‘Codfathers’ looking forward to another season of fish fries at Queen of Peace

The “Codfathers” brought fish fries back to Queen of Peace in 2022, and they’re looking forward to another big season of Lent starting March 5. Seven of the 20 Codfathers are shown above. Left to right: Ray Schott, Craig Vosse, Eric Edgar, Scott Simonin, Kevin Boron, Mike Riley and Adrian […]

Posted on February 11, 2025

Following the Father’s call: Casmir Cozzi on course to be ordained into priesthood in June 2027

Casmir Cozzi, pictured at the Chapel of Immaculate Conception at Mundelein Seminary on Aug. 30, 2023, is expected to be ordained as a priest in the Diocese of Belleville in October 2027 (Submitted photo). Casmir Cozzi can’t remember a time when he didn’t want to become a priest. “I wanted […]

Posted on February 11, 2025

Welcome to ‘Hubbard’s Haven:’ St. Vincent de Paul receives generous donation, renames its soup kitchen to honor man who has assisted the poor, homeless and hungry since 1973

Former metro-east resident and Blue Angels pilot John Foley (right), now a motivational speaker, enjoys a light moment with Joe Hubbard on Jan. 30 after Foley chose “Hubbard’s Haven” as the new name for the soup kitchen at St. Vincent de Paul in East St. Louis. Foley and his wife, […]

Posted on February 11, 2025

Healing words: St. Teresa teacher Neville contributes chapter to book designed to help people navigate the grieving process

Adrianne Neville, a math teacher at St. Teresa Catholic School in Belleville, has authored a chapter for “Threads of Gold,” a soon-to-be-released book written to help people overcome grief (David Wilhelm photo). Adrianne Neville knows a thing or two about grief. Neville and her husband, Jared, experienced the heart-wrenching loss […]

Posted on February 11, 2025

Diocesan schools promote centrality of music education

Students at Sister Thea Bowman School practice violin, which is a standard part of every student’s curriculum. (Photo/Linda Behrens)

Every student at Sister Thea Bowman Catholic School in East St. Louis learns how to play the violin. Every student. Beginning in kindergarten. Third graders at Blessed Sacrament Catholic School in Belleville learn to play the recorder as part of an arrangement with the St. Louis Symphony. In turn, they are invited to perform with the Symphony. At Mater Dei High School in Breese, various band and vocal classes are offered, along with extracurricular activities, such as marching band. These are just three examples of music education opportunities available at the schools in the Diocese of Belleville.

Students undertake spiritual journey through the culinary arts

Picture a big bowl of tri-colored pasta salad with vegetables, brimming with multi-colors, tastes, shapes and textures. Now read this description: “As different as we are, we are ALL called to be disciples of God. We all have special gifts, talents and charisms that blend so beautifully with our neighbor and help build up the Kingdom of God. When you take a big bite of this pasta salad, be reminded of your calling, the value of your neighbor and mission of the Kingdom.”

Mass celebrated in southern Illinois prisons for first time in 18 months

Due to COVID-19 restrictions in March 2020, the Illinois Department of Corrections closed all prisons, jails and work camp access to clergy and lay volunteers who were providing Catholic service ministry to detainees and those incarcerated. On August 24, 2021, Father Nick Junker, pastor at St. Mary the Immaculate Conception in Mt. Vernon, enthusiastically posted on Facebook that he celebrated Mass at the Big Muddy River Correctional Center in Ina. This was the first time in more than 18 months that the men at Big Muddy could receive the sacraments.