A Journey to Joy - Bringing Scripture to Life with Drama and Humor
2026-03-01 19:00 - 2026-03-03 19:00 (America/Chicago)
Join us for A Journey to Joy, a three-night presentation by nationally acclaimed performer Frank Runyeon, who brings Scripture to life through engaging storytelling, drama, and humor. Runyeon will perform selections from the Gospel of Luke, explore the Sermon on the Mount, and reflect on Hollywood vs. Faith. Each evening features a one-hour presentation that is both entertaining and eye-opening, as he performs well-known parables and pauses to reflect on how we hear and live these stories today.
Dates: Sunday-Tuesday, March 1-3, 2026
Time: 7:00 p.m. each evening
Location: St. Aloysius Church
2000 Sangamon Ave., Springfield

Lenten Day of Reflection at Our Lady of Snows Shrine.
2026-03-05 10:00 - 15:00

Lenten Fish Fry in Greenville
2026-03-06 16:00 - 19:00, 2026-03-13 16:00 - 19:00, 2026-03-20 16:00 - 19:00, 2026-03-27 16:00 - 19:00
Join us for a Lenten Fish Fry at St. Lawrence Catholic Church on Fridays in March (March 6, 13, 20 & 27) from 4:00-7:00 p.m.
Enjoy fried fish with all the trimmings, plus delicious homemade desserts. Cost: $13. Children 5-10, $8. Children under 5 free.
St. Lawrence Catholic Church, 512 S. Prairie St., Greenville.

Equip: Quincy Holy Family Fest
2026-03-07 08:30 - 17:30
The Equip: Quincy Holy Family Fest will take place on Saturday, March 7, from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. at Quincy Notre Dame High School (1400 S. 11th St., Quincy). This one-day event is designed to help individuals and families confidently defend, live, and share the Catholic faith. The theme for the day is “Learning the Faith: Knowing God Helps Us to Love Him,” featuring nationally recognized speakers Megan Murphy and Trish & Pete DeMaio. The day will include Mass, Confession, Eucharistic Adoration, talks for adults, teens, and children, games, the Rosary, and more. Registration is $75 and available at quincyholyfamilyfest.com.

Protecting Catholic Families Online (Program One)
2026-03-08 19:00 - 20:30
All are invited to a talk by Dr. Peter Kleponis, a pastoral Counselor and Director of Integrity Counseling Services. His program, titled Protecting Catholic Families Online, on March 8 at St. Francis Solanus Parish in Quincy (another talk on March 9) will focus on Understanding the Dangers of the Internet.
The event is free and open to the public. The talks are from 7-8:30 p.m. You can RSVP at tinyurl.com/talkatsfs or by calling St. Francis Parish at 217-222-2898.
With over 25 years of experience working with individuals, couples and families, Dr. Kleponis specializes in marital therapy, resolving anger, men’s issues, pornography addiction, sex addiction, betrayal trauma and pastoral counseling. He is a devout Catholic, and sees God as the ultimate Healer. Thus, Dr. Kleponis incorporates Catholic spirituality into the therapeutic process. If you are struggling, he wants to help you experience freedom soon.

Protecting Catholic Families Online (Program Two)
2026-03-09 19:00 - 20:30
All are invited to a talk by Dr. Peter Kleponis, a pastoral Counselor and Director of Integrity Counseling Services. His program, titled Protecting Catholic Families Online, on March 9 at St. Francis Solanus Parish in Quincy (another talk on March 8) will focus on Practical Strategies for Protecting Families.
The event is free and open to the public. The talks are from 7-8:30 p.m. You can RSVP at tinyurl.com/talkatsfs or by calling St. Francis Parish at 217-222-2898.
With over 25 years of experience working with individuals, couples and families, Dr. Kleponis specializes in marital therapy, resolving anger, men’s issues, pornography addiction, sex addiction, betrayal trauma and pastoral counseling. He is a devout Catholic, and sees God as the ultimate Healer. Thus, Dr. Kleponis incorporates Catholic spirituality into the therapeutic process. If you are struggling, he wants to help you experience freedom soon.

Jerseyville CCW Deanery Meeting
2026-03-11 08:45
Wednesday, March 11, hosted by the ladies of St. Francis Xavier Church in Jerseyville. The Rosary will start at 8:45 a.m. with the Mass following at 9 a.m. at the church. The meeting will be held at the Knights of Columbus Hall. The featured speaker will be Fr. Marty Smith, Pastor of St. Francis Xavier Church. He will be talking about St. Joseph. Following lunch will be the business meeting and a cakewalk. Everyone is invited to attend.
Contact. Ellen Funk, President Jerseyville Deanery Council of Catholic Women, at embafunk@gtec.com

PreCana at St. Mary of the Assumption, Ste. Marie, IL
2026-03-14 08:30 - 15:30
Saturday, March 14, 2026 – 8:30am–3:30pm at St. Mary of the Assumption, Ste. Marie, IL. Call Parish Office at 618-455-3155. The fee is $50 per couple to cover lunch and expenses of the day.

Triumph of the Heart movie screening
2026-03-15 14:00 | Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, 524 East Lawrence Avenue, Springfield, IL, United States
The Cathedral will be hosting a special screening of Triumph of the Heart – a powerful true story about St. Maximilian Kolbe, the Franciscan priest who chose sacrifice over survival and love over hatred during his imprisonment in Auschwitz.
When a fellow prisoner was selected to die, Fr. Kolbe courageously volunteered to take his place. He then spent his final days ministering to the other condemned men in the starvation chamber-offering prayer, hope, and peace in the face of unimaginable suffering.
This moving film is a profound witness to faith, self-giving love, and the triumph of grace even in the darkest circumstances.
Please note: This film is not suitable for young children.

Mattoon Deanery CCW Meeting
2026-03-16 09:30
Monday, March 16th at Immaculate Conception, Mattoon. Registration 9:30 a.m.-10:15am, Mass at 10:30 a.m., lunch and meeting to follow. It is a St. Patrick’s vigil, so please wear green. Speaker: Father Dean Probst: “Traveling in Europe, Italy and the Vatican.”

Illinois Pro-Life Mass, Rally, & March
2026-03-19 10:00
The Illinois Pro-Life Mass, Rally and March takes place Thursday, March 19. Mass begins at 10 a.m. at the Nelson Center Ice Rink in Springfield. Bishop Louis Tylka of the Diocese of Peoria will be the homilist. The rally and march will follow at the Capitol.
For more information and to register for the Mass for Life visit https://dio.org/prolife/mass/.
Additional information on the Illinois Pro-Life Rally and March can be found by visiting www.IllinoisProLifeMarch.com.

WATCH (We are the Church) Retreat in Chatham
2026-03-21 09:00 - 15:00 | St. Joseph the Worker Catholic Church, 700 East Spruce Street, Chatham, IL, 62702, United States
What is a WATCH Retreat?
A WATCH retreat is a spiritual renewal retreat from a Catholic perspective, open to both adult men and women (18 and older). All are welcome!
This day is an opportunity to step away from the busyness of daily life and focus intentionally on your relationship with Christ and with others. Through prayer, reflection, and community, participants are invited to be renewed in faith and encouraged in their spiritual journey.
This year’s theme: Be Not Afraid!
Additional details:
– Free of charge
– Lunch provided around noon
For more information or to RSVP by March 13, please contact:
Peggy Billhartz: 217-483-2833
Carol Gustafson: gustcm60@gmail.com

Lenten Day of Recollection: He Loved Them to the End: Preparing for Holy Week and Easter
2026-03-22 14:00 - 19:00 | Villa Maria Retreat Center, 1903 E Lake Shore Dr, Springfield, IL, 62712, United States
Through conferences and personal prayer time, this Lenten afternoon of recollection will help you to reflect on and to experience more deeply the infinite and tender love of Christ for all of humanity and for each of us personally in preparation for Holy Week and Easter. The afternoon will conclude with dinner.
Sunday, March 22, 2026

2:00 Arrival and Welcome
2:30 Conference 1
3:15 Personal Prayer
4:00 Conference 2
4:45 Adoration, Prayer, Rosary and Benediction (Confessions available)
6:00 Dinner
7:00 Depart

Cost: $25 (retreat materials and dinner)
Registration Deadline: March 15
Contact: events@dio.org
REGISTER HERE

Quincy Deanery Council of Catholic Women's Spring 2026 Gathering
2026-03-25 07:45
The Quincy Deanery Council of Catholic Women invites all women of the parish to its Spring 2026 Gathering on Wednesday, March 25, 2026, beginning at 7:45 a.m. at St. Thomas Church (109 E. Spring St., Camp Point). Registration runs from 7:45-8:15 a.m. with a $10 cost per person (cash or check), followed by Mass at 8:15 a.m., Eucharistic Adoration, and the Rosary. A light breakfast will be served at 10:00 a.m., with commission reports, lunch, a business meeting, and a Catholic trivia contest to follow. The guest speaker will be Father Scott Snider, who will present on “Building Catholic Culture.” Participants are encouraged to bring items for the Share Table, as well as donations for Water for Life, the Seminary Fund, Cross Catholic Outreach, Pro-Life Charities, and women’s and children’s socks, soaps, and shampoos for the Ladies of Charity. Register here by March 23, 2026. For questions, contact Susan Asher at 217-653-5074 or asherte@yahoo.com.
Parishes, please print this flyer

Solemnity of the Annunciation: Women’s Faith, Wine, and Chocolate Night
2026-03-25 17:30 - 21:00 | Villa Maria Retreat Center, 1903 E Lake Shore Dr, Springfield, IL, 62712, United States
An evening of female companionship with Christ and Our Lady. The evening begins with Mass at 6 p.m. for the Solemnity of the Annunciation and then continues with wine and chocolate (Lenten penances are not obligatory on solemnities) and discussion of being women after the model of the Immaculate Heart of Mary.
Wednesday, March 25, 2026

5:30 Arrival and Welcome
6:00 Mass
7:00 Fellowship and Faith Sharing Discussion
9:00 Depart

Cost: $10
Registration Deadline: March 20
Contact: events@dio.org
REGISTER HERE

PreCana at Our Lady of Lourdes Enrichment Center, Decatur, IL
2026-03-28 08:30 - 16:30
Saturday, March 28, 2026 – 8:30am–4:30pm at Our Lady of Lourdes Enrichment Center, Decatur, IL. Call Parish Office at 217-877-4404. The fee is $50 per couple to cover lunch and expenses of the day.

Genealogy Using Catholic Records
2026-03-28 11:00 - 13:00
Learn about using sacramental records such as baptism, marriage, and death records to trace your family history. Presentation will include a brief overview of how to get started doing genealogy and a detailed look at sacramental records and the information they contain.
There will be a special focus on using Church records to trace African American/Black family history.
Katie Oubre, MLIS, CA, CRM is the Vice-Chancellor for Archives and Records for the Diocese of Springfield in Illinois. She has worked for the Diocese for over nine years and previously worked for the Diocese of Baton Rouge Archives. She is the Immediate Past President of the Association of Catholic Diocesan Archivists.
Hosted by the non-profit, Untold Histories, Mary Frances, President, as part of a black history lecture series. It will be held at the Lincoln Library, Springfield, in Carnegie Room North.

Venite ad Me Holy Week Men's Discernment Retreat
2026-03-31 - 2026-04-02
Villa Maria Retreat Center1903 E. Lake Shore Dr.Springfield, IL 62712 Who: For men 18-35 years oldCost: FreeMeals: All meals provided
In Matthew 11:28-30, Jesus says, “Come to me, all you who are weary and heavy burdened, and I will give you rest.” “Come to Me,” or in Latin, “Venite ad Me,” is Jesus’s invitation to draw ever closer to Him and to His Church. Join other Catholic men from our Diocese for this Venite ad Me Holy Week Discernment Retreat.
The retreat will begin with the Chrism Mass at 6:00pm at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception. Following the Chrism Mass, we will drive to the Villa Maria Retreat Center on Lake Springfield where we will stay and take our meals. The retreat will end with the Holy Thursday Mass at the Cathedral on Holy Thursday night, Thursday, April 2. No commitment is implied by your presence.
For questions about the event, please contact Fr. Zach Samples at zsamples@dio.org.
REGISTER HERE

Caring for the World: Celebrating Catholic Health Care
2026-04-07 17:15 | Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, 524 East Lawrence Avenue, Springfield, IL, United States
Join us on World Health Day for a special evening celebrating the life-saving work of Catholic health care around the world.
The Catholic Church is the largest non-governmental provider of health care services in the world, with nearly 65% of Catholic health facilities located in low-resource areas globally. These hospitals, clinics, and health centers serve millions of people each year-often in places where access to care is limited.
Right here in Springfield, Hospital Sisters Mission Outreach plays a vital role in supporting this mission. Each year, Mission Outreach assists more than 100 Catholic hospitals and clinics in Africa, Asia, Ukraine, and Central and South America by donating essential medical supplies and equipment.
The evening will begin with the 5:15 PM Mass at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, followed by a World Health Fair in the Cathedral Atrium. Representatives from Hospital Sisters Mission Outreach will be present to share how their work is helping build a healthier world-especially for mothers and babies in underserved communities.
Come learn how the Church’s mission of healing continues to bring hope and care to those most in need. All are welcome!

Not Your Average Easter Egg Hunt
2026-04-11 10:00 | Corpus Christi Priory, 4867 Laverna Rd., Springfield, IL, 62707, United States
Celebrate the Easter season with the whole family at this fun-filled event for all ages. Children ages 1–6 and 7–9 will enjoy traditional Easter egg hunts, while ages 10–15 can take part in a special hunt featuring a limited number of hidden prizes for lucky seekers. To top it all off, each family will also be invited to participate in its own unique “hunt.”
Dress comfortably, bring a bag, and get ready for a blast.
Reminder: When registering, please include the ages of each participant.
REGISTER at Mercy Tree Adventures

Delight & Desire Marriage Enrichment Retreat
2026-04-18 08:00 - 17:00 | Corpus Christi Priory, 4867 Laverna Rd., Springfield, IL, 62707, United States
Come away with your spouse to Corpus Christi Priory on April 18 to rediscover the life-giving power of dreams, visions, and desires lived out in unity.
This marriage enrichment retreat invites couples to step away from the busyness of daily life and reconnect with one another in a deeper, more intentional way. Through reflection, prayer, and meaningful conversation, you’ll be encouraged to renew your shared vision and strengthen your bond as husband and wife.
Whether you are newly married or have journeyed together for many years, this retreat offers a beautiful opportunity to grow in love, faith, and unity.
Be sure to REGISTER before April 13!

Catholic Speed Dating
2026-04-18 17:30 | Christ The King, 1930 Barberry Drive, Springfield, IL, 62704
Looking to meet other Catholic young adults in a fun and meaningful way? Join The Forge, Springfield’s Catholic young adult group, for a Speed Dating Night on April 18th at Christ the King’s parish hall.
This evening is designed for Catholic singles ages 21–39 to meet and mingle in a relaxed, welcoming environment. The night will include refreshments, a short vocations talk by Fr. Daniel McGrath, a testimony from the Schlossers, and guided speed dating.
Whether you’re hoping to make new connections, grow in faith, or simply enjoy a great community event, this is a night you won’t want to miss!
For more information, find us on Instagram @TheForgeSpringfield or email TheForgeSpringfield@gmail.com.
Be sure to REGISTER before April 13!

WDCR 15th Annual Dinner
2026-04-29 17:30 | Mount Zion Convention Center, 1400 Mount Zion Parkway, Mount Zion, IL, 62549, United States
Celebrate 15 years of WDCR on the air! Bishop Thomas John Paprocki will serve as keynote speaker, presenting “Communicating the Good News in the Age of Artificial Intelligence.” Join us for this special anniversary event.
Doors open at 5:30PM; Dinner begins at 6:15PM
For tickets visit wecrradio.com. Registration deadline is Monday, April 27.

Hockey with Paprocki
2026-05-02 15:30 | Nelson Center Ice Rink, 1601 N 5th St, Springfield, IL, 62702
“The Holy Goalie,” Bishop Thomas John Paprocki will be returning to the ice and defending the goal to benefit Catholic Charities Legal Services (CCLS) program during the upcoming Hockey with Paprocki fundraiser. This event will be held on Saturday, May 2, 2026 at 3:30 p.m. at the Nelson Center Ice Rink located at 1601 N 5th St in Springfield. Tickets can be purchased online for $10 or $15 at the door. Advanced tickets may be purchased at: HOCKEY.

Springfield Deanery Council of Catholic Women (SDCCW) Spring Meeting – Celebrating Motherhood
2026-05-09 09:00 - 12:00 | Christ The King, 1930 Barberry Drive, Springfield, IL, 62704
Women of all parishes are invited to gather for a morning of prayer, fellowship, and inspiration.
Saturday, May 9, 20269:00 a.m.Christ the King Parish (Roesch Hall)1930 Barberry Drive, Springfield
Begin the day in community with fellow women of faith as we reflect on the beauty of motherhood and service.
Guest Speaker:Mr. Jarid Brown, Executive Director of the Washington Street Mission“Restoring hope, faith, and lives.”
Event Highlights:

Rosary led by members of the Christ the King Legion of Mary
Breakfast provided by the CTK Altar & Rosary Society
Door prizes and 50/50 raffle

Service Opportunity:Please consider bringing donations for the Washington Street Mission, including shelf-stable food items such as rice, pasta, canned goods, oatmeal packets, and more.You are also invited to bring can tabs to support the Ronald McDonald House.
Register here 👉 by May 4
For questions, contact:Deb Pilapil, President SDCCW217-361-7165

Easter Season Day of Recollection Mary, the Spouse of the Holy Spirit
2026-05-16 08:30 - 14:30 | Villa Maria Retreat Center, 1903 E Lake Shore Dr, Springfield, IL, 62712, United States
Mary is sometimes referred to as the Spouse of the Holy Spirit because of her unique relationship to God in conceiving Jesus, the Son of God, in her womb through the overshadowing of the Holy Spirit. This day of recollection falls during the Easter season, during the month dedicated to Mary, and close to the Solemnity of Pentecost. The impact of these themes in our daily lives as Catholics will be explored. The day begins with Mass at 9 a.m. and will include conferences, private time for prayer, adoration, and lunch. The day will conclude at 2:30 p.m.
Saturday, May 16, 2026

8:30 Arrival and Welcome
9:00 Mass
10:00 Conference 1
10:45 Personal prayer
11:30 Lunch
12:30 Conference 2
1:15 Adoration and Rosary (Confessions available)
2:15 Benediction
2:30 Depart

Cost: $25 (retreat materials and lunch)
Registration Deadline: May 9
Contact: events@dio.org
REGISTER HERE

Bethalto Knights of Columbus Chicken Dinner
2026-05-17 11:30 - 14:00 | Our Lady Queen of Peace Catholic Church, 132 Butcher St., Bethalto, IL, 62010
Join the Knights of Columbus at Our Lady Queen of Peace Catholic Church for a delicious, family-friendly meal—open to the entire community!
Dine In (All-You-Care-to-Eat):
Adults: $15
Children (ages 5–10): $6
Drive-Thru or Carry-Out:
$15 per meal, includes your choice of:
• Half chicken or five (5) chicken strips
• Three (3) sides
Side Options:
Mac & Cheese, Green Beans, Mashed Potatoes & Gravy
Please note: No custom orders are available for drive-thru.
Cash and credit cards accepted. Come enjoy great food, fellowship, and the welcoming spirit of Our Lady Queen of Peace!
