Springfield Diocese Gathering Group Together for World Youth Day 2027

Springfield Diocese Gathering Group Together for World Youth Day 2027

Interested in attending World Youth Day in Seoul, South Korea in 2027? The Diocese of Springfield in Illinois is organizing a group to go!

Whether you want to go to World Youth Day, you are thinking of going, or would just like more information about possibly going, connect with the diocese to express your interest. Father Zach Samples, parochial vicar at St. Agnes Parish in Springfield, is the lead organizer for the pilgrimage for those who are thinking about attending World Youth Day, which is intended for those between the ages of 16 and 35.

Go to dio.org/wyd and fill out the interest form. Note, the exact date of World Youth Day, the cost, and details have not been determined. This is simply an interest form so we can start to gather a group from our diocese now. You do not have to know for sure if you are planning to attend.

If you have any questions, email Fr. Zach at zsamples@dio.org.

Totus Tuus Missionaries Needed

Totus Tuus Missionaries Needed

“Totus Tuus is a weeklong Catholic youth program dedicated to sharing the Gospel and promoting the Catholic faith through evangelization, catechesis, Christian witness, and eucharistic worship. The program inspires in young people a true longing for holiness, a deep desire for daily conversion, and an openness to their vocation.
Three teams of college aged teachers are traveling to a different parish each week, hosting the five-day catechetical program for grades 1-12. The week is filled with faith, fun, and friendship. There are messy games and crazy skits, in addition to prayer, learning the Sacraments, and going to Mass. The college-age teachers also provide a witness to being an authentic disciple of Christ. The popular program sees hundreds of children participate every year in the diocese. “

If you or your high school seniors, college students are looking for a summer full of purpose and fun, please apply https://dio.org/totus-tuus-team-member-application/.

Criteria for application:
1) Ages of 18-25
2) He/She must have a good relationship with Jesus/active prayer life.
3) He/She must have a heart for mission (simply a desire to share their faith and bring Christ to others).
4) He/She must have decent social skills (eye contact, ability to hold a conversation, etc).

*Please note that prior teaching experience is not required!

Winter Storm Possibly Affecting Sunday Mass

Winter Storm Possibly Affecting Sunday Mass

Dear Parishioners of Holy Family and St Peter:
IF the weather man is correct, we will receive upwards of 11” of snow starting late Saturday night into Sunday and Monday.
With that said, we are encouraging parishioners to attend Saturday services at 4:30 PM St. Peter Petersburg, IL; 5:00 PM St. John Vianney Sherman, IL or a Catholic church of your choice in Springfield on Saturday evening ahead of the storm.
IF the weather is as bad as predicted, then travel conditions will be reviewed early Sunday morning by Father Sergio to determine what masses will be celebrated.
IF the weather is as bad as predicted, then the below classes will be Cancelled Sunday 1/5/25:
RCIA with Mike Hough at St. Peter Annex. *First class has been rescheduled for Sunday 1/12/25.
Sunday School at St. Peter Parish Center.
Please keep an eye on your email Sunday morning to watch for an update. The parish office is not open Saturday or Sunday to field calls.
May the storm blow over us and may we celebrate Sunday mass together.
Stay safe and God bless you,
– Rev. Sergio Lizama, S.A.C.

The Eucharistic Pilgrimage Comes to Our Area!

The Eucharistic Pilgrimage Comes to Our Area!

Wednesday, July 10th and Thursday, July 11th saw a variety of exciting happenings unfold around our Diocesan locality related to the National Eucharistic Pilgrimage. The monstrance which has made its way along the “Serra Route” has been received by our Diocese, making appearances on Wednesday for a procession around the Corpus Christi Priory and St. Francis of Assisi Church campus, followed by a dinner for attendees with testimonials from those inspired by this time of Eucharistic Revival, along with all-night adoration in the Church. The next day, the monstrance was transferred to the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, where Bishop Paprocki was the lead celebrant of Mass, followed by a grand five mile procession throughout the streets of downtown then stopping at Blessed Sacrament Church, the Dominican Convent, and finally St. Agnes Church. It was a monumental two days of celebration in honor of our Lord in the Eucharist, attended by members of both St. Peter and Holy Family, including Father Maurice. The monstrance will continue on its route to Indianapolis, where the other traveling monstrances will converge, along with tens of thousands of Catholics for the National Eucharistic Congress on July 17-21.


Father Maurice on Retreat July 15-19

WELCOME TO THE NEW MASS SERVERS

WELCOME TO THE NEW MASS SERVERS

Welcome to this third Easter Sunday. The story of the Gospel tells us how the two disciples retold their experience in their way to Emmaus.

The two were disappointed, frustrated, helpless and hopeless, because they taught everything was failure. That sad situation even blinds them and they could not even recognize Jesus who joined them when they walked to Emmaus. They looked downcast. Jesus opened their minds by breaking the bread while explaining the Scriptures to them.

To you my brothers and sisters, the Scriptures are telling us that failure, discouragement; frustration cannot prevent Jesus to journey with us. He is our Good Companion. The Gospel finishes by these words: ”YOU ARE WITNESSES OF THESE THINGS”.

Therefore we are challenged to witness the RESURRECTION. The good way to witness is to be committed, to be active, to do something. And this Sunday is a Special one. Because 14 of our children decided to say YES TO THE CALL OF JESUS.

Dearest, by saying YES you became WITNESSES OF THE RISEN CHRIST. To witness, tell the story of Jesus. Don’t forget the Lord. Know his will. Your service will help you to remember Jesus every day. Don’t look downcast as the disciples of Emmaus, but look up as a soldier of Christ. Always ready to serve the Church and any good cause wherever you are. BE GOOD EVERYWHERE AND ESPECIALLY AT HOME. BE GOOD AND OBEDIENT TO YOUR PARENTS WHO ALLOWED YOU TO BE WHERE YOU AREE TODAY.

Thank you to respond by accepting the call to serving the Lord and your parents and you brothers and sisters of Saint Peter Parish Church in Petersburg, in the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass. Taking that commitment, you take also the responsibility to assist the Priest at that sacrifice of the altar. Serving at the Altar is a privilege and great responsibility. The mass (Eucharist) being the Source and the Summit of our Christian life.

I wish your service will be glory to God and growth of your own spiritual faith. By serving and being open to the will of God you will find great peace and immense joy in your life.