Week of March 6
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
Illinois March for Life in Springfield – The Diocese of Springfield in Illinois invites you to join us for the Illinois March for Life, Tuesday, March 21. The day will start with Mass, 10:00 am, Sangamon Auditorium, on the UIS Campus, 1 University Plaza, Springfield. At noon, the Illinois March for Life will hold a rally in front of the State Capitol, 2nd Street, at the Lincoln Statue. A march around the State Capitol complex will begin after the rally. The Mass, rally and march are intended for 7th-12th graders, college students, and adults. To register to attend the Mass and March go to: illinoismarchforlife.org
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
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: https://nccs-bsa.org/college-scholarships/ for complete eligibility requirements and the 2023 application. NCCS Scholarship applications are due by March 1st each year.
Counselor Training – The Catholic Committee on Scouting is hosting a Counselor Training webinar on Tuesday, March 14 starting at 6:30 PM. The purpose of Counselor Training is to familiarize adult leaders with the program requirements for the Ad Altare Dei and Pope Pius XII emblems for youth members of Scouts BSA and Venturing units as well as the Mary the First Disciple, the Spirit Alive and Missio recognitions for members of Girl Scouts USA troops. Trained adult leaders are required to facilitate these religious award programs for Scouts. To register, please contact Kyle Holtgrave at (217) 698-8500, ext. 154 or email kholtgrave@dio.org. Certification is valid for three years. For more information about the Diocesan Catholic Committee on Scouting, go to http://scouts.dio.org.
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.
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:
3/31/2023 – 4/2/2023 – Fairfield Inn (Westport Plaza), St. Louis, MO
8/4/2023 – 8/6/2023 – Courtyard Marriott, St. Peters, MO