Diocese of Springfield in Illinois

SEEK 2024 in St. Louis
2024-01-01 - 2024-01-05
You’re always being called deeper into relationship with Jesus Christ and His Church – come and see what’s next! Experience truth, beauty, and goodness; hear from renowned speakers, events, entertainment, sponsors and more! Find out what it means to Be the Light. We are not made to be alone! Connect with peers, come together with the greater Church, and journey together. SEEK24 will take place at the America’s Center Convention Complex in St. Louis, Missouri from Monday, January 1 to Friday, January 5, 2024. Tickets, schedule, speakers, FAQ and more: https://seek.focus.org/

9 Days for Life Novena
2024-01-16 - 2024-01-24
Sign-up here for the 9 Days for Life Novena, January 16-24, 2024, for the protection of human life. Each day’s intention is accompanied by a short reflection and suggested actions to help build a culture of life. Participants can download the novena or sign up to receive the daily prayers via email or text message.

Prayer Service For Illinois Legislative Session
2024-01-16 17:30 - 18:30 (America/Chicago)

World Marriage Day celebration in St. Louis
2024-02-11 12:00
On Sunday, February 11 at the 12:00 pm Mass, Auxiliary Bishop Mark S. Rivituso will celebrate a Mass for World Marriage Day at the Cathedral Basilica of St. Louis, 4431 Lindell Blvd., St. Louis, MO. A reception will follow in Boland Hall. All married couples are invited to attend and celebrate the gift of marriage. World Marriage Day honors husband and wife as the foundation of the family – the basic unit of society. It emphasizes the faithfulness, sacrifice and joy of daily married life. World Marriage Day started in Baton Rouge, LA in 1981 and was later adopted by Worldwide Marriage Encounter, who now is sponsoring this event on February 11.

Gospel Mass and Soul Food Luncheon
2024-02-25 10:00
In recognition of Black History Month, all are invited to a Gospel Mass and Soul Food Luncheon, hosted by the Black Catholic Commission. Sunday, Feb. 25, 10 a.m., Church of the Little Flower, Springfield. The Soul Food Luncheon follows Mass and is $15/person. Register for luncheon HERE.

Lenten Retreat for Women
2024-02-27 - 2024-02-28 | Villa Maria Catholic Life Center, 1903 East Lake Shore Drive, Springfield, 62712, United States
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 Lake Shore Drive on Lake Springfield. The retreat will feature spiritual presentations, prayer, time for personal reflection, Mass, confession, and fellowship. The retreat begins with registration and a light breakfast at 9 a.m., on Tuesday, Feb. 27 and concludes after lunch on Wednesday, Feb. 28.
The subject of the retreat is “Gathered in Worship,” and the speaker is Father Richard Chiola, pastor emeritus of St. Francis Cabrini Parish in Springfield. Father Chiola holds a doctorate in historical theology and a master’s degree in human development counseling. Since he was named a senior priest in 2015, he has offered multiple retreats and workshops for priests, religious sisters, seminarians and lay people throughout the United States, Central America, and the South Pacific. He served in many parishes and taught at Yale University and SIU School of Medicine. Additionally, he has been a chaplain at University of Chicago, a theological consultant for Hospital Sisters Health System, has authored two books, and has a private practice in spiritual direction.
Retreat costs include meals, refreshments, retreat materials, and use of the facility. Of course, all participants will listen to Father Chiola’s presentations as well. The cost for an overnight stay, single occupancy (if available) is $120. The cost for an overnight stay, double occupancy is $100. Commuters pay $70.
Contact your parish office, your women’s group, or your deanery information for additional information and a registration form, or email Mary Ann Sullivan at gma.sullivan80@gmail.com or phone (217) 463-2435. The registration fee is payable to S.D.C.C.W. by Feb. 17.

Faith & Fortitude: A presentation on Bishop James Aloysius Griffin
2024-02-28 18:00
Faith & Fortitude: A presentation on Bishop James Aloysius Griffin
Join us for a free presentation on the life of the first bishop of Springfield, Bishop James Griffin, presented by the Office for Archives and Record Management from the Diocese of Springfield in Illinois. It takes place Wednesday, February 28 at 6 p.m. at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Springfield (after the 5:15 p.m.) Mass. Soup and water will be offered.

Sacred Story Retreat for women
2024-03-01 17:00 - 2024-03-03 13:00 | Villa Maria Retreat Center, 1903 E Lake Shore Dr, Springfield, IL, 62712, United States
Sacred Story Retreat March 1-3 in Springfield is a retreat for women who want to experience healing and renewal in Christ. Using materials from Forty Weeks: An Ignatian Path to Christ with Sacred Story Prayer (by Father Bill Watson, SJ), we guide you through a process of reconciling your past to Christ. You will be given helpful resources that teach you a daily 15-minute prayer practice called Examen Prayer. For this retreat, please pre-purchase the book found on Amazon: Forth Weeks Book. The retreat is sponsored by Regnum Christi St. Louis and All Things Women.
Beginning Friday, March 1 at 5 p.m. and finishing Sunday, March 3 at 1 p.m., the retreat takes place at the Villa Maria Retreat Center in Springfield (1903 W E Lake Shore Dr.). The cost is $275 shared room + bath or $325 single room + bath. Sign up here. For more information, contact Maria Rivero at stlouis@regnumchristi.org or call 610-717-8678).

Families! Connect with God, have fun, and create memories all in one day
2024-03-02 08:00 - 19:00
Families are invited to attend a grace-filled and fun-filled one-day experience all intended for them to reconnect with God. Mini Holy Family Fest takes place Sat., March 2 at Quincy Notre Dame High School (1400 S 11th St) in Quincy. The day runs from 8 a.m. – 7 p.m. and includes Mass, confession, Eucharistic adoration, talks for adults, teens, and children, praying the Rosary, games, activities, and more. Price is $25 for one person, $45 for two, $65 for three, and $75 for four or more. The price includes lunch and dinner. The keynote speakers are Carlos and Elena Tejada of Springfield. Register here. For questions, email quincyholyfamilyfest@gmail.com or call 217-440-8187.

Leading theologian coming to Vandalia in April to give talk on Mary
2024-04-19 14:00 - 2024-04-21 09:00
Looking to experience a weekend of grace and grow in deep knowledge of our faith? Our Sorrowful Mother’s Ministry (318 N. 8th Street) in Vandalia is hosting a series of talks from Father Aidan Nichols, one of the brightest theological minds in the Catholic Church.
“Through his love of the sacred page and as a faithful guide to the Church’s theological inheritance, Father Nichols has helped many to encounter the Truth, who is Christ,” said Father Seth Brown, pastor of Mother of Dolors Parish in Vandalia.
The three-day event will feature talks, prayer, and Mass. It starts on April 19 at 2 p.m. and concludes on Sunday April 21 at 9 a.m. The focus of Father Nichols talks will center on that while the Church is founded on St. Peter, it is founded in Mary. Father Nichols will discuss healing through deep prayer leaning on Our Lady of the Church. The cost is $45. To register, go to osmm.org/retreats.
Born at Lytham St. Anne’s (England) in 1948 and educated at Arnold School and the Universities of Oxford and Edinburgh, Father Nichols entered the Order of Preachers in 1970 and was ordained a priest in 1976. He has taught at several seminaries around the world. He held the Pope John Paul II Memorial Lectureship in Roman Catholic Theology between 2006-2008. He is currently staying with Canons Regular from St. Michaels’s Abbey in Orange County, Calif.

Church Bells and Air Raid Sirens: The faith response to help Ukraine
2024-05-08 15:00 | Hospital Sisters Mission Outreach, 4930 Laverna Rd., Springfield, IL, United States
What:
A presentation by Erica Smith, executive director of Mission Outreach, about her recent visit to Ukraine to visit Catholic and other faith-based service providers in Ukraine.
ZOOM LINK ALSO AVAILABLE — email erica.smith@mission-outreach.org

Hospital Sisters Mission Outreach, an affiliate of Hospital Sisters Health System, participates as a partner with the Catholic Response for Ukraine, a group that works on behalf of the Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development at the Vatican. Thanks to the partnerships created by this group, Mission Outreach shipped a 40-foot container of requested medical supplies and equipment to Ukraine in April 2023.
Erica Smith, executive director, was invited to travel to Ukraine in April 2024 with representatives from the International Catholic Migration Commission, Knights of Columbus, and Catholic Health Association to learn what other needs are
present.
During that visit, Erica learned about the Catholic response in Ukraine and collaboration with people of other faiths to meet the educational, health, and social needs of Ukrainians – particularly those who have been internally displaced by war that those seeking to care for them.
In this presentation, Erica will talk about how faith communities are working to address the needs of Ukrainians and how Mission Outreach (in partnership with members of the Catholic Response for Ukraine) will continue to be involved in short- and long-term recovery efforts, even as the conflict continues. Erica will also share photos and stories about meeting with Latin Catholic leaders in Ukraine, including the Archbishop of Lviv and the Archbishop of Kyiv (who also serves as the Papal Nuncio).

Confirmation for Adults at Pentecost
2024-05-19 14:00
For adults who have not received the Sacrament of Confirmation, a special celebration is scheduled for Sunday, May 19, 2024 at 2:00 PM at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Springfield. For details, please visit https://dio.org/catechesis/sacramental-prep/#sp-tabs-2. Questions? Contact Kyle Holtgrave at kholtgrave@dio.org (217) 698-8500, ext. 154.

Come to the Priest Ordination Mass
2024-05-25 10:00
Come support the five men who will be ordained priests by coming to the ordination Mass on Saturday, May 25 at 10 a.m. at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Springfield. The five, who are currently deacons, are: Daneil McGrath, Jayke White, Troy Niemerg, Alex McCullough, and Bruce Scott. This celebration is certainly a high point for our diocese with a beautiful liturgy and music, nearly every priest and deacon in our diocese in attendance, and a powerful scene of following the Lord’s call. If you cannot make the ordination, you can watch it live online on the Cathedral’s YouTube Channel: youtube.com/@cathedraloftheimmaculateco1581.

Celebrate Memorial Day by attending the Memorial Day Field Mass
2024-05-27 09:00
You are invited to the Memorial Day Field Mass at Calvary Cemetery in Springfield on May 27 at 9 a.m. The Mass will be at the Father Howard Altar. Bishop Thomas John Paprocki is the celebrant. Accompanying Bishop Paprocki in procession will be priests and members of the Fourth Degree Knights of Columbus. Limited seating will be available under the tent. Lawn chairs are welcome. Transportation will be available to assist visitors from the main gate to the Mass site. Call the Calvary Cemetery office at 523-3726 Monday – Friday from 8 a.m.- 4 p.m. with any questions.

50th Annual Day of Prayer for Life to be celebrated June 19
2024-06-19 | St. Francis of Assisi, 203 East Main Street, Teutopolis, IL, 62467, United States
By DIANE SCHLINDWEIN
Managing Editor
TEUTOPOLIS — On Wednesday, June 19 the 50th Annual Day of Prayer for Life will be held at St. Francis of Assisi Church, 203 E. Main St. in Teutopolis. That day Effingham Area Right to Life (formerly Effingham County Right to Life) and St. Francis Church once again invite everyone to come and pray for renewed respect for all human life, and reparation for our nation, for allowing 65 million preborn human lives to be ended since 1973, said Angie Esker, the chairperson of the Day of Prayer for Life and the chair of the St. Francis Social Concerns Committee.
The year’s Day of Prayer will begin with Mass at 8 a.m., followed by Eucharistic Exposition and Adoration. Following 10 hours of adoration by groups from a number of parishes from various towns, organizations, and the Knights of Columbus Councils, Benediction will take place at 7 p.m. In honor of the 50-year anniversary of the event, Bishop Thomas John Paprocki will be the celebrant of the closing Mass, which will take place at 7:30 p.m. Refreshments will follow in St. Clare Hall, which is adjoining to the church.
The Day of Prayer was initially started thanks to the late Loretta (Mrs. Jack) Koester, a board member of Effingham County Right to Life, who was the main organizer of the event until her health began to fail. Koester was quoted as saying the day “was a prayerful day that is dedicated to end abortion and ask God’s forgiveness.”
Koester passed away on Feb. 9, 2017, at age 91. In addition to her husband, Jack, who was active in helping with the Day of Prayer, there were many other faithful assistants to Koester in the early years, most who have since passed away.
“Loretta still played a major role in the 2016 Day of Prayer, although her health was failing,” said Esker. “She didn’t want to give it up totally until she couldn’t physically do it anymore.” A few years after her passing, Koester’s grandson, Father Dominic Vahling, as a newly-ordained priest, celebrated the closing Mass for the Day of Prayer. It was a moving day for those who knew and admired Koester.
Koester lived long enough to see Effingham Planned Parenthood permanently close their doors in the late summer of 2016. Of course, in June 2022 the United States Supreme Court issued its decision of Dobbs v. Jackson — overturning the decision of Roe v.. Wade, which had declared abortion to be a constitutional right — restoring the ability of the states to ban abortions. Illinois, of course, still allows abortions.
Esker believes those who pray at the Annual Day of Prayer for Life have not given up. “I think ‘faithful in prayer for the protection of life’ is what we do,” said Esker, adding that they are praying for a return to the overall culture of life. “I know we may not always see the successes, especially in our state of Illinois, but as Mother Teresa said, ‘God does not require that we be successful only that we be faithful’ and Hebrews 11:1 says, ‘Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.’”
Esker said that the pro-life committee in Teutopolis is thankful for the generosity of the Franciscan pastors at St. Francis Church who have generously hosted the Day of Prayer for Life for the past 50 years. She adds that St. Francis Social Concerns Committee has also been instrumental in helping her with the details of the day.
The Day of Prayer has spanned generations, says Liz Kremer, a board member of Effingham Area Right to Life who also helps with event. “My mom and dad were involved from the get-go. I was still in high school when Roe v. Wade happened,” she said. “Through the years, being pro-life has been engrained in our family. My two sisters, me, their kids, and grandkids, three generations are still in this fight.”
About the Day of Prayer, another Effingham Area Right to Life board member Judy Repking, concluded, “We are the faithful storming the heavens with our prayers, pleading for an end to abortion and for the protection of life.”

National Eucharistic Procession in our diocese
2024-07-08 - 2024-07-12
You are invited to a once-in-a-lifetime experience being called “our national Emmaus moment,” after the biblical passage in which Jesus walked with two of his disciples along the road to Emmaus. The National Eucharistic Pilgrimage is an unprecedented pilgrimage in which Catholics will pray and publicly follow Jesus in their cities through Eucharistic processions. The Diocese of Springfield in Illinois is excited to be included in one of the four national routes (July 8-12) that finish in Indianapolis for the National Eucharistic Congress.
Pilgrims can be a public witness of our faith by participating in the Eucharistic processions, they can pray before our Lord in adoration of the Blessed Sacrament in our churches, grow in fellowship with their neighbors at dinners, and hear powerful witness talks from the national eucharistic procession team as they share their experiences of taking Jesus across the nation.
Here is the schedule:

July 8: Collinsville and Alton
July 9: Alton and Quincy
July 10: Girard and Springfield
July 11: Springfield and Effingham
July 12: Effingham and Teutopolis

To see a more detailed schedule of times, locations, frequently asked questions, how to register, and more, visit dio.org/procession.

Biking for Babies
2024-07-12 | Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, 524 East Lawrence Avenue, Springfield, IL, United States
Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception
524 East Lawrence Ave, Springfield
Mass, dinner, witness talks
Mass – 5:00 PM
Following Mass there will be a dinner and witness talks from missionaries that are biking across the country to raise awareness and funds for pregnancy help centers. For more information, and RSVP for dinner, contact Bev Hoffman at: bevhoffman5@gmail.com

National Eucharistic Congress
2024-07-17 - 2024-07-21
Join tens of thousands of Catholics from across the country on a five-day experience (July 17-21) of encountering the living Jesus Christ in Indianapolis. Receive profound renewal, hear inspirational testimonies and speakers, and participate in Mass with the universal Church. This experience will set you on fire for the Lord, helping you to go out on mission for the life of the world. Tickets, schedule, speakers, FAQ and more: https://www.eucharisticcongress.org/.

First Friday Concert series
2024-08-02 19:00 | Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, 524 East Lawrence Avenue, Springfield, IL, United States
Attend the free Friday Concert Series presented by Staab Funeral Home at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Springfield. This 7 p.m. concert on Aug. 2 features Ethan Heinzel playing the organ and piano.

Springfield Diocesan Council of Catholic Women sponsoring national speakers
2024-08-28 | Lake Williamson Retreat Center, Cottonwood Lane, Carlinville, IL, 62626, United States
Kelly Wahlquist, founder of the WINE evangelist ministry, is a dynamic Catholic author and speaker and Donna Cori, a singer who puts her beautiful music to Catholic prayers, are both presenting at the Lake Williamson Retreat Center in Carlinville (17347 Cottonwood Ln.) on August 28. Sponsored by the Springfield Diocesan Council of Catholic Women (Jerseyville Deanery is the host), this is part of the group’s 95th annual convention called “Sent on Mission – Fortified by the Eucharist.” Registration begins at 7:45 a.m. at Ss. Mary and Joseph Church in Carlinville followed by 9 a.m. Mass with Bishop Thomas John Paprocki. The program will then follow at Lake Williamsville Retreat Center. Consult your parish office for registration forms or contact Teresa Goetten at 618-535-0555 or mtmgotten@gtec.com.

First Friday Concert series
2024-09-06 19:00 | Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, 524 East Lawrence Avenue, Springfield, IL, United States
Attend the free Friday Concert Series presented by Staab Funeral Home at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Springfield. This 7 p.m. concert on Sept. 6 features vocal students of Justin Johnson.

Fully Alive: 6th Grade Vocation Day - Quincy
2024-09-13

Garden Party at Blessed Sacrament Springfield to celebrate the 100th Anniversary
2024-09-14

Join Bishop Paprocki in prayer on National Day of Remembrance for Aborted Children
2024-09-14 10:00
On Saturday, Sept. 14, at 10 a.m., Bishop Thomas John Paprocki will lead prayers for the unborn at the Springfield Right to Life offices at 519 North Bruns Lane in Springfield. You are invited to join this prayer on this the National Day of Remembrance. Refreshments will be provided afterward. This inter-faith event is held in solidarity with over 50 other locations in the United States where the remains of aborted children are buried, as well as at more than 100 sites where abortion victims are memorialized. It has been an annual national event since 2013. The primary purpose of this event is to mourn for the victims of abortion, trusting in our Lord’s promise, “Blessed are they who mourn, for they will be comforted.” The aim to highlight the humanity of abortion victims by praying at their sites and inviting those involved in abortion to seek God’s healing and forgiveness. Locally, the National Day of Remembrance for Aborted Children is hosted by the Springfield Right to Life Civic Committee and sponsored nationally by the Pro-Life Action League, Priests for Life, and Citizens for a Pro-Life Society. Come join us!

Andrew Dinner - Alton Deanery
2024-09-15 16:30 - 20:00
Name: Andrew Dinner – Alton Deanery
Date: Saturday, February 28, 2026
Time: 4:30pm-8pm
Location: Mother of Perpetual Help (200 N. Lange Ave., Maryville, IL)
Cost: Free to attend
Description:This evening is for young men – juniors in high school up to those in their early thirties – who are interested in hearing more about the priesthood. No commitment implied, just a chance to hear about how God has called other men to the priesthood and what it is like to be a priest.
Registration: Please RSVP to Fr. Rob Johnson (rjohnson@dio.org) by September 10th.

Prayer service commemorating the 800th anniversary of St. Francis of Assisi receiving the stigmata
2024-09-17 18:30 | St. Francis of Assisi Church on the Grounds of Corpus Christi Priory, 4875 LaVerna Rd., Springfield, IL, United States
Springfield, IL – The Hospital Sisters of St. Francis, along with Franciscan men and women throughout the world, will commemorate the 800th anniversary of an important moment in St. Francis of Assisi’s life: when Francis received the stigmata. The Feast of the Stigmata of St. Francis of Assisi is celebrated on September 17 which is an estimated date of his receiving the wounds of Christ. On September 17, 2024, the Sisters will host a Taizé Prayer Service at 6:30 p.m. in St. Francis of Assisi Church, 4867 LaVerna Road, Springfield. The Service is free and open to the public. Taizé Prayer, a form of Christian prayer, is a simple, meditative form of worship, calling participants to be mindful of Christ’s presence with chant-like songs, silence, readings, and prayer.
St. Francis of Assisi went to Mount La Verna, east of Florence in Tuscany, Italy, in September 1224 for a retreat. During this time, he prayed to share in Christ’s suffering and the answer came in a vision of a six-winged angel bearing the image of Christ crucified. As the angel departed, the wounds of Christ’s crucifixion, stigmata (nail marks through the hands and feet, a piercing of the torso), appeared on Francis’ body and he bore those wounds for the remaining two years of his life.

Prayer service commemorating the 800th anniversary of St. Francis of Assisi receiving the stigmata
2024-09-17 18:30
The Hospital Sisters of St. Francis, along with Franciscan men and women throughout the world, will commemorate the 800th anniversary of an important moment in St. Francis of Assisi’s life: when Francis received the stigmata. The Feast of the Stigmata of St. Francis of Assisi is celebrated on Sept. 17 which is an estimated date of his receiving the wounds of Christ. On Sept. 17, 2024, the Sisters will host a Taizé Prayer Service at 6:30 p.m. in St. Francis of Assisi Church, 4867 LaVerna Road, Springfield. The Service is free and open to the public. Taizé Prayer, a form of Christian prayer, is a simple, meditative form of worship, calling participants to be mindful of Christ’s presence with chant-like songs, silence, readings, and prayer.
St. Francis of Assisi went to Mount La Verna, east of Florence in Tuscany, Italy, in September 1224 for a retreat. During this time, he prayed to share in Christ’s suffering and the answer came in a vision of a six-winged angel bearing the image of Christ crucified. As the angel departed, the wounds of Christ’s crucifixion, stigmata (nail marks through the hands and feet, a piercing of the torso), appeared on Francis’ body and he bore those wounds for the remaining two years of his life.

Encuentro
2024-09-21 16:00 | St. Cabrini Parish, North Milton Avenue, Springfield, IL, 62702, United States
Location: St. Cabrini Parish, 1020 N. Milton Ave, Springfield
Rosary, Speaker, Mass, and dinner centered around the interests and traditions of Catholics in the Latino community.
Mass celebrated by Bishop Paprocki – 4:00 pm
For more information contact Marcelo Nieto at: marjavnieto@gmail.com

CANTUS - Music at the Cathedral
2024-09-21 19:30 | Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, 524 East Lawrence Avenue, Springfield, IL, United States
Attend the free concert featuring CANTUS on Sept. 21 at 7:30 p.m. at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Springfield.

Mass for couples married 50 years or more
2024-09-22 14:00 | Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, 524 East Lawrence Avenue, Springfield, IL, United States
A Mass for couples married 50 years or more will be September 22, 2024 at 2 p.m. at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Springfield. All couples married 50 years or more are invited to attend. Bishop Paprocki will be the main celebrant.
For questions, contact Gracie Ortiz at the Diocese of Springfield in Illinois at gortiz@dio.org or call 217-698-8500.
Registration closed as of Sept 10th
