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New and Updated Diocesan Policies - Please see the below links to several new diocesan policies that will go into effect on April 1, 2021. As a reminder, these policies are approved and decreed by Bishop Paprocki after a process that includes presentation to and approval by Bishop’s Administrative Team and the College of Consultors. In the future, we hope to include new policies and revisions in Parish Link. Further, we have a standing page of our website dedicated to Policies and Procedures, including a page of Recent Policy Updates.
Please let Jim Bock know if you have any questions.
Springfield Catholic Charities virtual auction - Springfield Catholic Charities is hosting a virtual auction starting March 26th and ending April 5th at www.benladage.com. There are 30 unique packages and experiences that would make great gifts for a graduation or anniversary present, Mother's Day gift, Father's Day Gift, or just because!
The proceeds raised from this event stay in our local community to help people get through tough moments in life. Please take a few minutes of time to watch this video that Andrew Hansen helped us put together. Warning, get your tissues ready: https://vimeo.com/522942297/07ed817383
Thank you to all of our dedicated staff, advisory board members, and sponsors for helping make this a success. Visit our Facebook event page for daily updates on some of the items we will be auctioning off! Springfield Catholic Charities Virtual Auction | Facebook. If you are not interested in the items but still want to make a donation to Catholic Charities, you can do so by visiting cc.dio.org.
It’s time… welcome back to Mass - Bishop Thomas John Paprocki announced that, effective April 11, the general dispensation from the obligation to attend Mass on Sundays and Holy Days will be modified to be limited to the following groups: Those 65 years of age or older; Those at risk for severe illness due to underlying medical conditions as described by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; Those who care for the sick, homebound, or infirmed; Those women who are pregnant; Those who cannot be accommodated at Mass because the church was at safe-distancing capacity. Those who are sick or came in contact with someone with COVID-19/flu are obligated to stay home and are therefore excused. All other Catholics not in those categories in the Diocese of Springfield in Illinois are obligated to attend Mass on Sundays and holy days of obligation, effective April 11, beginning with the Saturday anticipated Masses the evening before. Answers to questions can be found at dio.org/backtomass.
Dive Deep - What you didn’t know about Mark’s gospel: This year, we hear from the Gospel of Mark at Mass. But who is Mark and what should we know about his writings? Dive Deep explores the many interesting facts, pious legends, and fun insights about the shortest gospel in the bible. Go to dio.org/podcast to listen and subscribe.
Click here to download a graphic to include in your bulletins
Journey with us this Lent – Go to dio.org/lent as we feature six stories of people who will challenge you and offer you six challenges that will change you! A new story and new challenge will come every week during Lent.
Click here to download a graphic to include in your bulletins
Diocesan Women of Distinction Celebration - The Springfield in Illinois Diocesan Council of Catholic Women (S.D.C.C.W.) is pleased to announce the Tenth Annual “Women of Distinction” Celebration on Saturday, June 5. This celebration honors one woman from each parish in the Springfield Diocese for her service to God, parish, and community. Your honoree does not need to belong to any parish women’s group. There are no selection rules. By this recognition, you are honoring one lady who represents all the women in your parish.
Mass begins at 10 a.m. celebrated by Bishop Paprocki at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Springfield. Your parish priests and deacons may join Bishop Paprocki in celebrating the Mass. At the end of the Mass, the Bishop will present each honoree with a WOD Certificate. In addition to the 2021 honorees, this celebration will include the 2020 Women of Distinction. We already have the names of the 2020 honorees. The Cathedral will accommodate “in person” seating for honorees, guests, etc. and provide “streaming” for the Women of Distinction Celebration.
In order that your 2021 honoree’s name appear in the program booklet, the registration form must be received by April 26. Please send your parish registration form to Janet Zimmerman by April 26. Email: or by mail: 1213 Mildred Court; Springfield, IL 62712
Click here to download the honoree registration
Building the Kingdom, One House at a Time - SPRINGFIELD DEANERY CHECK THIS OUT! Build # 114, the Catholic Build, is moving right along! Spring weather is challenging and occasionally volunteer days will be changed, extended or re-scheduled. Check the Habitat VolunteerHub website to see opportunities that are available, knowing that there is a possibility that the schedule might change. As always, food provision is an important part of a build site. If you are available to assist with food provision or being a Site Host (check volunteers in and out of the build site), please contact Susan Carrigan, or 217-523-2710, ext. 213 Catholicbuild.com
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CRS Rice Bowl Resources - Resources for families, parishes, schools and universities to prepare for the annual Rice Bowl collection are located on the CRS Rice Bowl website.
Faith and Justice Internship with the Office for Pro-Life Activities and Special Ministries - The Office for Pro-Life Activities and Special Ministries is offering a paid internship for Catholics. The internship is to promote the diocesan Justice and Hope program and gain experience working on behalf of those in poverty. The internship will provide opportunities to develop relationships with community leaders and reflect on Catholic social teaching. The internship is from September 2021 to May 2022 with an hourly rate of $14/hour. Catholics with good writing abilities, willing to speak publicly, able to drive, and who have an interest in Catholic social justice are encouraged to apply. Visit oldsite.dio.org/plasm to download the application. Application and resume must be submitted by April 19th. Contact Donna Moore with any questions: , 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 – Screening Professional Counselors and Therapists: The question may arise about how to handle referrals for persons without financial or insurance resources for professional counseling. In some dioceses, the office has established a fund that will pay for a certain number of sessions for those in need. Sometimes a reduced fee schedule can also be arranged. The money can come from fundraisers, private donors, Knights of Columbus councils, Catholic women’s groups and parish respect life committees. (PR Manual pg 58)
Reconciliation in American Sign Language - What a gift to be able to receive the sacrament of reconciliation in one’s own language. Reconciliation in American Sign Language is available at Our Saviour Parish, Jacksonville, March 25, 6:00-7:00 pm; March 27, 3:15-4:00 pm, or by appointment. Contact Fr. Adam Zawadzki at: . Fr. Adam is also willing to hear confessions at any parish or communal penance service when people from the deaf community are expected to be in attendance. Contact Fr. Adam for further coordination.
Reconciliation in Spanish - Reconciliation in Spanish is available as follows:
Repeal of Parental Notification of Abortion Law - Our bishops have written a letter to the Catholic faithful, urging them to take action against the repeal of the parental notice of abortion law. The CCI webpage contains the letter in English, Spanish and Polish, along with bulletin ads and a way to directly contact lawmakers. Please urge your parishioners to contact their lawmaker and tell them to vote “No” on House Bill 1797 and Senate Bill 2190. If the law is repealed it will eliminate a critical safeguard that protects young girls from abuse of human traffickers and rapists.
Rosary for Healing and Protection – April 28, 2021 @ 12:00 PM - Join the Office for Safe Environment in praying the Rosary with special intentions for the healing and protection of those affected by childhood abuse. As we offer our prayers for their healing and the protection of all children, we ask for the intercession of the Holy Family to bless our efforts as we strive to help children around us live the full and abundant life God desires for them. Please join us in lifting their needs in prayer. Where to join in person? Location: Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception | Where to join virtually? Livestream at oldsite.dio.org/live, Facebook at www.facebook.com/diospringfield or YouTube at www.youtube.com/diospringfield.
Wear Blue Day to raise awareness for Child Abuse Prevention - On Friday, April 9th Wear Blue! The color blue is symbolic of Child Abuse Prevention Month. The Diocese of Springfield in Illinois will be joining other organizations in this national movement which will highlight the importance of protecting children from abuse. Show your commitment to preventing child abuse by wearing blue this April on Friday the 9th.
April is Child Abuse Prevention Month - National Child Abuse Prevention month is observed in April. It is a time for heightened vigilance in our homes, schools, churches, and communities. During this time of awareness, there is a special emphasis on the importance of the healing and protection of those affected by childhood abuse. Although each diocesan parish and school, the Office for Safe Environment, and the USCCB work year-round to prevent abuse, April is a time to reaffirm our work and raise awareness that child abuse is preventable. You can find information about prayer opportunities, homily helps, sample social media posts, and sample petitions for Child Abuse Prevention Month at the following link:https://cdn.ymaws.com/usccb.site-ym.com/resource/group/1560f0d7-fee7-4aff-afd2-4cf076a24943/resource_toolbox/capm/2021_capm_booklet__3_.pdf. As brothers and sisters in Christ please join in this national movement to protect God’s children.
Freedom from Fear women's retreat: What are you fearful of? Is something holding you back? How often do you turn to God when you face something fearful in your life? Women needing a spiritual boost during such an uncertain time and anxiety filled world are in luck as the Diocese of Springfield in Illinois is hosting “Freedom from Fear,” a women’s overnight retreat May 1-2.
The retreat, led by Sisters of St. Francis of the Martyr St. George and other women will include presentations, group discussions, personal prayer, reflection time, Mass, Confession, and Adoration. Participants will experience silence and prayer, laughter, and maybe even some tears! The goal is for women to leave refreshed, inspired, and confident to trust God to continue to help them experience freedom from fear in every aspect of their lives.
The “Freedom from Fear” retreat begins Saturday, May 1 at 9:00 a.m. and concludes Sunday, May 2 at 11:00 a.m. at the Villa Maria Retreat Center in Springfield (1903 East Lake Shore Drive). The cost is $135 and includes lodging, meals, bottomless coffee/tea, and materials. An optional Friday night stay (April 30) is also available for an additional $50. Go to benotafraid.dio.org to register. The retreat is limited to 20 people.
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