Two Tank Trips (PDF)

How does one dispose of blessed objects? Is there a place in the diocese that will accept these? If not, I need guidance on what to do with them.
Kathy in our diocese

It is not an uncommon experience for a Catholic to acquire blessed objects, be they books, statues, pictures, medals, rosaries, etc. After a time, some of these accumulate in great number or may no longer be needed or wanted. This leads to Catholics to wonder what they can do with these blessed items.

Traditionally, the Church recognizes three options: They may be given away to another person who may benefit from them; they may be buried; or they may be burned. Blessed items are not to be sold; if they are sold, they automatically lose their blessing.

Blessed items should not be given away simply to be rid of them and to clear up space in the closet. When considering giving away a blessed object, it should be considered who might actually benefit from this item. 

When burying blessed objects, they may be buried in a place where they are unlikely to be accidentally dug up. While the diocese does not have a program to accept blessed objects, some Catholic cemeteries or funeral homes may have reserved space for the burial of these items.

When burning blessed items, it should done quietly and reverently, in a way so as not to draw attention to what is done. Also, the same fire not ought to be used for roasting hot dogs or making s’mores. Should a blessed object unintentionally be broken, it may simply be discarded, though this should be done quietly.

Father Daren Zehnle is pastor at St. Augustine in Ashland and is the director for the Office of Divine Worship and the Catechumenate for the Diocese of Springfield in Illinois. 

By DEACON ADAM COX
Special to Catholic Times 

Many Catholics across the country are starting a three-year journey. This journey is about Eucharistic Revival, and it is intended to wake up that inner longing for Jesus in the most intimate way possible by placing the proper emphasis on the Blessed Sacrament. 

Coming from a Protestant background, I saw Communion as purely symbolic, and this view is held by many denominations still today. The Eucharist is still a mystery to me in some respects, but as a deacon, I can’t imagine my life without it and the wonderful graces I receive from it. I will be the first to say that it wasn’t always this way. In fact, I was somewhat skeptical when I went through the RCIA program and all the way up to when I received holy Communion for the first time.  

From that very moment at the Easter Vigil, my life changed, and I didn’t take holy Communion for almost another year. I experienced something and it scared me. I felt love, not just any love, but something that welled up from deep inside my inner being. I won’t get into why that scared me because I have a long and complicated past, but for once in my life, I was accepted for who I am. 

My love for the Eucharist has only grown stronger over the years, and I am saddened by how in some places, it has been taken for granted. To receive the Eucharist, is to receive a friend, a friend who will give anything for your wellbeing. This is not something to take lightly but should always be respected and something we should always be grateful for. The Eucharist should never be part of a “list” of items that we will get to for the week, but in some cases, it is treated as such. 

The Eucharist is an experience and once you feel that experience, it will shake you to your soul. That experience will vary from person to person, but in the end, you cannot help but be changed for the better. 

When I assist at Mass, I always have the upmost respect for the Eucharist, and there is always a moment of grief when I place the ciborium back in the tabernacle because I’m closing the door on my Lord. As I genuflect, I need to remind myself that Jesus is always present, and it’s not “Goodbye,” but, “See you next time.” It may sound ridiculous to some, but once you are touched by the love of Jesus, you will continue to crave that connection. 

Over the next three years, the goal of the nationwide Eucharistic Revival is to spread a devotion to the Blessed Sacrament that for some reason has diminished. We need to rekindle the love and respect for the Eucharist because Christ is truly and unequivocally present in all tabernacles of the world. Next time you are at Mass, and you present yourself for holy Communion, that is not some altar bread from a supply house but a King, a friend, and our Savior Jesus Christ. Amen.

Deacon Adam Cox serves at Mother of Perpetual Help in Maryville.

By ANDREW HANSEN
Editor  

The honor of being one of the most unique churches in the Diocese of Springfield in Illinois belongs to St. Mary Church in Madison, mainly because of its domed structure. People who visit here say it reminds them of the Pantheon in Rome because that historic church is known for its dome. The dome at St. Mary spans 93 feet in diameter, much larger than what appears on the outside. 

“Being where the location was picked to build the church, because of the location itself and the property, it fit better to have a dome rather than a traditional rectangle or square building,” said Father Stephen Thompson, pastor. 

Completed in 1954, the church is dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary, the Mother of God, under the intercession of Our Lady of Czenstochowa. Beyond the rarity of having a dome, the church has other beauty not found in many churches. The church has three side chapels: the Chapel of the Sacred Heart, the Chapel of the Blessed Virgin Mary, and the Chapel of St. Joseph. Suspended over the altar is a baldachin or canopy on great iron bents tipped with gold and aluminum. Situated under that is a valuable mosaic of our Lady of Czenstochowa, a gift of a parishioner. The walls of the church are covered in glaze tile to prevent maintenance of a plaster interior. The Stations of the Cross are mosaic, designed by a French artist and various statues of saints can be seen throughout the church, surrounding the faithful attending Mass. The interior of the church is lighted mostly be a 25-foot diameter skylight, sitting 45 feet above the floor. 

“The first thing that strikes me when I walk in is the focus on the altar,” said Father Thompson. “The statues and the chapels that we have, it just has that old feel and Franciscan feel. You feel the Franciscan mark on this church, which they had a lot of influence here.” 

The first Catholic church built in Madison opened to the faithful in 1912. In 1925, St. Mary School opened with an enrollment of 265 students. The Franciscan influence Father Thompson talks about began in 1936 when the Franciscan Fathers of the Sacred Heart Province assumed charge of the parish, led by Father Engelbert Bienek, OFM. He had such a profound impact on the parish and its growth, his image can be found in the back of the church today. In 1952, plans began for erecting the new church. On Thanksgiving Day in 1954, St. Mary Church opened to the faithful. 

“In the design of the church, the whole focus was to be on the altar, so even though you have the circular building, if you notice how the pews are facing, it’s all focused on the altar,” Father Thompson said.

The history of this parish has a heavy influence from Eastern Europe, with many of the parishioners having family histories that come from places like Croatia, Serbia, and Poland. Father Thompson describes the people here as “very warm and very welcoming.”

“I think part of that is the immigration of people here of them trying to find a home themselves, so making this a home for others,” Father Thompson said.

How does one dispose of blessed objects? Is there a place in the diocese that will accept these? If not, I need guidance on what to do with them.
- Kathy in our diocese

It is not an uncommon experience for a Catholic to acquire blessed objects, be they books, statues, pictures, medals, rosaries, etc. After a time, some of these accumulate in great number or may no longer be needed or wanted. This leads to Catholics to wonder what they can do with these blessed items. 

Traditionally, the Church recognizes three options: They may be given away to another person who may benefit from them; they may be buried; or they may be burned. Blessed items are not to be sold; if they are sold, they automatically lose their blessing.

Blessed items should not be given away simply to be rid of them and to clear up space in the closet. When considering giving away a blessed object, it should be considered who might actually benefit from this item.

When burying blessed objects, they may be buried in a place where they are unlikely to be accidentally dug up. While the diocese does not have a program to accept blessed objects, some Catholic cemeteries or funeral homes may have reserved space for the burial of these items.

When burning blessed items, it should done quietly and reverently, in a way so as not to draw attention to what is done. Also, the same fire not ought to be used for roasting hot dogs or making s’mores. Should a blessed object unintentionally be broken, it may simply be discarded, though this should be done quietly.

Father Daren Zehnle is pastor at St. Augustine in Ashland and is the director for the Office of Divine Worship and the Catechumenate for the Diocese of Springfield in Illinois. 

By DIANE SCHLINDWEIN
Managing Editor 

The Springfield Diocesan Council of Catholic Women (SDCCW) recently announced the names of four young women from the Diocese of Springfield in Illinois who will be recognized at the Women of Distinction Mass and luncheon on July 23. These young women were selected from 46 applicants and will receive $1,000 from SDCCW.

“These young ladies, along with all the other outstanding applicants, are fruit of the earth and hope for all,” said Mary Ann Sullivan, the SDCCW scholarship chair. “Tribute goes to their parents and all those in their lives that have taught them their faith by word and example. They are a witness and inspiration to all of us.” 

The 2022 winners are: 

Ava Kessler, daughter of Dan and Kim Kessler of Newton, is a member of Holy Cross Parish in Wendelin. She is a graduate of Newton Community High School. 

She is president and an active member of her parish youth group, attended March for Life in Washington, D.C., two times, and has gone on three mission trips with Catholic HEART Workcamp. Active in sports and band, Ava was also named captain of the girls’ basketball team.  She was teacher assistant in the fifth-grade classroom and volunteered at the COVID vaccination drive-thru.  She is also a volunteer umpire for local Little League games. Ava will be attending the University of Illinois where she will be enrolled in General Studies. “I am thankful for my parish and family that have formed me into the young lady I am today,” she said. 

Grace Lynch, who is from Sullivan and a member of Holy Family Parish in Decatur, is a home school graduate.  She is the daughter of Melissa and Brian Lynch. Her Church-related activities include being a church organist/pianist, a lector, a Vacation Bible School volunteer, and a Catholic Charities volunteer for five years. Grace is a dance teacher at Sullivan Dance Studio and created her own dance classes for under resourced home-schooled students, inventing her own curriculum and marketing the program across Central Illinois. She is now teaching over 25 classes using Zoom for homeschoolers and for other students, as well during COVID. She received the Girl Scout Gold Award, has been a house manager for professional theater, and dance captain for multiple productions. She is also founder of non-partisan group Teens in Politics and is active in Right to Life activities. Grace will be attending University of Notre Dame studying political science toward a career as lawyer.

Jenna Ochs is from West Liberty, is a member of St. Mary’s Assumption Parish in Sainte Marie, and graduate of Newton Community High School. She is the daughter of Jeff and Lisa Ochs. At her parish she is an altar server, lector, parish Youth Group member, and a Living Stations participant. She also attended the March for Life for three years. Jenna was also captain of her school volleyball team and volunteers as a junior volleyball coach. Additionally, she is an active member and officer in FFA earning a State degree, and is a long-time 4-H member. Jenna will attend Illinois Central College to study sports medicine/physical therapy. “I strive to lead by example and by my faith to others,” she said.

Monica Wendle is from Godfrey, is a member of St. Mary Parish in Alton, and is a graduate of Marquette Catholic High School. She is the daughter of Eric and Marci Wendle. She reads Scripture daily, is a eucharistic minister, cantor, and lector. Monica created a nail painting booth for parish picnic fund-raiser and organized a prayer group for eight-grade students in the parish grade school. She was a member of Campus Ministry Club at her high school where she created a project that included making biblical message cards with candy attached for students.  She organized caroling and the collection of Christmas cards for local nursing homes. Monica donated 11 inches of her hair to Children With Hair Loss.  She also enjoys sewing and made 16 lap quilts for hospice patients. Monica will attend Lewis and Clark Junior College and then move onto Ave Maria University to study education and communications. “I am so humbled and blessed to receive the SDCCW scholarship award,” she said. 

QUINCY — Area Catholics and others devoted to the Venerable Servant of God Father Augustine Tolton who grew up in Quincy, ministered in Quincy, and is buried in Quincy, will commemorate the 125^th anniversary of his death with a pilgrimage procession on Saturday, July 9 in Quincy. Father Tolton is recognized as the first black priest in the United States and the Cause for his beatification and canonization of sainthood is ongoing in Rome. 

The mile-long pilgrimage procession will begin at 10 a.m. at the statue of Father Tolton outside St. Peter Catholic Church at 2600 Maine St. After a few words of welcome and explanation, followed by a prayer, the pilgrimage procession will process along the south side of Maine Street where it will cross onto the east side of South 33^rd Street. It will then process along the east side of South 33^rd Street until it reaches St. Peter Catholic Cemetery where Father Tolton is buried.

Upon entering the cemetery, the procession will stop at the grave of Father Tolton for the celebration of Holy Mass at 11 a.m., with Bishop Thomas John Paprocki, Bishop of the Diocese of Springfield in Illinois, as the celebrant.

Following Mass, the pilgrims will pray for an end to hatred and violence, greater respect for life, and for more priests through Father Tolton’s intercession, as well as for Father Tolton’s canonization as a saint. The pilgrimage procession will conclude with the singing of Holy God, We Praise Thy Name, Father Tolton’s favorite hymn.

Those who wish to participate in the Mass but cannot walk in the procession are invited to park near the cemetery to meet the procession at the grave. Due to the small size of the cemetery, no one should park in the cemetery itself. Chairs and bottled water will be provided at the cemetery for those who wish to participate in the Mass.

Father Tolton was born into slavery in 1854. In 1862, his mother and siblings made a daring escape across the Mississippi River to Illinois. After settling in Quincy, he went to school at St. Peter’s Catholic School. Tolton later went to seminary in Rome because no American seminary would accept a black man. Thinking he would minister in Africa, once he was ordained, he was instead sent back to Quincy, where he arrived to thousands of supporters. Known for his incredible singing and homilies, Tolton spent several years in Quincy before transferring to Chicago. He died of heatstroke at the age of 43 on July 9, 1897 and is buried at St. Peter Cemetery in Quincy. Pope Francis declared him “Venerable” on June 12, 2019, the second step of four to becoming a saint in the Catholic Church.

For more information about this event, please contact: Father Daren J. Zehnle at (217) 321-1109 or .

What is the doctrine of the Catholic Church in regard to administering drugs to terminally ill patients at, or near end of life, to end suffering and pain? If one is designated with others as a Health Care Power of Attorney for a terminally ill person and allows a Hospice nurse to administer drugs such as morphine and muscle relaxers, are they guilty of helping with euthanasia? 
-Louise in Alton

A person who is caring for a terminally ill or an actively dying person or is their Health Care Power of Attorney may find himself or herself in a situation where he or she is consulted by those treating their loved one about which treatments he or she might wish to receive or how to alleviate pain.   This can be a very intimidating role and two basic principles that are found within this question may appear to be at odds. 

Firstly, we understand the dignity of every human life in every stage of its existence and can never morally act to end or shorten it. Secondly, we wish to help alleviate the pain and suffering of the person.

The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops have assisted us in making such decisions in accord with our Catholic faith. Their Ethical and Religious Directives for Catholic Health Care Services (Sixth Edition #62), helps us understand the validity of both of the principles here:

“Patients should be kept as free of pain as possible so that they may die comfortably and with dignity, and in the place where they wish to die. Since a person has the right to prepare for his or her death while fully conscious, he or she should not be deprived of consciousness without a compelling reason. Medicines capable of alleviating or suppressing pain may be given to a dying person, even if this therapy may indirectly shorten the person’s life so long as the intent is not to hasten death. Patients experiencing suffering that cannot be alleviated should be helped to appreciate the Christian understanding of redemptive suffering.”

Great advances in what is called “palliative care,” such as Hospice, where we are caring for while unable to treat or heal a dying person, allow us to balance the dignity of life and address their pain. While we never actively intend to shorten life, a dying person’s pain can morally be managed so long as we are not intending to hasten their death. One could ask for the minimal amount of medication required to keep the patient comfortable. One is not engaging in euthanasia if one is attempting to alleviate pain with this intention in mind.

Father Peter Harman holds a Doctorate in Moral Theology from the Catholic University of America and is rector of the Pontifical North American College in Rome.

The history of St. Anthony of Padua Parish in Effingham is about as deep as any in our diocese. It all started in 1858 with a brick church on what is now the site of Goff Gym with the first Mass taking place on Christmas day. It was the first church in Effingham, a city known for its religious heritage. St. Anthony was a mission parish when it began, served by priests from the neighboring villages until 1871. Today’s church, built in 1875, is one of the most prominent structures in Effingham, attended by several generations of Catholics.

“They have all this history, and many are so willing to tell it to you, and it is such a rich history,” said Father Al Allen, pastor of St. Anthony of Padua Parish. “You can tell a lot of that by looking at the beautiful stained-glass windows and the memorials that are on the windows that mention the families. Most of them are in German it goes back that far. To talk to these people and they will say, ‘This was my great-great-great grandparent,’ it’s overwhelming at times. It is just beautiful.”

Inside the church, your eyes will be drawn to the immense ceilings and beautiful woodwork seen throughout. Like several churches in our diocese, the stained-glass windows are probably the most striking feature, which were installed in 1911. Images of saints, Mary, Jesus, and scenes from Salvation history line the walls, all displaying fine details and rich colors, which pour into the church on sunny days. A more recent window, installed in 1958, is behind the choir loft. It beautifully depicts St. Anthony holding the baby Jesus. For Father Allen, his favorite thing about the church is the baptismal font.

“You can hardly find someone who hasn’t been in a long line of family members who have been baptized here,” Father Allen said. “I think this beautifully designed font, coordinating with the church itself, is just so great, and it makes the baptisms just warm and a very familiar feeling.”

The church has undergone several renovations over the past century and a half, including one in 1996. That renovation removed the old wallpaper, and the statues and Stations of the Cross were completely restored and repainted.  

One place that Father Allen says is “well-kept secret,” even though the parish does not want it to be secret, is a prayer area behind the tabernacle.

“I call it a meditation chapel because it has a lot of the things a chapel would have like the sanctuary light which serves the chapel and the church,” Father Allen said. “We have a lot of people who dedicate themselves to the Sacred Heart of Jesus and Mary, and we have those images on the wall. So, it affords people a place to come and meditate whenever they want to. It’s a quiet place and normally the lights are off in the church, so it gives the adorer a private and nice place to be. It’s one of things you just don’t think about until you experience it. I find it very handy during the day and when there is a little tension, you can come relax and pray and spend some time with the Lord.”

Serving the Catholic community in Effingham for more than 160 years, the history here is profound, something the 1,300 current families at the parish recognize and honor every time they step inside. 

“One of the things that really gets me when you walk into St. Anthony is the peace,” Father Allen said. “The peace and the calm. You can be as tense as you can, but when you walk into the church, as big as it is, which is kind of odd — you would think it would be intimidating, but when you walk in, there is a certain peace. You can feel the grace. As I like to tell people, that is the spirit that is in this church. The spirit of the years and years of rich history that help you become calm.” 

Quincy University (QU) has announced Jack Driscoll as the 2022 Bishop’s Scholarship recipient. Driscoll graduated this spring with honors from Mt. Zion High School and will begin at QU this coming fall. 

“I am thrilled for both Jack and Quincy University to award the Bishop’s Scholarship to a student who is striving every day to live authentically for Christ,” said Bishop Thomas John Paprocki of the Diocese of Springfield in Illinois. “Jack not only has a strong academic record, but his commitment to building up the Kingdom of God in our diocese is an example of his faithfulness. He has been a constant volunteer at Our Lady of the Holy Spirit Parish in Mt. Zion, helping children better understand the faith in PSR classes. He has served at the table of the Lord as an altar server and as an usher, and he was his brother’s confirmation sponsor. He is also involved in building up a culture of life and helps distribute holy Communion to those in nursing homes. I was struck by his active involvement in the Church, and with the joy he carries out his mission as an intentional disciple.” 

The university awards the $10,000 Bishop’s Scholarship to one student on the recommendation of Bishop Paprocki. To be eligible for consideration, a candidate must belong to a parish in the Diocese of Springfield in Illinois and have applied to QU. Candidates must be admitted to QU, choose to enroll, and submit a statement describing their involvement in their local parish, the diocese, or the Catholic Church.

“I am so thankful for the opportunity to attend QU in the fall as the Bishop’s Scholarship recipient,” Driscoll said. “I would like to thank my family, OLHS Catholic Church, Dr. McGee, and Bishop Paprocki, who played integral roles in me receiving this scholarship. I am excited to attend QU as my parents, aunts, and uncles did. For many years, I have listened to my family tell story after story of their experiences at QU. I am excited to finally be able to chime in with my own QU stories.”