In a letter to Catholics in the Springfield diocese, Bishop Thomas John Paprocki has provided information on contributing to the recovery of the Archdiocese of Brisbane, Queensland, Australia, from recent catastrophic flooding.

Priests and parish life coordinators of the Springfield diocese will meet Feb. 22-23 at the Decatur Conference Center and Hotel as part of ongoing study days on the implementation of the new translation of the Roman Missal.

Legislation could pose potential conflict with religious liberty, bishops say

Despite strong opposition from the state’s Catholic bishops, the Illinois House passed legislation Nov. 30 requiring recognition of civil unions and giving people in same-sex partnerships most of the legal rights of married couples.

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

Bishop Thomas John Paprocki joined the bishops of Illinois in a statement calling upon the Illinois General Assembly to reject legislation that would establish civil unions in the state. The bill was to have been brought to the House floor for a vote on Nov. 30, as Catholic Times went to press.

Bishop Thomas John Paprocki has strongly supported a Catholic university in its dispute with an employee over the issue of gay marriage.

Knights of Columbus members from throughout the Springfield diocese will gather for a Mass at 6:30 p.m. Nov. 11 at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Springfield. Father Peter Harman, pastor of Cathedral Parish, will preside. At the Mass, Knights will remember their deceased members and also honor veterans, both living and deceased.

Bishop Thomas John Paprocki’s Oct. 17 run in the 26.2-mile Denver Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon raised over $30,000 to help offset debt left over from the restoration of the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception.

Dominican Sister Joan Sorge, principal of St. Agnes School in Springfield, is among 62 outstanding elementary and middle school principals from public and private schools across the nation who have been named as 2010 National Distinguished Principals by the National Association of Elementary School Principals (NAESP).

The annual diocesan Respect Life Mass, with Bishop Thomas John Paprocki presiding, will be held at 9 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 9 at Holy Family Church, 2606 Washington Ave., in Granite City. Immediately following the Mass, Bishop Paprocki will lead a rosary walk and prayer vigil to the Hope Clinic for Women, which provides medical and surgical abortions.