Karley Bates
Karley Bates, a native of Galesburg and now a member of St. Jude Parish in Peoria, has joined the diocesan Office of Evangelization and Faith Formation as programs coordinator. “We’re excited to have Karley on board,” said Shirley Plaag, director. “She’s extremely enthusiastic about working here.” Bates, a product of Costa Catholic Academy in Galesburg […]
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Cecilia Soñé
The answer to what St. John Paul II and others have called the “culture of death” can be found in the Diocese of Peoria, according to the new Director of Respect Life. “We have a response here and we have the providers — health care, psychological, and spiritual,” said Cecilia Soñé. “It’s just a matter […]
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Sister Isabel Romero, SCTJM
Asked what non-Spanish speaking Catholics of the Diocese of Peoria should know about the region’s growing Hispanic population, Sister Isabel Romero, SCJTM, had a ready reply: “We are more than what you think we are,” said the diocese’s new Director of Hispanic Ministry, pointing to a recent census that puts the figure at 50,000 — […]
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Shirley Plaag
In today’s fast-paced, changing culture, the best method of leading souls to heaven remains the one demonstrated by Jesus 2,000 years ago. “The beauty of it is we don’t have to reinvent the wheel,” said Shirley Plaag, the Diocese of Peoria’s new Director of Evangelization and Faith Formation. Jesus made disciples, said Plaag, by proclaiming […]
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Joey King and Mitchell Slaggert star in a scene from the movie "Wish Upon." The Catholic News Service classification is A-III -- adults. (CNS/Broad Green Pictures)
By Catholic News Service Low-budget Faustian fable has a teen girl (Joey King) coming into ownership of a Chinese “wish box” that can grant her seven wishes, enabling all her dreams of wealth and popularity to come true — but at the price of grisly deaths for all the friends and relatives she holds dear. […]
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(CNS file/Gregory A. Shemitz)
(John 10:16) I have other sheep that are not of this fold. These also I must lead. They will hear my voice. There will be. . . One Flock, One Shepherd. Leader: Let us pray for the return of friends, family, and others who have fallen away from our Catholic faith. Litany of the […]
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The Diocese of Peoria continues to gather feedback about a potential capital campaign, but those wishing to review the plans being considered and make their voices heard via an online survey are asked to do so by a deadline of Wednesday, July 19. “I think people will find this task a valuable use of their […]
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During a vigil service on May 26, the eve of Father Lee Brokaw's ordination to the priesthood, Bishop Daniel R. Jenky, CSC, consecrates the chalice the new priest will use at his Masses. (The Catholic Post/Jennifer Willems)
While he completed his studies for the priesthood at Mount St. Mary Seminary in Emmitsburg, Maryland, Father Lee Brokaw served as a deacon at St. Benedict Parish in Baltimore. Not only did he gain experience he needed for his priestly ministry there, but he found the chalice and paten to use at the Masses that […]
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Father Patrick Riordan is pictured outside St. Patrick Church in Tolono. Since 2013, he has also served as pastor of St. Joseph, Ivesdale. (The Catholic Post/Tom Dermody)
TOLONO — A casual retracing of Father Patrick Riordan’s career path would indicate he began as a teacher and then took a new road into seminary and the priesthood. A conversation with the Streator native, who at age 70 is being granted senior status effective June 14, clarifies it was a case of paths merging. […]
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Msgr. James Ramer stands outside Our Lady of the Lake Church in Mahomet, where he has served as pastor for seven years. (The Catholic Post/Tom Dermody)
MAHOMET — As a pastor and throughout his 31 years of priestly life, Msgr. James Ramer has tried to be a good listener. “I like to listen to what people have to say,” he told The Catholic Post last week from his office at Our Lady of the Lake Parish here, “then try to make […]
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