Former diocesan priest, Messenger editor Rafe Middeke dies at 92

Raphael “Rafe” H. Middeke, 92, of Trenton, formerly of Damiansville, died at 6:25 a.m. Wednesday, June 3, at Aviston Countryside Manor. He was born June 21, 1933, in rural Clinton County, a son of Bernard and Mary Hellmann Middeke. After attending St. Rose Elementary School, he attended St. Henry Seminary […]

Posted on June 2, 2026

Back Home – World War II airman from Prairie du Rocher returns 82 years after death

A U.S. Army detachment from Fort Leonard Wood in Missouri carries the remains of World War II veteran Edgar William “Billy” Nevois to his final resting place at St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery in Prairie du Rocher. At left, Illinois Patriot Guard Riders hold flags and salute Nevois, who died in […]

Posted on June 2, 2026

Adorers of the Blood of Christ sell Ruma Center buildings

Four years after the sisters of the Adorers of the Blood of Christ (ASC) moved out of the Ruma Center, they have sold the property buildings and 33 acres of land to Books for All, a nonprofit organization establishing community libraries with free resources. ASC will retain ownership of the […]

Posted on June 2, 2026

People Share Thoughts About Qualities They Admire in Priests

Priests intersect with people’s lives at many times, often those times that are most critical in families, especially as they come to the sacraments: the baptisms of their children; when their children receive first Eucharist, are confirmed; or want to be married in the church. Other times that are difficult can be made more bearable with the counsel of a priest: when a family member is sick, in the hospital, in need of last rites.