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Church in Latin America Collection - Please announce the Church in Latin America collection in your bulletins, website, or other social media platforms the weekend of January 16-17, 2021 and gather it on January 23-24, 2021. the proceeds gathered should be forwarded to our Offie for Missions within thirty (30) days. Thank you so much for your pastoral support of this appeal for the Chruch and those who are suffering in Latin America and the Caribbean. Click here to read Bishop Paprocki's letter.
Issues with U.S. Postal Service – Catholic Times is aware of several locations in our diocese that have not received their Catholic Times recently or have been getting the magazine late. Unfortunately, it is out of our control as the U.S. Postal Service is responsible for mailing our magazine. You can read the latest edition of Catholic Times by visiting ct.dio.org. The online version flips just like a magazine. You can also subscribe to receive the online edition of Catholic Times to your inbox by going to: ct.dio.org/subscribe. We ask that you continue your tithe of $15 to your parish to offset the costs of production and mailing of the magazine. Thank you!
No more Communion blessings – Beginning Jan. 1, 2021, Bishop Paprocki issued a new instruction which ends blessings during Holy Communion and replaces blessings with the priest, deacon, or extraordinary ministry of Holy Communion saying to the person, “Receive Christ in your heart.” This video can be shared with your deacon(s), extraordinary ministers of Holy Communion, and parishioners which explains why we ended the practice of Communion blessings, and why it’s important for the person to hear the words, “Receive Christ in your heart.” Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u_Tqqk236_A
Hey, Father! LIVE! - Understanding Catholic teachings can be tough. Hey, Father! LIVE! will help. Join Father Daren Zehnle and Father Jeremy Paulin as they answer your questions about Catholicism LIVE on Feb. 10 at noon. Watch LIVE or on replay by going to facebook.com/diospringfield or youtube.com/diospringfield or dio.org/live. Send your question early or during the broadcast to or text it to 217-203-5100.
Click here to download a graphic to include in your bulletins
Dive Deep - From fear to feminine genius. Join Dive Deep, the official podcast of the Diocese of Springfield in Illinois, as we plunge into our fears. This four-part series in January dives deep into the pillars of fear: pain, regret, failure, and comparison. Subscribe to listen at dio.org/podcast.
Click here to download a graphic to include in your bulletins
We want to share your great photos! – Got a great photo? Whether it’s of school life, parish life, or home life, the Diocese of Springfield in Illinois is wanting to promote Catholic life in action. Through Catholic Times, social media, videos, or marketing materials, the Diocese of Springfield in Illinois wants to share your great photo to spread the joy diocesan-wide. Submit your photo or photos by going to oldsite.dio.org/submitphoto.
Collection for the Church in Latin America - Please inform parishioners about the upcoming collection for the Church in Latin America. Gifts help fellow Catholics in Latin America and the Caribbean who are rich in spirit, but lacking in material resources, to participate more fully in the life of the Church. Collection proceeds support training for seminarians and religious men and women; pastoral care of the sick; formation for lay leaders; family and youth ministries; and religious education for all age groups. For more information, please visit www.usccb.org/latin-america.
9 Days for Life Novena - 9 Days for Life (January 21-29, 2021) is a novena for the protection of human life. Participants can receive novena prayers each day by downloading the free 9 Days for Life app, or by subscribing to daily emails or text messages at: 9 Days for Life. Each day there is a daily intention accompanied by a short reflection and suggested action to help build a culture of life. Please promote this novena in your parish.
40 Days for Life - There are two opportunities in our diocese to participate in a 40 Days for Life Prayer Vigil. Your presence on the side walk matters. The "no show" rate goes as low as 90% when people are praying outside of an abortion facility. Now more than ever your prayers are needed.
DCJH Grant Opportunity - The Diocesan Campaign for Justice and Hope (DCJH) is accepting applications for the 2020-2021 funding cycle. Organizations and projects that focus on changing and improving the conditions of low-income people within the Diocese of Springfield in Illinois are eligible to apply for a DCJH grant. The deadline for submitting a grant application is February 22, 2021. Early submission is encouraged so any deficiencies on the application can be corrected prior to this deadline. Details about the grant is located at: oldsite.dio.org/dcjh/home.html. Or interested applicants can call the Office for Pro-Life, Missions, and Special Ministries 217-321-1161.
Short Tidbit from Project Rachel: The Diocese: Project Rachel and Related Programs: –How to Begin (or Strengthen) a Project Rachel Ministry in Your Diocese - Developing Interest Through Awareness Programs: The educational and outreach awareness program may include a personal witness by someone who has experienced an abortion, or a video on a similar topic. The program should conclude with an explanation of current resources for post-abortive women and men, or programs and resources that are being planned. The post-abortion awareness program serves many purposes and audiences. Those who have been involved in an abortion often do not know where to turn for help. An awareness program can both inform them about the availability of help and, should they attend it, instill a sense of security they may need before approaching strangers for help in recovering from an experience they consider deeply shameful. (PR Manual pg 57)
March for Life - Due to Covid-19, the March for Life will look a little different this year. Though the Diocese is not organizing a pilgrimage, there is an opportunity to meet our Youth Office Staff in DC for those of you who are organizing your own trip. For those of you unable to travel, we encourage you to "Mirror the March" in your own home, or as part of your school, parish, or campus ministry. We are excited for this opportunity to present educational materials, engaging programing, and Mass in a unified effort throughout the Diocese. Please join us in encouraging others to participate and stand up for life! Please visit oldsite.dio.org/youthministry/mfl for more information, resources, and registration.
**NOTE, if your school/parish is doing their own Mirror the March, please promote that to your local parish and school community.**
Click here to download a graphic to include in your bulletins