Join the National and diocesan movement to revive devotion and belief in the Real Presence of Jesus in the Eucharist 
By Andrew Hansen
EDITOR

Launching on the Feast of Corpus Christi on June 19, Catholics across the United States and our diocese, will begin a movement to invite Catholics into a deeper understanding and devotion of the holy Eucharist. This movement of Catholics is about healing, conversion, formation, and becoming a unified Body of Christ by focusing on encountering the real Body of Christ, present to us in the Eucharist.  

In 2019, a Pew Study indicated what many had long suspected. Few Catholics, approximately 30 percent, fully believe in the Real Presence of Jesus in the Eucharist. This stark reality inspired the bishops of the United States to action. More than an event or a program, they envisioned a true revival to rediscover the Eucharist through a deep commitment of prayer, pilgrimage, and worship on the part of the entire Church in the United States. The advent of the pandemic only accelerated these plans, revealing their urgency and importance. Too many Catholics still have not returned to Mass to celebrate the central mystery of the Church.

Over three years and beyond, every Catholic diocese, parish, school, apostolate, and family is invited to be a part of renewing their faith to the Church by enkindling a living relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ in the Holy Eucharist.

In our diocese, here are just some of the things the Eucharistic Revival will entail over the next several years (mark your calendars for some of these!):

• Corpus Christi Eucharistic processions on June 19 at your parish or a parish near you;
• Catholic Times’ Build a Church Lego Contest happening now for students (www.dio.org/buildachurch);
• Launching Eucharistic adoration or expanding Eucharistic adoration at parishes;
• Parishes hosting the traveling Eucharistic Miracles of the World display;
• Video series on the Eucharist and national speakers coming to parishes; 
• A diocesan Year of the Eucharist starting Dec. 8. This Year of the Eucharist coincides with the celebration of the 100^th year of the transfer of our diocese from Alton to Springfield. A special Mass at Ss. Peter and Paul in Alton kicks off the diocesan Year of the Eucharist Dec. 8 with the concluding Mass at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception Dec. 8, 2023;
• A diocesan Eucharistic Congress at the BOS Center in Springfield on Oct. 28, 2023. National speakers, Bishop Robert Barron and Scott Hahn, will give talks in the arena. Other events focusing on the Eucharist and other topics will also take place at the BOS Center before a special Mass in the arena where nearly 8,000 Catholics from our diocese will attend; 
• The first National Eucharistic Congress in the United States in almost 50 years will take place July 17-21, 2024 in Indianapolis. 

May 20, 2022

I fully support and earnestly commend Archbishop Cordileone’s action in regard to Speaker Pelosi. All politicians who promote abortion should not receive holy Communion until they have repented, repaired scandal, and been reconciled to Christ and the Church. 

Full Letter to Public

By Andrew Hansen
EDITOR 

Families looking for a unique Catholic adventure that combines scripture, prayer, and climbing in nature’s beauty now have an opportunity to do so in Central Illinois. Mercy Tree Adventures, which launched this spring, is taking families to new heights literally and spiritually. 

“Adventure isn’t a part of life that we grow out of or benefit by leaving behind us,” said Carlos Tejeda, who co-founded Mercy Tree Adventures with his wife, Elena, and who are parishioners at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Springfield. “When properly understood, adventure is actually part of God’s plan for living a fully human life – and it’s an ingredient in how one matures as a disciple of Jesus Christ. Events like these are important because they help strike the right balance of calculated risk for the sake of growth while in real, not fabricated, relationship. When was the last time your family smiled, laughed, worked, prayed, and talked together without screens, comfort, and consumption being prominent? Come check out what gets sparked in your heart, mind, and soul when you’re trusting your family, surrounded by the majesty of creation and vulnerable before God!”

Mercy Tree Adventures specializes in technical tree climbing, using ropes and harnesses, like arborists do, but the kinds of adventures don’t stop at tree climbing. They also facilitate rappelling in caves, go-kart racing, radio-controlled car challenge courses, jet-skiing, kayaking, hiking, relay races, geocaching, digging pits, marksmanship, paintball, bonfires, explosives, directional tree felling, and log splitting. Tejeda says the point of these activities is to make it easy for a man to extend or receive an invitation from a friend or acquaintance that he respects, and they strive to host unique events that make men grin on their face and in their heart.  

“This opened heart stance is fertile soil for conversion to take root in a man because we foster encounters in God’s creation and read Scripture,” Tejada said. “We call it ‘Lived Lectio.’ Lectio Divina is Latin for ‘divine reading,’ the practice of prayerful meditation on sacred Scripture. Lived lectio is about encounters with God's Word so that participants become fully alive in Christ for their own sake, their spouse, children, the Church, and the world.”       

In 2019, the vision for Mercy Tree Adventures started for Tejeda, who is trained and certified to help people climb trees, has a degree in forest science, and has worked as a climbing arborist for 16 years. One verse from Scripture in particular kept popping in his mind, "Turn the hearts of fathers to their children" (Luke 1:17). The verse became a prominent part of his prayer life. Tejeda says that Mercy Tree Adventures “then became a doubling down on this promise of the Lord - namely, that everything rides on the degree to which fathers turn their hearts to their children.” 

“We started Mercy Tree Adventures in order to specialize in setting men up for success in their prayer life, married life, and family life,” Tejeda said. “We are eager to become a favorite tool in the evangelical arsenals of parishes, schools, retreat centers, fraternal organizations, seminaries, campus ministries, and homeschool coops.”

The Tejedas will drive to communities so their events are always local and accessible. They offer half-day, full-day, and weekend long events. To book an adventure, go to mercytreeadventures.org.

By DIANE SCHLINDWEIN
Managing Editor

On Saturday, May 28, Bishop Thomas John Paprocki will ordain two men as priests for the Diocese of Springfield in Illinois during a Mass at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception. The ordination will be attended by their individual families and friends as well as the rector, vice rector, and associate director of spiritual formation from Saint Meinrad Seminary and School of Theology, where both men attended seminary.

Earlier in May, soon to be Fathers Paul Lesupati and Father Zachary D. Samples took time to share thoughts on their ordination and vocation to the priesthood. (Editor's note: So as to avoid confusion, we are listing both men as "Father," even though they will become priests on May 28.)

Father Paul Lesupati

A Kenyan by nationality who came to America at the invitation of Father Jeffrey Grant, Father Lesupati now calls Father Grant’s parish, Blessed Sacrament in Springfield, his home. 

Because of COVID restrictions, Father Lesupati’s immediate family will not able to travel to his ordination, but some Kenyans from his home diocese who live in Wisconsin will be able to come to Springfield, along with some other Kenyans from North Carolina, Virginia, and St. Louis. 

Father Lesupati, who will celebrate his 44^th birthday in June, will choose Father Grant to vest him at his ordination. “He was a great influence in my vocation as a priest,” Father Lesupati said. “He is my mentor.  He has influenced me in many ways — with his prayer life, compassion, kindness, and zeal for pastoral care of the soul. His parishioners always come first. He is a role model priest for me. He is always at the service of the people of God.” 

The parishioners at Blessed Sacrament are also dear to Father Lesupati, and he has felt welcomed by them.  “I appreciate the people of God who through their prayers and support have helped me reach the altar of God. I have learned a lot from Blessed Sacrament; the parishioners have their own unique way to give witness to Christ. I welcome their hospitality.” He has particularly been impressed by one parishioner who always greets as many people as he can before Mass, during the Sign of Peace, and outside the church. “George is a witness of this great hospitality I have seen in Blessed Sacrament,” he said. 

“I am also so grateful for Bishop Thomas John Paprocki, for ordaining me and for his fatherly care he has shown by accepting me as a diocesan priest. I appreciate the many priests who have supported me in my summer assignments and those who have encouraged me to focus on my vocation. Many thanks go to Father Brian Alford, Father Jeff Grant, Father John Titus, and Father Dean Probst. I want to thank all the people of God for your support and prayers. God bless you and know that you are in my prayers.” 

The newly-ordained Father Lesupati will celebrate his first Mass of Thanksgiving at Blessed Sacrament on May 29.  In June, he will be traveling to Kenya to celebrate a Mass of Thanksgiving with his family members and parishioners of St. George Parish in Laisamis. Father Grant and Father Probst will accompany him. When Father Lesupati returns to Springfield, he will be parochial vicar at Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception. 

“I am excited to work at the Cathedral as parochial vicar. It is a new experience for me,” he said. “Cathedral is the womb of the diocese. I trust in God’s providence to always guide me to shepherd his flock. I am looking forward to being a shepherd among the flock the Lord has entrusted to me. I am excited to serve the people of God, accompany, and advocate for them.” 

Father Zach Samples

More than anything right now, Mt. Zion native Father Samples, who is 30 years old, feels overwhelming gratitude at his ordination to the priesthood. Primarily, he says he is thankful for his parents, David and the late Lori Samples. “Both my father and my mother have loved and supported me in countless ways. They instilled strong values, morals, and faith into me at a very young age, and have guided me along the path of my life every step of the way,” he said. “My late mother was especially instrumental in helping to form me in the faith. My father has proven to be a steadfast supporter of me during these years of seminary formation. From the bottom of my heart, I am grateful to them, and to the rest of my family, more than I can adequately put into words.” 

Father Samples is thankful for Bishop Thomas John Paprocki, Msgr. David Hoefler, Father Brian Alford, Father Chris House, and other diocesan leaders “for the countless ways they have supported me over these years of seminary formation.” “They have opened countless doors, have been good sounding boards, and have become mentors that I know I can count on moving forward.” 

He is also most appreciative of the people in the many parishes he’s been involved with. “Their prayers, words of encouragement, and support have really sustained me during the highs and lows of these last six years. I could not have done it without them.

“Finally, I have to thank Saint Meinrad Seminary and School of Theology, especially our rector, Father Denis Robinson, OSB. Father Denis and the entire faculty and staff that comprise Saint Meinrad provide an invaluable service to the Church universal, and to our local Church. The formation they provide is simply exceptional and has prepared my brother seminarians and I for a life of priestly service. It is not an understatement to say that my years at Saint Meinrad changed the directory of my life by helping me to come to a better understanding of who the Lord has called me to be … leading me to fall deeper in love with Jesus Christ, His people, and His Church.”

Father Sample’s father, sister Meghan Roberts and her husband Tyler Roberts, his grandmother Lois DiMarzio, aunts, uncles, friends, priest mentors, men, and women religious, and friends from various parishes he’s been involved with, were all invited to the ordination. 

Father Samples will choose Father John Titus, pastor of Immaculate Conception Parish in Mattoon and St. Columcille Parish in Sullivan, and dean of the Mattoon Deanery, to vest him at his ordination. “Father John was chaplain of the Newman Catholic Center at Eastern Illinois University during my time there and was the first person to really help me see that the priesthood was a very real possibility in my life. He helped me to stop and ask what it is that God might be asking of me and calling me to. It’s not only about what ‘we’ want, it also about what God wants for us. Once I started asking that question, it became very clear that He was calling me to priesthood. Father John helped to reveal that to me, and I am grateful for that beyond measure.”

Father Samples will celebrate his first Mass of Thanksgiving on May 29 at St. Patrick Church in Decatur. He will spend the month of June celebrating Masses of Thanksgiving at various places around the diocese and traveling to the ordinations of his classmates from Saint Meinrad.  He will take a short vacation with a few of his seminary friends before beginning his first assignments as parochial vicar at St. Peter Parish in Quincy and as associate chaplain of Quincy Notre Dame High School. 

Editor’s note:  See the June 12 issue of Catholic Times for more coverage of the ordination of these two new priests. 

By FATHER MICHAEL TRUMMER 
Special to Catholic Times 

Are you need of healing, any kind of healing? All are welcome to attend The Night of Healing at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Springfield on Saturday, June 4. 

A Healing Prayer Workshop kicks off the day from 9 a.m. to noon in the Cathedral atrium that is open to anyone. Participants will learn about why and how to pray for healing. The Night of Healing prayer service begins at 6:30 p.m. All are invited to be prayed with for healing. People can stay as long as they wish that night.

Why a Night of Healing? 

As Christians, we often offer prayers for one another at a distance, which is good. However, there is a real power when we gather together in person to prayer for one another. We often avoid praying with one another in person because we are less familiar with it, and sometimes we have a hard time being vulnerable. However, when we have the courage to be vulnerable, prayer becomes more powerful and we experience the love of God in a way that doesn't happen when we pray for one another at a distance. When we come together to pray at a healing service, there is a higher level of expectant faith in God's power. Prayer for healing is abundantly present in the life of Jesus and his disciples. The early Church fathers, such as St. Justin Martyr, St. Irenaeus, and St. Augustine, talk about the healing miracles present at their time. St. Francis Xavier sent newly catechized children in small villages to share the Gospel and perform healing miracles. St. Catherine of Siena, a laywoman, raised the dead. Healing prayer is part of our tradition but not everyone is aware of this. 

Who Is It for?

Really, it is for anyone who wants to come. Primarily, we focus on praying for physical healing, although people often experience emotional healing. It is intended for an individual in need of prayer to actually be there, although one can stand in proxy for a loved one that needs prayers. Even if one is not in need of prayer, it is still a beautiful service to go to. The healing service is at a Catholic Church, but anyone is welcome, not just Catholics. The Night of Healing is not a healing Mass, but a healing prayer service.

What Happens at a Night of Healing?

The Night of Healing begins with a time of singing and praising God. Praise increases the power of our prayer and reminds us of how good God is, which helps us believe in God's healing power. After praise, there is a reflection/homily. Then, we address common questions about healing prayer and obstacles to healing. The prayer team will then share conditions that we believe God is going to heal during the healing service. Before prayer teams, we pray for everyone as a larger group, because it is our firm belief that God works through every believer because of the Holy Spirit, not just special or talented prayer leaders. After praying as a group, prayer teams will spread out throughout the church to offer prayers for individuals. The prayer teams have experience in praying with people for healing. If you have not been prayed over by a prayer team before, it is a really powerful way to experience God's presence and love. There is no official end time. The prayer leaders will stay as it takes to pray with everyone. 

For questions, email Father Trummer at . 

While visiting the gravesites of several deceased loved ones recently, my wife came up with a question involving ours. I purchased a gravesite near my parent’s site, in a non-Catholic cemetery, in the 1980s, before I married and became Catholic. Can our gravesite be hallowed by a priest?
- Charles in Granite City

Yes, it is possible for your grave in a non-Catholic cemetery to be blessed either by a priest or by a deacon. This would typically occur when the mortal remains of either you or your wife are placed in the grave, whichever one of should fall asleep in the Lord first. The Order for Christian Funerals provides for the blessing of a grave in the Rite of Committal (cf. no. 218A).

Indeed, not only may your grave be blessed, but it should be blessed. The Church blesses graves because, as we pray over unblessed graves, when the Lord Jesus spent three days in his tomb, He “hallowed the graves of all who believe in you and so made the grave a sign of hope that promises resurrection even as it claims our mortal bodies.

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

Springfield Catholic grief therapist authors new book to help people grieve healthier and better comfort those who lost loved ones

By ANDREW HANSEN
Editor

Losing a loved one is painful. How we handle that loss depends on each person. But are we grieving in a healthy way? What should we do if the pain is still just as apparent today than when the loss occurred? And what about comforting others who have lost a loved one — what should we be saying and not saying? 

Because it can be so challenging to handle grief well, whether it is our own grief or someone else going through a loss, Dr. Dee Stern of Springfield published a book in January to help. The book — Comforting the bereaved through listening and positive responding, What are the bereaved trying to tell us? — tackles a variety of topics from how we can better deal with a loss of a loved one to better understanding what someone who has lost a loved one is feeling. 

Dr. Stern’s credentials on this topic are comprehensive. She has a doctorate in psychology, has a master’s degree in psychology and pastoral studies, is a licensed clinical professional counselor, a certified grief therapist, and a certified hospital chaplain. She is also a part-time parish/bereavement minister at the Church of the Little Flower in Springfield where she is a parishioner, and she also a chaplain at HSHS St. John’s Hospital where she facilitates three grief support groups.

Catholic Times Editor Andrew Hansen interviewed Stern to get advice for all of us. 

As a society, we don’t seem to be handling loss too well. What are we doing wrong?

A century ago, people were born, lived, and died in the same communities. Everyone in the community knew everyone. Neighbors watched children grow up, get married and have their own children. Then as they grew older, they died and were buried. When someone in the neighborhood died, everyone knew it, and it affected the whole community. Today, we don’t seem to have that same connection. When someone dies, we may not know them or perhaps even make an effort to contact the family of the deceased. That support that used to be there, today is just not present. 

Today, people are more involved in a “me and I” attitude and spend more time texting, emailing, and calling each other rather than talking face to face with the bereaved to offer their sympathies. Why does this happen? Could it be people don’t know what to say or are afraid the bereaved will talk about their loved one and begin to cry and others will not know what to do or say to them? We are not in a society today where a lot of people lend a hand to their neighbor, but rather care only about themselves and not the consequences that occur because of their decisions. 

What advice do you have for people so when a loss of some kind comes, they are better prepared to grieve in a healthier way?

If you are talking about a death, or any kind of a loss, it is good to have a plan. In fact, have plan A, B, and maybe C. If A doesn’t work, try B or C. For a death, have a good insurance plan, a will, and power of attorney for health care and finances. Have a funeral home in mind, a prearrangement for a funeral, cremation, or grave side burial. If you have a lot of things already taken care of before a death, it is much easier on the family left behind to deal with all these decisions. 

As for as grieving, everyone grieves differently and what works for one person doesn’t mean it will work for another person. Sometimes, it helps to fall back on what helped in the past to get you through a stressful situation. If you have something that has helped you in the past, it could very well help you again when a death occurs. No one can predict when a death will occur, even if the doctor says the person has only hours to live, they could live for weeks, months, and even years. It is also important to have someone to talk to about what you are experiencing — not to get advice, but simply to support and listen to you.

There is the saying “time heals all wounds.” Is there truth to that?

The saying you are referring to, “time heals all wounds,” is not really true. It is not time that heals wounds, it is what you do with your time. If you do nothing, your healing will take much longer. Think of a cut. If you don’t take care of it, it could get infected, and you could have multiple problems. However, if you do take care of the cut, healing takes place. Grief is like that. If you don’t deal with it, there can be many complications. If you talk with someone who will listen and not give you advice, you will be helped as you grieve. 

What if someone feels like they just can’t get over a loss despite it happening a long time ago. Does that mean they are grieving wrong?

First of all, you never get “get over a death,” rather you get through it. Remember, everyone grieves differently and what works for one person doesn’t necessarily work for someone else. It does not mean that someone is grieving wrong if they are struggling with grief even if has been a long time ago. 

Going back to the last question, what has the person been doing to get through the loss of their loved one. If they have not been doing anything and thought they could grieve without help, they may need to talk with someone or get some help from a grief therapist or even attend a grief group. However, there is no time limit on grief. Grief takes as long as it takes. For some people, grief takes several years, for others, a lifetime. Remember, it is in the telling of the story that the healing takes place. In other words, when you talk about your loved one, healing takes place, but when you keep all that inside, your healing takes longer and could have complications along the way.

Part of your book addresses better understanding what someone who has lost a loved one is feeling. What should one say and not say to a person who has lost a loved one to comfort them?

There are so many things not too say to the bereaved that usually causes them pain and a great deal of hurt and that they may never forget. It is interesting that most people remember the negative things people say to them and not always the positive things, because the negative things are always so hurtful. 

Some examples of what not to say, are these real comments that were made to the bereaved: 

• “Don’t you feel better to know that God needed another flower in His garden, and He chose your child?” 
• “You are young enough to have another baby anyway.” (This person suffered a miscarriage.)
• “Aren’t you glad your baby died, because you don’t know what it would have grown up to be like.”
• “You are young enough that you can find another fish in the ocean.” 
• “Now that Bob died, you can have some free time and not have to go over to the nursing home, so we can go shopping again.” 
• “It was God’s will that you daughter killed herself.”
• “He was always in pain, and was going to die anyway, but now he is in a better place.” 
• “It was only an animal; you can always get another one.”
• “You have to get over it, and stop being so sad all the time.”  

Things to say to the bereaved: 

• “I was so sorry to hear that you husband died. He was a wonderful man.” 
• “If you ever need to talk, I am a good listener.” 
• “You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.” 
• “I can’t begin to imagine how you must feel since your wife died.” 
• “I will always remember her smile. She could light up any room.” 
• “Your son was a wonderful guy, and I will never forget him.” 
• “Your husband was sure a hard worker and everyone really liked him at work.”   
• “Your mother was such a wonderful person and always so welcoming to everyone she met.” 

The bereaved want to hear positive things and stories and memories about their loved one who died, not anything negative.

If a friend or family member is going through a loss, what actions should we do and what should we not do to help that person grieve better?

A good thing to do to help the bereaved is to listen to them and allow them to tell their story over and over again. Another thing is to mention their loved one in a conversation or relate a memory or story to them of their loved one. This is very important and helps them realize their loved one has not been forgotten.       

Something that you should not do is to give unsolicited advice to them. Also, do not rush them through their grief and don’t push them to do something they are not ready to do such as go out to eat, go to a party, go to a grief group, or get help, etc.  

Never ask them how they are because many times they really don’t know themselves. Rather, ask them how their week is going. 

How important are rituals to help people grieve better?

Rituals are important because they bring God, family, and the deceased together. Special prayers can be said, and people can offer their sympathies to the family in a quiet and sacred environment. It is a time to remember and reflect on the life of the deceased and a chance to say goodbye to a friend, family member, or colleague and tell the bereaved family stories and their memories of the deceased that they might not know about. 

Sadly, many Catholics are choosing to not have a funeral Mass. From the perspective of a healthier grieving process, how important is that funeral Mass?

I believe a funeral Mass is really important, especially if the deceased was someone who went to church and was devoted to God and the Church. If the body is not present, it is called a Memorial Mass, which is also important, especially if the deceased or family has requested it. (These Masses) are a time of prayer, remembering, and reflecting. Before or after the Mass and the burial, it is a good time to talk with family and friends or colleagues of the deceased and tell them stories or memories about the deceased.

For some, there might be the inclination to “show strength” by not crying or keeping things bottled up after suffering a loss. Can that be harmful?

Not everyone cries when there is a death, yet there are some people who cannot stop crying, while others cannot seem to cry. That is OK because that is where you are at that particular time. It does not mean something is wrong with you. However, sometimes when you least expect it, tears will come. It could happen at any time, now or months later. 

When someone is grieving, there seems to always be someone who thinks the bereaved should be strong. That is not true. Your loved one has died and now you are on your own. When a death occurs, your whole body can be depleted —physically, mentally, and socially — and for some, spiritually. Sometimes, people tell the bereaved to be strong for their children and not cry in front of them. That is so wrong! You cannot be strong for others when you are grieving. You must first take care of yourself, then others. Remember in an airplane when the mask is lowered for oxygen, you are to put the mask on your face first, then your child. If you are not OK, you cannot help others. It is OK to cry in front of your family because it gives them permission to cry with you instead of keeping that inside and being afraid to cry in front of you. 

To those who are bereaved, never apologize for how you feel. It is not you that is concerned about strength, it is everyone around you. They simply do not know what to say or do with you when you are sad. So, down the road when you are able, take some of that control back and tell those around you what you need and want from them. It may be just to listen to you or for a hug, or a shoulder to cry on. Only you know what you need. Do not allow others to tell you how you should feel or what you should do, because it is up to you.

To purchase Dr. Stern’s book, Comforting the bereaved through listening and positive responding, what are the bereaved trying to tell us?, go to archwaypublishing.com.

By ANDREW HANSEN
Editor 

She received a standing ovation. Her family, including her husband, siblings, and children made sure they were there to see it. Every student gave her a hug. That was the scene at St. Mary Catholic School in Brussels after Maureen Tepen, the third/fourth grade teacher and fifth/sixth grade language arts teacher in the small, rural school, was announced as the winner of the 2022 St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Award in the Diocese of Springfield in Illinois during a surprise celebration and award presentation at the school May 4. Bishop Thomas John Paprocki presented Tepen with the award.

“God is so good, God is so good,” Tepen said, as she fought back tears from the podium during the event. “I decided to be a teacher when I was in first grade, and I had this little seed in my heart that I wanted to teach kids, and to have a spot they knew they could come to be encouraged and grow.”

Then, looking at all the students in the room, Tepen said, “I just love every single one of you students. You have done so much for me. You helped me to grow, and every day I get to see growth in you. You say that I help you become the best version of yourself, but it’s you guys that help me be the best version of myself. God has given each of you so many talents. I want you to find that talent and live it in your life. Keep God first and foremost in your heart and mind.” 

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.

Tepen has taught for 27 years in Catholic education, including 21 years at St. Mary in Brussels, five at St. Francis Xavier in Jerseyville, and one at St. John in Carrollton. 

The Office for Catholic Schools and Office for Communications for the Diocese of Springfield in Illinois, organizers of the award, received a record number of nominations — 72 teachers in all — from principals, teachers, parents, priests, previous students, and current students this year. A team consisting of former educators in the diocese poured through the nominations and read all the stories of impact about each teacher, narrowing the list to five finalists. In the end, Tepen rose to the top. 

A common theme throughout the nominations for Tepen, who belongs to St. Joseph Church in Meppen, part of Blessed Trinity Parish, is she is “Christ-like” and inspires her students to become the “best versions” of themselves.

“Mrs. Tepen is a loving person, and one time when I did not know how to do my work, and I was getting mad, she came over and said everything would be OK,” said Riley Pohlman, a current student of Tepen. “She spent a long time helping me, and I finally got it. She was so patient and calm the whole time. I was happy that she took time to help me. At church, she reads, sings, and she goes to church every single weekend, and she does it all for Christ.”

“Mrs. Tepen treats everyone like her own family and is someone you should go to if you’re having a rough day,” said Dayton Brundies, a previous student of Tepen. “She is very selfless and loves donating to the less fortunate. Mrs. Tepen is truly a saint and is dedicated to her religion. She has inspired me to take my religion more seriously.”

“Her knowledge of the Bible and the Catholic faith is infinite,” said Rachel Wilschetz-Hartman, a colleague of Tepen. “Her dedication to God and her faith is exemplary. Her love for God is witnessed at Mass, in school, and with her family. She volunteers for all the extra activities, is in charge of our missions collections, and she handmakes collection boxes and successfully encourages students to donate money for the less fortunate. I am appreciative of her patience, uplifting advice, and support throughout the years. She has influenced me to examine my relationship with God and deepen my faith.”

“The genuine love Mrs. Tepen has for being a teacher shines through in the heart-felt projects she incorporates into her lessons, like the Christmas angels, self-portraits, and Mother’s Day yarn flowers,” said Becky Lorts, principal at St. Mary School. “She infuses faith-filled activities throughout all subjects she teaches. Her classroom is warm and nurturing. She inspires others to grow in their faith and spirituality. She is an excellent role model to others, not only in words but actions. She is a witness through her faithful participation in the sacraments. As her administrator, I look to her when I need guidance and even reassurance if I’m having a difficult day, because she is the epitome of kindness. St. Mary School is very blessed to have her as a veteran teacher, and I am so blessed to call her my friend.”

There are 43 Catholic schools in the diocese (36 elementary, seven high schools). Stay tuned in early 2023 as Catholic Times will announce how to submit a teacher for the 2023 St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Award.

What is the origin of the concept of purgatory? Some Catholics and Protestants insist that purgatory is absolutely never mentioned in the Bible or by Jesus Himself.  
Nancy in Springfield 

Witnessing the majestic revelation of the new and heavenly Jerusalem, the visionary John foresees the nations of the earth passing through its gates while explicitly noting, “nothing unclean will ever enter it, nor will anyone who does abominable or deceitful things … ” (Revelation 21:27).

No sin will be allowed into the presence of all-holy God. Yet we sin, and so will need to be purified in order to pass through the gates of Heaven. The Catechism of the Catholic Church confirms this: “All who die in God’s grace and friendship, but still imperfectly purified, are indeed assured of their eternal salvation; but after death, they undergo purification, so as to achieve the holiness necessary to enter the joy of heaven. The Church gives the name purgatory to this final purification of the elect, which is entirely different from the punishment of the damned” (CCC 1030–1).

While the term “purgatory” is not mentioned in Sacred Scripture, the concept of a post-death purification of sin and its effects can be found in both the Old and New Testaments. The Book of 2 Maccabees, 12:41–45, for example, tells of deceased Jewish soldiers found to be wearing amulets of a pagan god, and thereby breaking the First Commandment. The surviving soldiers first pray for their dead comrades and then take up a collection to send to the Temple in Jerusalem to pay for sacrifices to expiate the sins of the dead.  

Interestingly, Second Maccabees was written about 100 years before Christ, and so the idea of purification after death would have been known and believed in by many Jews during Jesus’ lifetime. While our Lord never mentions this notion explicitly, neither does He deny or correct it.

The Gospel of Matthew, in fact, may be cited to show Jesus supported the teaching of purification of sin after death. In 12:32 He says, “And whoever says a word against the Son of man will be forgiven; but whoever speaks against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven, either in this age or in the age to come.” Setting aside the question of the unforgivable sin, Jesus discloses that some sins may be forgiven in “the age to come.” Considering the way Jesus uses this term in other places (Mark 10:30, 13:39-40; Luke 18:20, 20:35; Matthew 28:20), He is certainly referring to a time of life after death and so provides a divine foundation for the Church’s current teaching on purgatory. 

The concept of purgatory originates in our need to be absolutely free from sin to enter into Heaven. Yet, people do die imperfectly purified, as witnessed to in the Scriptures. It is necessary, then, for God to provide a way of purgation, or purgatory, for those souls to enter into His presence. Such is found explicitly in the Old Testament and implicitly in the teachings of Jesus Himself. So, make sure to pray for the souls in purgatory so that they may more quickly gain admittance to Heaven.

Father Seth Brown is pastor of Mother of Dolors Parish in Vandalia and St. Joseph Parish in Ramsey. He is also chaplain of Our Sorrowful Mother’s Ministry, chaplain of the Vandalia Correctional Center, and research theologian for the Diocesan Curia.

Effective July 1, 2022
(unless noted otherwise)

Pastor Emeritus

Reverend John P. Beveridge is appointed Pastor Emeritus of Saints Peter and Paul Parish, Collinsville, Illinois, from Pastor of Saints Peter and Paul Parish, Collinsville, Illinois.

Reverend Monsignor David S. Lantz is appointed Pastor Emeritus of Christ the King Parish, Springfield, Illinois, from Pastor of Saint Mary Parish, Taylorville, Illinois; Saint Rita Parish, Kincaid, Illinois; and Holy Trinity Parish, Stonington, Illinois; from Chaplain, Taylorville Correctional Center, Taylorville, Illinois; and from Chaplain, Springfield Chapter of the Catholic Physicians Guild/Catholic Medical Association. 

Pastor

Reverend Albert F. Allen is appointed Pastor of Saint Mary Help of Christians Parish, Effingham (Green Creek), Illinois, while retaining his appointment as Pastor of Annunciation Parish, Shumway, Illinois, from Pastor of Saint Anthony Parish, Effingham, Illinois, effective August 10, 2022.

Reverend David Beagles is appointed Pastor of Saint Elizabeth Parish, Robinson, Illinois, and Our Lady of Lourdes Parish, Oblong, Illinois, and Chaplain of the Robinson Correctional Center, Robinson, Illinois, from Parochial Vicar of Saint Francis Solanus Parish, Quincy, Illinois.

Reverend Michael B. Haag is appointed Pastor of Saints Peter and Paul Parish, Collinsville, Illinois, from Pastor of Saints Mary and Joseph Parish, Carlinville, Illinois; Saints Simon and Jude Parish, Gillespie, Illinois; and Saint Joseph Parish, Benld, Illinois; Parochial Administrator of Saint Louis Parish, Nokomis, Illinois, and from Chaplain of Blackburn College, Carlinville, Illinois; while retaining his duties as a Member of the Diocesan Finance Council. 

Reverend Peter C. Harman is appointed Pastor of Saint Anthony Parish, Effingham, Illinois; Bishop’s Delegate for Health Care Professionals; and Chaplain, Springfield Chapter of the Catholic Physicians Guild/Catholic Medical Association; from Rector of the Pontifical North American College, Rome, Italy, effective August 10, 2022.

Reverend Piotr Kosk is appointed Pastor of Saint Mary Parish, Taylorville, Illinois; Saint Rita Parish, Kincaid, Illinois; and Holy Trinity Parish, Stonington, Illinois, and Chaplain, Taylorville Correctional Center, Taylorville, Illinois; from Parochial Vicar of Saint Paul Parish, Highland, Illinois.

Reverend Florent Emmanuel Kanga, S.A.C., with the assent of his religious superior, is appointed Pastor of Saint Mary Parish, Farmersville, Illinois; Saint Maurice Parish, Morrisonville, Illinois; and Saint Raymond Parish, Raymond, Illinois; from Parochial Vicar of Saint Louis Parish, Nokomis, Illinois; Saint Mary Parish, Farmersville, Illinois; Saint Maurice Parish, Morrisonville, Illinois; and Saint Raymond Parish, Raymond, Illinois. 

Reverend Joseph Koyickal, S.A.C., with the assent of his religious superior, is appointed Pastor of Saints Mary and Joseph Parish, Carlinville, Illinois; Saints Simon and Jude Parish, Gillespie, Illinois; and Saint Joseph Parish, Benld, Illinois; and Chaplain of Blackburn College, Carlinville, Illinois; from Provincial Superior of the Society of the Catholic Apostolate (Pallottine Fathers and Brothers), and is granted the faculties of the Diocese, effective August 1, 2022, and continuing for the duration of his residence in this Diocese. 

Reverend Michael Meinhart is appointed Pastor of Saint Louis Parish, Nokomis, Illinois, from Parochial Vicar of Saint Boniface Parish, Edwardsville, Illinois, and Associate Chaplain of Father McGivney Catholic High School, Glen Carbon, Illinois.

Reverend Paul C. Stein, a priest of the Archdiocese of Chicago, with the permission of his Archbishop, is appointed Pastor of Saint Alexius Parish, Beardstown, Illinois; Saint Fidelis Parish, Arenzville, Illinois; and Saint Luke Parish, Virginia, Illinois; from Pastor of Saint Frances of Rome Parish, Cicero, Illinois and is granted the faculties of the Diocese, effective July 1, 2022, and continuing for the duration of his residence in this Diocese.  

Reverend Christopher Uhl, O.M.V., upon presentation by his religious superior, is appointed Pastor of Saint Mary (Immaculate Conception) Parish, Alton, Illinois, and is granted the faculties of the Diocese, effective July 1, 2022, and continuing for the duration of his residence in this diocese.

Parochial Administrator

 Reverend Ervin Pio M. Caliente, a priest of the Diocese of Rockford, with the permission of his Bishop, is appointed Parochial Administrator of Saints Mary and Joseph Parish, Carlinville, Illinois; Saints Simon and Jude Parish, Gillespie, Illinois; and Saint Joseph Parish, Benld, Illinois, from July 1 to 31, 2022, from Parochial Administrator of Saint Alexius Parish, Beardstown, Illinois; Saint Fidelis Parish, Arenzville, Illinois; and Saint Luke Parish, Virginia, Illinois, to begin a period of discernment with the Norbertine Community in Silverado, California, August 1, 2022.

Parochial Vicar

Reverend Paul L. Lesupati, newly ordained, is appointed Parochial Vicar of the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, Springfield, Illinois.

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

Reverend Ramesh Babu Matta, a priest of the Diocese of Vijayawada, India, with the permission of his Bishop, is appointed Parochial Vicar of Saint Aloysius Parish, Springfield, Illinois, and Saint Francis Xavier Cabrini Parish, Springfield, Illinois, effective upon arrival in the United States with the required immigration visa and is granted the faculties of the Diocese at that time, continuing for the duration of his residence in this Diocese.

Reverend Wayne Stock is appointed Parochial Vicar of Our Lady of Lourdes Parish, Decatur, Illinois, and Saint Thomas Parish, Decatur, Illinois; and Chaplain, Saint Teresa High School, Decatur, Illinois; and Associate Chaplain, Millikin University, Decatur, Illinois; from Medical Leave of Absence and Pastor, Saint Alexius Parish, Beardstown, Illinois; Saint Fidelis Parish, Arenzville, Illinois; and Saint Luke Parish, Virginia, Illinois.

Reverend Christopher A. Trummer is appointed Parochial Vicar of Saint Agnes Parish, Springfield, Illinois; and Associate Delegate for Health Care Professionals; and Associate Chaplain, Springfield Chapter of the Catholic Physicians Guild/Catholic Medical Association; from Graduate Studies for the Licentiate in Sacred Theology (S.T.L.) in Moral Theology at the Pontifical University of the Holy Cross, Rome, Italy, and residence at the Pontifical North American College, Rome, Italy.

Reverend Michael Trummer is appointed Parochial Vicar of Saint Boniface Parish, Edwardsville, Illinois; and Associate Chaplain of Father McGivney Catholic High School, Glen Carbon, Illinois, from Parochial Vicar of Our Lady of Lourdes Parish, Decatur, Illinois, and Saint Thomas the Apostle Parish, Decatur, Illinois; Chaplain, Saint Teresa High School, Decatur, Illinois, and Associate Chaplain, Millikin University, Decatur, Illinois.

Reverend Zachary D. Samples, newly ordained, is appointed Parochial Vicar of Saint Peter Parish, Quincy, Illinois; and Associate Chaplain of Quincy-Notre Dame High School, Quincy, Illinois.

Reverend Patibandla Zechariah, from the Diocese of Guntur, India, with the permission of his Bishop, is appointed Parochial Vicar of Sacred Heart Parish, Effingham, Illinois, from Saint Mary Parish, Taylorville, Illinois; and Saint Rita Parish, Kincaid, Illinois; and Holy Trinity Parish, Stonington, Illinois.

Graduate Studies

Reverend Peter Chineke is appointed to Graduate Studies in Canon Law at the Catholic University of America, Washington, D.C., from Parochial Vicar of the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, Springfield, Illinois, and Co-Chaplain of Sacred Heart-Griffin High School, Springfield, Illinois.

Reverend Dominic Vahling is appointed to online Graduate Studies in Canon Law at Saint Paul’s University, Ottawa, Canada, and part-time teaching as a member of the Theology Faculty of Sacred Heart-Griffin High School, Springfield, Illinois, while retaining duties as Chaplain of Sacred Heart-Griffin High School, Springfield, Illinois, with residence at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, Springfield, Illinois, from Parochial Vicar of the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, Springfield, Illinois.

Chaplain

Reverend Paul Kallal, O.M.V., with the assent of his religious superior, is appointed Chaplain of Marquette Catholic High School, Alton, Illinois, while retaining duties as Campus Minister of Marquette Catholic High School, Alton, Illinois, with continued residence at Saint Mary (Immaculate Conception) Parish, Alton, Illinois. 

Senior Priest

Reverend Stephen J. Pohlman is appointed to Senior Priest status, from Leave of Absence.

Appointment Concluded 

Reverend John C. Burnette concludes his appointment as Parochial Administrator of Saint Mary Parish, Farmersville, Illinois; and Saint Maurice Parish, Morrisonville, Illinois; and Saint Raymond Parish, Raymond, Illinois, while retaining his appointment as Pastor Emeritus of Saints James and Patrick Parish, Decatur, Illinois. 

Reverend Sunder Ery concludes his appointment as Pastor of Saint Mary Help of Christians, Effingham (Green Creek), Illinois, while retaining his assignments as Pastor of Saint Michael the Archangel Parish, Sigel, Illinois; Saint Mary of the Assumption Parish, Neoga, Illinois; and Sacred Heart Parish, Lillyville, Illinois, effective August 10, 2022.

Reverend Christudasan Kurisadima, S.A.C., concludes his appointment as Parochial Administrator of Saint Louis Parish, Nokomis, Illinois; Saint Mary Parish, Farmersville, Illinois; Saint Maurice Parish, Morrisonville, Illinois; and Saint Raymond Parish, Raymond, Illinois; to return to the Society of the Catholic Apostolate (Pallottine Fathers and Brothers) in India.

Reverend Suresh Sambaturu concludes his appointment as Parochial Administrator of Saint Elizabeth Parish, Robinson, Illinois; Our Lady of Lourdes Parish, Oblong, Illinois, and Chaplain of the Robinson Correctional Center, Robinson, Illinois, to return to the Diocese of Cuddapah, India. 

Reverend William F. Kessler concludes his appointment as Chaplain of Marquette Catholic High School, Alton, Illinois, while retaining duties as Pastor of Saint Alphonsus Parish, Brighton, Illinois, and Saint John the Evangelist Parish, Medora, Illinois. 

Reverend Paul Nguyen, O.M.V., upon notification from his religious superior, concludes his appointment as Parochial Administrator of Saint Mary (Immaculate Conception) Parish, Alton, Illinois, for reassignment to serve as Pastor of Holy Ghost Parish with the Oblate Community in Denver, Colorado.

Consultant

Deacon William E. Kessler is appointed Consultant for Health Care Ministry, from Bishop’s Delegate for Health Care Professionals, while retaining his appointment for Diaconal Ministry at Saint Ambrose Parish, Godfrey, Illinois.