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Catholic Schools Week submissions needed - Catholic Schools Week begins on Jan. 30, 2022. Catholic Times will be featuring the annual Catholic Schools Week special section in our January edition. We would like every school to participate in this special section in recognition of Catholic education. Each school has two options and one way to submit your piece. You can either:
You will submit this using the online form here: https://www.jotform.com/form/92934909594979
When you submit your article or photograph about your school, the topic is up to you, with one exception — no sports stories. The stories should be typed and double-spaced with a limit of 250 (or so) words. Photos should be 300 dpi or better and sent as an image file (such as .jpeg or .pdf). Everything must be submitted through the link above. Submissions must be made by Thursday, Dec. 16.
Please use this as an opportunity to highlight something unique at your school, even if it has occurred within the last few months. Whether it is an event, some of your students did something amazing, how your school gives back, something your students will be doing in 2022 that is exciting — anything that highlights Catholic education and especially your school. Thank you in advance for your cooperation.
Go on an ADVENTure - This Advent, join us as we go on an ADVENTure! Where are we going? Get on board to find out. Head to dio.org/adventure to sign up and secure your ticket. Reflections, articles, stories, and activities to prepare you for Christ. Are you ready?
Downloadable graphic here: ADVENTure.png
In need of more vocation posters? - If your parish/school is in need of more vocations posters, which features our seminarians, please email Amber Cerveny:
Men interested in the diaconate (Quincy and Litchfield areas) - There are two informational meetings in different parts of our diocese for men interested in becoming a deacon. The first takes place in Quincy at the St. Francis Parish Center on Sunday, November 28 from 1-2:30 p.m. The second is in Litchfield at Holy Family Parish Center on Friday, December 3 at 6:30 p.m. The meetings will present information for those interested in the Permanent Diaconate Formation which begins in the fall of 2022. Applications are being accepted at this time. The Permanent Diaconate is open to men between the ages of 32 and 57, who are active in the practice of our faith, and who desire to grow in their relationship with God and in their service to the Church. If interested, and if married, wives are welcome and encouraged to attend. For questions, email Deacon Sorrell at .
Book Orders: The order form for the 2022 annual books from Liturgy Training Publications is available here on the website for the Office of Divine Worship and the Catechumenate. Orders may be submitted through Teresa Gray at
Through the Doorway: The Dioceses of Belleville and of Springfield in Illinois are again co-sponsoring Through the Doorway, a workshop on an aspect on the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults, from 1:00 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. on January 23, 2022 at 2620 Lebanon Avenue, Building 6, in Belleville. The workshop will address the question, “What key beliefs need to be addressed in the period of the Catechumenate?” Additional information and registration materials will follow.
2022 Diocesan Liturgical Calendar: The Diocesan Liturgical Calendar for 2022 is available at dio.org/worship/liturgical-year.html.
CRS Rice Bowl Order Reminder: Have you updated your Rice Bowl orders for Lent 2022? You can update your order or contact info in one of three ways, if you have not:
Important: The last day to reduce or cancel existing orders is Nov. 12th. New orders or additions can still be added through Lent. Thank you for all you do to assist those in need.
Central America Migrant Crisis - There is an escalating migrant crisis in Central America. CRS has been supporting migrant shelters along the Mexico–Guatemala corridor as they expand and adapt their assistance to meet people's heightened needs, and in a context of change and uncertainty. Go to the Office for the Missions webpage to read CRS’ Factsheet about the crisis and how you can help them provide humanitarian relief.
Calling All Young Artists – Missionary Childhood Association (MCA) has an annual Christmas Art Contest competition for students from K-8th grade. Artwork for national winners will be on display in the Basilica of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, D.C. Throughout Advent and Christmas 2022. General information and entry form can be found at: MCA Artwork Contest Entry Form (missio.org). Please share this information with school principals and art teachers.
Upcoming Stewardship Webinar- Open to all and will be recorded!
Giving & Acknowledgement Opportunities at Year-End
Wednesday, December 1st: 11 AM- 12 PM.This webinar will cover the basics of year-end appeals, including Advent stewardship appeals, while providing a focus on acknowledgement for all the good stewardship that has happened at the parish the past year. We will cover some example bulletin examples that can be used at year-end, including tax-incentivized giving opportunities. This webinar will help you cultivate generosity and acknowledgement with the spirit of the season! Register:https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/1206361486103648270
DCJH Collection Envelopes – In order to assist the Office for Pro-Life Activities, Missions, and Special Ministries in establishing ongoing connections among the faithful that contribute to the Diocesan Campaign for Justice and Hope (DCJH), please send our office the DCJH contribution envelopes or a list of contributors names and addresses.
Dobbs Case and Adoration of Blessed Sacrament – On December 1, 2021 the Supreme Court of the United States will hear oral argument in the case of Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health. This case is monumental because it has the potential of overturning the Court’s Roe v. Wade decision. The Supreme Court will decide on the constitutionality of a 2018 state law that bans most abortions after 15 weeks of gestation in Mississippi. Would you consider an overnight vigil with adoration of the Blessed Sacrament on the eve of and day in which the Supreme Court will hear oral arguments for the Dobbs Case. For more information about this request and to pledge to join others in prayer and adoration, go to: https://catholicvote.org/dobbs/
Gospel Choir: The Diocesan Black Catholic Commission is planning to have a Gospel Mass February 27, 2022, St Aloysius Church, Springfield. Those interested in singing in the Gospel Choir for this Mass should contact Donna Moore at , or 217-321-1161.
Short Tidbit from Project Rachel: The Canonical Perspective on Abortion – (continued) - The censure of excommunication can be removed using the formula provided in Appendix I to the Rite of Penance (cf. cc. 1354-1357) by what the law refers to as an “ordinary” of a diocese (the bishop appointed to govern the diocese). In addition, most diocesan bishops have granted this faculty to priests within their diocese. When in doubt it is best to confirm this with the diocesan chancery. (PR Manual, p69)