Week of Dec. 26
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Escaping death – A miraculous event on I-55 – On June 9, 2021 on I-55 just outside Springfield, three sisters from the Sisters of Saint Francis of the Martyr Saint George based in Alton, were driving to Alton from Rock Island. Traffic came to a sudden stop in a construction zone and their van was struck at high speed from behind, sending them into the two cars in front of them. Their van was later described as a crushed soda can or an accordion. Looking at the situation, a common thought was… “no one survived that.” But, what was described as “miraculous” – they all did. We talk with Sister M. Clementia Toalson about her escaping death and what she learned about surrendering to God her suffering. Go to dio.org/podcast or search Dive Deep on all the major podcast platforms to listen and subscribe.
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Parents, teenagers, and young adults – this event is for you – National Catholic speaker, Jason Evert, will give two talks in Alton Feb. 6 that parents, teenagers, and young adults are invited to that answers many tough questions about love, dating, and relationships and that will empower people to live a life of virtue. Evert’s talks, “Purified” and “Gender and the Theology of your Body,” takes place starting at 6 p.m. at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Alton (519 East 4th St.). The cost is $30 and tickets can be purchased in advance by going to chastity.com/purified. After Evert’s talks, the night will end with adoration and confession and all attendees will leave with resources that are geared toward the gender of the teen/young adult and one geared toward parents. For more information, call 618-581-7055. The event is for teenagers and older.
Free episode of The Chair highlights the rich story of our diocese from yesterday to today – The story of the Diocese of Springfield in Illinois is featured in an episode of The Chair, a television series celebrating the best of Catholicism in the United States. From the physical beauty of the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Springfield to the history of our diocese from our founding to the present, you’ll learn things about our region you never knew before and see Bishop Thomas John Paprocki in his role of bishop. This intimate portrait of our diocese is an opportunity to see our history and the journey of Bishop Paprocki from his youth to our shepherd of today. To watch the FREE episode and others, go to thechair.com/watchnow. Note, you’ll have to create a FREE account to watch.
Here is a graphic you can use to go alongside this announcement
Volunteers Needed for Sacraments – The Diocese of Springfield in Illinois is looking for volunteers to assist with the Sacraments of Confirmation and First Holy Communion at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception. Over 1,200 third graders come to the Cathedral each year from throughout the diocese to receive these holy Sacraments. Please pray about joining the Curia staff in helping to make these events run smoothly. All volunteers need to have Safe Environment on file with their parish. Contact Sister M. Clementia, FSGM for more information (or 217-321-1130), access the sign-up at https://ome.flocknote.com/signup/84704 or take a picture of the QR code to be sent directly to the site. Thank you!
*Note, here is that QR code jpeg*
Project Rachel: Trust in the mercy of God’s love. Do you know someone who is carrying the grief and sorrow of past abortions? Share with them the Good News of God’s merciful love. Call Project Rachel for a confidential referral to those who can help: 1-877-RACHEL-5. Pray that many will seek and receive the gift of God’s infinite mercy.
Rachel’s Vineyard Retreat: Find Peace and Healing: If you or someone you love is grieving the loss of children to abortion, come and experience the healing mercy of Jesus Christ on our weekend retreat. To find information about the Rachel’s Vineyard Retreat January 20-22, 2023. For more information call 217-698-4456, or email projectrachel@dio.org. Scholarships are available.
Retreat for married couples offered in Springfield –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.
3/17/2023 – 3/19/2023 – Villa Maria Conference Center, Springfield, IL and 3/31/2023 – 4/2/2023 – Courtyard Marriott, St. Peters, MO