Pastor’s Letter: September 24, 2023

Pastor’s Letter: September 24, 2023

22 Sep 2023 | Posted by: chadmin

Dear friend,

The Diocese of Peoria launched the Annual Diocesan Appeal for 2023.  The ADA video, titled “Ready to Bring the Love of Jesus,” was shown at all the Masses. The Diocesan Appeal seeks to fund the ordinary operation of the Diocese and programs particular to the Bishop. The ADA video articulated how the annual appeal funds the majority of Diocesan ministry that individual parishes and schools cannot do for themselves. Of special importance is the support the Diocese gives to our Catholic Schools, Catholic college Newman Centers, and Vocations to the Priesthood. The Bishop also described the many services the Diocese provides to both the Catholic faithful and to the Pastors and Principals in our Diocese. The video ended with the newly ordained son of St. Philomena Parish, Fr. Patrick Wille, reflecting on his journey to Priesthood. Seminary education is more costly than the typical public University. Supporting the education of tomorrow’s priests is one of the main reasons we need an annual appeal. If you were unable to view the video well at Mass or would like to watch the video again, you can use this link https://youtu.be/y4PUNm3zytk, visit the Diocesan Website at https://cdop.org/ada/, or scan the QR code at the end of my letter to view.  If you were unable to fill out an ADA card last week, blank cards are in the vestibule of church and the parish office.  You can also make a pledge online at https://secure.myvanco.com/L-ZJ24/campaign/C-14ATC.  Thank you for your support in reaching our Annual Diocesan Appeal Parish Goal.

The Vatican released a new document on the Formation of Priests. In the document, the Vatican requires seminaries to provide Parish experiences for seminarians. The Peoria Seminarians who attend St. Mary of the Lake Seminary in Mundelein are assigned by Bishop Lou to parishes in our Diocese to visit several weekends throughout the year to experience parish life. Bishop Lou has assigned Ben Schoonmaker and Jonathan Puckett to St. Philomena Parish. The parish experience program at the seminary is titled “The Tolton Teaching Parish Program” named after the Father Augustus Tolton, the first Black American Catholic priest in the United States. The Tolton program involves leadership from our parish to assist the seminarians in their experience of parish life. The seminarians will help with Sunday Faith Formation, Sunday Masses, Adult Faith Education, and experience the social life of St. Philomena Parish. Both Ben and Jonathan plan to be here at Masses this weekend, please join me in continuing to welcome them.

God bless,

Father David