A tribute for nurses: Husband Patrick Kuhl says: ‘They rang a triangle three times for her last call of duty’

Nurse Honor Guard members who recently gave a memorial tribute at St. Augustine of Canterbury Catholic Church in Belleville (from left): Lori Bliss, Linda Morrison, Linda George, Karla Poindexter, Jane Stumpf, Jane Ferko, Debra Seiffert, Diane Gedermuth and Mary Ann Kelly (Submitted photo). By Linda Norris Messenger Staff Once a […]

Posted on July 28, 2026
Sophie Ysursa with Thor, her special therapy dog.

A heart for healing: Althoff Catholic High School senior Sophie Ysursa gives back to Cardinal Glennon Hospital

Sophie Ysursa with Thor, her special therapy dog. By Linda Norris Messenger Staff When she was 13, Sophie Ysursa began a connection with Cardinal Glennon Children’s Hospital in St. Louis. At that time, it was not for philanthropic reasons, but as a patient. Now 17, the senior at Althoff Catholic […]

Posted on July 28, 2026

Following in their parents’ footsteps: Principals’ kids begin first year as teachers in Diocese of Belleville

All Saints Academy Principal Jill Tasker and her daughter, Claire, who is starting her first year in education as a fifth-grade teacher at Holy Childhood in Mascoutah (Submitted photo). By David Wilhelm Messenger Editor Claire Tasker was a first-grader at New Baden Elementary School in 2011 when she provided an […]

Posted on July 28, 2026

A jubilee woven without a pattern: Sr. Anitawa Fearday, ASC, marks 60 years

Sr. Anitawa Fearday, ASC, works on one of the 120 woven pieces she has created through the years (Submitted). By Carlos Restrepo For The Messenger Every night before Sr. Anitawa Fearday turns out the light, she looks at a homemade vision board fastened to the wall of her room at […]

Posted on July 28, 2026

Hope for the Journey walks with those experiencing a loss

For Ken and Barb Kenney, the next chapter of their lives began in 2012. Barb had been married to Tom for 39 years before he died in 2005. They lived in Chesterfield, Mo. After his death, Barb moved to southern Illinois to be closer to family and started attending St. Clare of Assisi Catholic Church in O’Fallon. Ken had been married to Jeanne for 43 years before her death in 2011.

Sister Barbara Hudock: planting seeds in the hope that something grows

“Sometimes we plant seeds, literally and figuratively. We establish connections and hope that something grows from that.” These words were shared by Sister Barbara Hudock, ASC, who is celebrating her 50th jubilee as an Adorer of the Blood of Christ this year. Sister Barbara said this when talking about the “Be a Blessing Garden” project located at the Adorers’ Ruma Center in Ruma, bwut the heart of these words could apply to her 50 years as a woman religious. At age 70, Sister Barbara is not working full time. She recently completed 12 years in leadership positions for the Adorers – as an ASC councilor for the United States Region (2006-2012) and ASC regional leader (2012-2018). From 1973 to 2006, she served in education.