CHARLESTON — Deacons play an integral part in the life of our church. Whether it’s weddings, baptisms, reflecting on the Sunday readings, or providing spiritual advice and encouragement, the Diocese of Springfield in Illinois is blessed to have 56 permanent deacons ministering to the faithful. These men are raising children, working full-time jobs, and staying present to their wives, all while serving the church. It can be a challenging lifestyle, but one every deacon says is rewarding and joyful.   Read More

After serving 63 years in Japan, a Hospital Sister of St. Francis has returned home to America and Springfield. Sister Elreda Huser, OSF, came to Springfield earlier this year to celebrate the 100th birthday of her sister, Sister Elvon Huser, OSF, in March. While she had intended to remain in the United States until September and then return to Japan, she has requested to remain here permanently. Read More

Answers to questions regarding Bishop Paprocki’s recent decree On June 6, Bishop Thomas John Paprocki issued a decree barring Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan and Senate President John Cullerton from receiving holy Communion in the Diocese of Springfield in Illinois and advising all Illinois Catholic lawmakers who supported extreme abortion legislation to not present themselves to receive holy Communion. The decree came as these lawmakers showed obstinate and persistent support for promoting and advancing the evil of abortion. Read More

EDWARDSVILLE — The Springfield Diocesan Council of Catholic Women (SDCCW) will hold its annual convention on Wednesday, Sept. 25. Different deaneries traditionally take turns hosting the event. This year the Alton deanery is hosting, so the convention will be at St. Boniface Church, 110 N. Buchanan in Edwardsville.   Read More

The Key Club at Sacred Heart-Griffin High School, sponsored by the Kiwanis Club of Springfield, has installed its new student officers for the 2019-2020 school year. Amanda Brown was installed as club president. Additional officers include Vice-President John Schmidt Jr., Secretary Anna Shea, Statistical Secretary Payton Nicoud and Treasurer Caroline Braud. The Key Club at Sacred Heart-Griffin High School, sponsored by the Kiwanis Club of Springfield, has installed its new student officers for the 2019-2020 school year. Amanda Brown was installed as club president. Additional officers include Vice-President John Schmidt Jr., Secretary Anna Shea, Statistical Secretary Payton Nicoud and Treasurer Caroline Braud. Read More

Edward Bonk, father of diocesan priest Father Paul Bonk, passed away on July 12 at his home in Maryville with his wife at his side. He was born on Oct. 9, 1927 and grew up on the family farm in Posen near Nashville, the son of the late Anton and Agnes (Paszkiewicz) Bonk. He was an active member of Mother of Perpetual Help Church in Maryville, and a member of the Polish Roman Catholic Union of America, St. Stanislaus Society #1004 (Polish Hall) in Madison. He especially enjoyed attending all events involving his children and grandchildren. Read More

Springfield Dominican Sister Mary de Paul Kane died on July 18 at St. John’s Hospital in Springfield. She was born in Chicago, in 1924, to Francis and Anna Hanson Kane, who named her Marguerite. She made her profession of vows in 1951 at Sacred Heart Convent, Springfield. For 15 years, Sister Mary de Paul taught in Catholic parish elementary schools. Her teaching assignments in Illinois included Sacred Heart, Granite City; St. Christina, Chicago; St. Charles Borromeo, Hampshire; and Holy Family, Decatur. She also taught at Sacred Heart School, San Diego. For 13 years, she ministered in the Hillsboro and Carlinville… Read More

In the last issue we talked about developing a “spiritual sense.” A person can refine this sense with experience by resolutely and faithfully following the path of Jesus Christ. If everything ended here, the evil one would never be able to conquer the person.   Read More

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I’m trying to avoid speaking poorly about others and it’s something that I get easily caught up in. How can I avoid gossiping about others? — Margaret in Springfield Read More

Bishop Paprocki's public schedule for the weeks of August 4 and 11. Read More

Daily events occuring throughout the Diocese Read More