Dear Catholic Times readers:

After 17 years as editor of Catholic Times and over 20 years of service to the Springfield diocese, I am retiring at the end of June. I wanted to take this opportunity to say goodbye and thank you to all our faithful readers. Over the years, I have had the opportunity to meet many of you. It’s been a pleasure to write and edit stories on how people in our diocese live the Gospel, sometimes in mundane and sometimes in heroic ways.

The Diocese of Springfield in Illinois continues to be firmly committed to its safe environment programs at all parishes, schools and other Catholic institutions, said Ember Beddingfield, director of the Office for Safe Environment.

Twelve years after the implementation of the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People members of the diocesan review board continue to perform their responsibilities under the Charter for the Diocese of Springfield in Illinois, said Patricia Kornfeld, victim assistance coordinator for the diocese.

Father House to be chancellor; Mulford to head new department

Bishop Thomas John Paprocki has named Father David Hoefler to be vicar general/moderator of the curia for the Catholic Diocese of Springfield in Illinois, effective May 1. Father Hoefler succeeds Bishop-elect Carl Kemme who was named head of the Wichita Diocese on Feb. 20 and will be ordained a bishop there on May 1.

A new online survey is now available to gather information about why Catholics in the Springfield diocese choose to stay active in the church.

The preliminary investigation of an allegation of clerical sexual misconduct with a minor said to have occurred over 30 years ago has been concluded in the case of Father Robert "Bud" DeGrand. After examining the results of the preliminary investigation, the Diocesan Review Board unanimously found that the allegation against Father Robert DeGrand is credible.

Marriage — and the legal definition of marriage — was a concern for many in Illinois during the year 2013.

On Jan. 3, a hearing took place during the lame duck session of the Illinois General Assembly, with speakers, both in favor and opposed, addressing a senate executive committee considering legislation that would legalize so-called "same-sex" marriage.

At an Oct. 14 gathering of Catholic lawyers at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, Bishop Thomas John Paprocki announced the establishment of a volunteer legal services program to assist people who cannot afford legal representation.

Merry Christmas, and thanks to all the young artists who shared their talents in the annual Catholic Times Christmas cover contest. This year, over 750 entries were submitted to vie for the honor of appearing on the cover of the Christmas edition of the diocesan newspaper.

An estimated 500 people filled the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Springfield Nov. 20 to join Bishop Thomas John Paprocki of the Springfield diocese in Prayers of Supplication and Exorcism in Reparation for the Sin of Same-sex Marriage.