Week of March 20

Fr. Mike Schmitz on what many get wrong about God, prayer – Fr. Mike Schmitz, the host of the popular podcasts The Bible in a Year and The Catechism in a Year, joins Dive Deep to discuss what many Catholics don’t realize about their faith, how faithful Catholics can get our lukewarm brothers and sisters back to the faith, what we should do if God “doesn’t answer our prayers,” and so much more. Go to dio.org/podcast 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


Collection for the Holy Land:  Pope Francis has asked our parish to support the Pontifical Good Friday Collection, which helps Christians in the Holy Land. The Pontifical Good Friday Collection is necessary to meet basic needs of the People of God still living in this Land where the Church was born.  When you contribute to the Pontifical Good Friday Collection, you become an instrument of peace and join with Catholics around the world in solidarity with the Church in the Holy Land.  PLEASE BE GENEROUS!  For more information about Christians in the Holy Land, visit:  myfranciscan.org/good-friday.


Visit the Cathedral in Springfield or Ss. Peter and Paul Church in Alton, receive an indulgence! – The diocesan-wide Year of the Eucharist going on now has a heavenly treasure of our Catholic faith attached to it. Bishop Thomas John Paprocki received permission from the Holy See, granting a plenary indulgence to those who make a pilgrimage to the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Springfield or Ss. Peter and Paul Church in Alton (the “Old Cathedral”) now through Dec. 8. One must also partake in the other usual conditions to receive this indulgence by going to Confession, receiving the Eucharist, and saying prayers for the intention of the Pope. These acts “may be carried out several days preceding or following the performance of the prescribed works. But it is more fitting that communion and the prayer for the pope’s intentions take place on the day the work is performed” (Handbook of Indulgences, Norms for Indulgences, 23.3). An indulgence a gift and grace that remits the temporal punishment due to a sin.


You are invited to a historical diocesan-wide celebration at the BOS Center in Springfield – To celebrate the Year of the Eucharist going on in our diocese right now and the 100th anniversary of the transfer of the See city of our diocese from Alton to Springfield, a Eucharistic Congress is taking place Saturday, October 28 at the BOS Center in Springfield. This major event will include talks from nationally recognized Catholic speakers, adoration, confession, and Mass where the arena will be packed with thousands of Catholics from across the diocese. You are invited! Doors open at 10:30 a.m. with the first speaker starting at 1 p.m., and Mass begins at 4 p.m. Stay tuned for how to get free tickets and mark your calendar! There will be no Masses at parishes on Saturday, Oct. 28. We want you in Springfield!

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Catholic Scouting College Service Scholarships Available – The National Catholic Committee on Scouting (NCCS) is awarding ten service scholarships totaling $27,000. If you are a service oriented Catholic Scout, who is a high school senior, has received the Ad Altare Dei, Light is Life or Pope Pius XII award, and earned the Eagle Scout, Summit or Quartermaster Award you may qualify. See the NCCS website: nccs-bsa.org/college-scholarships/ for complete eligibility requirements and the 2023 application. NCCS Scholarship applications are due by March 1st each year.


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 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.


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 one:

8/4/2023 – 8/6/2023 – Courtyard Marriott, St. Peters, MO

Here is a logo you can use as well