Sixth Street in front of the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception campus in Springfield was closed briefly to traffic the afternoon of Dec. 2, enabling the hundreds of people who came from throughout the diocese room to watch as Father Peter Harman, rector of the Cathedral, and former bishop, now Archbishop George J. Lucas of Omaha, symbolically opened the Cathedral’s doors. The 81-year-old Cathedral was reopened after 15 months of an extensive renovation and construction project, which includes a new altar and baptismal font and an adjoining atrium.

When Msgr. Ossola and the people of Little Flower Parish in Springfield began collecting toys for Catholic Charities this Advent, they had no idea what an emotional roller coaster awaited them. As it turned out, they discovered people of all faiths are really in the Christmas spirit this year.

Faye A. Chiola of Springfield, mother of Father Richard Chiola of the Springfield diocese, died Dec. 14.

Sister M. Joan Sorge, OP, has been selected as one of a dozen recipients of the National Catholic Education Association’s Distinguished Principal Award.

Family memories attached to fragile red, white and blue Christmas ornament

ROBINSON — Every Christmas, when Carol Wagner Wong decorates her Christmas tree, she has one ornament that brings back bittersweet childhood memories.

Photos from the December 2, 2009 dedication mass of the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception

The newly-restored Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception will be featured in a 30-minute episode of Illinois Stories, a regionally produced public television series that features people, places, issues and events of central and west central Illinois.

Tours of the recently reopened Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Springfield will be given at 10:15 a.m. on Saturdays. The 81-year-old Cathedral, an architectural landmark on the southern edge of downtown Springfield, re-opened Dec. 2 after a 15-month restoration project.

Washed, anointed, honored with incense! Those were the words Cardinal Francis George of Chicago used repeatedly to paint beautiful images and a theology of church at the dedication of the Cathedral on Dec. 2.

The 2009 Christmas Mass schedule for all parishes throughout the diocese can be downloaded by click on the link below.

December 20, 2009 - 2009 Christmas Mass Schedule

Applications are now available for local grants through the Catholic Campaign for Human Development (CCHD) for organizations within the Catholic Diocese of Springfield in Illinois that work with poor and low-income people to help eliminate the root causes of poverty.

Endowment comes from Harvest of Thanks, Springtime of Hope campaign

The Diocese of Springfield in Illinois has provided over $89,000 in tuition assistance to 297 students in Catholic elementary and high schools this year, Jean Johnson, superintendent for Catholic schools, has announced.

QUINCY — Quincy Notre Dame High School and the Quincy Catholic elementary schools will host a series of convocations as part of a long-term planning process to ensure the future of Catholic education in the area.

OCONEE — A cold wind and threatening skies could not dampen the festive atmosphere of the 75th annual Sacred Heart trap shoot held here Sunday, Nov. 15. The rain held off until sunset, but sharp winds and cool temperatures caused shooters to zip up their coats while they were on the firing line and take refuge in a nearby tent or in the concession stand between rounds.

The Young Adult Ministry (YAM) has just begun holding its weekly Sunday Mass at St. Viator Chapel, located within the Catholic Pastoral Center at 1615 W. Washington in Springfield.

QUINCY — In celebration of Quincy University’s 150th anniversary, the QU Campus Ministry department has launched a “50 State Service Project.” The goal of the outreach project is to record service hours in all 50 states while stressing the ministry of presence through small groups. Although the majority of service trips are organized by student volunteers, QU alumni, friends, faculty and staff are encouraged to participate.

St. Joseph’s Home in Springfield has released the Official City of Springfield Ornament for 2009. The newest ornament features The Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception with the words: Built on Faith 1928, Renewed in Hope 2009. It is the 17th in a series of ornaments that honor Springfield’s landmarks and are issued annually by St. Joseph’s Home. The ornament is a fund-raiser for the home for the aged.

Over 600 people from throughout the diocese attended an evening prayer service and farewell reception for Archbishop-designate George Lucas July 16 at Christ the King Church and Parish Center. Msgr. Carl Kemme, moderator of the curia, and Msgr. David Lantz, director of the Office for the Diaconate and CTK pastor, joined Archbishop Lucas to lead the prayer service, with numerous other priests in the diocese joining the assembly for the service.

Msgr. Carl Kemme, moderator of the curia and pastor of St. John Vianney Parish in Sherman, has been named administrator of the Diocese of Springfield in Illinois. He was elected by the College of Consultors at a meeting July 24 at the Catholic Pastoral Center in Springfield.

On July 22, Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Springfield in Illinois closed the St. Francis Community Clinic at 111 S. State St. in Beardstown after almost 10 years of service.

ALTON — The Sisters of St. Francis of the Martyr St. George will celebrate the profession of final and first vows and reception into the novitiate of several sisters during Mass at 9:30 a.m. Aug. 15, the Solemnity of the Assumption of Our Lady, at St. Mary’s Church, 519 E. Fourth St.  Two temporary professed sisters will make final profession of vows, two novices will make first profession of vows, and two postulants will be received into the novitiate.

Golfers from Chatham, Auburn, Springfield and beyond were on hand earlier this summer to honor a priest who was both a beloved pastor and an avid golfer.

The parish-based weeklong summer youth catechetical program, Totus Tuus, is receiving favorable responses in parishes throughout the diocese where it has been held so far. This is the first year the diocese is offering the catechetical program, The phrase Totus Tuus (Latin for “totally yours”) was the motto of Pope John Paul II.

HIGHLAND — Harvey R. Jakel, father of Father Patrick Jakel, pastor of St. Jerome Parish, Troy, died July 1 at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Highland, age 84.

GILLESPIE — Maurice “Gene” Edwards, father of Father Charles A. Edwards, pastor of St. Paul Parish in Highland, died July 4 at his residence in Pontoon Beach. Mr. Edwards, 76, was formerly of Gillespie.

The Office for Catechesis of the Diocese of Springfield in Illinois has awarded grants totaling over $17,400 to 23 parishes to be used for adult faith formation and catechist training.

The Silver Rose of Our Lady of Guadalupe will be at Blessed Sacrament Church, 1725 S. Walnut St., July 19-20, as part of its journey through the United States. A prayer service and time of devotion to the Blessed Mother will be held on July 19 after the 5 p.m. Mass.

EFFINGHAM — The St. Anthony of Padua Feast Day dinner on June 13 was the occasion for the induction of the second class of the St. Anthony High School Academic Hall of Fame and Athletic Hall of Fame. Seven new members were inducted into the Academic Hall of Fame. Four new members were inducted into the Athletic Hall of Fame.