always be ready to give an explanation to anyone who asks you for a reason for your hope.” For nearly an hour she did […]
Continue readingSPRINGFIELD — They weren’t in school, but Cardinal Francis George of Chicago told the 3,500 students from 180 Catholic schools around the state that their presence in the Capitol rotunda made it a school day. Included in that number were 900 students from 39 of the 48 schools across the Diocese of Peoria. The rally […]
Continue readingIn ceremonies that twice filled St. Mary’s Cathedral in Peoria on Sunday, about 375 men, women and children from across the diocese began the final phase of their preparation for the Easter sacraments. “We are blessed and proud to walk with you,” said Bishop Daniel R. Jenky, CSC, to the candidates and catechumens as well […]
Continue readingCHAMPAIGN — It’s not the usual Lenten sacrifice. This Lent, Jimmy Becker and Mike Schafer, two students from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, have decided to give up their spring break. While other college students are enjoying themselves at the beach or visiting their families back home, Becker and Schafer, both avid bicyclists, will […]
Continue reading
