Holy Spirit moves through nearly 19,000 people at SEEK23 in St. Louis

By ANDREW HANSEN 
Editor

ST. LOUIS — It was a week filled with grace, joy, spiritual enlightenment, new friendships, and memories for the dozens of high school students, college students, adults, religious, and clergy from the Diocese of Springfield in Illinois who attended SEEK 23 in St. Louis Jan. 2-6. People from our diocese joined nearly 19,000 other Catholics from across the country for the conference, each of them encountering the Lord in deeper ways through daily Mass, confession, eucharistic adoration, hearing faith talks from Catholic leaders, and more.

“The seek conference was inconceivable at times to see so many different people come together to grow in their faith and to ultimately seek Him,” said Mak Keller, a student at Southern Illinois University in Edwardsville (SIU-E) who grew up going to Mass at Mother of Perpetual Help Parish in Maryville. “With so many resources in one place for myself and other friends I’ve talked to, we were all able to cultivate our knowledge to help bring us closer to the Lord.” 

Father Braden Maher (EIU Newman Center chaplain and pastor of St. Charles Borromeo Parish in Charleston), Father Michael Berndt (parochial vicar of St. Anthony of Padua Parish in Effingham), Catherine Porter (EIU Newman Center campus minister), Joe Gasseraro (alumnus of SIU-E), and Sean Barth (SIU-E Newman Catholic Community campus minister) pose for a photo at SEEK23. Porter’s daughter, Ann Marie, also joined in on the fun. “Being at SEEK was truly a gift from God that increased my faith and trust in His providence and the truth of the Catholic Church,” said Sam Lutastanski, a student at SIU-E who grew up going to Mass at St. Paul Parish in Highland. “Throughout the entire week, it was inspiring to experience such witness to God's love and devotion through the actions of so many college-aged men and women on fire with reverent love of the Lord.” 

FOCUS (Fellowship of Catholic University Students kicked) hosted SEEK23. FOCUS is a Catholic apostolate whose mission is to share the hope and joy of the Gospel. FOCUS missionaries encounter people in friendship, inviting them into a personal relationship with Christ and accompanying them as they pursue lives of virtue and excellence. Through Bible studies, outreach events, mission trips and discipleship, missionaries inspire and build up others in the faith, sending them out to live out a lifelong Catholic mission wherever they are. In our diocese, the Newman Catholic Community at SIU-E has a FOCUS team.  

“SEEK is something that I pray everyone gets the chance to attend one day,” said Sophia Clausius, a student at SIU-E, who grew going to Mass at St Anthony of Padua Parish in Effingham. “Between Mass, all the talks, adoration, and concerts, it’s inevitable to feel God’s presence. My personal favorite part of SEEK is adoration simply because every doubt I’ve ever had about God vanished. His love, His mercy, His truth all became so true and so clear.” 

Bishop Thomas John Paprocki hosted a happy hour of food and fellowship at a restaurant in downtown St. Louis Jan. 5 for those attending SEEK23. Pictured here with him are college students from our diocese and Father Braden Maher, chaplain at the Newman Center at EIU (and pastor of St. Charles Borromeo Parish in Charleston). The Diocese of Springfield in Illinois had a large presence at the conference, most of it coming from college students at Newman Centers at SIU-E, Eastern Illinois University, and Millikin University. Several high schools and parishes also sent students. The diocesan curia hosted a booth, promoting the great things happening in our diocese while also engaging college students to consider becoming a teacher in a Catholic school in our diocese, a Totus Tuus teacher in the summer, or pursuing other career opportunities. Bishop Thomas John Paprocki, several priests, seminarians, and religious such as the Sisters of St. Francis of the Martyr St. George in Alton also attended. On Jan. 5, those from the diocese were invited to a happy hour at a restaurant in downtown St. Louis for food and fellowship.

“Seeing 17,000 young men and women fall on their knees before Jesus during adoration and Mass was so moving, and I loved seeing the long lines for confessions,” said Maria Fitzgerald, a student SIU-E who grew up attending Mass at St. Boniface Parish in Edwardsville. “Seeing and participating in such intense fellowship encourages me to pursue a deeper holiness and increases my desire to share Jesus with others. The talks that I attended were challenging and engaging. I learned so much, and hearing speakers talk about topics that have been relevant in my life offered new perspectives that I'll continue to pray about for a long time!”

SEEK24 returns to St. Louis Jan. 1-5, 2024.

Having trouble hearing God’s voice?
St. Boniface Church in Edwardsville hosting a free workshop Jan. 28
By FATHER MICHAEL TRUMMER 
Special to Catholic Times 

We hear stories from the Bible and from other saint stories of God speaking. We also hear, “Prayer is a conversation, prayer is talking with God,” but how often is that your experience? Maybe you know how to tell God what is on your heart, but do you know how to hear what is on His heart, and what He says to you?

Jesus died on the cross not simply to get you into Heaven someday, but He came to draw you into communion and relationship with the Trinity, and such an important part of any relationship is communication, which involves talking and listening. You do not have to be a perfected saint or an extraordinary mystic to hear God’s voice. You can hear God’s voice because of what Jesus did, not because of what you do or have done. God has spoken to you your entire life. He still wants to speak to you. We just need to learn to recognize how He already speaks.

Come participate in a workshop on learning to hear God‘s voice. Come to access what Jesus has won for you and access to the voice and heart of God. You were made to hear His voice. 

I am hosting a workshop along with Michael Nolan, from Shadow on the Water, on Saturday, Jan. 28 from 8:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. at St. Boniface Church in Edwardsville (110 N. Buchanan St.). The workshop is free and will begin in the basement of the church. You do not have to be a parishioner or even Catholic to attend. There will be a lunch break at noon. If possible, please bring a Bible and a journal.

If you have any questions, email me at . 

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

Catholic Schools Week Flyer

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Benedict appointed Paprocki bishop of Springfield in 2010

NEWS: FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
12/31/2022
Contact: Andrew Hansen ()

Springfield, IL – Bishop Thomas John Paprocki of the Diocese of Springfield in Illinois issued the following statement in response to the death of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI:

“Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI was an authentic example of faithfulness to God and Catholicism, living and preaching the Gospel message with truth and passion. Always writing and teaching, his warm smile, gentle demeanor, and pastoral approach to explaining and living out the Catholic faith inspired millions and brought people closer to Christ. His reverence toward the Eucharist, the Mass, and the sacraments are examples for us today on how we should all view and respect these treasures of the Catholic faith. His steadfast defense of our faith’s teachings and traditions and remaining faithful to them, despite the pressures of the secular world and from inside the Church, is the mark of a true leader.    

“To this day, I am humbled Pope Benedict appointed me as the ninth bishop of the Diocese of Springfield in Illinois. I had the honor of meeting with him several times. I will forever remember his friendliness and compassion. His theological genius and his ability to communicate our rich and oftentimes difficult theology to the people in a clear and understandable way was most impressive. The Catholic Church lost an incredible and humble man, but his legacy leaves a lasting impression on the faithful and our Church.”

###

On Monday, March 29, 2010, I was on my way to O’Hare International Airport when I received a message that Cardinal Francis George, then Archbishop of Chicago, had called me. He knew I was on my way to Rome and wanted to talk to me before I got on the plane. I was in the car with another priest, and I did not know if the cardinal wanted to talk to me privately, so I waited until I got to the airport to call him back. 

As soon as the priest dropped me off at the airport, I went inside and called the cardinal. He said, “Good, I’m glad I got hold of you before you took off. Can you talk?” 

I looked around and said, “Well, I’m in the terminal at O’Hare, but I can talk. What’s up?” 

Cardinal George, who was always right to the point without a lot of small talk, said, “The Holy Father is ap­pointing you to be Bishop of Springfield in Illinois.” 

I had heard some rumors to that effect, but rumors are just that: rumors, so when you hear something officially, it still takes you somewhat by surprise. 

After I told the cardinal that I was honored to accept the appointment, I said, “You know, I’m on my way to Rome, and I plan to attend the Pope’s General Audience on Wednesday. If I get the opportunity, should I say some­thing to the Holy Father about this?” 

Cardinal George replied, “Well, it’s still under pontifical secret, so you would want to make sure no one overhears you.” 

Sure enough, at the Pope’s General Audience that Wednesday morning, I was seated on the stage next to three other bishops near Pope Benedict XVI. There was only a small group of bishops present that day because all diocesan bishops were required to be in their own dio­ceses for Holy Week. As an auxiliary bishop at the time, I had the opportunity to go to Rome since Cardinal George would be taking all of the Holy Week and Easter liturgies at Holy Name Cathedral. Of the other three bishops at the General Audience, two worked in the Roman Curia and one was retired. Since I was youngest in seniority, I was last in line to greet Pope Benedict after he finished his talk.  

When I walked up to the Holy Father, there was no one else nearby, so I introduced myself and said that I had just received word that he had appointed me to be Bishop of Springfield in Illinois. I thanked him for the appointment and for his confidence in me, assuring him that I would do my best to try to be a good bishop. He just smiled and nodded. But I do have a great photo of that moment with Pope Benedict XVI! 

Parents, teenagers, and young adults — this event is for you
National speaker to talk purity, theology of the body, dating, and relationships in Alton Feb. 6
By ANDREW HANSEN 
Editor  

With a culture that promotes promiscuity and living a life of “If it feels good, do it,” it’s getting harder to parent teenagers and young adults to live a life of purity and authentic respect. There are many questions parents and young people are facing each day that are confusing and go against our Catholic faith, but they are struggling with how to answer them or are feeling the pressure from culture to go with the culture’s side. Young people are wanting straight answers to tough questions about love, dating, and relationships. 

National Catholic speaker, Jason Evert, will give two talks in Alton Feb. 6 that parents, teenagers, and young adults are invited to that answer many of these tough questions and that will empower people to live a life of virtue.

“We live in a culture of single people who pretend like they are dating, we have a culture of dating people who pretend like they are married, and we’re stuck with a culture of married people who seem to think they are single,” Evert said. “Everything is out of order. We live in a culture where more people hookup than hold hands. I think for young people, they are being told everything they are not supposed to do when it comes to dating and relationships, but nobody is talking to them about what they are supposed to do when it comes to dating. I think they are tired of the fear tactics and the shame and the guilt trips. What they really want to know is how to find and build authentic love. I think for the parents, a lot of them don’t even know where to begin when it comes to talking to their kids about dating and chastity.”

Evert’s talks, “Purified” and “Gender and the Theology of your Body,” take place starting at 6 p.m. at St. Mary Catholic Church in Alton (519 East 4^th St.). The cost is $30 and tickets can be purchased in advance by going to chastity.com/purified. After Evert’s talks, the night will end with adoration and confession and all attendees will leave with resources that are geared toward the gender of the teen/young adult and one geared toward parents. For more information, call (618) 581-7055. The event is for teenagers and older.

Can novenas be created by lay people or do they come from the magisterium?
Jake in Springfield

The word novena takes its origin from the Latin word novem, meaning “nine.” Consequently, a novena is a series of nine prayers prayed for a specific intention either individually or with a group of the faithful. While the origin of novenas is traditionally seen in the nine days between the Ascension of the Lord and Pentecost, a novena can be prayed over nine days, nine weeks, nine months, or presumably even over nine years (though such a novena might be hard to keep track of).

The Church does not have, so far as I am aware, any specific legislation governing novenas. Because a novena can be as simple as praying nine Our Fathers, it is possible for a layperson to create a novena for his or own purposes, provided, of course, that the prayers used or in the intention behind the novena are not contrary to the faith. Such a novena would be for private use. 

If a layperson creates a novena and intends it to be for public use, such a novena should be presented to the local bishop for his consideration and approval. He may grant permission for its private use or for its public use, as he judges fit.

Father Daren Zehnle is pastor at St. Augustine in Ashland; parochial administrator of St. Alexius, Beardstown, St. Fidelis, Arenzville, and St. Luke, Virginia;  and is the director for the Office of Divine Worship and the Catechumenate for the Diocese of Springfield in Illinois. 

By ANDREW HANSEN
Editor 

A year dedicated to the holy Eucharist officially began with a special Mass at Ss. Peter and Paul Church in Alton Dec. 8, the feast of the Immaculate Conception. Bishop Thomas John Paprocki, priests, and the lay faithful were present.

"During this Year of the Eucharist, let us take time to reflect on the mystery of the Eucharist," Bishop Paprocki said. “The reality that, in the Eucharist, bread and wine become the Body and Blood, Soul and Divinity of Christ without ceasing to appear as bread and wine to our five senses, is one of the central mysteries of the Catholic faith. This faith is a doorway through which we, like the saints and mystics before us, may enter into a deeper perception of the mercy 12 and love manifested in and through Christ’s sacramental presence in our midst. While one thing is seen with our bodily eyes, another reality is perceived through the eyes of faith. The real, true, and substantial presence of Christ in the Eucharist is the most profound reality of the sacrament.” (USCCB, The Mystery of the Eucharist in the Life of the Church, n. 21).

Ss. Peter and Paul Church was chosen for the opening Mass of the diocesan-wide Year of the Eucharist as it is known as the “Old Cathedral,” the cathedral of what was the Diocese of Alton. The diocesan see was transferred from Alton to Springfield in 1923. 

Activities at parishes in the diocese throughout the Year of the Eucharist will be encouraged such as Corpus Christi processions, hosting The Vatican Eucharistic Miracles of the World, establishing and promoting eucharistic adoration, among other events and activities. In Catholic Times over the next year, you will read about eucharistic miracles, saints who were devoted to the holy Eucharist, among other eucharistic content to enliven your devotion to the Eucharist. You can also visit the diocese’s website (dio.org) for further content about the Eucharist. 

The Year of the Eucharist will also include a eucharistic celebration in conjunction with the 100^th year celebration of the transfer of the see city of our diocese from Alton to Springfield. This major event will take place on Oct. 28, 2023, at the BOS Center in Springfield. It will include talks from nationally recognized Catholic speakers Bishop Robert Barron and Scott Hahn, and Mass where the arena will be filled with thousands of Catholics from across the diocese. You are invited! Stay tuned for how to get free tickets and mark your calendar! The Year of the Eucharist concludes on Dec. 8, 2023, at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Springfield.

Old Cathedral’s capital campaign 

Carved high above the pinnacle of Ss. Peter and Paul Church, above the rose window, is the date of 1855, indicating the year the church building was begun. The church is built of native limestone and the architecture is a beautiful specimen of Gothic. The interior of the church, with its graceful arches, clustered columns, and capitals and hood-molded windows and spacious choir loft attract many lovers of art. Below the main altar are the tombs of the first two bishops of the Diocese of Alton, Bishop Henry Damian Juncker and Bishop Peter Joseph Baltes. The third bishop of the Diocese of Alton, Bishop James Ryan, is buried in St. Patrick’s Cemetery.

To make needed repairs and better preserve this treasure and history of our diocese, the parish’s capital campaign, Preserving the Past for the Future, is going to help restore the structure of the church at a cost of $800,000. If you are interested in helping the “Old Cathedral” by contributing to their campaign, you can visit ssppalton.com.

Hey, Father! Why do we bow at this part of the Nicene Creed: “By the power of the Holy Spirit He was born of the Virgin Mary and became man”?

Among various groups of Christians, we Catholics are known for emphasizing the importance of symbolism, the body, and the material world. During our liturgies and sacramental rites in particular, we are known for changing postures and using various gestures. It is worth noting the underlying reason as to why our bodily actions are so important in the context of prayer and worship.

As human beings, we are not souls “trapped” or contained in bodies. We are body-soul composites, a union of both body and soul. Our bodies express or communicate our souls in the world of space and time. In his series of audiences now known collectively as the Theology of the Body, Pope St. John Paul II called the human body “a primordial sacrament,” because, “The body, in fact, and only the body, is capable of making visible what is invisible: the spiritual and the divine. It has been created to transfer into the visible reality of the world the mystery hidden from eternity in God, and thus to be a sign of it.” 

Our bodies visibly express realities that otherwise remain invisible: our mind, soul, thoughts, beliefs, etc. We therefore express something in a more complete and human way when we engage our bodies as well. Just as we express kindness or affection through a smile, handshake, hug, or kiss, we also desire to express our relationship with God through our bodies, especially during times of prayer and worship.

Now, to your specific question about bowing during the Nicene Creed. The Catechism of the Catholic Church states that “Belief in the true Incarnation of the Son of God is the distinctive sign of Christian faith” (CCC 463). The Incarnation is the central mystery of our salvation, because without taking on our wounded human nature, Christ could not have redeemed it through his obedience to the Father and sacrificial act of love on the cross. He took on our nature in order to heal it from within. As a way of highlighting this awesome and distinctive mystery of our Faith, we bow during the phrase in the Creed that expresses it. 

Older Catholics might recall that, prior to the Second Vatican Council, everyone genuflected during this part of the Creed on all Sundays and solemnities. After the Council, the Church relaxed this practice, and now we genuflect during this part on just two solemnities of the year: the Annunciation on March 25 and the Nativity of the Lord (Christmas) on Dec. 25 (see the General Instruction of the Roman Missal, n. 137). We use the more solemn gesture of genuflecting on these days because the Annunciation celebrates the moment of Christ’s Incarnation, while Christmas of course celebrates the birth of Jesus, God Incarnate.

Some people are unable to genuflect or even bow due to age or health, and that is completely understandable. These people can simply bow their heads instead. But for all who are able, the gesture of bowing deeply is a beautiful expression of our reverence and gratitude for Christ, who loved us so much that He assumed our humanity, to redeem us and to unite us to Himself in a new way forever. 

Father Christopher Trummer, S.T.L, is parochial vicar at St. Agnes Parish in Springfield, associate delegate for Health Care Professionals, associate chaplain of the Springfield Chapter of the Catholic Physicians Guild/Catholic Medical Association and has a license in Sacred Theology in Moral Theology at the Pontifical University of the Holy Cross in Rome, Italy. 

By ANDREW HANSEN
Editor

He is one of several heroes we read about in the Bible, yet he is never quoted, and this hero also suddenly vanishes, leaving the reader wondering what happened to him. 

St. Joseph is one of the most mysterious people we read about in the Bible. Despite being the foster father of Jesus — the Son of God — we know very little about him. We know he was a carpenter, he was a “righteous man” (Mt. 1:19), he was Mary’s husband, and his lineage can be traced back to King David. The last time we read about St. Joseph is in the Gospel of Luke when the Holy Family visited the temple for Passover and Jesus was 12 years old at the time. But how and when did St. Joseph die? Why is his death not even mentioned? Why is he never quoted in the Bible? What did St. Joseph think about raising the Son of God? 

“It’s such a good question: Why does it seem like St. Joseph — who raised Jesus! — appears like he’s almost an afterthought in the Bible?” said Father Mark Tracy, pastor of Holy Family Parish in Decatur. “I think it speaks to who St. Joseph is — his humbleness, his quiet obedience, and his selflessness — but most importantly, I think it comes down to the fact St. Joseph wants us to live our lives like he lived his life, pointing all our attention and giving all our energy solely to Jesus, Our Lord and Savior.” 

It is this reason why Father Tracy says St. Joseph is one of the best saints we can turn to for help, especially during the stresses that can come during the Christmas season. 

“First, St. Joseph was at the first Christmas, and I think we can imagine it was pretty stressful,” Father Tracy said. “I mean traveling with Mary, who is nine months pregnant, on a donkey, finding out there is no room in the inn, Mary giving birth next to animals — I think we could conclude St. Joseph’s blood pressure was pretty high. But beyond Christmas, St. Joseph also knows how stressful a job can be and the uncertainties of budgets and resources. He understands the anxieties of raising a child and all the difficulties that come with parenting. He understands the sacrificial nature of marriage and the burden’s that come with being the head of a family. His life, what he felt, and what he had to do to overcome all these stresses and fears are exactly what we are going through today. He is a wonderful saint to turn to for help and an example for all of us to follow.”

St. Joseph is the Patron of the Universal Church. March 19 is the feast day of St. Joseph, Spouse of the Blessed Virgin Mary and Confessor of the Faith, and May 1 is the feast day of St Joseph the Worker. 

“There is so much turmoil, fear, and uncertainty in our world today,” Father Tracy said. “But St. Joseph is always pointing us back to the one true Hope, Jesus Christ. So, if you are feeling down or stressed, turn to St. Joseph and look to him as an example of humbleness and faithfulness. He understands your feelings, and he will help you not only find joy in the season of Christmas and in your earthly life, but the ultimate joy with his adopted Son, Jesus Christ, in Heaven forever.”

Side bar:

A saint for all

Saints are powerful intercessors for us. Turning to saints by asking them to pray for us is part of our Catholic tradition. For St. Joseph, he is the patron saint of many causes:

• The Universal Church
• Families
• Fathers
• Expected mothers
• Travelers
• The dying
• House sellers and buyers
• Craftsmen
• Working people in general

Ways you can honor St. Joseph:

Check out these wonderful prayers by looking them up online as they are too long to print in Catholic Times: 

• Prayer to St. Joseph after the Rosary
• 30 Day Prayer to St. Joseph
• Seven Sundays Devotion to St. Joseph
• Litany of St. Joseph 

This article originally appeared in Catholic Times in 2020.