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By: Jennifer Willems - April 17, 2019 -
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Sister Salve Tusing, FAS, (left) and Sister Merlinda Marco, FAS, hold just a few of the 230 sets of holy oils that were distributed to the priests after the Chrism Mass. These oils will be used in sacramental anointing at parishes around the Diocese of Peoria this year. (The Catholic Post/Jennifer Willems)
Each year as the Chrism Mass ends, the priests of the Diocese of Peoria receive sets of the newly blessed oils to use in sacramental anointing in their parishes over the next year. What many people don’t know is that those oils are bottled, labeled and placed in individual bags by a small group of […]
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By: The Catholic Post - March 28, 2019 -
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Children's ADA, Debbie Benz, Priests pedaling for prayers, vocations
The sight of three bicycling young priests energized school communities around the Diocese of Peoria the last two springs. This year, young Catholics will have a chance to support the Priests Pedaling for Prayers in a new way even before the ride begins. The pedaling priests are one of three vocations programs that will benefit […]
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By: Jennifer Willems - March 27, 2019 -
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SPRINGFIELD — After visiting their state legislators, those who attended Life Advocacy Day on March 20 joined more than 3,000 other pro-life advocates to raise their voices in opposition to extreme abortion legislation being considered in the Illinois General Assembly. The theme for the rally, sponsored by Illinois Right to Life Action, the Pro-Life Action […]
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By: The Catholic Post - March 20, 2019 -
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Albina Aspell, 91, former editor and publisher of The Catholic Post, newspaper of the Diocese of Peoria. (The Catholic Post/Tom Dermody)
By Albina Aspell EDITOR’S NOTE: Now 91, Albina Aspell was on the staff of The Catholic Post for 21 years, becoming its first lay editor in 1982 and first lay publisher 10 years later. She is a pioneer for women in the Catholic press, a past president of the Catholic Press Association of the United […]
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By: Jennifer Willems - February 27, 2019 -
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Bishop Jenky, Father Kyle Lucas, grief, Peoria Notre Dame, Randy Simmons, Sister Sara Kowal
In the week between Randy Simmons' Feb. 19 death and Feb. 26 funeral, students at Peoria Notre Dame High School found creative ways to support and encourage one another, and pay tribute to their beloved principal. (Provided photo)
The morning after his death, Randy Simmons was remembered during an all-school Mass at Peoria Notre Dame High School, where he had served as principal for six years. Bishop Daniel R. Jenky, CSC, was the main celebrant for the liturgy and in his homily he called Simmons “a gifted educator” and man of strong faith. […]
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By: The Catholic Post - February 20, 2019 -
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Bishop Jenky homily, Mass, Peoria Notre Dame, Randy Simmons
Bishop Daniel R. Jenky, CSC, joined the Peoria Notre Dame High School community Feb. 20 to offer a Mass in remembrance of principal Randy Simmons, who died unexpectedly on Feb. 19. Many of the priests from Peoria-area parishes concelebrated and provided spiritual support and comfort to the students after the liturgy. (The Catholic Post/Jennifer Willems)
EDITOR’S NOTE: The Peoria Notre Dame High School community gathered Feb. 20 for a rosary and Mass to remember principal Randy Simmons, who died unexpectedly at home the previous day at the age of 61. (See related stories here.) Bishop Daniel R. Jenky, CSC, was the main celebrant for the all-school Mass, which was offered […]
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By: The Catholic Post - February 19, 2019 -
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Father Ronald Dodd
EDITOR’S NOTE: Following is a transcription of the homily at the funeral Mass for Father Ronald Dodd. The Mass was celebrated at St. Bernard Church in Peoria on Feb. 19, and the homilist was Father Adam Cesarek, parochial vicar of parishes in Pontiac, Flanagan, Chenoa, and Lexington. Father Dodd’s obituary is found here. — Dear […]
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By: Jennifer Willems - January 18, 2019 -
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Distinguished Teacher, Eileen Lohr, kindergarten, St. Vincent de Paul
Surrounded by her kindergarten class at St. Vincent de Paul School in Peoria, Eileen Lohr said the key to working with them is helping them believe they can do anything, in small steps. (The Catholic Post/Jennifer Willems)
When Eileen Lohr was first approached to teach kindergarten at St. Vincent de Paul School in Peoria, she was inclined to decline. “I had never taught kindergarten,” she told The Post. “I did a lot of volunteering and summer camps, but not kindergarten. I didn’t know if I could do it.” That was 21 years […]
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By: Jennifer Willems - January 18, 2019 -
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Distinguished Principal, Peoria Notre Dame, Randy Simmons
Randy Simmons holds an impromptu meeting with John Alwan, Ben Ramsey, Sarah Rashid, Luke Carroll and Quinn Pallardy in his office at Peoria Notre Dame High School. "If you truly love what you do, really not work," he said. (The Catholic Post/Jennifer Willems)
In his “Leadership Development” class at Peoria Notre Dame, Randy Simmons tells the juniors and seniors, “You never have to work a day in your life if you’re passionate about what you do. The money comes and it goes, but if you truly love what you do, it’s really not work.” He speaks from experience. […]
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By: Jennifer Willems - January 18, 2019 -
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Distinguished Pastor, Msgr. Brian Brownsey, Noreen Dillon, Peoria, St. Mark
While he doesn't get into the classroom as often as he'd like, Msgr. Brian Brownsey tries to get over to St. Mark School in Peoria a couple times during the week, even if it's just to walk through the cafeteria or see students on the playground. "When I go to school and see my kids, I get new life," he said. (Provided photo)
He might have been named the Distinguished School Pastor of the Year, but Msgr. Brian K. Brownsey, pastor of St. Mark Parish and School in Peoria, prefers to expand the spotlight. “I just did what everybody else does,” he said simply. “Our principal, Noreen Dillon, is top-notch. If there’s anything good at St. Mark’s, it’s […]
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