By: Tom Dermody - March 12, 2020 -
News Article
Christmas Club, Delia Sheen, Fulton Sheen, memorial Masses, Msgr. Brian Brownsey, Newton Sheen
Msgr. Brian Brownsey, pastor of St. Mark Parish in Peoria, stands at the church’s high altar. He is now referring to it as “the Sheen Altar” because Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen celebrated several Masses on it, including the funeral liturgies for his parents in 1943 and 1944. (The Catholic Post/Tom Dermody)
Seventy-seven years ago, Msgr. Fulton Sheen offered the funeral Mass for his mother, Delia, at St. Mark Church in Peoria. On Saturday, March 28 — the anniversary of her death — Mrs. Sheen will be the intention when the 8 a.m. Mass at St. Mark is offered on the same altar. Doing so is a […]
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By: Jennifer Willems - May 23, 2019 -
Featured Article
Catholic schools, Dr. Sharon Weiss, Eileen Lohr, Father Kyle Lucas, Msgr. Brian Brownsey, Patti Simmons, Randy Simmons
Patti Simmons hugs Father Kyle Lucas after the chaplain's emotional tribute to her husband, Randy Simmons, who was honored posthumously as the 2019 Distinguished Principal of the Year. (The Catholic Post/Jennifer Willems)
When it comes to leaving a legacy, perhaps there is none better than “to let Jesus Christ be known and loved,” and that’s how the principals and pastors of schools around the Diocese of Peoria remembered a dear friend and colleague gone too soon. “I think Randy Simmons’ legacy is that you go to Peoria […]
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By: Jennifer Willems - January 18, 2019 -
Featured Article
Distinguished, Eileen Lohr, Msgr. Brian Brownsey, Pastor, principal, Randy Simmons, Teacher
Receiving recognition from the diocesan Office of Catholic Schools for 2018-2019 are, from left: Msgr. Brian Brownsey, pastor of St. Mark Parish in Peoria, Distinguished School Pastor of the Year; Eileen Lohr, longtime kindergarten teacher at St. Vincent de Paul School, Peoria, Distinguished Teacher of the Year; and Randy Simmons, principal of Peoria Notre Dame High School, Distinguished Principal of the Year.
“Distinguished” isn’t a title that sits easily with the pastor, principal and teacher being honored by the diocesan Office of Catholic Schools. In fact, each admitted to being surprised by the honor, which was announced in late December. “I’m humbled by it,” said Randy Simmons, who was named Distinguished Principal of the Year. He leads […]
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By: Jennifer Willems - January 18, 2019 -
Uncategorized
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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