Week of Sept. 18
Blue Mass for first responders – Bishop Paprocki will celebrate a Blue Mass for emergency responders to pray for their safety and continued diligence in their work and to thank them for their selfless commitment to taking care of people in our communities. Sunday, Oct. 1 at 10 a.m. at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Springfield.
White Mass for healthcare workers – Bishop Paprocki will celebrate a White Mass for those who work in healthcare to pray for their safety and continued diligence in their work and to thank them for their selfless commitment to taking care of people in our communities. Wednesday, Oct. 18 at 5 p.m. at St. Francis of Assisi Church on the grounds of Corpus Christi Priory in Springfield (4875 LaVerna Rd.)
Red Mass for those in the legal profession – Bishop Paprocki will celebrate a Red Mass for those in the legal profession such as lawyers, law students, judges, legislators, city council members, and others to invoke God’s blessings upon the members of the bench, bar, legislature, law enforcement, and governmental agencies and all protectors and administrators of the Law. Sunday, Nov. 19 at 10:15 a.m. at St. Boniface Church in Edwardsville.
2 kids. 1 faith. An inspirational interview – Sometimes you don’t need a priest, a theology professor, or even your spouse to get you inspired about our Catholic faith. You can look to children who are excited to live out our faith. But why do they live it joyfully? How do they get this way? What suggestions do they have for parents? Matthew and Thomas of Springfield join Dive Deep to inspire us. 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
You are invited to a historical diocesan-wide celebration and Mass at the BOS Center in Springfield – To celebrate the Diocesan Year of the Eucharist and the 100th anniversary of the transfer of the See city from Alton to Springfield, the Eucharistic Congress is taking place Saturday, October 28 at the BOS Center in Springfield. This dynamic experience will include nationally recognized Catholic speakers, adoration, confession, videos, and Mass. The arena will be packed with thousands of Catholics from across the diocese. To attend, contact your parish office for free tickets. For more information about the schedule, the speakers, FAQ, and more, visit dio.org.
Here is a graphic to pair with it
Here are other graphics, including flyers: One, two, three, four, five, six
Annual Respect Life and Rosary Walk – This year’s annual Diocesan Respect Life Mass and prayer procession is scheduled for Saturday, October 7 at Holy Family Parish in Granite City. Bishop Paprocki will celebrate Mass at 9 a.m., followed by a prayer procession around the abortion facility in Granite City. Lunch and speaker will follow the procession.
Mass in remembrance of miscarried babies – The Daughters of Isabella Circle 218 is inviting the public to attend a special Mass in remembrance of miscarried babies. All are welcome! The Mass will be held October 24 at 6:30pm at St. Mary’s Church in Edwardsville (1802 Madison Avenue). To have a baby’s name or family name displayed on a card with a candle during Mass, please email the baby/family name and whether you will attend to: daughtersofisabella218@gmail.com. The information can also be mailed or dropped off at the St. Mary’s Church office. Attendees/families will receive a fresh flower and prayer card after the Mass. RSVP not necessary but appreciated by Sunday, October 17th.
Respect Life Essay Contest – The American Life League is having an essay contest for middle and high school students. For essay prompts and information to submit essays go to: www.all.org/clsp/2023-pro-life-essay-contest. Essays must be submitted by November 6.
Show off your talent! Art wanted for Year of the Eucharist art display at QU – Jessica Howell, the Campus Minister at Quincy University, is assembling a “Year of the Eucharist” art display in the Gray Gallery of QU’s Brenner Library in November. If you have created a piece of art (painting drawing, photograph, graphic design, sculpture, etc.) that depicts the Eucharist, the Mass, the person of Jesus, the Sacred Heart of Jesus, the person of Mary, or the Immaculate Heart of Mary, and you would like to have your art featured in the display, please contact Jessica at howelje@quincy.edu or at 217-228-4532 ext. 3617.
Springfield Diocesan Council of Catholic Women announce convention, “Christ is Alive”– Wednesday, Sept. 27, will be the 95th annual Springfield Diocesan Council of Catholic Women (SDCCW) Convention. This year’s program, “Christ is Alive,” takes place from 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. at Sacred Heart Griffin High School’s west campus in Springfield. Bishop Thomas John Paprocki will be the main celebrant of the Mass at St. Agnes Church at 11 a.m., which is next to the school campus. Key-note speaker, Cathy Becker, the director faith formation for St. Agnes Parish, will give a talk titled, “New maps for a new landscape.” Her talk will guide participants in looking at the changing landscape of people involved in our faith, find the fixed landmarks, and how to chart a new map with new routes to bring people back to the faith, engage new seekers of the faith, and find hope in our faith. Registration is $50 and includes morning refreshments and lunch. Register through your parish or find the registration form on dio.org. Questions, contact Janet Zimmerman at Janetzim14@yahoo.com or 217-494-4743.
National Catholic Youth Conference – NCYC is a powerfully unique three-day experience of prayer, community, evangelization, catechesis, service and empowerment for Catholic high school teenagers that will be hosted on November 16 – 18, 2023 at the Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. The event includes inspiring keynote speakers, breakout sessions on a variety of topics for teenagers and the celebration of Holy Mass with people from all over the country. Registration for passes to NCYC is being coordinated through the Office for Catholic Education to get a discount. The price for passes increases October 1. For more information, please contact Kyle Holtgrave at (217) 698-8500, ext. 154 or email kholtgrave@dio.org.
The Agape Project (Effingham) – Effingham Catholic Charities announced that its special capital campaign, the Agape Project, has achieved its fundraising goal of raising $600,000 to address the facility needs of the local charity. All donations to the campaign will remain local and exclusively benefit Effingham Catholic Charities. In Christianity, agape is the highest form of love, a transcendent sacrificial love that persists regardless of circumstances. “We have been overwhelmed by the response to our campaign. The incredible generosity and support of so many people reinforces the fact that we are all blessed to live in such a loving and compassionate community,” stated Beth Lindvahl, the campaign committee chair. “I am also so grateful to all of the campaign committee members who dedicated themselves to this effort and remained determined to see it succeed.” Donate to Catholic Charities of Effingham County at cc.dio.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.
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:
9/29/2023 – 10/1/2023 – St. Peters, MO
12/1/2023 – 12/3/2023 – St. Peters, MO
Here is a logo you can use as well
Worldwide Marriage Encounter presents Marriage on Tap STL – Join us on Tuesday, September 26, 2023, at 6:00 pm for an evening of dinner and marriage enrichment at Rosalita’s Cantina in Des Peres, MO. Our guest speaker will be Bishop Mark S. Rivituso, and his presentation is entitled, “Eucharistic Love Reflected in Marital Love.” The evening is sponsored by Worldwide Marriage Encounter. Buffet dinner is $54 per couple/$27 per person. Cash bar will be available. Advanced registration is required and must be postmarked by September 12, 2023. For more information, check out Marriage on Tap STL on Facebook or email us at marriageontapstl@gmail.com.
STEWARDSHIP BULLETIN REFLECTIONS
October 1, 2023
26th Sunday in Ordinary Time
“Do nothing out of selfishness; rather, humbly regard others as more important than yourselves…” Philippians 2:3
Pride and ego are hard things to control. We see how others act or dress and think we are superior to them. We idolize our own self-image. But, if we truly believe everything is a gift from God, we recognize all the people that God has put in our lives as gifts! We are grateful for how they enrich our lives. Pray every day for the people in your life: your family, your friends and those who make you angry.
October 8, 2023
27th Sunday in Ordinary Time
“The stone that the builders rejected has become the corner stone…” – Matthew 21:42
Jesus was rejected by the religious and political leaders of his day, as well as ordinary citizens, but he was still obedient to God, the Father. Similarly, living a stewardship lifestyle may cause you to be “rejected” by others, but we, too are called to be obedient. Saying grace before a meal in a restaurant may attract some strange looks from some. But to others it is a sign that God is alive and well!
October 15, 2023
28th Sunday in Ordinary Time
“My God will fully supply whatever you need…” – Philippians 4:19
God really does provide for those who are grateful and generous. This is very difficult for people that don’t live a stewardship lifestyle to believe. People are skeptical and say it’s just coincidence. If you are skeptical, try living a stewardship lifestyle for just one month – be generous with your gifts of time in prayer, talent in charitable works, and treasure, then see how God provides for your needs.
October 22, 2023
29th Sunday in Ordinary Time
“Render therefore to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s and to God the things that are God’s. – Matthew 22:21
Everything we are and everything we have belongs to God. We aren’t “owners” of anything, we are merely “stewards” of the gifts God has given each of us. All God is asking is that we give back a portion of what He gave us. This is the essence of Stewardship. God should be our first priority in everything. All else comes second, especially our money.
October 29, 2023
30th Sunday in Ordinary Time
“You shall love the Lord, your God, with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.” – Matthew 22:37
Do you put other “gods” before God? Is your love of money, power, status, comfort or some personal possession greater than your love for God? Do you recognize that everything you have and that everything you are is a gift from God? Putting God first in everything helps keep us from becoming a slave to our possessions and to our pride.
November 5, 2023
31st Sunday in Ordinary Time
”Whoever exalts himself will be humbled; but whoever humbles himself will be exalted.” – Matthew 23:12
The world celebrates people in the spotlight and those who have the most of everything. We think celebrity, money and possessions is the key to happiness. Yet, our world is filled with more loneliness, anxiety and depression than ever before. The key to a happy life is relationship. Relationship with God and each other. Trust is the foundation of any good relationship and humility is the seed of trust.
November 12, 2023
32nd Sunday in Ordinary Time
“Therefore, stay awake, for you know neither the day nor the hour.” – Matthew 25:13
Many of us have put off doing something because we think we are too busy. We’ve all said, “I’ll do it later when I have time.” Unfortunately, too many of us apply this attitude to our Faith. Jesus’ call is urgent, in the here and now, in your current circumstances. How is God calling you to use your gifts today? Don’t delay. None of us is guaranteed tomorrow.
November 19, 2023
33rd Sunday in Ordinary Time
“Well done, my good and faithful servant. Since you have been faithful in small matters, I will give you great responsibilities.” – MATTHEW 25:21
God calls us to nurture and develop the gifts He has given us and then generously return a portion with increase. He doesn’t want us to waste or hoard the gifts He has given us. He expects us to grow our gifts, to use them wisely, and to be generous with them. Unfortunately, many of us are not generous in proportion to all that God has given us. God asks us to be generous with all our gifts, especially the one that means the most to you.
November 26, 2023
Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe
“…whatever you did for one of the least of my brothers, you did for me.” – MATTHEW 25:40
Most of us are generous when it’s convenient for us. We are generous when we have the time or the money. But, real generosity is the opposite of that. It means giving of one’s time, money, compassion, forgiveness or mercy when it’s not convenient to us, when it’s not on our schedule, but on the other person’s timeline.
December 3, 2023
First Sunday of Advent
“Be watchful! Be alert! You do not know when the time will come.” – Mark 13:33
We all take things for granted. In particular, we take time for granted. We make our lives too busy. We plan our days, weeks, months, even years in advance. Remember, our time on earth is a gift. None of us knows how long we will be here. Start today and begin thanking God for each and every day. Take time in silence, every day, and listen to how God is calling you right now to help build His kingdom on earth.
December 10, 2023
2nd Sunday of Advent
“Prepare the way of the Lord…” – MARK 1:3
We are all called to live a holy life. We are all called to invite others to live holy lives. Living a stewardship lifestyle, being grateful and generous with our gifts, puts us on the path to holiness and is an example for others to be holy, too. We are responsible not only for our own lives, but for the lives of others as well. How are you helping others get to Heaven?
December 17, 2023
3rd Sunday of Advent
“Rejoice always. Pray without ceasing. Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus.” – 1 thessalonians 5:16 – 18
This scripture reading sums up Stewardship. “Rejoice always” means place your trust in God; He will provide all that you need. “Pray constantly” means prayer should be a running conversation with God throughout the whole day, every day. “Give thanks in all circumstances” means even in bad situations, thank God. Suffering a little bit helps build empathy for others in similar situations and shows our dependence on God.
December 24, 2023
4th Sunday of Advent
“Hail, full of grace, the Lord is with you!” – Luke 1:28
After Jesus, we look to Mary as an ideal steward. Her entire life was lived in obedience to God’s call. Mary teaches us to live with joy for all we have been given. Just as the moon reflects the light of the sun, Mary reflects the light of Christ. Like Mary, we are called to reflect Christ’s light to the world through our gratitude and generosity.
December 31, 2023
The Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph
“…as the Lord has forgiven you, so you must forgive.” – colossians 3:13
Forgiving is one of the hardest things for people to do. We can’t give what we don’t have. We need to receive God’s mercy and forgiveness first before we can give it to others. Go to the sacrament of Reconciliation and receive God’s mercy and forgiveness. Then, share the gift of forgiveness with someone – a family member, a friend or a co-worker. Pick up the phone or text someone right now.