Diocese of Springfield in Illinois

Fresh stewardship content to share with your parishioners - The July 2026 edition of ICSC's Catholic Stewardship eBulletin is now available in both English and Spanish. This month's issue offers inspiring reflections and practical stewardship insights to help parishioners grow as grateful disciples.

Important Liturgical Calendar Notes:

The Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary on August 15: This falls on a Saturday.  This means that the obligation is abrogated this year.  Saturday evening Masses that regularly anticipate the Sunday should be for the Twentieth Sunday in Ordinary Time since it is a day of precept (obligation).  Evening Prayer II on Saturday is of the Assumption.  Funerals are permitted that day since the obligation is abrogated, but Masses for the Dead and other ritual Masses are not because of the Solemnity.  Weddings on this day must use the prayers of the Assumption.  The selection of readings should follow the guidance given in the Order of Celebrating Matrimony.

The Solemnity of All Saints on November 1:  This falls on a Sunday and replaces the Thirty-First Sunday of Ordinary Time.  Saturday evening Masses that regularly anticipate the Sunday Mass should be for All Saints.  Evening Prayers I and II are of All Saints.

Oregon Catholic Press Parish Grants Program - Grants are available to Roman Catholic parishes and campus ministries in the United States to strengthen parish/campus worship.  These can be used for liturgical or musical purposes to this end.  Examples of what this grant could be used for include purchasing new music or worship resources, repairing or replacing musical instruments, and supporting the formation of musicians and liturgical ministers through conferences and workshops.  Applicants do not need to use an OCP music program to qualify.  The only parishes ineligible to apply are those who received grants in 2025.  Applications are due by May 30, 2026.  Recipients will be announced in August.  Go to ocp.org/parish-grants for more information.

Quarterly Office for Pro-Life Newsletter is now available - Read the latest newsletter here and subscribe directly to the quarterly newsletter on the Office for Pro-Life website: dio.org/prolife

Called and Sent promotion - Called & Sent is a high school summer retreat that still has spots available, and it’s a powerful experience for teens who are open to growing in their faith and learning more about where God may be leading them. Throughout the week, they’ll hear from priests, religious, and lay speakers, all centered on the heart of our faith—the Eucharist—and what it means to follow Christ on the path to heaven.

The retreat will take place July 18–23 at the Villa Maria Retreat Center in Springfield.

How to promote it:

If you have high school students in your parish who might benefit from this, personally invite them or help spread the word through a bulletin announcement (which includes graphics) or this flyer can be given to students, hung up at school/church, etc.

Here is the event page: dio.org/event/called-and-sent-retreat/
For questions, reach out to Fr. Zach Samples at [email protected]