Week of April 3
From slavery to the nation’s first black priest – Quincy’s Fr. Augustine Tolton – Fr. Augustine Tolton had to overcome many things in life – slavery, racism, prejudice, and hatred. Despite that, his love for God and neighbor makes him a model for us to follow. Learn about the incredible story of Fr. Tolton from slave to the nation’s first black priest, an update on his cause to sainthood, and what Fr. Tolton teaches us today so we can live a more virtuous life. Go to dio.org/podcast or search Dive Deep on all the major podcast platforms to listen and subscribe.
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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: www.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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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 – Help for women and men to heal from the pain of abortion. For assistance call 1-877-RACHEL-5.
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:
5/5/2023 – 5/7/2023 – Cape Girardeau, MO
8/4/2023 – 8/6/2023 – St. Peters, MO
9/29/2023 – 10/1/2023 – St. Peters, MO