Springfield diocese, Catholic Charities joins freedom of religion lawsuits

The Catholic Diocese of Springfield in Illinois and Catholic Charities of the Springfield diocese filed suit May 21 in the Northern District of Illinois asking the court to rule that the U.S. Department of Health and Human Service's mandate requiring employers to provide insurance coverage for abortion-inducing drugs, sterilization and contraceptives violates the constitutionally protected free exercise of religion.

The Diocese of Springfield in Illinois has received, along with most other U.S. dioceses, notification that in accordance with the most recent audit, the diocese is in compliance with the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People.

SPRINGFIELD — St. Joseph School, a 135-year-old fixture on Springfield's near north side, will close at the end of the 2011-2012 academic year.

In collaboration with the Presbyteral Council, the Diocesan Review Board and a consultation focus group of lay people, Bishop Thomas John Paprocki has approved changes to the Pastoral Policy on Sexual Abuse of Minors by Church Personnel for the Diocese of Springfield in Illinois.

When Bishop Thomas John Paprocki visits Rome in February, he will be on his first official ad limina visit as head of the Diocese of Springfield in Illinois.

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

The dioceses of Springfield, Belleville and Joliet have made the decision to drop appeals in the lawsuit against the State of Illinois concerning foster care and adoption services.

Bishop Thomas John Paprocki of the Springfield diocese will preside at an "Evening of Repentance and Prayer for Those Harmed in the Church" at 7 p.m. Monday, Dec. 12, at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, Sixth and Lawrence streets in Springfield.

When the new translation of the Roman Missal is implemented on Nov. 26-27, the First Sunday of Advent, some of the words Catholics say may change, but what will remain the same is the reality of Christ, present to his church in every time and place, under the form of bread and wine in the holy sacrifice of the Mass.

As the implementation date of the new translation of the Roman Missal draws near, Catholics are wondering how the changes will affect them and their parishes.