Women across diocese honored at annual Mass

By DIANE SCHLINDWEIN

Managing Editor

On Saturday, June 24 dozens of women from across the Diocese of Springfield in Illinois were honored at the annual Our Lady of Good Counsel Women of Distinction Award Celebration. The  day included Mass at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, followed by an awards banquet, both hosted by the Springfield Diocesan Council of Catholic Women (SDCCW).

Every year parishes in our diocese are invited to choose one woman to represent all the outstanding women in their parish, and then at Mass they are acknowledged and receive their award. Bishop Thomas John Paprocki was the main celebrant at the Mass and presented the awards. Concelebrants were Father Allen Kemme, pastor of Little Flower Parish in Springfield and spiritual advisor for the SDCCW, along with a number of parish priests. 

The celebration also honored several recent high school graduates with scholarships from the SDCCW. These include Gabrielle DeWerff of St. Louis Parish in Nokomis; Allison Kirts of St. Mary of the Assumption Parish in Ste. Marie; Shelby Seiler of Holy Cross Parish in Auburn; and Laney Wright of Immaculate Conception Parish in Mattoon. (All these young women were profiled in the June 25 issue of Catholic Times.)

Here are the Our Lady of Good Counsel 2023 Women of Distinction award winners:

Alton Deanery

Mary Bakos, St. Cecilia, Glen Carbon

Angeline Clark-Hellon, St. Jerome, Troy

Karen Daiber, St. Elizabeth, Marine

Kathy Dohnal, St. Mary and St. Mark, Madison

Laurie Horn, St. Mary, Alton

Betty Howard, Holy Angels, Wood River

Rose Krystopa, St. Elizabeth, Granite City

Gertrude Petty, Holy Family, Granite City

Sharon Rexford, Ss. Peter and Paul, Alton

Cheryl Schenhoffer, Mother of Perpetual Help, Maryville

Doreen Whalen, St. Lawrence, Greenville

Maria Wilson, St. Boniface, Edwardsville

Kathleen Wittich, St. Ambrose at St. Ambrose, Godfrey

Linda Zacha, Queen of Peace, Bethalto

Janet Zerr, St. Ambrose at St. Michael, Godfrey

Jerseyville Deanery

Rita Allen, St. Francis Xavier, Jerseyville

Ramona Berry, St. Alphonsus, Brighton

Denise Cadmus, St. Joseph, Benld

Donette Clark, Ss. Simon and Jude, Gillespie

Annette Cole, St. Patrick, Girard

Karen Crabtree, All Saints, White Hall

Juanita Greeling, St. Michael the Archangel, Staunton

Linda Hacker, Sacred Heart, Virden

Rosie, Kiel, Blessed Trinity, St Joseph, Brussels

JoAnn Kirn, Blessed Trinity, St. Mary’s, Brussels

Patricia Kuebrich, St. Mary, Fieldon

JoAnn Marquess, St. Louis, Nokomis

Barbara Marten, Holy Family, Litchfield               

Charlene Modla, St. Agnes, Hillsboro

Martha Rawe, St. Michael, Greenfield

Becky Reed, St. John the Evangelist, Carrollton

Edith Reed, St. John the Evangelist, Medora

Kathryn, Stankoven, Ss. Mary and Joseph, Carlinville

 Nan Stork, Holy Ghost, Jerseyville

Barbara Thomas, St. John Paul II Parish, Mt. Olive

Mattoon Deanery

Ruth Buchanan, St. Rose of Lima, Montrose

Lucy Campanis, St. Charles Borromeo, Charleston

Ethel Dhom, Our Lady of Lourdes, Oblong

Sue Dickerson, St. Thomas the Apostle, Newton

Barbara, Enlow, St. John the Baptist, Arcola

Carol Evans, Immaculate Conception, Shelbyville

Mary Lou Gier, St. Francis of Assisi, Teutopolis

Eileen Hartrich, St. Elizabeth, Robinson

Sheila Keys, St. Aloysius, North Arm

Mary Klein, Sacred Heart, Effingham

Anna Marie Logsdon, St. Joseph, Ramsey

Pat Sheehan, Immaculate Conception, Mattoon

Karla Slifer, St. Isidore the Farmer, Dieterich

Ann Stock, Mother of Delors, Vandalia

Ann Swingler, Sacred Heart, Lillyville

Karen Todd, St. Mary, Paris

Barbara  Vonderheide, Annunciation, Shumway

Teri Wortman, St. Anthony of Padua, Effingham

Cindy Zumbahlen, St. Mary Help of Christians, Effingham (Green Creek)

Quincy Deanery

Bernice Dittmer, St. Edward, Mendon

Lois Fessler, St. Joseph,  Quincy

Manuela Kitson, St. Mary, Pittsfield

Susan Kuhl, St. Peter, Quincy

Debbie  Maas, St. Brigid, Liberty

Mary Beth McGee, St. Francis Solanus, Quincy

Dorothy Obert, St. Thomas, Camp Point

Alice Rakers, St. Anthony of Padua, Quincy

Marilyn Scott, St. Mark, Winchester

Springfield Deanery

Cindi Allender, Cathedral of the

Immaculate Conception, Springfield

Janice Anderson, St. Joseph the Worker, Chatham

Michelle Campbell, St. John Vianney, Sherman

Ann Carr, Holy Family, Decatur

Amanda Closs, Resurrection, Illiopolis

Traute Cox, Ss. James and Patrick, Decatur

Linda Curtis, Our Savior, Jacksonville

Mary Lou DeVera, St. Thomas the Apostle, Decatur

Pam Fahey, Christ the King, Springfield

Marie Ginter, St. Jude, Rochester

Veronica Goebel, Our Lady of the

Holy Spirit, Mt. Zion

Linda Hacker, Holy Cross, Auburn

Barbara Kern, St. Agnes , Springfield

Sister Rose McKeown, ASC, St. Mary, Taylorville

Martha Norville, St. Rita, Kincaid

Mary C. O’Bryen, Church of the

Little Flower, Springfield

Susan Schmillen, St. James, Riverton

Nancy Schrenk, St. Aloysius, Springfield

Nancy Standridge, St. Cabrini, Springfield

Shirley Stewart, St. Peter, Petersburg

Kay Tasset, Holy Family, Athens

Patricia Towner, St. Joseph, Springfield

Dianna Wagner, Our Lady of Lourdes, Decatur

Father Dominic VahlingBiking 600 miles in six days for one cause — saving lives

By ANDREW HANSEN

      Editor

The July heat in the Midwest can be stifling, so imagine biking 100 miles for six straight days. Regardless of the weather, that’s the game plan for missionaries who are riding in this year’s Biking for Babies, which sees dozens of life-minded and in-shape bike riders taking to the streets to raise money for pregnancy resource centers across the country. Several groups of riders start from various locations in the Midwest July 10, all finishing together in St. Louis July 15. Two of the riders are from our diocese, Father Dominic Vahling (chaplain of Sacred Heart-Griffin High School in Springfield) and Vincent Moore of Springfield (St. Katherine Drexel Parish).

Father Dominic Vahling“I am a missionary with Biking for Babies because I feel called by God to actively proclaim the Gospel of Life,” said Father Vahling, who is partnering with First Step Women’s Center in Springfield. “Biking 600 miles is certainly a unique way to do this, but it's a way that I can unite my prayers with physical activity and offer everything as a prayer for the conversion of hearts. When Roe v. Wade fell a year ago, it became clearer than ever that pregnancy resource centers are an amazing way to support young mothers and families. Planned Parenthood tells our culture that abortion is the best solution to the ‘problem’ of an unplanned pregnancy, but that's simply not true. Pregnancy resource centers are a place of unconditional love and respect for each person who walks in the front door.”

“The fact of evil is self-evident, so how is a human to respond?” said Moore, who is partnering with Two Hearts in Springfield. “(You can) fight evil with violence, and the weapons of the world; run away from evil, ignore it, or numb oneself to its existence; or enter into it with love and by doing so, transform it. Our Lord Jesus picked Option C (love). He showed us how God responds to evil, and because of Him, I see how I can fight evil as a Christian man. I'm training, fundraising, servant-leading a route, partnering with a pregnancy resource center, and riding 600-plus miles in July because that is my way of trying to do Option C.”  

Father Vahling’s route starts in Columbus, Ohio, which then includes stops in Charleston and Springfield before finishing in St. Louis. Father Vahling, who has a lot of experience with running, says that running has helped him with both the physical and mental endurance that biking requires.

“What I am hoping for through this whole experience is just to grow in my faith and in my relationship with God,” Father Vahling said. “Biking for Babies is something that I think God has guided me to do, so I hope to use my gifts to glorify Him and be a source of encouragement and compassion for His people. I am also excited to get to know my team better. We have regular Zoom calls, but I'm sure that biking across three states will be a good experience of Christian community. Also, as a priest, I will be happy to celebrate Mass each day for the team and our host parishes.” 

Vincent MooreMoore’s route starts in Ann Arbor, Mich., and includes stops in Urbana and Springfield before finishing in St. Louis. While Father Vahling is more of a runner, Moore has loved the two-wheel approach for decades.

“Ever since I was a child, I've loved riding my bicycle,” Moore said. “So, the motivation to train has never really been a problem for me. I ride three to four times per week, usually for 30-40 miles, with one of the rides typically being longer such as 75-100 miles. So far, I've ridden more than 1,500 miles in 2023 for training.”   

After each night of riding, the missionaries are hosted by families or parishes in each location. The missionaries ask for your prayers, prayers for a culture of life, and support. To donate financially, go to bikingforbabies.com.

“Taking part in Biking for Babies has allowed me to talk about the pro-life movement many times, in the bike shop, on an airplane, in the classroom, or on the street,” Father Vahling said. “When somebody asks about my summer plans, it's a perfect chance to remind them about the sanctity of life, and how we can help promote that in our culture.” 

Vincent Moore“My goal, and the goal I've set for my team is to grow closer to Christ, our Creator and Lord,” Moore said. “Insights, stories, and overcoming a huge athletic challenge are the ‘door prizes’ of this experience, transformation is the grand prize. I want to grow closer to Christ, because I want to be His follower, not just His admirer. It can be demoralizing to live in this sinful age, and the evil one often wants me to believe that I'm all alone. But the experience of Biking for Babies is a clear reminder to me that I'm not alone, and that I need my brothers and sisters in Christ.”

Want to support Father Vahling, Vincent Moore, and Biking for Babies?

• Donate at com
• Come support Father Vahling and his group of riders at St. Charles Borromeo Church in Charleston July 13 by attending Mass at 4:30 p.m. with them and then enjoy an event afterward. S.V.P. to Reba Kortte at the parish office at (217) 345-3332.
• Come support Father Vahling and Vincent Moore and their groups of riders as they attend Mass at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception at 5:15 p.m., on July 14.

A Pilgrimage to Poland - Father Rosa takes 36 pilgrims to his home country

By DIANE SCHLINDWEIN

      Managing Editor

Every summer,  Father Michal Rosa, pastor of Sacred Heart Parish in Effingham, goes home to visit his parents Eugeniusz and Grazyna Rosa in his hometown of Tarnów, Poland.  This year, he made the trip as usual, however, he took 36 parishioners and friends along with him. The pilgrimage took place from May 21 to June 2.  “People had been wanting to take this pilgrimage with me for quite a while,” Father Rosa said, adding that he always waits until the school year has ended before he goes home.  “They would say, ‘Father, we want to visit the place you grew up.’”

As it turned out, the pilgrimage was originally planned for 2020, but was postponed because of COVID and later, because of the war in nearby Ukraine. In the end the group was made up not only of parishioners from Sacred Heart, but other Catholics from nearby parishes as well.

Gene Niemerg of St. Isidore Parish in Dieterich says he and his wife Ellie enjoyed the trip, which they made with several of his wife’s family members, including Christy Schackman and Carol Hakman, and Hakman’s two teenage grandchildren, Hope and Will Speiser. “The grandchildren added an extra insight into the contrast in culture,” Niemerg said.

The Polish people have a great devotion to Mary, and are so appreciative of receiving the sacraments, he said. “Most impressive were the first communicants, who have a tradition of visiting holy shrines the weekdays after their first Communion. They seemed to be everywhere in their white outfits, especially at the church where the Black Madonna painting was enshrined. We celebrated daily Mass with Father Michal at different chapels, shrines, and churches with homilies appropriate for the feast days and to emphasize the particular church.” 

The food in Poland was good, too, Niemerg added. “The meals arranged by Father Michel were traditional, common meals that Father enjoyed in his youth, with cabbage prepared in at least five different recipes, red beets, and potato dumplings or boiled potatoes. The last night we celebrated with cheese, mushroom, and sausage perogies,” he said. “The hospitality of the three parish centers that were our hosts on several evenings were greatly appreciated.”

The pilgrims also met with some Ukrainian refugees, who are in Poland because of the war in their country. “While we were in Poland, we were able to see some of the facilities where Ukranian refugees are being helped,” said Father Rosa. “We were able to see firsthand how the money from our parish, our parishioners, and our community is being used to help the Ukrainian people.”

Although the pilgrims felt safe at all times, they knew that in Ukraine, the situation is very difficult. “At one point, a guide said we were 100 miles from the Ukraine border, which certainly makes you stop and think and say a prayer,” said Nina Jackson, a member of Sacred Heart Parish in Effingham. “I just felt we were in good hands and just took in all the sights and experiences and enjoyed the trip.”

The trip included some very sad and disturbing aspects of Poland’s history. “We also visited the concentration camps,” said Hakman, who is also a member of Sacred Heart Parish in Effingham. “It’s hard to believe people could do the horrible things they did. We saw a room filled with the hair the Nazis shaved from their heads before they gassed them. The horrific living conditions they forced them to endure was heartbreaking. That experience will stay with me forever.”

“I am glad we toured Auschwitz, but it is such a sad part of history,” Jackson added.

Carol Toney, another member of Sacred Heart Parish in Effingham, agreed. “As difficult as it was, we went to Auschwitz. The smell of death and the atrocities that happened are still hanging in the air,” she said. “It was an overcast and misty day, so it really set the atmosphere for seeing it.” She said her head was filled with thoughts “of those horrible things that those people endured and especially St. Maximilian Kolbe (who died in Auschwitz).”

Toney also described the visit to the St. John Paul II museum. “That man has been our only Polish pope and the people love him! He was a holy man that loved people, especially the youth — he started World Youth Day,” she said. “The car that he was riding in on the day of his attempted assassination is in the museum and his vestments with the blood and gunshot hole are hanging in the museum. His kayak and snow skis, along with many pictures, dot the walls. My favorite was his visit to prison to forgive his assailant, Mehmet Ali Ağca.”

The pilgrims were happy to meet Father Rosa’s parents and found them to be warm and welcoming. “Father’s parents were so nice,” said Hakman. “They traveled with us to a few places and were appreciative of our visit.”

“Father’s parents seem so kind and loving,” added Jackson. “They are good representatives of their country.”

Several people on the trip said other parts of the trip were outstanding. “I personally liked being in the mountains,” said Jackson. “I also enjoyed seeing the churches and the old buildings standing after all these years. I liked looking at the house styles as we rode along in our bus.”

“The salt mine history and tour near Kralow was impressive,” said Niemerg. “We went down to the third level which was 350 below ground level. The maximum depth was 900 feet down. The beauty of the mountains and the river float boat ride near the edge of the mountains were fantastic.”

“I had no idea Poland was such a beautiful country,” Hakman said. “(There are) mountains and rivers and lakes. The weather was gorgeous — no humidity!”

Hakman added that overall Poland is a place where faith is also beautifully apparent. “The holiness and the religious atmosphere there was amazing,” she said, describing when they saw the Black Madonna. “We saw the place where miracles happened and it affected all of us emotionally. It’s hard to explain unless you experience it. I think they (her grandchildren, among others) will be forever affected by the love and holiness they felt there.”

“We had a great group and saw many interesting sites and several churches,” concluded Father Rosa. “It was wonderful to see my parents and visit my hometown and see the beautiful scenery.  It was a nice trip, and I think everyone enjoyed it.”

During Mass we sometimes say the Nicene Creed and sometimes the Apostles’ Creed. What determines which Creed is to be said?

Mary in Springfield

Dear Mary,

The General Instruction of the Roman Missal (GIRM) is the document that governs the celebration of the Mass and provides directives for how the Mass is to be celebrated and what parts are to be included. The Creed is required to be either sung or said on every Sunday and on every Solemnity (cf. GIRM, no. 68). The purpose of the Creed within the Mass …

“is that the whole gathered people may respond to the word of God proclaimed in the readings taken from Sacred Scripture and explained in the homily and that they may also call to mind and confess the great mysteries of the faith by reciting the rule of faith in a formula approved for liturgical use, before these mysteries are celebrated in the Eucharist” (GIRM, no. 67).

Because of its importance, the recitation or signing of the Creed may not be omitted when it is required.

The Roman Missal itself (the book containing the prayers of the Mass) allows the use of either the Nicene-Constantinopolitan Creed or the Apostles’ Creed. Ultimately, the choice of which one to use is up to the discretion of the celebrant. The Roman Missal offers him a little guidance: “Instead of the Nicene-Constantinopolitan Creed, especially during Lent and Easter Time, the baptismal Symbol of the Roman Church, known as the Apostles’ Creed, may be used” (no. 19).

While we are discussing the Creed, please allow me to note an important gesture that the laity are to do when reciting the Creed — one that is frequently overlooked. The GIRM directs that “a bow of the body, that is to say a profound bow” is made by everyone “in the Creed at the words Et incarnatus est (by the power of the Holy Spirit … and became man)” (no. 275b).

Father Daren Zehnle is pastor at St. Augustine in Ashland and is the director for the Office of Divine Worship and the Catechumenate for the Diocese of Springfield in Illinois.

The inside of St. Francis of Assisi Church at Corpus Christi Priory.The Norbertine Fathers of St. Michael’s Abbey are excited to announce the establishment of Corpus Christi Priory on the grounds of the Hospital Sisters of St. Francis Convent at 4867 Laverna Road in Springfield, which includes daily prayer, Mass, and confession times open to the public at the beautiful St. Francis of Assisi Church beginning July 2nd.

In what has been several years in the making, seven priests from the Norbertine Fathers (based in Orange, Calif.) have now established a community at Corpus Christi Priory. Many in Central Illinois are familiar with the buildings and grounds as this is the former site of the Chiara Center, operated by the Hospital Sisters of St. Francis. The Hospital Sisters continue to live in the convent on the property. The Norbertine Fathers have also established the Evermode Institute at Corpus Christi Priory, which will serve Catholic teachers, administrators, and formators, offering a complete curriculum in the fundamentals of the Catholic faith that is confident in its Catholicism and clear in its approach. 

The outside of St. Francis of Assisi Church at Corpus Christi Priory.

Immersed in the 900-year tradition of their order, the Norbertine Fathers live a common life of liturgical prayer and care for souls. Their life at Corpus Christi Priory is organized according to prayer of the Church: the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass and the Liturgy of the Hours. “Seven times a day I praise You,” says the Psalmist, and by chanting together the prayers of the Divine Office, Norbertine canons “continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God.” 

The Norbertine Fathers of St. Michael's Abbey stand inside St. Francis of Assisi Church at Corpus Christi Priory.

Here is the public schedule, beginning Sunday, July 2. 

Monday - Saturday:

• 5:45 a.m. - Office of Matins (Readings) and Lauds (Morning Prayer)
• 7:00 a.m. - Holy Mass
• 8:45 a.m. - Terce (Midmorning Prayer)
• 12:00 p.m. - Sext (Midday Prayer)
• 4:20 p.m. - None (Midafternoon Prayer)
• 4:30 p.m. - Rosary
• 5:00 p.m. - Vespers (Evening Prayer)
• 7:30 p.m. - Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament and Silent Adoration [and confessions on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday until 8:30 p.m.] 
• 8:20 p.m. - Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament
• 8:30 p.m. - Compline (Night Prayer)

Sunday:

• 6:45 a.m. - Matins (Office of Readings) and Lauds (Morning Prayer)
• 8:30am - Terce (Midmorning Prayer)
• 9:00 a.m. - Holy Mass
• 12:00 p.m. - Sext (Midday Prayer)
• 4:20 p.m. - None (Midafternoon Prayer)
• 4:30 p.m. - Rosary
• 5:00 p.m. - Vespers (Evening Prayer)
• 7:30 p.m. - Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament and Silent Adoration  
• 8:20 p.m. - Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament
• 8:30 p.m. - Compline (Night Prayer)

Confessions:

• Confessions will take place in the church confessionals Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m.
• All the Norbertine Fathers’ prayers will be open to the public.
• The church will open at 5:30 a.m. and close at 9 p.m.

Click here to download the PDF

SDCCW honors four young women with scholarships
By DIANE SCHLINDWEIN
Managing Editor

Once again, the Springfield Diocesan Council of Catholic Women has announced the names of four young women who are being awarded scholarships to go toward their educations. The recent high school graduates will be recognized at the 2023 Women of Distinction Mass celebrated by Bishop Thomas John Paprocki at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, which is followed by a luncheon, on Saturday, June 24.

These college-bound women were selected from 64 applicants and will receive $1,500 each from SDCCW, said Shirley Dallmier, scholarship chair. “These young women are chosen because they best represented the young Catholic women of today,” she said. “Tribute goes to their parents and local parishes for their formative roles. May they continue to set high examples and inspiration. Thank you to all the Christian and holy persons who played a part in molding these young women in being an example of our faith today.” 

The 2023 recipients are: 

Gabrielle DeWerff is the daughter of Michael and Danielle DeWerff of Nokomis and is a member of St. Louis Parish. She is a recent graduate of Sacred Heart-Griffin High School in Springfield. She is an active member of her parish and is a eucharistic minister, frequent altar server, and a member of the choir. In high school she was one of the Kairos retreat leaders and was a member of the St. Louis Ministry Evangelizers. Gabrielle’s future goal is to become a pediatric neurosurgeon, beginning with her studies at St. Louis University this fall. 

Allison Kirts, the daughter of Jeff and Martha Kirts of Newton, is a member of St. Mary of the Assumption Parish in Sainte Marie. She recently graduated from Newton Community High School. She serves the Church by leading younger children in prayer. She has assisted in her community at the homeless center and helps the elderly with odd jobs. She also prays outside of an abortion clinic and recently attended Catholic HEART Workcamp. Allison hopes to become an elementary school teacher and will be attending Olney Central College, followed by transferring to Eastern Illinois University. 

Shelby Seiler, the daughter of Jeff and Carrie Seiler of Auburn, is a member of Holy Cross Parish. She recently graduated from Auburn High School. She considers her faith in God as her most prized gift, which she tries to honor any chance she gets. She is active in both church and community organizations. She has been especially active in BLAST, which helps fifth-graders stay aware of the dangers of drugs and alcohol. Shelby will be attending Illinois College, majoring in pre-med. She said she is grateful to her family and church community for installing solid Christian values in her. 

Laney Wright is the daughter of Jeremy and Pamela Wright of Mattoon, where she is a member of Immaculate Conception Parish. She is a recent graduate of Mattoon High School. She is extremely active and well-regarded in her church community. Her list of activities in the Mattoon area include volunteering with Special Olympics, the food pantry, the animal shelter, and at Salvation Army, and fund-raising for the deaf and hard-of-hearing. Laney plans to pursue a career in marketing following her studies at Eastern Illinois University. 

Area Catholics invited to commemorate 126^th anniversary of Quincy’s Father Tolton’s death

QUINCY —Area Catholics and others devoted to the Venerable Servant of God Father Augustine Tolton — who grew up in Quincy, ministered in Quincy, and is buried in Quincy —are invited to commemorate the 126^th anniversary of his death with a pilgrimage procession on Sunday, July 9 in Quincy. Father Tolton is recognized as the first black priest in the United States and the Cause for his beatification and canonization of sainthood is ongoing in Rome. 

The mile-long pilgrimage procession will begin 4 p.m. at the statue of Father Tolton outside St. Peter Catholic Church at 2600 Maine Street. After a few words of welcome and explanation, followed by a prayer, the pilgrimage procession will process along the south side of Maine Street where it will cross onto the east side of South 33^rd Street. It will then process along the east side of South 33^rd Street until it reaches St. Peter’s Catholic Cemetery where Father Tolton is buried.

Upon entering the cemetery, the procession will stop at the grave of Father Tolton for the celebration of Evening Prayer at 4:30 p.m. Father Daren Zehnle will preside and Father Tom Meyer will preach.

Following Evening Prayer, the pilgrims will pray for an end to racism and for more priests through Father Tolton’s intercession, as well as for Father Tolton’s canonization as a saint. The pilgrimage procession will conclude with the singing of Holy God, We Praise Thy Name, Father Tolton’s favorite hymn.

Those who wish to participate in Evening Prayer but cannot walk in the procession are invited to park near the cemetery to meet the procession at the grave. Due to the small size of the cemetery, no one should park in the cemetery itself.

Chairs and bottled water will be provided at the cemetery for those who wish to participate in Evening Prayer. 

Father Tolton was born into slavery in 1854. In 1862, he, his mother and siblings made a daring escape across the Mississippi River to Illinois. After settling in Quincy, he went to school at St. Peter’s Catholic School. He later went to seminary in Rome because no American seminary would accept a black man. Thinking he would minister in Africa, once he was ordained, he was instead sent back to Quincy, where he arrived to thousands of supporters. Known for his incredible singing and homilies, Father Tolton spent several years in Quincy before transferring to Chicago. He died of heatstroke at the age of 43 on July 9, 1897 and is buried at St. Peter’s Cemetery in Quincy. Most recently, Pope Francis declared him “Venerable” on June 12, 2019, the second step of four to becoming a saint in the Catholic Church.

For more information about this event, please contact: Father Daren  Zehnle at  (217) 321-1109 or .

Attend free premiere of documentary, God is Alive | Incredible stories of faith and miraculous events in Central Illinois, July 8 in Springfield

In a world full of selfishness, hardships, and despair, more and more people are asking, “God, are you up there?” God is Alive, an original documentary, created and produced by the Diocese of Springfield in Illinois, answers that question in an adventurous, impactful, and local way. God is Alive takes viewers to Jerseyville, Springfield, Peoria, Quincy, and Decatur and features five incredible stories of faith/miraculous events that most will be surprised to learn about and touch on many things people struggle with such as prayer, feeling unforgivable, and dealing with an incredible hardship.

“If you are full of faith, clinging to faith, or have lost hope in faith, we invite you to watch this one-hour documentary during this special premiere night at SHG that will make you laugh and cry, but most importantly, get you inspired, move you to hope, and fall in love with faith in a whole new way,” said Andrew Hansen, creator of the documentary and editor of Catholic Times. “We set out to find ‘jaw-dropping’ stories of miraculous events and people — who despite pain or hardships  found light and joy in unexpected ways. Miracles still happen, and they are happening in Central Illinois.”

In March, priests of the Diocese of Springfield in Illinois and Bishop Thomas John Paprocki were the first to watch the documentary.

“The documentary was awesome, and I encourage people to go see it,” said Bishop Paprocki, who will make a special guest appearance at the premiere July 8. “It tells some incredible stories of faith, healing, and real miracles, so go watch it.”

“What was so great was the stories,” said Father Steven Arisman, pastor of St. Francis Solanus Parish in Quincy. “Each one of the stories has something that is inspiring and so moving, and I really think they will shape people’s minds and really remind people that God is alive. Go check it out.”

The premiere takes place Saturday, July 8 at Sacred Heart-Griffin High School in Springfield at 7 p.m. To R.S.V.P. to the free showing and watch the trailer, go to dio.org/documentary.

When I go to Mass, during the Eucharistic Prayer, the priest blesses the Host that he consumes, but the unleavened bread that is given to the congregation is not taken out of the tabernacle until right before Communion. Since it has not been on the altar during the consecration, how can it be the Body of Christ?

John in Quincy

Dear John,

Catholics are a ritualistic people. Everything that we do from the moment we enter into the church to celebrate the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass until we exit through those very same doors has deep meaning and significance. For example, when we first walk through the doors of the church, we dip our fingers into the holy water font and make the Sign of the Cross. This ritualistic action reminds us of our baptism, and therefore reminds us of who we are. 

Then, when we arrive at our selected pew, we genuflect toward the tabernacle as a sign of reverence.  When we see that little flicker of light from the sanctuary lamp which burns near every tabernacle across the globe, we know that the Real Presence of Christ is present in the holy Eucharist contained within the tabernacle. Referring to the tabernacle, the Catechism of the Catholic Church teaches: 

“The tabernacle was first intended for the reservation of the Eucharist in a worthy place so that it could be brought to the sick and those absent outside of Mass. As faith in the real presence of Christ in his Eucharist deepened, the Church became conscious of the meaning of silent adoration of the Lord present under the Eucharistic species. It is for this reason that the tabernacle should be located in an especially worthy place in the church and should be constructed in such a way that it emphasizes and manifests the truth of the real presence of Christ in the Blessed Sacrament” (CCC 1379).

Here, we see that the tabernacle is the place within the church where the Eucharist is reserved.  During the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass, the priest prays the Eucharistic Prayer, those very same words uttered by Jesus at the Last Supper, and consecrates the bread and wine into the Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity of Jesus Christ in the Eucharist. The Eucharist is then distributed to the faithful present at Mass; however, there are often leftover Hosts after everyone present in the church has received. These remaining Hosts are then reserved in the tabernacle to be distributed at future Masses, to the sick and homebound, for silent adoration, etc. This is why we genuflect toward the tabernacle as we arrive to our pews: to show reverence to Jesus truly present in every tabernacle the world over.

So, to the main crux of your question, we know that the Hosts present in the tabernacle are the Body of Christ because the priest has consecrated them during a celebration of the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass. While it may be true that the priest did not consecrate the Hosts at the specific Mass that you are present for, the Host that you are receiving from the tabernacle is still the Body of Christ — the very same Eucharist made present on the altar.

Father Zachary D. Samples is parochial vicar of St. Peter Catholic Church in Quincy and associate chaplain at Quincy Notre Dame High School.

VIEW FUTURE SAINT’S MITRE — A mitre (bishop’s hat) of the late Archbishop Fulton Sheen (right side of photo) was given to Bishop Thomas John Paprocki (center) on loan after Bishop Paprocki was the recipient of the Fulton J. Sheen Award at the Sports Faith International and WSFI Catholic Radio Sports Faith Hall of Fame induction ceremony May 27 in Waukegan. You can view the mitre after the 10 a.m. Mass on June 18 at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Springfield. Archbishop Sheen (shown in a photograph on the left), a former priest of the Diocese of Peoria who died in 1979, was a pioneer in radio and television. A former auxiliary bishop of the New York Archdiocese, he served as Bishop of Rochester from 1966 to 1969 and spent his final years preaching retreats and missions. In 2012, Archbishop Sheen was declared “Venerable” by Pope Benedict XVI, step two of four of becoming a saint. In 2019, Pope Francis approved a miracle attributable to the intercession of Archbishop Sheen, paving the way for his eventual beatification (step three of becoming a saint). Former Sacred Heart-Griffin High School (Springfield) football coach, Ken Leonard, was also inducted into the Sports Faith Hall of Fame May 27. A reminder that during the diocesan Year of the Eucharist, going on now through Dec. 8, you can receive an indulgence if you visit the Cathedral in Springfield or Ss. Peter and Paul in Alton, receive holy Communion, go to confession, and pray for the pope’s intentions.

Photo by Andrew Hansen

This summer, the Diocese of Springfield in Illinois is excited to have Totus Tuus, a fun and faith-filled experience for children coming once again to several parishes across the diocese in June and July.

Totus Tuus is a weeklong Catholic youth program dedicated to sharing the Gospel and promoting the Catholic faith through evangelization, catechesis, Christian witness, and eucharistic worship. The program inspires in young people a true longing for holiness, a deep desire for daily conversion, and an openness to their vocation. 

Two teams of college-aged teachers are traveling to a different parish each week, hosting the five-day catechetical program for grades 1-12. The week is filled with faith, fun, and friendship. There are messy games and crazy skits, in addition to prayer, learning the sacraments, and going to Mass. The young adult teachers also provide a witness to being an authentic disciple of Christ. The popular program sees hundreds of children participate every year in the diocese. 

For the schedule below, grades 7-12 are from Sunday-Thursday each week and the program is in the evenings. For grades 1-6, the program is Monday-Friday and starts in the morning and finishes in the afternoon.

June schedule: 

• June 11-15 (grades 7-12), June 12-16 (grades 1-6): St. Francis Solanus (Quincy), Sacred Heart (Effingham)
• June 18-22 (grades 7-12), June 19-23 (grades 1-6): St. Boniface (Edwardsville), Our Lady of Lourdes (Decatur)
• June 25-29 (grades 7-12), June 26-30 (grades 1-6): Holy Family (Granite City), St. Isidore (Dieterich) 

July schedule:

• July 9-13 (grades 7-12), July 10-14 (grades 1-6): St. Katharine Drexel (Springfield), St. Mary (Paris)
• July 16-20 (grades 7-12), July 17-21 (grades 1-6): St. John the Evangelist (Carrollton) 

Costs vary by parish. For more information and to sign up your child, call the parish office that is hosting Totus Tuus near you. You can also contact Daniel Heffernan, Totus Tuus director, Office for Vocations, with questions at .

Historic Eucharistic Congress in Springfield Oct. 28 to feature four impactful speakers, inspirational videos, and beautiful Mass at BOS Center
Get your seats starting July 1 through your parish
By ANDREW HANSEN
Editor 

It has never happened in history of the Diocese of Springfield in Illinois – a Eucharistic Congress. Fittingly, it is happening during the national Eucharistic Revival and the diocesan Year of the Eucharist going on now and just two days after the 100-year anniversary of the transfer of the see city of the diocese from Alton to Springfield (Oct. 26, 1923). 

On Saturday, Oct. 28, you are invited to attend the Eucharistic Congress at the BOS Center in Springfield which will feature four popular Catholic speakers, Dr. Scott Hahn, Sister M. Karolyn Nunes, FSGM, Father Chase Hilgenbrinck, and Father Denis Robinson, OSB; inspirational videos; sacraments; and Mass with Catholics from across the diocese.

Dr. Scott Hahn

Sister M. Karolyn Nunes, FSGM

Father Chase Hilgenbrinck

Father Denis Robinson, OSB

“The Eucharistic Congress will be about growing in your friendship with Jesus,” Bishop Thomas John Paprocki said. “We should make it a point every day to tell Jesus how much we love Him and how grateful we are for His many gifts. Our lives, family, friends, experiences, food, clothing, shelter, and good health are just some of the things we should thank Him for every day. What should also be on your list is what we are celebrating at the Eucharistic Congress, the gift Jesus instituted for us during the Last Supper, the holy Eucharist. We believe as Catholics that the Eucharist is the Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity of our savior, Jesus Christ. He is food for us so we can grow closer in our friendship with Him. I am confident your experience at the Eucharistic Congress will energize, inspire, and feed your faith, so that your friendship with Jesus grows in a radical way.”

To attend, you must contact your parish office as each parish in the Diocese of Springfield in Illinois will be designated a specific number of available seats. You can inquire with your parish starting July 1. If your parish has all their available seats reserved when you inquire, the public release of any more seats will be Sept. 1, if they become available.

Food will be available for purchase at concession stands, and you will be allowed to exit and return to the BOS Center throughout the day. For families, a family room will be open in the basement of the BOS Center to allow children to play (the parent/guardian must stay with their child(ren) in that room at all times as the room will not be supervised by staff). Confession and adoration of the Blessed Sacrament will be available throughout the day. Catholic vendors will have booths and the diocesan Office of Archives and Record Management will have a display of history and photographs as we celebrate the 100^th anniversary of the transfer of the diocesan see from Alton to Springfield. 

There is no assigned seating at the Eucharistic Congress as it’s on a first come, first serve basis. So, if you want seats close to the speakers and altar, it’s advised to arrive when the doors open at 10:30 a.m. on Oct. 28 to claim your seats. Please be courteous, however, when choosing your seats, which also includes not leaving one or two empty seats between you and your neighbor. We’re expecting a full arena, so please sit next to someone to leave room for others when they arrive. 

There will be no Masses at any parish in the diocese Oct. 28. For more information about the Eucharistic Congress including frequently asked questions, go to: dio.org/revival-bos.

SIDE BARS:

The schedule of the Eucharistic Congress on Oct. 28

• 10:30 a.m.: Doors open, family room open, vendor row open
• 11 a.m.: Eucharistic adoration and confession available in basement (both end at 3:30 p.m.), concession stands open
• 11:30 a.m. – 12:35 p.m.: Screening of documentary, God is Alive | Stories of incredible faith and miraculous events in Central Illinois
• 12:50 p.m. – 1:35 p.m.: Dr. Scott Hahn presentation
• 1:50 p.m. – 2:15 p.m.: Screening of The Chair, video that highlights the history of the Diocese of Springfield in Illinois, the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, and Bishop Paprocki's journey to Springfield
• 2:30 p.m. – 2:50 p.m.: Sister M. Karolyn Nunes, FSGM, presentation
• 2:50 p.m. – 3:10 p.m.: Father Chase Hilgenbrinck presentation
• 3:10 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.: Father Denis Robinson, OSB, presentation
• 4 p.m.: Mass

Schedule subject to change

Financially support/sponsor Eucharistic Congress

Are you interested in financially supporting this historic Eucharistic Congress? Please consider donating or becoming a sponsor. If you would like to make a financial gift to support the Eucharistic Congress, visit dio.org/give. If you are interested in event sponsorship, contact Rachel Langdon at rlangdon.org/(217) 321-1113. Thank you!

Volunteer at Eucharistic Congress 

Volunteers will receive a seat at the event, lunch, T-shirt, and graces for the day! Sign up at dio.org/revival-bos. Contact Teresa Gray at for questions. 

Why does the Church teach that Jesus died on the cross to redeem us from our sins when Second Isaiah states that God blots out our transgressions for his own sake and will not remember our sins?
Art in Effingham

Art,

Many passages in the Old Testament (and even the New Testament) can have layered meanings; specifically, there can be an immediate fulfillment of the promise but also a greater completion that happens in the future. Even as Catholic Christians living in the New Testament, we experience this “already but not yet” reality of Jesus’ redemption. Jesus has already won the victory, but that victory has not yet been fully realized. Jesus has conquered the enemy, yet we see evil. Basically, we are seeing the enemy and his kingdom lashing back as it is in the process of dying. 

Another example would be the Mass. We get to participate in the life of heaven now at every Mass that is celebrated. We worship the Lamb who was slain just like those the Bible describes as in heaven worshiping the Lamb who was slain (see Rev. 5). However, we are not yet fully in heaven in the way that those who have died and are experiencing the beatific vision are in heaven. Jesus himself said, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand (see Matt 3:2, 4:17, Mark 1:15).” Jesus performs healings, miracles, and deliverances to bring about the freedom and wholeness of heaven to earth, but this earth has not yet been made into a “new heaven and a new earth” as the book of Revelation describes. 

When it comes to God promising to blot the transgressions of his people and not remember their sins, there may be a similar dynamic at work. One, this passage is only truly and completely fulfilled in Jesus. Only through Jesus can we be completely forgiven of our sins. However, when Isaiah wrote that in the Old Testament, there is still a sense the passage could be describing how God is going to show more mercy to his people and relieve them of the punishment of experiencing the consequences of their sins. The Isaiah quote is certainly capturing something true and real, but it is an expression of God’s mercy. God being infinitely all-knowing cannot literally forget something, but the expression of “God forgetting our sins” is an expression of how God does not hold our sins against us and cancels the debt of sin. It is through Jesus’ passion, death, resurrection, and ascension that we have access to his infinite mercy, which is particularly received through the sacrament of confession.

In conclusion, the Isaiah passage refers to how God at the time was going to show His people gratuitous mercy and favor and relent in punishment, but ultimately it points to the full forgiveness that happens through Jesus in the New Testament.  

Father Michael Trummer is parochial vicar at St. Boniface Parish in Edwardsville and associate chaplain at Father McGivney Catholic High School in Glen Carbon.

Theresians to hold retreat at Villa Maria in Springfield
By DIANE SCHLINDWEIN
Managing editor

Theresians from Illinois and Iowa are hosting a retreat at Villa Maria Catholic Life Center on Lake Springfield from July 13-16.  This retreat for women is hosted by Theresians International, a global ministry for women with members in eight countries, said Vicki Schmidt, former executive director of Theresians International. 

The theme of the retreat is “The Little Way: A Journey Along St. Thérèse’s Path of Confidence and Love.” The main presenter at the event is Theresian Robin Hebert from Lafayette, La. She is a mother, grandmother, author, retreat leader, and spiritual director who brings to her talks a lifetime of love for St. Thérèse of Lisieux. Father Paul Chetcuti, SJ, from Malta will serve as chaplain. 

There will be an opening dinner at 5:30 p.m. before the first speaker talk begins at 7 p.m. on the evening of Thursday, July 13. Mass at 7:30 a.m. will start the days on Friday, July 14 and Saturday, July 15. Each of these two days includes three talks and three meals. On Sunday, July 16, there will be breakfast, one morning session, and a Mass at 11:15 to wrap up the retreat. 

The depth and breadth of St. Thérèse’s “Little Way” continues to have relevance for us today, according to Schmidt.  It is a simple, yet profound path to encountering Jesus. That’s why it is relevant that Hebert’s talks will be on the following subjects: A New Message; The Terrible Fault; Fisher of Souls; A Little Grain of Sand; The Way of Trust and Love; The Little Way of Spiritual Childhood; The Passion of Thérèse/The Passion of Christ; and I Will Spend My Heaven. 

The cost for those traveling from out of town and taking eight meals and lodging for the event is $380. Local commuters who will need registration and meals only will pay $260. To register go to http//:www.theresians.org and click on Events Midwest Regional Gathering. 

Just prior to their ordination, Deacons Alex McCullough, Daniel McGrath, and Jayke White stand before Bishop Thomas John Paprocki at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Springfield. Photo by Debbie BenzReady to serve
Three seminarians ordained to transitional diaconate
By DIANE SCHLINDWEIN
Managing Editor

On May 26, Bishop Thomas John Paprocki ordained three seminarians to the transitional diaconate for the Diocese of Springfield in Illinois. The ordinations of Deacon Alex McCullough, Deacon Daniel McGrath, and Deacon Jayke White took place at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Springfield. 

During the ordination Mass the three men made promises to pray the Liturgy of the Hours, to be obedient to the bishop and his successors, and took a vow of celibacy. Then Bishop Paprocki laid hands on them and invoked the Holy Spirit with the Prayer of Ordination. The deacons were clothed with the stole and dalmatic and received the Book of the Gospels. 

During his homily and just prior to their ordination, Bishop Paprocki introduced the three seminarians to those present at the Cathedral, giving a little bit of information about each young man. He also spoke about the how the daily readings from the Office of Readings in the Liturgy of the Hours between the Solemnity of the Ascension and

Pentecost Sunday addressed different aspects of the Holy Spirit. 

 “Most of the time the action of the Holy Spirit in our lives is invisible and not readily apparent to us. Sometimes it is only in retrospect that we can discern the movement of the Holy Spirit. I am sure as you look back at your vocational discernment you can see at least traces of how the Holy Spirit has worked in your call to Sacred Orders,” he said. 

“ … Alex, Daniel, and Jayke: As we celebrate your ordination to the diaconate this evening, we pray that the grace of the Holy Spirit will have marvelous effects in your lives, blessing you with the unique charisms you will need in your ministry, changing you as needed to be courageous disciples, and filling you with the joy that only the Lord can give,” Bishop Paprocki said.

After their ordination, the three new transitional deacons pose with their bishop.  From left to right are Deacon Alex McCullough, Deacon Jayke White, Bishop Thomas John Paprocki, and Deacon Daniel McGrath. Photo by Debbie BenzNow that they are ordained, all three men will spend a good part of the summer months assigned to parishes in different areas of the diocese. They were notified of those assignments before the ordination. 

“I will be assigned this summer to Holy Family Parish in Decatur, where Father Mark Tracy is the pastor,” said Deacon McCullough. “I lived in Decatur for two years and am excited to have the chance to be back in the area. This summer assignment is also part of St. Meinrad’s formation program where I am given the opportunity to get to preach at Mass several times over the summer, as well as get involved in ministries such as making visits to the sick and homebound.” 

Deacon McGrath will be living at Mother of Dolors Parish in Vandalia for the summer. “It will be special for me as the first parish I will preach to on a regular basis, serve at Mass as a deacon, visit the homebound, and serve the people there as needed,” Deacon McGrath said. “I look forward to serving and learning from Father Seth (Brown) and the people of Vandalia and Ramsey about what it means to be a deacon in the Church. My prayers are with them as I prepare for this assignment.” 

Deacon White says he too, is looking forward to his summer assignment. “I’ll be serving for roughly 10 weeks this summer at St. Peter Church in Quincy, under the tutelage of Msgr. Leo Enlow,” he said. “I served at this parish in 2016 as a Totus Tuus team member, and I’m so excited for the chance to return! I’m also looking forward to working with my friend and mentor, Father Zach Samples, who has been an enormous support during my time in seminary.” 

To be a deacon is to serve — and as deacons, the three men can now assist at Mass, proclaim the Gospel and give homilies, baptize and witness marriages, and preside at wake and graveside services. 

By DIANE SCHLINDWEIN
Managing Editor

After nearly a two-decade career as a leader in Catholic Dominican secondary education, Sister Katherine O’Connor, OP, is stepping down as president of Sacred Heart-Griffin High School in Springfield. She announced her retirement earlier this school year and will leave her post this summer. She noted  that her decision came after much prayer, discernment, and discussions with her family, friends, and congregational leadership. 

Sister Katherine took on the school’s presidency in 2005, and before then, as a member of the Dominican Sisters’ Leadership Team, served as council liaison on the SHG advisory board. The role of the president in the president-principal leadership model is crucial when building a future for a school; and Sister Katherine has taken her role very seriously. 

“Sister Katherine has been a steadying and visionary force at Sacred Heart-Griffin for 18 years,” said Sister Rebecca Ann Gemma, OP, prioress general of the Springfield Dominican Sisters.

Sister Katherine has also accomplished much in her tenure. She successfully led SHG through two capital campaign projects that raised millions of dollars for renovation of the school’s west campus and Dominican Hall. To ensure that SHG remains an affordable option for families in the community, Sister Katherine, along with the board of directors, made the decision to freeze tuition and offer more financial assistance to families who are seeking a Catholic Dominican education. During the COVID pandemic, Sister Katherine was a tireless advocate of safe and in-person education. She has always been a positive presence both in the school and at school and sports events.

Sister Katherine has a lengthy background in education. Before she took her position at SHG, she spent 20 years educating students and serving as principal at a variety of schools. She worked in California before moving back to Illinois, taking on the roles of principal, assistant principal, and interim principal at schools across the state. In 1994, Sister Katherine moved to Springfield to become the principal at St. Agnes School, which was her last job before she became president at SHG. 

“The SHG Board of Directors congratulates Sister Katherine O’Connor on her 18 years as president of SHG,” said board president Chris McDowell, M.D. “We are grateful for her installing the Dominican values of community, service, study, and prayer across the administration, faculty, and student body.” 

“The last 18 years have been filled with many challenges and opportunities,” Sister Katherine said, adding that her heart is filled with love and gratitude. “It has been a privilege to lead SHG during this time. Many changes have taken place but our focus on academic excellence in a community of faith has remained the same.  I will leave Sacred Heart-Griffin feeling extremely blessed.” 

Dr. Moredock hired as new SHG president

When Sister Katherine O’Connor steps aside as president of Sacred Heart-Griffin, she will hand the leadership of that high school to Dr. Bill Moredock. He was recently named to his new position by the Member Board (the elected leadership of the Dominican Sisters of Springfield) and the Sacred Heart-Griffin Governing Board of Directors. 

Moredock currently serves as the principal of Little Flower School in Springfield, where over his last six years as principal the Catholic grade school’s enrollment increased from 180 students to 305.

He also has a rich history with SHG. A 1972 graduate of Griffin High School, he served as the director of student and family services at SHG from 2002 to 2017. From 1990 to 2002, he served as a guidance counselor at SHG. 

Moredock completed his undergraduate education from the University of Notre Dame and his graduate work was at the University of Dayton and the California School of Professional Psychology in San Diego, where he received his Ph.D. in clinical psychology. 

He and his wife, Susan, have two daughters and one son, all graduates at SHG.  He will begin his work at SHG on July 1.  

My husband and I were both raised as Catholics. He divorced long before I met him and subsequently married him. My question is, have I been excommunicated because of this marriage and if not, can I still receive Communion? This is my first and only marriage as we were both in our 50s when we met and married.
Mary in Springfield

Dear Mary, 

The Code of Canon Law lists excommunication under “Penalties and Other Punishments,” the purpose of which is to help one who has broken communion with the Church to restore communion with the Church. The gravity of excommunication is meant to lead a person to recognize the seriousness of what he or she has done. 

The penalty of excommunication may be given to a member of the Church who completely repudiates the faith, commits heresy, rejects the authority of the Church, who desecrates the Eucharist, physically attacks the pope, attempts to absolve an accomplice, ordains a bishop without a mandate from the pope, or who violates the seal of the confessional. Marrying a divorced person is nowhere listed as a reason for which one might be excommunicated. Unless you have received a decree of excommunication, it is safe to say you have not been excommunicated.

The question of whether or not you may receive holy Communion is difficult to answer, given the information you have provided.

The Church presumes the validity of every marriage — until proven otherwise — and upholds what Jesus says about marriage: “Every one who divorces his wife and marries another commits adultery, and he who marries a woman divorced from her husband commits adultery” (Luke 16:18). The opposite, of course, holds true for a woman who divorces her husband or who marries a man who divorced his wife. Divorce itself does not end a marriage; it is death that ends a marriage.

The answer to the question of whether you can receive the Eucharist or not largely depends on whether he entered a valid marriage with the woman he civilly divorced. Catholics are required by the Church to marry a Catholic in the presence of a bishop, priest, or deacon using the Church’s ritual for marriage. Permission may be obtained to marry a non-Catholic and dispensations may be received to marry outside the Church, but a person must request such a permission of dispensation. 

If the woman from whom your husband is divorced was not — or had not been — a Catholic at the time of the wedding and he did not receive permission to marry her, or if the marriage took place outside the Church without the necessary dispensation, that marriage would be invalid, and he would have been free to marry you. This can be proved with a couple of documents, and he can easily receive a Declaration of Nullity of Marriage. 

If he did marry according to the Church’s laws regarding marriage, that marriage is presumed to be valid, and he could not have validly married you. In such case, he would have needed a Declaration of Nullity of Marriage, commonly — and incorrectly — called an “annulment” before attempting another marriage. If he obtained a Declaration of Nullity of Marriage and you married in the Church, I see no reason why you cannot receive holy Communion.

If he has not received a Declaration of Nullity of Marriage, your marriage to him would not be valid, and therefore, you are not able to receive holy Communion at the present time. If this is the case, you should encourage him to speak with your pastor about petitioning for a Declaration of Nullity of Marriage. If one is granted, your civil marriage to him can be validated, and you could receive the Eucharist.

If you have further questions about this, I encourage you to visit dio.org/tribunal.

Father Daren Zehnle, J.C.L., K.C.H.S., is pastor at St. Augustine in Ashland and is the director for the Office of Divine Worship and the Catechumenate for the Diocese of Springfield in Illinois. 

Priests from our diocese reflect on what it was like celebrating their first Mass

Father Berndt is shown at his  Mass of Thanksgiving in June 2020 at Sacred Heart Parish in Effingham.Father Michael Berndt

Our ordination was on a Friday evening, and I wasn't going to wait until Sunday to celebrate my first Mass. So, I celebrated the first Mass where I was the main celebrant at the small chapel at the Villa Maria Conference Center in Springfield where I had stayed the night before. There were probably less than 10 people as I remember it in the little chapel there. One of them was a priest from Rockford, Father Ervin, who was making sure I was doing everything right, and his friend in the congregation who I didn't even know. I think there was another priest concelebrant? I can't even remember! Sort of anticlimactic, but it's not about me! My vocation never was. I remember forgetting the Prayer over the Offerings, and Father Ervin gently finding that place for me in the Missal and pointing to it. 

My first Mass of Thanksgiving where I had family and friends present was at Sacred Heart in Effingham. I cried, giving the "thank-yous" at the end. How do you thank your parents and grandparents for giving you the faith? I remember genuflecting to the tabernacle after one of my first Masses which contained a Sacred Host which I had consecrated, thinking that through my priestly hands I have brought Christ to earth. That was awesome. God is so good. 

Father Michael Berndt is parochial vicar at St. Anthony of Padua Parish in Effingham.

Father Samples’ first Mass was May 29, 2022, at St. Patrick Catholic Church in Decatur.Father Zach Samples

Awe, splendor, wonder, amazement, beauty, grace, gratitude, peace, joy, mercy, and most of all, love. It is impossible to capture what was going through my head while celebrating my first Mass in a single word, but this list begins to get to the point. I think that last word gets us especially to the point: love. At the end of the day, the Eucharist is about love. It is about the love of God sacrificed, shared, and poured out for His people — poured out so that we might experience joy, peace, mercy, forgiveness, and a foretaste of that heavenly banquet table.

As I celebrated my first Mass, I was so incredibly moved by the love that God has for me and for all of us. Saying those words that Jesus first uttered at His Last Supper, consecrating simple bread and wine into Jesus's Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity, and sharing that Real and True Presence with others for the first time was as overwhelming as it was humbling. I thought about the love, mercy, and forgiveness I have received time and time again from our Lord. I remembered all those who had played such an important role in bringing me to an encounter with Jesus, most especially my late mother. Above all, I was overcome by inestimable and unconditional love that Jesus has for you and for me.

Father Zach Samples is parochial vicar at St. Peter Church in Quincy and associate chaplain at Quincy Notre Dame High School. 

After celebrating his first Mass at Blessed Sacrament Parish in Springfield, Father Lesupati went to his native country of Kenya to offer a Mass of Thanksgiving amongst family and friends in June of 2022. Father Paul Lesupati 

It was on May 29, 2022,  that I celebrated my first Mass of Thanksgiving at Blessed Sacrament Parish in Springfield. The experience I felt at this first Mass was some nervousness, overwhelmed by the joy of celebrating my Mass of thanksgiving among the parishioners of Blessed Sacrament. 

I traveled back to my home country of Kenya for a Mass of Thanksgiving at my home parish of St. George Catholic Parish in Laisamis (Marsabit Diocese) in Kenya on June 5, 2022, the feast of Pentecost. It was a great joy to be back in my local church, a church that nurtured my faith. I was baptized when I was an infant, received first holy Communion, the sacrament of confirmation, and served as an altar server there. Now, I was now celebrating a Mass as a priest! 

It was with great joy, humility, and gratitude that I gave thanks to God for the gift of priesthood. The experience I felt was overwhelming, standing in at the altar in persona Christ (in the person of Christ), offering the holy Sacrifice of the Mass, surrounded by my brother priests, members of my own family, relatives, friends, and many parishioners who travelled from different places just to witness and give thanks to God with me and for the gift of my priesthood. I owe a lot of respect to my brother priests and mentors (Father Jeff Grant and Father Dean Probst of our diocese) who travelled all the way from Illinois to accompany and support me. That day was filled with the Holy Spirit as we celebrated the descending of the Holy Spirit to the Apostles (Pentecost Day). 

The experience of my Mass was like seeing God’s grace working in my life, thanking God for those who helped me to reach the Altar of God, and seeing the Holy Spirit guiding me in my vocation journey to the priesthood. I never thought that one day I would be a priest in a foreign country like the U.S., but once we let the Holy Spirit guide us, He will lead us to where He wants (us) to be.  

Another thing I experienced at my first Mass was the decoration and participation of the community. Everyone was singing, dancing, and clapping their hands as they sang a thanksgiving song. I will also never forget this particular experience at my first Mass which touched and stayed with me: Before the final blessing, I walked from the altar over to my mother who was sitting in the front pew, and I placed a white cloth in her hands. I explained to her this white cloth was called a manutergium, and it was used at my ordination to wipe the excess chrism from my hands after being anointed by our Bishop Thomas John Paprocki.  I explained to her that traditionally, this white cloth is given to a mother of a priest, as well as placed in her hands upon her death, so that, at her last judgement, she is to present this cloth to our Lord. It is a symbol of a great honor and sacrifice to have born a son who is a priest. I can still remember tears flowing in my eyes and both my mother’s and sister’s as I passed the manutergium from my hands into hers. The whole congregation was sobbing with tears and after Mass, everyone approached me and told me that it was a touching experience, and that was a precious gift I gave my mother. This was one of the greatest, joyful moments in my life. Tears of joy flowed from me. I thank God for such precious gift, the gift of the priesthood.

Father Paul Lesupati is parochial vicar at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Springfield.  

Father Piotr Kosk raises the Body of Christ during his first Mass in 2020 at Our Lady of the Holy Spirit in Mt. Zion.Father Piotr Kosk

My journey to the priesthood began in 2013, beginning with my formation in Poland and culminating with my ordination in May of 2020 in Springfield. On my way to Quincy five days before my ordination, I learned that because of the COVID shutdown, Masses could only be celebrated online. To say that my ordination, which took place on May 2, 2020, differed from the annual ordination ceremony known in our diocese is an understatement as unsent invitations sat in a box and a trip to Poland was canceled. Also, a Cathedral that would normally be filled with a joyful congregation was empty. Those special people in my life I had expected to attend to celebrate this most extraordinary day with me were also missing:  My mom was not there to cry with happiness and my family and friends were not present to bestow their congratulations. The collective joy of the faithful gathered in the Cathedral was also missing. Instead, those present were just me, Bishop Paprocki, a handful of priests, and Jesus Christ, who came to give the world a new priest. And yet, amidst all of this somberness, an unusual, though not unpleasant, silence enveloped my heart.

During the ordination Mass, I cried three times. The crying was a mixture of both sadness and great joy. Sadness, because during the readings, I looked around at the empty building of the Cathedral, and joy, because the bishop gave a beautiful homily in Polish that touched me deeply. The third time I cried with happiness was when the bishop placed the Body and Blood of Christ in my unworthy and unsteady hands. Tears flowed from my eyes, because I experienced the exquisite beauty and love of God, who allowed me to embrace Him and feel Him. Christ entered my life even stronger, giving me His grace, strength, love, gift of forgiveness, and above all, His Spirit, so that I could preach His Good News and be an example of what I believe in. It was the most beautiful moment of my life. The culmination of this was an unexpected surprise as a group of my loved ones were waiting in front of the Cathedral with applause and balloons. 

The next day, Sunday, I was scheduled to celebrate my Mass of Thanksgiving at Our Lady of the Holy Spirit Parish Mt. Zion. I couldn't sleep Saturday night as I was so excited and overwhelmed by all that had happened at my ordination. As in the Cathedral the day before, there were the allowable 10 people at this Mass and several hundred watching online. With a shaky voice and broken English, I celebrated my first Mass. The most beautiful moment was when I said the words of consecration, "This is my Body” and “This is my Blood.” Then I reflected for a few seconds about what God has done for us and is still doing for us, so that we can be holy and gain eternal life. I knew then what a great gift I had received. Today, celebrating the Mass is a great gift for me, being in union with God and adoring Him in His Flesh and Blood. There is no greater joy than to lay down my life, who I am with my joys and my crosses, on the altar with Christ.

While my journey into the religious life began 10 years ago, I have been a priest for less than three years, and a pastor for less than one. It has been an incredible journey thus far, filled with higher highs and lower lows than I could ever imagine, but through it all, God’s grace and the enlightenment of the Holy Spirit have guided me. So, it is with all of us. God’s plans are so much greater for us than we can imagine. We need only trust in Him. I cannot wait to see what more God has in store for me and you. We are truly blessed to be called the children of God!

Father Piotr Kosk is pastor of St. Mary in Taylorville, St. Rita in Kincade, and Holy Trinity in Stonington.

‘I love everyone here’
Teacher at St. Francis/Holy Ghost Catholic School in Jerseyville wins 2023 St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Award 
By ANDREW HANSEN
Editor

It was 9 a.m. on Tuesday, May 2. The Father Hembrow Center Gymnasium at St. Francis/Holy Ghost Catholic School in Jerseyville was packed with students, faculty, staff, priests, Bishop Thomas John Paprocki, and friends and family of Lisa Evans, a fourth-grade teacher at the school.

Those in the gym knew why all these people were together except Evans, at least at first, but that soon changed when she walked in and saw family and friends, and then it was announced that she was the winner of the 2023 St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Award in the Diocese of Springfield in Illinois during a surprise assembly. Everyone erupted in applause as Evans came forward shocked, and Bishop Paprocki presented her with the award.

“I am so humbled and honored with all that I have received today, and I am so thankful that Jesus gives me the strength to give you all the strength to do what we do every day to follow Him,” Evans said during her speech. “I love everyone here.” 

Evans began teaching at St. Francis/Holy Ghost School in 2004 and completed her 19th year as a fourth-grade teacher there. Before that, Evans previously taught at Grafton Elementary School in the Jersey Community Unit School District. Evans is married to Pete and has three children and two grandchildren. They are parishioners of Holy Ghost Catholic Church.

The St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Award recognizes one Catholic teacher who is making a big difference in the classroom, who authentically lives out what it means to be Catholic and instills the Catholic faith into her students, and who embodies St. Elizabeth Ann Seton, who founded Catholic schools in the United States.

The Office for Catholic Schools and Office for Communications for the Diocese of Springfield in Illinois, organizers of the award, received nearly 100 nominations from across the diocese from principals, teachers, parents, priests, previous students, and current students this year. The Office for Catholic Education then narrowed the list to five finalists (which Catholic Times presented in the April 30 edition) before selecting Evans as the winner. 

One of the most touching moments from the surprise assembly came after Evans was presented the award as each of her 33 current students gave her a hug. 

“I am so close to God, and I just feel closer, and I didn’t think that was possible,” Evans said. 

A common theme throughout the nominations for Evans was that she left a profound impact on students and parents and that she instills the values of our faith into students and authentically lives out the Catholic faith. 

“My son always loved coming to school each day,” said Lynn Goetten, a parent of a student. “Mrs. Evans gave him a sense of belonging and feeling important. I feel that she is a true leader. Her compassion for students and love for learning makes her an excellent candidate for this award.”

“Mrs. Evans continually shows compassion for my son and teaches him how a true Catholic lives every day,” said Jessica Ray, a parent of a student. “She has changed the outlook of school for him this year. He is excited to attend because of Mrs. Evans.”

“Mrs. Evans was a fantastic religion teacher,” said Covelynn Geisler, a previous student. “Everything she taught in religion class I understood and have a clearer relationship with Jesus Christ. She had so many great stories about things she has experienced and turned them into great life lessons I will never forget. She will always be one of my favorite religion teachers ever!” 

“Mrs. Evans is a fantastic example of our Catholic faith to our children, both during the school day where she prays the rosary with them and guides them to be a model of the Father's love, and also when we see her as an active presence in our parish on the weekends and throughout the year at various events,” said Laura McNicholas, a parent of a student. “She is joyful, thoughtful, intentional, and loving in her interactions with students.”

There are 43 Catholic schools in the diocese (36 elementary, seven high schools). Stay tuned in early 2024 as Catholic Times will announce how to submit a teacher for the 2024 St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Award.

By DIANE SCHLINDWEIN
Managing Editor

On Friday, May 26, Bishop Thomas John Paprocki will ordain three men to the transitional diaconate for the Diocese of Springfield in Illinois. The ordination will take place at 6:30 p.m. Mass at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception. 

A few weeks ago, seminarians Alex McCullough, Daniel McGrath, and Jayke White took time to share their thoughts and feelings about  their ordinations.

Alex McCullough

Alex McCullough, who calls Immaculate Conception in Mattoon his home parish, first felt called to the priesthood during his second year at Southern Illinois University at Carbondale, where he was studying microbiology. He says it was his Lenten practice of contemplating the daily readings for Mass that helped him to deepen his faith. 

“While I had never really stopped going to Mass when I was younger, I was pretty apathetic about it. I knew it was good to go to Mass, but that was about it,” he said. “But it was in these moments of reading the word of God that I first experienced conversion. I started feeling a small tug to the priesthood after that, so I eventually mentioned this to my pastor, Father John Titus. Father John quickly became a great mentor to me as I navigated my early days of discernment.” 

McCullough eventually transferred to Eastern Illinois University to study biology so he would be closer to home while he became more serious about discerning the priesthood. In the fall of 2016, he transferred to Bishop Simon Bruté College Seminary in Indianapolis where he completed a Catholic studies degree  with a focus on philosophy, as well as a biology degree, in 2018. 

“After graduation I took two years off. These two years were really a time for me to work on a few areas of growth and maturation for me,” he said. It was during that time that he first worked at Decatur Memorial Hospital and then spent a year teaching theology at St. Teresa High School. “In the fall of 2020, I came back to seminary formation, and I have been studying theology at St. Meinrad Seminary and School of Theology ever since,” he said.

McCullough, who is the son of Chris McCullough and Angie McCullough, says his family  might have been initially surprised, even “a bit shocked” about his vocation, however they have been very supportive and will be with him for his ordination.  He says several priests have been true examples of the priesthood, especially Father Titus, Father Steven Arisman, and Father Zach Samples. He has asked Father Arisman to vest him and notes that Father Arisman is not only a fine example of a good pastor but was instrumental in guiding him  as he “navigated the two years between times in the seminary.” 

“I also thank Father Brian Alford as the vocation director as well as Bishop Paprocki for their guidance and their openness to discerning my vocation with me,” he said. “Above all, I thank all the people who have prayed for me over the years. I could not do it without their prayers.”

There is a point in the Rite of Ordination that McCullough will kneel in front of Bishop Paprocki and promise respect and obedience to the bishop and to his successors. Then the bishop will say, “May God who has begun the good work in you bring it to fulfillment.” That prayer can be meaningful in many ways, McCullough says. “I think this prayer best captures the entirety of our lives of faith, but it is especially true for those who seek to hear God’s call. God calls every one of us by name. He calls us personally. It is truly God who does the good work in us, and He brings all of our good work to fulfillment. All we must do is be willing to say ‘yes’ to God.” 

Daniel McGrath

Daniel McGrath, who calls Sacred Heart in Virden his home parish, describes himself as excited, confident, and grateful to be ordained to the transitional diaconate. “I definitely get the sense that it is the fruit of a long time in prayer and formation, and that it is exactly where God has been leading me all these years,” he said. “I see it as a great gift that He plans to give to me, and I look forward to receiving it from Him.”

Although he began to realize his priestly vocation between his junior and senior years in high school, McGrath said at first his desire for a family and other academic interests made him choose another direction. As God would have it, he started college at Eastern Illinois University and “very quickly found a small group of men who were discerning the priesthood.” Two of those men were now-Father Zach Samples and Alex McCullough, who will be ordained with McGrath. It was Father Samples, who was not a priest yet, who saw something in McGrath. “One evening he asked, ‘Are you discerning priesthood?’ I had been,” he said. 

McGrath studied for just one year at EIU before entering college seminary at Bishop Simon Bruté College Seminary in Indianapolis.  He spent three years in college seminary, then two years at Kenrick-Glennon Seminary in St. Louis. “I then spent a year at Our Lady of Lourdes in Decatur, on a pastoral internship,” he said. “Finally, I finished a third year at Kenrick before ordination to the diaconate.” 

He is grateful to so many people, he says. “I would, firstly, like to thank my parents, Mark and Catherine McGrath, for everything they did to raise me and form me into the man I have become,” he said. “I would also like to thank my siblings, grandparents, and extended family, who have been so instrumental in forming me through my childhood. Also, every seminarian knows the great blessing that the Knights of Columbus councils are throughout the years, so a grateful ‘thank you’ to the K. C. councils around the diocese as well.” 

McGrath says he has had many mentors while in the seminary. “I would like to thank Father (Brian) Alford for his service to me and the other seminarians as vocation director. For their service to me very early on in my process at EIU and beyond, I would like to thank Father Steve Arisman and Father John Titus, as well as everyone at the Newman Center at that time.  I would also like to thank Father Jeff Goeckner, Father Michael Friedel, and Father Michael Trummer for their mentorship in my parish assignments,” he said. 

He has picked Father Trummer to vest him at his ordination.  “I am so grateful to have been assigned so often at the same parish Father Michael has been assigned. … I have seen him grow in boldness and a desire to serve God’s people and have personally benefited greatly from the ways he has put these desires into action. I look forward to that moment in the ordination and pray that I may grow in those same virtues.” 

He added that the people at Our Lady of Lourdes in Decatur (where he served a one-year internship) and at St. Boniface Parish in Edwardsville (where he has been ministering with the PSR classes) have all been welcoming. “I am also incredibly grateful for all who taught me and taught with me during the Totus Tuus program … over the three summers I taught in the diocese,” he said.

McGrath concludes that he looks forward to his ordination day and the work he will do beyond that.  “I am so grateful for all the Lord has done in my life to lead me to this day, and I look forward to continuing to serve the diocese with Him afterward.” 

Jayke White

A seminarian who now calls St. Mary Parish in Edwardsville his home parish, Jayke White  says looking forward to his diaconate ordination just seems right. “There is a rightness to stepping into this role that is simply natural,” he said. “It’s as though I’ve been holding my breath for so long and will finally be able to sing.”

White’s desire for the priesthood goes back to when he was a very little boy. “When I was 3 years old, I was sitting in Mass at St. Cecilia Parish (Glen Carbon) when I suddenly grabbed my mom’s face and said, ‘I want to do what Father (Steve Pohlman) is doing.’ She was understandably surprised and asked, ‘What is he doing?’ I replied very seriously, ‘He’s talking about Jesus, and everybody is listening.’ I thought there couldn’t be a better job in the world than that, and while my desire has grown and developed over the years, that simple desire to share our Lord has remained at the root of it.” 

White says he entered seminary right out of high school in 2015. “I left for a year from 2017-2018, got a bachelor’s degree in business management, and then re-entered seminary formation in the fall of 2018. He just completed his third year of theology at St. Meinrad Seminary and School of Theology in St. Meinrad, Ind.

White says he has been blessed with a family that supports him and loves him. “I’m very grateful first to my parents, Tami and Leon White, for showing me what the Christian life is meant to be through their examples of love and support,” he said. “My grandparents especially have always been some of my biggest fans and I can’t thank them enough.”  He also acknowledges his siblings, Jenna and Mitchell, and a number of very good friends, including Aaron Johnson, Eric Ouellette, Delaney Dodson, and Kate Timmermann, as well as his seminarian friends who are being ordained with him, Alex McCullough and Daniel McGrath. 

White says he considers Father Pohlman, Father Dan Bergbower, Father Dean Probst, Father Bob Jallas, and Father Zach Samples to be mentors, as well as Father Brian Alford, who has assisted him greatly in the seminary formation process. “I’m also extraordinarily grateful for Father Denis Robinson, OSB, rector at St. Meinrad. His compassionate leadership has shown me how to lead as a spiritual father,” he said. “I’d also like to thank our bishop, Bishop Thomas John Paprocki, who has not only been my bishop throughout my time in formation, but also confirmed me way back in 2011.” 

White has asked Father Samples to vest him at his ordination. “During his time with me at St. Meinrad Seminary, he showed me what it means to be a deacon through his service to the community and kindness of caring for those who needed care,” he said. White said he admires Father Samples’ wisdom, gentleness, and good humor. 

White says that he fully believes in letting a person know if he would be a good priest or deacon. “If you know someone in your life who might serve well as a priest or deacon, tell him,” he said. “Encourage him. Annoy him with your suggestions. But above all, support him when he does enter. It’s not an easy road, but the people of God make it worth it.” 

Many times in our lives we feel the need to recharge or renew our passions, our health, our life. What does that look like for you? For some, we may make a commitment to renew a passion we once had. For others, it may be making changes to your lifestyle to improve your health by starting an exercise program or eating healthier.

When we embark on making a change, we study the different methods or ways to make changes and find what works best in our lives. We invest the time in learning information, making a plan, and how to implement that plan to make the most impact and bring about the desired results.

What about your spiritual life? Does it need renewal or recharge? How do you achieve that? For many, it’s by attending a Cursillo. Cursillo (pronounced Kur-see-yo) is a Spanish word meaning “short course.” The process of making changes in your life is acquiring information, making a plan, and then implementing that plan for desired results. This is basically what happens on a Cursillo. 

During a three-day Cursillo, you hear talks by priests and lay persons focusing on growth and knowledge of self, the love of God, and your role in the Church and in your communities. In addition, Cursillistas (participants) pray together, celebrate in the Eucharist, and share in the fellowship of Jesus Christ. Each weekend follows the same format but each is unique because of the different life experiences of the Cursillistas.

Men and women make separate Cursillos as we each face our own challenges and communicate differently. Cursillo is a Catholic experience, but all Christians are welcome to attend. If married, men must attend first followed by their wives.  This allows the focus on men as spiritual leaders in the family and allows couples to grow together in their faith. Single, widowed, and divorced persons are also encouraged to attend and strengthen their faith life as well. Anyone age 21 and older can attend.

Cursillo weekends are held at the Quincy University Franciscan Retreat Center in Quincy, eight times a year — four weekends for men and four weekends for women. The cost is $165. 

The next weekends are June 22-25 for men and July 27-30 for women.

Visit quincycursillo.com for more information or email: .

Click here to download the Springfield Dominicans 150th PDF

Click Here to download the Religious Jubilarians PDF

What is the procedure if the Eucharist is dropped during the distribution of holy Communion?
Jim in our diocese

Whether through simple inattentiveness or by way of a genuine accident, it sometimes happens that a consecrated Host falls to the ground or that a chalice with the Precious Blood is dropped or spilled. In such a situation, what is one to do? 

Of course, it goes without saying that every effort should be made to ensure that the Eucharist — either the Precious Body or the Precious Blood — never touches the ground. This is why the bishops of the United States remind us that “all ministers of Holy Communion [whether ordinary or extraordinary] should show the greatest reverence for the Most Holy Eucharist by their demeanor, their attire, and the manner in which they handle the consecrated bread and wine” (Norms for the Distribution and Reception of Holy Communion under Both Kinds in the Dioceses of the United States of America, no. 29).

While the bishops give this admonition to those who distribute holy Communion, they also remind those who receive holy Communion that “we are to approach the altar for holy Communion with reverence, love, and awe as part of the Eucharistic procession of the faithful. This includes making a reverent bow of the head just before receiving holy Communion, which expresses both our individual and communal adoration of Jesus in the Eucharist as well as acknowledgement of our belief in the Real Presence of Christ in holy Communion” (“Happy Are Those Who Are Called to His Supper”: On Preparing to Receive Christ Worthily in the Eucharist, Part 5). 

The General Instruction of the Roman Missal, the text from the Holy See governing the celebration of the holy Mass, provides this brief direction: “If a host or any particle should fall, it is to be picked up reverently and if any of the Precious Blood is spilled, the area where the spill occurred should be washed with water, and this water should then be poured into the sacrarium in the sacristy” (no. 280). The sacrarium is a particular sink that has been set aside only for such a purpose, with pipes leading directly into the ground and not into the sewer system. They are often — unfortunately — absent in churches of more recent construction. 

If a consecrated Host should fall to the floor during the distribution of holy Communion, that Host should be presented to the communicant again, consumed by the minister, or even reserved for dissolution in water which would then be poured into the sacrarium. The preferable option is that the Host be consumed either by the communicant or by the minister.

The most common way to wash the area where the Precious Blood has fallen is to use purificators, the linen cloths used to wipe the chalice after each communicant has consumed the Blood of Christ. If the Precious Blood has been spilled, as many purificators as are needed should be used to gently soak up the Precious Blood. Once the Precious Blood has been absorbed into the purificators, fresh water and a clean cloth should be used to clean the area where the spill occurred, the now dirtied cloth being placed with the purificators to be washed in the usual manner. All of this should be done as soon as possible and with the greatest reverence and devotion.

Father Daren Zehnle is pastor at St. Augustine in Ashland and is the director for the Office of Divine Worship and the Catechumenate for the Diocese of Springfield in Illinois. 

Official Appointments
Effective July 1, 2023
(unless noted otherwise) 

Pastor Emeritus

Reverend R. Dean Probst is appointed Pastor Emeritus of Saint Thomas the Apostle Parish, Newton, Illinois, and Saint Mary of the Assumption Parish, Sainte Marie, Illinois; from Pastor of Saint Thomas the Apostle Parish, Newton, Illinois; and from Saint Mary of the Assumption Parish, Sainte Marie, Illinois, while retaining duties as Judge of the Diocesan Tribunal.

Pastor

Reverend T. Joseph Havrilka is appointed Pastor of Saint Patrick Parish, Pana, Illinois, and Sacred Heart Parish, Oconee, Illinois; from Pastor of Saint Clare Parish, Altamont, Illinois; from Saint Mary Parish, Saint Elmo, Illinois; and from Saint Anne Parish, Edgewood, Illinois.

Reverend Paweł Łuczak is appointed Pastor of Saint Thomas the Apostle Parish, Newton, Illinois, and Saint Mary of the Assumption Parish, Sainte Marie, Illinois, from Parochial Vicar of Saint Thomas the Apostle Parish, Newton, Illinois, and from Saint Mary of the Assumption Parish, Sainte Marie, Illinois.

Reverend Aloysius Okey Ndeanaefo is appointed Pastor of Saint Mary Parish, Paris, Illinois, and Saint Aloysius Parish, North Arm, Illinois, from Pastor of Sacred Heart Parish, Villa Grove, Illinois, while retaining duties as Pastor of Saint Michael Parish, Hume, Illinois.

Reverend Angel Sierra is appointed Pastor of Sacred Heart Parish, Villa Grove, Illinois, while retaining duties as Pastor of Forty Martyrs Parish, Tuscola, Illinois, and Saint John the Baptist Parish, Arcola, Illinois.

Reverend Hyland Smith is appointed Pastor of Saint Michael the Archangel Parish, Sigel, Illinois; Saint Mary of the Assumption Parish, Neoga, Illinois; and Sacred Heart Parish, Lillyville, Illinois; from Pastor of Holy Ghost Parish, Jerseyville, Illinois, and from Saint Mary Parish, Fieldon, Illinois. 

Reverend Martin Smith is appointed Pastor of Holy Ghost Parish, Jerseyville, Illinois, and of Saint Mary Parish, Fieldon, Illinois, while retaining duties as Pastor of Saint Francis Xavier Parish, Jerseyville, Illinois, and of Saint Patrick Parish, Grafton, Illinois.  

Reverend Adam Zawadzki is appointed Pastor of Sacred Heart of Mary Parish, New Berlin, Illinois; Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary Parish, Alexander, Illinois; Sacred Heart Parish, Franklin, Illinois; and Saint Sebastian Parish, Waverly, Illinois; Chaplain and Director of the Office for Deaf Ministry; and Chaplain, Jacksonville State Correctional Facility, Jacksonville, Illinois; from Parochial Vicar of Our Saviour Parish, Jacksonville, Illinois; from Chaplain, Routt Catholic High School, Jacksonville, Illinois; and from Chaplain for the Deaf Apostolate.

Parochial Administrator

Reverend Ron Lorilla is appointed Parochial Administrator of Saint Clare Parish, Altamont, Illinois; Saint Mary Parish, Saint Elmo, Illinois; and Saint Anne Parish, Edgewood, Illinois, from Parochial Administrator of Sacred Heart of Mary Parish, New Berlin, Illinois; from Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary Parish, Alexander, Illinois; from Sacred Heart Parish, Franklin, Illinois; from Saint Sebastian Parish, Waverly, Illinois; and from Chaplain, Jacksonville State Correctional Facility, Jacksonville, Illinois.  

Parochial Vicar

Reverend Ramesh Babu Matta with permission of his bishop, is appointed Parochial Vicar of Holy Ghost Parish, Jerseyville, Illinois; Saint Mary Parish, Fieldon, Illinois; Saint Francis Xavier Parish, Jerseyville, Illinois; and Saint Patrick Parish, Grafton, Illinois; from Chaplain of HSHS Saint John’s Hospital, Springfield, Illinois. 

Reverend Rodney Schwartz is appointed Parochial Vicar of Saint Paul Parish, Highland, Illinois, from Pastor of Saint Patrick Parish, Pana, Illinois, and from Sacred Heart Parish, Oconee, Illinois. 

Reverend Wayne Stock is appointed Parochial Vicar of Christ the King Parish, Springfield, Illinois, from Medical Leave of Absence, effective May 3, 2023.

Reverend Zachariah Patibandla with permission of his bishop, is appointed Parochial Vicar of Our Saviour Parish, Jacksonville, Illinois, and Associate Chaplain, Routt Catholic High School, Jacksonville, Illinois, from Parochial Vicar of Sacred Heart Parish, Effingham, Illinois.

Chaplain

Reverend Samuel Bagyo is appointed Chaplain of HSHS Saint John’s Hospital, Springfield, Illinois, with residence at Little Flower Parish, Springfield, Illinois, from Academic Leave and weekend supply ministry. 

Reverend Aaron Thomas Kuhn is appointed Chaplain of the Western Illinois Correctional Center, Mount Sterling, Illinois, while retaining duties as Pastor of Holy Family Parish, Mount Sterling, Illinois, and Saint Thomas the Apostle Parish, Camp Point, Illinois. 

Reverend Joseph G. Ring is appointed Chaplain of Routt Catholic High School, Jacksonville, Illinois, while retaining duties as Pastor of Our Saviour Parish, Jacksonville, Illinois, and Chaplain of Illinois College, Jacksonville, Illinois.

Reverend Leland Thorpe, O.M.V., with the consent of his religious superior, is appointed Chaplain of Marquette Catholic High School, Alton, Illinois, while retaining duties as Parochial Vicar of Saint Mary Parish, Alton, Illinois.

Prison Minister 

Deacon Michael P. Ellerman is appointed Prison Minister of the Western Illinois Correctional Center, Mount Sterling, Illinois, while retaining duties as Deacon at Holy Family Parish, Mount Sterling, Illinois, and Saint Thomas the Apostle Parish, Camp Point, Illinois.

Delegate for Legal Professionals

Mr. James A. Bock, Jr. is appointed Bishop’s Delegate for Legal Professionals, while retaining duties as Chancellor and General Counsel for the Diocese of Springfield in Illinois .

Appointment Concluded

Reverend Valery Safari Burusu concludes his appointment as Parochial Administrator of Saint Mary Parish, Paris, Illinois, and Saint Aloysius Parish, North Arm, Illinois, to be reassigned by his Bishop of the Diocese of Nyundo, Rwanda. 

Reverend Sunder Ery concludes his appointment as Pastor of Saint Michael the Archangel Parish, Sigel, Illinois; Saint Mary of the Assumption Parish, Neoga, Illinois; and Sacred Heart Parish, Lillyville, Illinois; to be reassigned by his Bishop of the Diocese of Cuddapah, India. 

Reverend Clinton Honkomp, O.P., concludes his appointment as Parochial Vicar of Christ the King Parish, Springfield, Illinois, effective May 2, 2023.  

Reverend Paul Kallal, O.M.V., concludes his appointment as Chaplain and Campus Minister of Marquette Catholic High School, Alton, Illinois, due to his appointment as Vocation Director for the Oblates of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Boston, Massachusetts.

Reverend Jason P. Stone concludes his appointment as Chaplain of the Saint Thomas More Lawyers’ Guild, and Bishop’s Delegate for Legal Professionals; while retaining duties as Pastor, Our Lady of the Holy Spirit Parish, Mount Zion, Illinois, and Saint Isidore Parish, Bethany, Illinois.

Active Outside the Diocese

Reverend Paul Kala is given permission to continue his work with the Missionary Society of Saint Theresa of the Little Flower on loan to the Diocese of Wa (Ghana) for another three years until June 30, 2026.

Creating safe environments for schools, parishes 
By ALI SMITH
Special to Catholic Times 

As we wrap up April, which is Child Abuse Prevention Month, let’s take a look at how the Diocese of Springfield in Illinois is continuously educating and providing awareness to prevent the abuse of children. 

The Springfield diocese has been implementing training and screening requirements for adults since 2002. These measures continue to promote a safe environment in the Catholic schools and churches of this diocese. 

Adults in every family, school, community, and church are the protectors of the minors within. As leaders, adults should be educated to recognize signs of abuse. Before serving in diocesan parishes and schools, employees and volunteers must complete educational training which helps them to identify warning signs. Previously, the training used was called Protecting God’s Children. 

As of July 1, 2022, the diocese has switched training programs and is now utilizing Catholic Mutual Group’s (CMG) Safe Haven training. The new training program is offered on a fully virtual platform which allows the user to take the course on his or her own time. The content is more engaging and relevant than previous trainings. CMG’s Safe Haven safe environment training is comprised of components to increase awareness for protecting children and to help adults recognize and report signs of abuse or neglect. 

Along with being required to complete safe environment training, adults serving as employees and volunteers in the diocese are required to complete background checks. While screening requirements have been in place since 2002, the diocese began requiring all employees and volunteers to be background checked as of 2010. Previously, criminal history and DCFS background checks were done with hardcopy forms and were both required to be renewed every five years. Now, the criminal history background check is done electronically through the CMG training platform with the DCFS check instructions included in the process. The new criminal history searches are much more thorough and reliable, with routine automatic re-checks which removes the need for regular five-year renewals. While DCFS checks are still required every five years, the new criminal history screening method is quite an improvement from the previous process.

The diocesan Office for Safe Environment is dedicated to the prevention of child sexual abuse in the church. The goal of these changes is to keep the training and screenings programs as relevant and reliable as possible. For more information about the updated requirements, please contact your school or parish Safe Environment Coordinator or the Office for Safe Environment.

Ali Smith is director of the Office for Safe Environment for the Diocese of Springfield in Illinois. 

The subject of holiness and being holy has confused me for many years. I am specifically asking about Mary and the saints. In Eccl 7:20 it states the following: “… yet there is no one on earth so just as to do good and never sin.” I have often read and heard of the Virgin Mary and the saints being holy. I understand, based on the Bible, which is the true Word of God, that no human is or ever was holy. No one. Being holy would mean all the saints, the Virgin Mary, and the Triune God are all holy and that’s not true! Only the Triune God is holy! Would you explain this, based on what the Bible says?  I’ve been conflicted about this for a long time.
Pat in St. Louis

Hey, Pat! Your question is a good one. As with any passage of Scripture, it’s important to start with context, lest we misinterpret the Scriptures or use them as proof texts for errant theologies.

The Book of Ecclesiastes (Eccl; sometimes called Qoheleth, and not to be confused with the Book of Sirach, whose other name is, rather confusingly, Ecclesiasticus) is one of the Wisdom books of the Old Testament. Its primary thesis is essentially that all of man’s striving cannot bring about true happiness; hence, the opening line of Ecclesiastes is: “Vanity of vanities, all is vanity!”

In the subsequent chapters, the preacher speaks of his experiences seeking after happiness through various pursuits — knowledge and pleasure and riches and wisdom — but all of these fail to attain the true happiness for which we were created, which is a share in God’s own blessed life (see CCC 1).

Eccl 7:20 comes amidst the preacher’s discussion of wisdom. The Scriptures argue frequently that the truly wise man is the man who fears the Lord and therefore obeys the commandments of God. Except, per the verse you cited, “there is not a just man on earth who does [only] good and does not sin” (translation and emphasis my own). True wisdom (in the sense of “pure” wisdom) can’t be found, because none are perfectly just/righteous (the meaning of the Hebrew tsaddiq, which shouldn’t be translated “holy”). No one, at least up to the time of the preacher, had yet perfectly followed the commandments of God, and therefore, no one was “righteous” or “justified.”

St. Paul argues the same in his letter to the Romans, where in fact he references Eccl 7:20 (cf. Romans 3:10). Jew and Gentile alike, St. Paul says: “all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23). This is why we needed a Savior!

Enter Jesus, and with Him the Good News! In comes the Christ, and as St. Paul tells it, the righteousness of God (i.e. His righteousness and our righteousness ordered to Him) is now manifested to us through faith in Jesus Christ (see Romans 3:21-22). This means that for those of us who believe, we can now be “justified by His grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus” (Romans 3:24). Feel free to read Romans for a beautiful exposition on how this is the case! So now, true righteousness, and with it, holiness, are possible through faith in Jesus Christ and obedience to His will.

With Jesus Christ, we can now read Ecclesiastes in a different light. Although it’s still true that on our own all our efforts would be vain striving and there would seem to be no saints (because we cannot make ourselves holy), with the grace of Jesus Christ, the door to true righteousness, salvation, and therefore, holiness is now open to us!

The saints knew this well, that holiness was only afforded to them by sheer grace. It was not they who made themselves holy, but rather their cooperation with the grace of Christ Jesus. Holiness is properly, then, the work of God. In fact, it is God’s own life. But “[t]he Word became flesh to make us ‘partakers of the divine nature’” (CCC 460, quoting 2 Peter 1:4). The entire purpose of Christ’s coming, according to the Church, was to make us holy — to let us share in the life of God. Holiness is not only possible, it’s the very purpose of our existence (cf. Matthew 5:48).

So, in sum, we can’t make ourselves holy, but through Christ, we are invited to participate in the life of grace. But importantly, the saints and Mary aren’t pseudo-gods; they are partakers in God’s nature because God has willed that they be, and they accepted His invitation through the grace of Jesus Christ our Savior. While the lives of the saints were not perfect, they did model for us the receptivity needed to live a grace-filled life (Mary, however, was perfect, but that too was a prevenient grace which was given to her through Jesus). Heaven, in fact, is only filled with saints, which comes from the same word as “holy,” although you could never tell that in English. So, think of it this way: If we want to spend eternity in heaven with God, our only option is to become holy by God’s grace or spend eternity in hell! Please Jesus, make us holy!

Father Michael A. Friedel is pastor of Our Lady of Lourdes Parish in Decatur, chaplain at Millikin University, and associate vocations director for the Diocese of Springfield in Illinois.

You are invited to a historic event that will feed your soul and inspire your faith in a radical way
Eucharistic Congress at BOS Center set for Oct. 28 features four national Catholic speakers
By ANDREW HANSEN 
Editor 

PREPARING FOR EUCHARISTIC CONGRESS - Members of the Eucharistic Congress event team visited the BOS Center in Springfield for a tour of the facility on March 29. Led by Father Jeffrey Goeckner, pastor of St. Boniface Parish in Edwardsville, the team includes several priests and staff members of the diocesan curia. Learn more about this historic event taking place on Oct. 28 by visiting www.dio.org/revival-bos.

Mark your calendar for Sat. Oct. 28 for an event unlike any other. National Catholic speakers, inspirational videos, sacraments, and Mass with 7,000 Catholics from across the diocese will be the essence of the Eucharistic Congress at the BOS Center in downtown Springfield, and you are invited. The experience will be the highlight of the diocesan Year of the Eucharist going on now, which is part of the nationwide Eucharistic Revival.

For the past several months, several diocesan priests and staff at the Diocese of Springfield in Illinois have been working to organize this historic event, and they are excited to formally announce what people can expect and how people can attend.

“In a world full of selfishness, violence, and uncertainty, the Eucharistic Congress will be an incredibly uplifting and powerful experience,” said Father Jeff Goeckner, pastor of St. Boniface Parish in Edwardsville and leader of the group spearheading the event. “No matter where you are in your faith journey, this day will re-energize your faith life, radically improve your relationship with Jesus, and inspire you to live as an authentic disciple of Christ. Whether it’s one of the four speakers, the videos, the Mass, or just being there with so many people of faith, the Eucharistic Congress will have something for everyone, most importantly, Jesus, present in holy Eucharist.”

Featured talks will be from nationally popular Catholic speakers Dr. Scott Hahn, Sister M. Karolyn Nunes, FSGM, Father Chase Hilgenbrinck, and Father Denis Robinson, OSB. The Eucharistic Congress will also include Catholic vendors, adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, confession, a Kid's Corner, a showing of the documentary God is Alive | Incredible stories of faith and miraculous events in Central Illinois, and a showing of The Chair, which highlights the beauty of the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Springfield and the history of the diocese. The day culminates with the very essence of the Year of the Eucharist going on now in our diocese, the Mass, with an arena full of Catholics eager to hear the Word of God and receive Jesus present in the holy Eucharist.

To attend, you must contact your parish office as each parish in the Diocese of Springfield in Illinois will be designated a specific number of available seats. You can inquire with your parish starting July 1. If your parish has all their available seats reserved when you inquire, the public release of any more seats will be Sept. 1, if they become available.

The schedule of the Eucharistic Congress on Oct. 28 is as follows: 

• 10:30 a.m.: Doors open, Kids Corner open, vendor row open
• 11 a.m.: Eucharistic adoration and confession available in basement (both end at 3:30 p.m.), concession stands open
• 11:30 a.m.-12:35 p.m.: Screening of documentary, God is Alive | Stories of incredible faith and miraculous events in Central Illinois
• 12:50 p.m.-1:35 p.m.: Dr. Scott Hahn presentation
• 1:50 p.m.-2:15 p.m.: Screening of The Chair, video that highlights the history of the Diocese of Springfield in Illinois, the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, and Bishop Thomas John Paprocki's journey to Springfield
• 2:30 p.m. -2:50 p.m.: Sister M. Karolyn Nunes, FSGM presentation
• 2:50 p.m. -3:10 p.m.: Father Chase Hilgenbrinck presentation
• 3:10 p.m. -3:30 p.m. Father Denis Robinson, OSB presentation
• 4 p.m.: Mass 

Food will be available for purchase at concession stands, and you will be allowed to exit and return to the BOS Center throughout the day. 

There will be no Masses at parishes on Sat. Oct. 28. For more information about the Eucharistic Congress including frequently asked questions, go to: www.dio.org/revival-bos.

We would love your help!

Are you interested in financially supporting this historic Eucharistic Congress? Please consider donating or becoming a sponsor. If you would like to make a financial gift to support the Eucharistic Congress, visit www.dio.org/give. If you are interested in event sponsorship, contact Rachel Langdon at or (217) 321-1113. Thank you!

Volunteers needed for Eucharistic Congress

Come join us as we put into practice the pillars of hospitality and service. Volunteers will receive a seat to the event, lunch, a T-shirt, and graces of the day! Sign up at www.dio.org/revival-bos by June 1. Any questions?  Contact Teresa Gray at .