Former Belleville Bishop installed as Omaha Archbishop

Former Diocese of Belleville Bishop Michael McGovern during his installation as the new Archbishop of the Archdiocese of Omaha, Neb., on May 7 (Susan Szalewski photo). By Susan Szalewski Catholic Voice OMAHA, Neb. — On a warm May afternoon, inside a packed cathedral filled with joyful hymns of praise, Archbishop […]

Posted on March 31, 2025

Fr. Stan Konieczny, of Smithton, dies at 70

Fr. Stanley J. Konieczny, OFS, 70, of Smithton, born April 14, 1955, in East St. Louis, died Tuesday, May 6, 2025, at his residence. After graduating from Assumption High School in East St. Louis, he received a bachelor’s degree from St. Mary University in San Antonio and a master’s from […]

Posted on March 31, 2025

Spring Farm Blessing: Bishop McGovern visits Ruppert family in Coulterville for annual event

Bishop Michael McGovern talks with parishioners before the Spring Farm Blessing at the Ruppert home (David Wilhelm photo). Bishop Michael McGovern presided over his final Spring Farm Blessing in the Diocese of Belleville on a sunny and pleasant April 23 at the Lonnie and Melinda Ruppert home on Tulip Road […]

Posted on March 31, 2025

Pope Francis Dies at 88 – His Easter Monday death is mourned by millions, ends 12-year papacy

Pope Francis, aboard the popemobile, greets people in St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican after giving his Easter blessing on April 20, 2025. The pope, whose papacy began in March 2013, died hours later at age 88 (CNS photo/Pablo Esparza). By Carol Glatz Catholic News Service VATICAN CITY — U.S. […]

Posted on March 31, 2025

Catechists as Disciples

When Jesus said “come follow me,” he didn’t say when it’s sunny outside and the temperatures are moderate, when you have plenty of time, when your children are healthy and grown, in effect, when “all is right” in our world. Unfortunately, it doesn’t work like that all the time — sometimes yes, but often not.

Eating with Sinners

Chapter 15 of Luke’s Gospel is the “Lost and Found” chapter. The headline: “Tax collectors and sinners were all drawing near to Jesus to listen to him, but the Pharisees and the scribes began to grumble, ‘This man welcomes sinners and eats with them.’” Tax collectors were among the most despised of all people by their fellow Jews. Why?