‘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

Sister Elaine Freund created a place where it was ‘cool to be smart’

“Some make their mark on the soccer field. Some make history on the basketball court. I was never that sort,” says Jill Haberl Steffens, 1995 graduate of Gibault Catholic High School in Waterloo. “Sister Elaine Freund gave me, and many like me, another place to compete.” Steffens was a member of the Gibault Scholastic Bowl team, coached by Sister Elaine Freund, ASC, from 1992-1995.

Mike Kish, principal who lives the gospel everyday, to retire

When Mike Kish first entered the doors of Immaculate Conception School (ICS) in Columbia, he was a young student starting first grade. The year was 1955. In 1971, he entered the doors of ICS as an eighth-grade teacher. Four years later, he became the school’s principal. On July 1, 2021, after 50 years serving the Catholic Diocese of Belleville and the students, families and staff, Mike Kish will retire as principal of Immaculate Conception School. “I wanted to create a school I would want to attend. Actually, a school where Joseph and Mary would want to send Jesus,” Kish says, reflecting on his long career at ICS.