I just started crying: Fr. Barker shares his feelings about his good friend, Pope Leo XIV

In 2023, Fr. Brian Barker attended the installation of then-Bishop Robert Prevost as a cardinal (Submitted photo). Fr. Brian Barker of the Diocese of Belleville was honored and humbled to be invited to the Papal Mass of Installation and to be part of a private audience with the new head […]

Posted on May 20, 2025

Remembering Catholic War veterans: Avenue of Flags returns on Memorial Day at Green Mount Cemetery

The Avenue of Flags at Green Mount Catholic Cemetery in Belleville will be on display for the 29th time on Memorial Day, May 26. The avenue, which salutes Catholic veterans, began in 1996 with two flags but has grown to 175. Most of the flags honor the memory of parishioners […]

Posted on May 20, 2025

St. John the Baptist Catholic School better than ever after fire

Fr. Michael Caruso, SJ, director of education and superintendent of schools for the Diocese of Belleville, blesses a new classroom and students at St. John the Baptist Catholic School on May 13 in Red Bud. A fire damaged the school in May 2024 (David Wilhelm photos). Students, teachers, parishioners and […]

Posted on May 20, 2025

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 May 20, 2025

Seminarian Director: “Our seminarians are a spirited, faithful group of guys”

The Diocese of Belleville currently has seven seminarians. Some have only recently started the process of discernment, while one, Thomas Lugge, is a transitional deacon scheduled to be ordained a priest on June 4, 2022. Besides Deacon Lugge, three seminarians are studying Theology at Kenrick-Glennon Seminary in St. Louis. These […]

Group provides gathering place for anyone on their own in life

As the population ages, members of diocesan parishes are aging. Not surprisingly, parish leaders are asking how they can reach these older parishioners? One example of this kind of outreach is the On Our Own group offered through partner parishes Blessed Sacrament and Our Lady Queen of Peace in Belleville. The group is open to anyone who is on their own in life.