Each year, the Diocese of Belleville celebrates the Rite of Election and Call to Continuing Conversion as parishes bring catechumens and candidates to the cathedral where Bishop Edward K. Braxton greets each person.
More than 200 people gathered to mark the official ground breaking for St. Kateri Tekakwitha Church in Ridgway.
Members of St. Mary Parish in Mound City are invited to join members of St. Patrick Parish in Cairo to form a new community along with members of St. Catherine in Grand Chain.
Parishioners, friends and relatives gathered Feb. 16 for a final liturgy at St. Francis Xavier Church in St. Francisville. Everyone was welcomed at St. Lawrence Parish in Lawrenceville the following weekend.
Each year the Lord Jesus calls the entire Church to a special season of penance and renewal. As we begin this holy time of Lent, we should reflect on our need for conversion of heart, prayer, charitable works and penance.