Peoria Young Catholics

04/22/2026

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STATEMENT REGARDING OFFICIAL ROSTER OF EVENTS FOR THE BEATIFICATION OF ARCHBISHOP FULTON J. SHEEN

I am filled with deep gratitude and great joy as we announce the schedule of events surrounding the long-awaited Mass of Beatification of Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen. This is a momentous occasion not only for our diocese, but for the Church in the United States and throughout the world.

The Beatification of Archbishop Sheen is a recognition of a life lived in heroic virtue—a life that brought countless souls closer to Jesus Christ through preaching, teaching, and witness. For many, he was a familiar voice on television and radio; for all of us, he remains a powerful example of what it means to live the Gospel with clarity, courage, and love. This celebration is not simply about honoring his legacy—it is an invitation for each of us to deepen our own relationship with Christ.

In the days leading up to the Beatification Mass, we will gather in prayer, reflection, and celebration through a series of special events in Peoria and St. Louis. These include a novena of Holy Hours, Masses, opportunities for Eucharistic Adoration and Confession, catechetical moments, and gatherings that reflect the many dimensions of Archbishop Sheen’s life and ministry. Each of these events has been thoughtfully planned as part of a pilgrimage to help us enter more deeply into the spiritual richness of this occasion and to encounter the Lord in a meaningful way.

The Beatification Mass itself will be the central moment of this sacred time, but it is surrounded by opportunities for formation, fellowship, and prayer that we hope will touch hearts and inspire renewed faith. The events that follow the Beatification Mass in Peoria, including Masses of Thanksgiving and presentations, will allow us to continue reflecting on the gift of Archbishop Sheen and how his witness calls us forward as missionary disciples.

I want to emphasize that everyone is invited to take part in these historic celebrations. Because of the scale and interest in these events, registration will be required for most of them, and we will be sharing additional details very soon to help people plan accordingly. Updates will be provided at celebratesheen.com

I am truly grateful for the many individuals and teams who have worked tirelessly to prepare for this moment, and I look forward with great anticipation to welcoming pilgrims from near and far. My hope is that through this Beatification, many will come to know more deeply the love of Jesus Christ, be renewed in their faith, and be inspired to live as joyful witnesses of the Gospel in their own lives.

This is a moment of grace for the Church. I invite all to join us in celebrating it.”

12/21/2025

Are you looking for a way to combine your love for your faith and your love for working on cars? Well, look no further. The monks are seeking a part-time Fleet & Staff Mechanic to help maintain the functionality and integrity of the Abbey’s automobiles. Apply today to glorify God through a hands-on job at www.kansasmonks.org/jobs.

12/12/2023

SEEK Conference is in St Louis this year, and the third night, Jan. 3rd with adoration, is free and open to all. Sign up here, and get ready for a little road trip! Bring friends. https://www.eventbrite.com/e/seek24-adoration-night-tickets-740994062187?fbclid=IwAR199xU-GrG8HNr4WvU097kkZlE9Gyp-kKLVeXPGHJ5bK0mCw_GgbwjO9G8

Join us at SEEK24 on the evening of January 3 for keynote talks and prayer with thousands of others.

03/31/2023

01/15/2023

Join Fr. Chase and the Office of Priestly Vocations for our monthly Holy Hour. This Tuesday, 6:30 PM, St. Mary's in Metamora.

St. Therese of Lisieux, Pray for Us!

10/09/2022

MOLINE — Jesus had two companions on the walk to Emmaus, but the number grew significantly on Oct. 8 when more than 850 people followed him from Sacred Heart Cathedral in Davenport, Iowa, to St.

10/09/2022

“The only real sign of life is growth.” – St. John Henry Newman

Today we celebrate the Feast of St. John Henry Newman, whose vision for university life has assisted generations of students to integrate their faith and intellectual pursuits. In fact, his vision inspired an entire movement of centers – Newman Centers – so that the light of the Gospel could shine brightly on secular campuses. In our own Newman Center, hundreds of thousands of hearts have found their spiritual home and been nourished during their time at the University of Illinois.

On his feast day, we are delighted to announce a project to renovate and restore elements of the heart of our Newman Center, our beautiful St. John’s Catholic Chapel which has served students since 1927. This work – this growth -- will begin on December 19th and continue through July.

The last significant work on the Chapel occurred in 2008 and was limited to HVAC, tuckpointing, roofing, and stained-glass window repairs. Now is the time to restore and enhance its inherent beauty so that future students might continue to feel welcomed, inspired, and led to the grace of the sacraments and experience the communal, life-changing encounters that have been the hallmark of our history.

The renovation to the Chapel will include the replacement of our temporary altar of repose with the construction of a new marble “high altar” beneath the baldachin, restored pews and kneelers, new and restored flooring, modernized sound and lighting systems, newly constructed confessionals, a larger vestibule area, renovation of the sacristies, repair and painting of the plaster walls and ceiling, and restoration and repair of the pipe organ.

Knowing that these renovations and restorations to our Chapel cannot wait any longer, we are stepping out in faith to begin this project. While the needed funds will initially be provided by a diocesan loan, we look forward to sharing in the coming months how you can collaborate in our mission and vision. Together, we will be able to provide another century of Catholic Illini with a warm, beautiful, uplifting chapel where they can not only grow but experience new life.

St. John Henry Newman, pray for us!

10/08/2022