‘I remember being taught that the Catholic Church had false beliefs’
The conversion of our Father Hyland Smith By ANDREW HANSEN Editor Father Hyland Smith says that “God has a plan for all of us.” In his conversion story and vocation…
Read MoreThe sacrament of confession: instrument of divine mercy
Divine Mercy Sunday is April 7By KALEB HAMMONDSpecial to Catholic Times I have been Catholic for about 15 years, having been baptized and confirmed when I was 18 in 2008.…
Read MoreA Buddhist becomes Catholic
The conversion story of Deena Bell of Springfield By ANDREW HANSEN Editor About one percent of Americans are Buddhists, so having a Buddhist convert to Catholicism is about as…
Read MoreHe grabbed my rosary and never let go
In 2008, my grandson Cillian was born at St. John’s Hospital in Springfield. He was beautiful and perfect, as all children are. Over the next few days, however, he developed…
Read MoreWhy do I have to go to a priest for God to forgive my sins? Why can’t I just tell God directly?
By FATHER JOE RINGSpecial to Catholic Times One of Jesus’ key ministries was the forgiveness of sins, something He often associated with simultaneous miracles of physical healing. See Lk 5:17-26,…
Read MoreWhat should I do first before going to confession?
By FATHER BRIAN ALFORDSpecial to Catholic Times From my experience as a confessor and one who also goes to confession regularly, a good preparation before confession is the key to…
Read MoreA step-by-step guide on how to go to confession
1 PREPARATION: Before going to confession, take some time to prepare. Begin with prayer asking the Holy Spirit to shine His light into your heart. Ask that you can see…
Read More‘Burden lifted’ — how confession changed the direction of my life
By FATHER ROB JOHNSONSpecial to Catholic Times My sophomore year of college, a fraternity buddy invited me to a retreat, and I begrudgingly agreed to go. I’m really glad I…
Read MoreHoly Spirit moves through nearly 20,000 people at SEEK24 in St. Louis
College and high school students, priests, religious from our diocese and Bishop Paprocki attend By ANDREW HANSEN Editor ST. LOUIS — A week of grace, joy, spiritual insight, newfound friendships,…
Read MoreWomen of diocese invited to Lenten retreat
By DIANE SCHLINDWEINManaging Editor The Springfield Diocesan Council of Catholic Women (SDCCW) is sponsoring a Lenten retreat Feb. 27-28 at the Villa Maria Catholic Life Center, located at 1903 East…
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