‘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

New seminarian’s vocation journey began on trip to Holy Land

For Ben Baker, it started in 2019 during a spring break trip to the Holy Land with students from the University of Illinois. Baker, whose home parish is St. Joseph in Olney, graduated from the University of Illinois in December 2020 with a bachelor’s degree in aerospace engineering. At that time, he contacted the Diocese of Belleville asking to be accepted into the seminary. There currently are six seminarians in the diocese.

Bishop to ordain one man to transitional diaconate May 22

When Thomas Lugge is ordained by Bishop Michael McGovern as a transitional deacon May 22, he will begin the final year of formation before ordination to the priesthood. The transitional diaconate will be Lugge’s entry into the clerical state, which means he will become a member of the clergy. Bishop Michael McGovern called Lugge “a wonderful young man” and said he looks forward to ordaining him to the sacred priesthood next year.