Week of October 31
Answering your questions on dying and death — The diocese has put together an easy to navigate and comprehensive look at end-of-life issues. Go to dio.org/funeral for questions like: Why should one pre-plan their funeral? If my loved one is dying, what should I do? Why must one insist on Catholic funeral rites? Why should one pray for the dead? Who should one insist upon being buried in a Catholic cemetery? Also covered is the issue of cremation, among other topics. As the month of November is dedicated to praying for the dead, now is a good time to learn more about dying and death from our Catholic faith perspective.
The new Evermode Institute in Springfield – how it will impact you – In March of 2022, the Diocese of Springfield announced plans to create The Evermode Institute in Springfield. What will it entail and how will it benefit Catholics in the Diocese of Springfield in Illinois and even across the country? We talk with Father Augustine Puchner, the Prior of the new Springfield based community of Norbertine Fathers who are leading this exciting endeavor. 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
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 annoucement
Days of Prayer and Reflection: The Black Catholic Commission is hosting Days of Prayer and Reflection in Beardstown, Collinsville, Decatur, and Springfield. These days of prayer and reflection are an opportunity to reflect on God’s word and share thoughts on what faith-filled actions our diocese and parishes can do to make our Church thrive. For specific dates and additional information go to: dio.org/plasm/black-catholic-commission.html
PRAYER, PLANNING and PARTICIPATION – Springfield Deanery Council of Catholic Women Meeting: Tues., Nov. 15, 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM (Lunch: NOON), Cathedral Lower-Level Meeting Room. We request that women from all 37 parishes in the Springfield Deanery attend. We will be showcasing EACH of our Springfield Deanery Parishes at the 2023 SDCCW Convention: Wed., Sept. 27, 2023: Sacred Heart Griffin West Campus, Mass at St. Agnes Church, Main Celebrant — Bishop Paprocki. ATTENDING THE DEANERY MEETING, Nov. 15? Please R.S.V.P. to Janet Zimmerman, Pres. of the Springfield Deanery by Tues., Nov. 8: or 217-494-4743. Thank You!
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*
Springfield Catholic Charities board members needed – If you are a resident of Cass, Christian, Menard, Morgan, Sangamon, or Scott County, we need you! The Advisory Board meets 6 times a year in a hybrid form of online and in-person. The Advisory Board assists the Area Director in carrying out the mission of Catholic Charities. For more information please contact: Patrick McConnell Springfield Catholic Charities Area Director 217-523-4551 x 114 / .
*Parishes can also show this video to help promote the food pantry and its needs.
Support Madison County Catholic Charities and Fr. McGivney Catholic H.S. – When you buy a raffle ticket from the Father McGivney Catholic High School Luck of the Griffin Mega Raffle, you have the chance to win $100,000. Select Catholic Charities of Madison County as your charity of choice and we receive $10 from every ticket sold.
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.
Meet Our Sisters Tour – Bulletin copy for Nov. 6
If there is no sister present in your parish community:
Last Call for the Meet Our Sisters Tour! This is National Vocation Awareness Week and time for the fourth annual Meet Our Sisters Tour! Visit c4wr.org/most2022 for in-person and virtual events, discernment resources, and moving stories and videos about the impact of Catholic Sisters on education, healthcare, and the social and spiritual lives of Individuals and communities in Illinois and around the world. Brought to you by Communicators for Women Religious, communications professionals who support the ministry of Catholic Sisters.
If there is a sister present in your parish community, and with her permission:
Sister N., is making her last call for the Meet Our Sisters Tour! This is National Vocation Awareness Week and time for the fourth annual Meet Our Sisters Tour! Join Sister N., TITLE, and visit c4wr.org/most2022 for in-person and virtual events, discernment resources, and moving stories and videos about the impact of Catholic Sisters on education, healthcare, and the social and spiritual lives of individuals and communities in Illinois and around the world. Brought to you by Communicators for Women Religious, communications professionals who support the ministry of Catholic Sisters.
Retreat for married couples offered in St. Peters and Springfield – Worldwide Marriage Encounter presents weekend experiences for married couples to rekindle romance, enhance meaningful communication, and deepen and renew commitment. The next two IN-PERSON weekend experiences are listed below. Sign-up now! For more information or to apply, go to wwme.org or call Terry & Eric Engholm at 314-649-7317.
12/2/2022 – 12/4/2022 – Courtyard Marriott, St. Peters; 3/17/2023 – 3/19/2023 – Villa Maria Conference Center, Springfield, IL
Here is a logo you can use as well
| Bulletin Shorts |
| Bulletin Shorts for November in Year C – 2022 |
Thirty-Second Sunday in Ordinary Time – 06 November 2022
2 Maccabees 7:1-2, 9-14. Psalm 17:1, 5-6, 8, 15. 2 Thessalonians 2:16–3:5. Luke 20:27-38.
What Is This Resurrection? The Bible readings have something to say about faithfulness. The brothers Maccabees remain faithful to the Lord even while facing torture and death. Saint Paul tells the Thessalonians – and us – God is faithful and, thus, be faithful in return. In conversation with the Sadducees, Jesus says that as important as this life is, resurrected life is more so and will be much more than we imagine.
How will I be faithful this week?
To whom will I be faithful?
How will I keep my focus on resurrected life and not let prosperity of this life get in the way?
The Dedication of the Lateran Basilica, Feast – Wednesday, 09 November 2022
Ezekiel 47:1-2, 8-9, 12. Psalm 46:2, 3, 5-6, 8, 9. 1 Corinthians 3:9c-11, 16-17. John 2:13-22.
Why Are Churches Important? Today we celebrate the dedication (setting aside for holy action) of the cathedral church of the Diocese of Rome – Saint John Lateran. It reminds us that we set aside church buildings as places for the Church, the People of God, to pray and worship. The building is important only because the People whom God has chosen are more important.
How will I revel today in being part of the holy People of God, the Church?
Thirty-Third Sunday in Ordinary Time – 13 November 2022
and World Day of the Poor
Malachi 3:19-20a. Psalm 98:5-6, 7-8, 9. 2 Thessalonians 3:7-12. Luke 21:5-19.
Why Should We Care for the Poor? The first and gospel readings are responses to the long and tedious waiting for the Lord to come again. It might not be pretty while we wait for this unknown time. What shall we think? How shall we behave, then? Pope Francis, among a long list of popes, tells us to care for the poor. Read again the Pastoral Constitution on the Church in the Modern World Gaudium et Spes, Chapter III, nos. 63-72.
Why are there still poor among us?
Who are the poor among us – in my town, in my neighborhood?
What will I do to help?
Thirty-Fourth or Last Sunday in Ordinary Time
Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe, Solemnity – 20 November 2022
2 Samuel 5:1-3. Psalm 122:1-2, 3-4, 4-5. Colossians 1:12-20. Luke 23:35-43.
Who Is This Beloved Son? In today’s gospel, we hear the conversations of the two thieves with Jesus. It is talk about the Kingdom of Heaven. The second reading is worth rereading all week long. It describes what we believe about this beloved Son, this firstborn from the dead, this Jesus the Christ.
Spend time with the Apostles’ and Nicene Creeds that affirm what we believe.
How can I fall more and more in love with this beloved Son?
What can I do and say to make my way to heaven?
Thanksgiving Day (Canada) – Monday, 10 October 2022
Thanksgiving Day (USA) – Thursday, 24 November 2022
Thanksgiving Day (Australia) – Wednesday, 30 November 2022
So many choices. Pick one of these: 1 Corinthians 1:3-9. Ephesians 1:3-14. Colossians 3:12-17.
NOTE – THIS IS THE END OF BULLETIN SHORTS: Let Us Always Give Thanks. This brings to an end this season and the seven-year series of weekly Bulletin Shorts. It has been a blessing for me to ponder and write, to publish and share them. I am most grateful to all who have proofed and edited, who have printed and emailed, who have shared and used.
– Eliot Kapitan, Springfield, Illinois USA, .