This Week's Headlines

bishop braxton preaches at novena at the shrine

Bishop Edward K. Braxton was the celebrant and homilist at the close of the 2010 Novena of Healing and Hope at the Shrine of Our Lady of the Snows, on Thursday, Aug. 5, 2010. An overflow congregation from Belleville, St. Louis, Springfield and different dioceses from around the United States joined the Bishop and a large number of concelebrants in the Eucharistic Liturgy which marked the Shrine’s Patronal Feast, the Dedication of the Basilica of St. Mary Major in Rome.

The Basilica dating back to the 5th century was built on the Esquiline Hill, according to legend, after an apparition of Mary, the mother of Jesus. She asked for a church on the site to honor her as mother of the Lord in His humanity and in His divinity.
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'god-directed' life brings sister to southern illinois

So, you’ve just had a baby, maybe your first. How do you feel? Ready to jump up and fix a few hearty meals for the family? Probably not.

St. Joseph parishioners in Olney have a great deal for new mothers in their parish: “Meals for Moms.”

This ministry began in November 2004 when Rita Adams’ youngest son, Braden, was a sick baby. He had to be flown to St. Louis for treatment, Adams said.

“It was a traumatizing experience,” she said. “When we brought him home, a group of friends brought meals to me. It was a wonderful, loving, welcoming experience.”
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ssnd celebrates 50 years of life as religious

A bridge. That’s how the leadership at Silver Creek Mill in Mascoutah describe Arlene Palak of St. Nicholas Parish in O’Fallon.

Palak describes herself as “just a volunteer.”
As it turns out, both are correct.

First, a few facts: Palak volunteers at Silver Creek Mill, a division of Trinity Services, Inc. Adult Learning & Residential Programs.

Trinity, headquartered in Joliet, Ill., brought its services for people with developmental disabilities to Mascoutah at the behest of a group of parents of those needing services.

The parents’ group — Alpha Foundation — invited Trinity to bring its programs and expertise to southwestern Illinois, a parent, Alpha Foundation member, and now Trinity employee, Georgia Hillyer said.
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bishop braxton's pastoral visits continue

During his Parish Pastoral Visitation to Immaculate Conception Parish in Columbia, July 31-August 1, 2010, Bishop Edward K. Braxton visited the home of Mrs. Ruby Brady. Mrs. Brady has been blessed to live ninety-five years and her husband, Harold was blessed to live one hundred years. They were scheduled to celebrate their Diamond Jubilee on Dec.
17, 2010. This visit was planned as an occasion for the Bishop to extend his personal congratulations to them on their Diamond Jubilee. Unfortunately, Harold died just days before the visit.

Ruby shared with the Bishop stories of the many ways in which she and her husband were involved in Immaculate Conception Parish over the years. Harold was an excellent carpenter and his handy work could be seen in their home. Ruby is an expert in fine porcelain painting. Her beautifully adorned plates, vases, and statues with their amazing detail were on display throughout the home. The visit concluded with prayer and a special blessing for Ruby.
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diocesan agencies receive grants from extension

Catholic Extension announced it will award $50,000 to support the Daystar Community Center and the Holy Angels Shelter in the Diocese of Belleville to continue to serve southern Illinois’ growing needy and homeless populations.

In light of rising costs of goods and services, declining contributions from other sources and state budget cuts, Catholic Extension awarded grants of $25,000 each to the two organizations to purchase food and supplies and cover operational expenses.
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