Songs of Comfort REQUIEM by Gabriel Fauré - At the Cathedral of St. Peter, 200 W. Harrison St., Belleville, IL Sunday, March 3 at 2:30. Free Admission. Featuring Belleville Philharmonic Chorale & Cathedral of Saint Peter Choir, Richard W. Thompson, conductor and SWIC Community Choir Andy Jensen, conductor with Jennifer Rea, soprano, Chip Belpedio, baritone, and Chamber Orchestra. Presented by the Diocese of Belleville and Southwestern Illinois College.
Being Catholic in the ‘bigger’ Church - Lent is a great time for us to generously support our diocese and its ministries through the CSMA (Catholic Service and Ministry Appeal). Since many of the diocesan ministries directly support the poor, the unborn, the imprisoned, and so many others in need, think of your generous donation as part of your ALMSGIVING goal of giving to those in need to which Jesus calls us. We need some very generous donations to meet our goal of $54,992, but all gifts are...READ MORE
Incense at Mass - During the Lent and Easter Seasons, we use incense at the two Sunday morning Masses. It is not used at the Saturday Vigil Mass to accommodate those who may be sensitive to incense. Why incense? In Psalm 141 we pray, “Let my prayer rise before you like incense O Lord.” The Book of Revelation describes heavenly worship as follows: "The angel took his place at the altar…and the smoke of the incense went up before God and with it the prayers of God’s ...READ MORE
Each year during Lent, I think it is helpful to review some of our Catholic terminology as we hear words and phrases during this season that may still be new for some people. Fast – doing with less…less food, less negative words, less complaining, less material things; to eliminate something from my daily routine in order to make more room for God in my life. It is helpful to think of something that you want to keep doing without even after Easter. Abstinence – to do without meat for the day; ...READ MORE
Catholic Spirituality for Addictions - Millions of Americans are addicted to drugs or alcohol, and millions more struggle with an addicted family member or friend. Recovery from addiction and its impact requires professional treatment, but also a supportive community and a deepening relationship with God. St Clare of Assisi Parish is starting two caring ministries to focus on the spiritual part of recovery, and support family and friends of addiction: “Catholic in Recovery” and “iTHIRST Spiritual Companions.” An informational meeting will be held at St Clare, Monday Feb 12th in Conference Room 2 from 7-9 p.m. You are invited to learn more about the ...READ MORE
Lent: Learning to Pray, Fast, and ‘Be Generous’ - As we begin the Season of Lent on Wednesday, we will hear about the main themes of praying, fasting, and almsgiving (generously giving to those in need). We are meant to practice these virtues for 40 days…so that they become a regular part of our life throughout the whole year! As you think about what you will ‘give up’ for Lent, try to think of something you need permanently ‘given up’ in your life. In one sense, making a small sacrifice ...READ MORE
“Be still and know that I am God” (Psalm 46)...A good number of parishioners tell me that they have really “good intentions” to start coming to Eucharistic Adoration…but just can’t seem to “find the time.” It definitely takes a conscience choice and good planning to make prayer happen on a consistent basis. I know you hear me bring up Adoration a lot in my preaching and adult ed sessions. That’s because I know from experience how good it is for one’s heart, mind, and soul. I am especially amazed...READ MORE