Raphael H. “Rafe” Middeke, 92, of Trenton, formerly of Damiansville, died at 6:25 a.m. Wednesday, June 3, 2026, at Aviston Countryside Manor. He was born June 21, 1933, in rural Clinton County, a son of the late Bernard and Mary (nee Hellmann) Middeke. After attending St. Rose Elementary School, Rafe […]
A U.S. Army detachment from Fort Leonard Wood in Missouri carries the remains of World War II veteran Edgar William “Billy” Nevois to his final resting place at St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery in Prairie du Rocher. At left, Illinois Patriot Guard Riders hold flags and salute Nevois, who died in […]
By Linda Norris Staff Writer Four years after the sisters of the Adorers of the Blood of Christ (ASC) moved out of the Ruma Center, they have sold the property buildings and 33 acres of land to Books for All, a nonprofit organization establishing community libraries with free resources. ASC […]
Bishop Godfrey Mullen, OSB, wearing his mitre and carrying his crozier for the first time, blesses parishioners who attended his ordination and installation as the 10th bishop of the Diocese of Belleville on May 1 at the Cathedral (Tim Vizer photo). The sun shined brightly on the face of Bishop […]
By Ron Rolheiser, OMI Sometimes it’s hard to tell sickness from health. When we’re suffering, is it an indication that there’s something wrong with us or might it be that the suffering is the healthy result of living faithfully? When we are anxious, are we worrying God’s kingdom into […]
By Madalaine Elhabbal Catholic News Agency The U.S. State Department has awarded more than $240 million in foreign aid to Catholic Relief Services for humanitarian and disaster response efforts. The grant to Catholic Relief Services (CRS) marks “the first of a series of global State Department awards to trusted and […]
Dear Friends, On Pentecost Sunday, I promulgated a new pastoral plan. Springing significantly from the broad consultation that led to Archbishop Michael McGovern’s plan, Servants on Christ’s Mission, issued two years before on Pentecost, the priorities remain the same. Incorporating many of the comments from the listening sessions conducted last […]
