200 years and counting – St. Augustine of Canterbury in Hecker celebrates milestone anniversary

Diocese of Belleville Bishop Michael McGovern greets parishioners as they exit the church following the 200th Anniversary Mass and celebration at St. Augustine of Canterbury Catholic Church on Oct. 19 in Hecker (Tim Vizer photo). We’re part of a story That’s over a century old, A tale of Catholic settlers […]

Posted on October 21, 2024

Getting to know Fr. Pat McDevitt – Chicago native begins new role as chancellor of Diocese of Belleville

Fr. Pat McDevitt couldn’t say no to Bishop Michael McGovern or the Diocese of Belleville. A Vincentian priest for 38 years, Fr. Pat recently concluded a four-year term as provincial superior of the Congregation of the Mission Western Province. The Chicago native, who already was living in St. Louis, didn’t […]

Posted on October 21, 2024

Blessing of the Harvest – Sun breaks through clouds as Bishop McGovern begins ceremony

Bishop Michael McGovern talks with attendees at the Blessing of the Harvest on Sept. 24 at Four Beck Dairy (David Wilhelm photo). Clouds yielded to sunshine just in time for the start of the annual Blessing of the Harvest, held Sept. 24 at Four Beck Dairy in Bartelso. Rain from […]

Posted on October 21, 2024

St. Michael Celebrates – More than 500 parishioners gather to commemorate 150 years at the church in Radom

Some of the more than 500 people who celebrated the 150th anniversary Mass on Sept. 29 at St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Church in Radom (David Wilhelm photo). The 150th anniversary at St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Church in Radom stirred up memories and stories for one of the parish’s […]

Posted on October 21, 2024

Christmas Blessings to You from Young People Across the Diocese

The Messenger invited fourth- to sixth-graders in every parish to write a Prayer for Christmas. Hundreds of prayers were submitted, and the first three entries were selected as exemplary among their classmates. They are: Kendra Vaughn, Emma Howard and Carolin J. Bouc. Then other notable prayers were added. Following are some of the prayers we received.