Week of Dec. 18
Graphic to promote applications for Totus Tuus Missionaries – Every year, Totus Tuus, a popular program for Catholic students in grades first through twelve come to parishes all around our diocese. The Diocese of Springfield is now hiring Totus Tuus Missionaries for the summer of 2024!
*Please put this image in your bulletin/e-blasts and encourage faithful college-aged men and women to apply!
Religious Awards for Scouts – Scouts of all ages can earn religious patches, emblems and recognitions through the Catholic Committee on Scouting. Activities include the Rosary, the lives of saints, Mary, the Corporal and Spiritual Works of Mercy and more. Emblems and Recognition awards are available for members of Girl Scouts USA Boy Scouts of America. See dio.org/scouts for details. Or call Kyle Holtgrave at the Catholic Pastoral Center, (217) 698-8500, ext. 154.
Poland > Effingham > U.S. Citizen – Fr. Michal Rosa’s unique story – Fr. Michal Rosa, pastor of Sacred Heart Church in Effingham, became a U.S. citizen July 7. It’s a journey he would have never imagined, growing up in Poland. So how did this all happen, how did Bishop Paprocki play a role, what does Fr. Rosa think of America, what does he miss the most about Poland (besides family), and what aspects of our faith does he wish America prioritized more? We Dive Deep with Fr. Michal Rosa. Go to dio.org/podcast or youtube.com/diospringfield or search “Dive Deep” on all the major podcast platforms to listen and subscribe.
Click here to download a graphic to include in your bulletins
Culture of Life Essay Contest: National Right to Life is having an essay contest for middle and high school students. For essay prompts and information to submit essays go to: https://www.nrlc.org/wp-content/uploads/nrlc-essay-contest-2024-updated.pdf. Essays are being accepted from December 20, 2023 to January 21, 2024. Essays must be postmarked by January 21, 2024.
Gospel Mass and Soul Food Luncheon: SAVE THE DATE: 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.
Pray to Protect Human Life: Join others from across the country in praying the 9 Days for Life annual novena, January 16-24, 2024. The novena is 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. Sign up at: www.respectlife.org/9-days-signup.
Project Rachel: Help for women and men to heal from the pain of abortion. For assistance call 1-877-RACHEL-5.
Rachel’s Vineyard Retreat: Retreat for people affected by abortion, September 27-29, 2024, Villa Maria Retreat Center. Cost is $150. Scholarships are available for those not able to pay the full registration fee. Please let others know about this healing opportunity. For more information call 217-698-4456, or email projectrachel@dio.org.
Save the date for the Illinois March for Life and Mass – Wednesday, April 17, 2024. Mass, 10 a.m., Sangamon Auditorium, on the UIS Campus, 1 University Plaza, Springfield. Noon, rally in front of the State Capitol, followed by a march around the State Capitol complex. The Mass, rally and march are intended for 7th-12th graders, college students, and adults. More details coming.
Retreat for married couples offered – Worldwide Marriage Encounter presents weekend experiences for married couples to rekindle romance, enhance meaningful communication, and deepen and renew commitment. Sign-up now! For more information or to apply, go to wwme.org or call Terry & Eric Engholm at 314-649-7317. Next ones:
2/2/2024 – 2/4/2024, St. Peters, MO
3/15/2024 – 3/17/2024, Cape Girardeau, MO
4/5/2024 – 4/7/2024, St. Peters, MO
Here is a logo you can use as well
STEWARDSHIP BULLETIN REFLECTIONS
December 24, 2023
4th Sunday of Advent
“Hail, full of grace, the Lord is with you!” – Luke 1:28
After Jesus, we look to Mary as an ideal steward. Her entire life was lived in obedience to God’s call. Mary teaches us to live with joy for all we have been given. Just as the moon reflects the light of the sun, Mary reflects the light of Christ. Like Mary, we are called to reflect Christ’s light to the world through our gratitude and generosity.
December 31, 2023
The Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph
“…as the Lord has forgiven you, so you must forgive.” – colossians 3:13
Forgiving is one of the hardest things for people to do. We can’t give what we don’t have. We need to receive God’s mercy and forgiveness first before we can give it to others. Go to the sacrament of Reconciliation and receive God’s mercy and forgiveness. Then, share the gift of forgiveness with someone – a family member, a friend or a co-worker. Pick up the phone or text someone right now.