The weekend

This past Saturday morning marked the third annual Bulldog Challenge, consisting of either a 2-mile run or a 5k run (walkers are also permitted).

The forecast called for a very hot day. Fortunately, though the day was warm, there was a nice breeze to keep the excessive heat away.

I walked the 5k with one of the soccer players who hurt his knee at a recent practice. As we set out he said to me, "My only goal is to finish before you."

When we arrived at the end of the course we were to walk through a set of sensors so a computer could mark our time. There were what looked to be a series of sensors set up and as I entered the sensor area, I turned to the soccer player and asked, "Do you want to go through first to finish first?" But as I said, "go through" a loud buzzer sounded signally that my time was marked. Oops.

One of our parishioners took some excellent pictures of this year's Bulldog Challenge.

Saturday evening saw the beginning of our parish picnic, which continued through late Sunday night.

I spent much of the picnic simply roaming about. I also managed to take a few pictures from the roof of the high school:

As I have done the past two years, this year I again purchased raffle tickets in the name of Pope Benedict XVI.

One of these years he will win a grill and I'll have to present it to him. Maybe that year will be next year!

My replacement

One of Archbishop-Designate Lucas’ last acts as Bishop of the Diocese of Springfield in Illinois saw the appointment of numerous Pastors, Parochial Administrators and Parochial Vicars. One of these Parochial Vicars is the priest who will replace me here at St. Anthony of Padua parish: Father Davies Edassery, SAC. His appointment begins the first of October.

One of our parishioners asked what the SAC meant at the end of his name. A good question and one that I did not know straight away, but now do: Society of the Catholic Apostolate.

This apostolate includes the Pallotine Fathers, of which Fr. Edassery is a member.

On the grade school demolition

WICS ABC 20 out of Springfield, ran a news story on the demolition of our old grade school building. You can watch the video here.

Confirmation pictures

Over at The Schuette Zoo, Kenda has posted a few pictures taken last Thursday evening when Bishop Lucas administered the Sacrament of Confirmation, including this one or her son and I:

Confirmation names

Please pray for our Confirmandi, who will receive the Sacrament of Confirmation this evening, and who have chosen the following patrons (in one form or another):

Alice
Anne
Anthony
Brendan
Brigid
Catherine
Cecilia
Clare
Corrado
Dominic
Elias
Eligius
Elizabeth
Francis
Helena
Ignatius
Isaac
Isabella
Isidore
James
Leo
Joseph
Lawrence
Lucy
Luke
Mary
Michael
Nicholas
Pio
Raymond
Richard
Robert
Rose
Seraphina
Sola
Sophia
Therese
Thomas
Veronica

Many of the Confirmandi will likely have chosen their patrons based more on family names than by the life and witness of the Saint (though they did each research their chosen patron). Please pray that these young people may strive to follow each day in the footsteps of their patrons.

Let's flood a few mailboxes

This past weekend we participated in the postcard campaign sponsored by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops urging our Senators and Representatives to oppose the Freedom of Choice Act.

I took the postcards to the high school yesterday where I recruited the help of a few students to first label the postcards and then separate them. It was a lengthy and tedious process, but we know that it was also a worthy one.

I'm not really sure how many postcards were filled out, but I do know that not a few people only filled out one card instead of three. We'll try to contact them and ask them to come in to fill out the ones they didn't already.

We didn't have school today so I finished up labeling and separating the cards on my own.

I wanted to find something to use for perspective and a can of Dr Pepper did just the trick. The big stack on the left will go to Senator Roland Burris, the big stack in the middle to Senator Richard Durbin, and the big stack on the right to Representative John Shimkus. The four small stacks on the right will be sent to the Senators and Representatives from Kansas (we must have had a few visitors) and the two single cards will go to other Illinois Representatives. The stack at the front of the table are cards that need to be completed because three cards weren't filled out by everyone. Those will take a bit of work.

It took quite a few pens to fill out so many cards, which were borrowed from local banks and businesses. When I say "borrowed," I mean it. One of our parishioners kindly went to the banks and businesses asking for pens; she also told them we would return the pens.

I don't expect we will have school tomorrow, so on Thursday I'll have some of the high school students help separate the pens.

Won't that be exciting?

For the locals

The Why Catholic? sessions have surfaced many questions about the Holy Mass and other things Catholic and I want to answer them. Maybe you slept through that part of religion class and now you have questions; maybe you knew it once but forgot it; maybe it just never occurred to you until now.

I will answer these questions in the parish center on Sunday, January 4th, at 4:00 p.m. No question is too simple or too complex.

You can drop questions off at the parish center, or you can call them in or drop me an e-mail. Questions will also be taken that day.

Adults and children are welcome. If you ask a question I can't answer, I'll be sure to find the answer and get back to you.

Faithful citizens

In response to the Most Reverend George J. Lucas' call for a voluntary day of fast yesterday and for prayer before the Blessed Eucharist before today's election, yesterday we hosted an evening of prayer.


We began at 5:00 p.m. with exposition and adoration of the Blessed Sacrament. The rosary was prayed at 5:15 p.m. and Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament was given at 9:45 p.m.


I was - frankly - surprised by the numbers of parishioners (and others) who came to pray throughout the night.


More than one hundred people gathered to pray the rosary. Fr. Carl, our retired priest, led us in the rosary and I prayed it from the back of the church to take a few pictures:



Young families, retired couples, widows and widowers and everyone in between came to pray for our nation, that we might today elect virtous leaders.

I must confess that throughout the praying of the rosary I was rather distracted. What caught my attention was not so much the number of people who turned up or the piety of their prayer, but the young families kneeling in the pews in front of me.

As a priest, I almost never get to see what it is like "praying in the pews." It is true, I suppose, that during the Mass I could look out onto the congregation to observe, but I'm during the Mass I'm praying myself.

As I watched a young father teaching his children to pray the rosary and a young mother talking with two daughters answering their questions, I noticed a young baby holding a rosary made of very large beads.

As I watched the parents pray with their children, talking to them and teaching them, I was struck by this observation: I have no idea how parents ever find time to pray. But I am grateful that they do!

At the end of the evening, somewhere between 75 and 100 people came for Benediction, and there were twice as many people at the 8:30 Mass this morning than usual.

The people are praying. Let us beg the Lord to hear and answer our prayer.

Blessing of Graves

I forgot to post this earlier.

At 4:00 p.m. this afternoon we will visit the cemetery to bless the graves and to pray for our beloved dead.

We will gather at the entrance of the cemetery and process to the cross where the blessing will take place.

If you are in the area and are free, please join us.

Bishop Lucas calls for prayer for election

From the Catholic Times, the official newspaper of the Diocese of Springfield in Illinois:

As the Nov. 4 election approaches, Bishop George J. Lucas has issued a two-part invitation to Catholics in the Catholic Diocese of Springfield in Illinois.

In his weekly column in this week’s issue of the diocesan newpaper Catholic Times and in a letter to parish leaders, Bishop Lucas first asks that all parishioners in the diocese be invited to a time of eucharistic exposition and adoration in the days preceding the election.

“This can be scheduled in a way that best suits the situation of each parish or area,” Bishop Lucas wrote. “We pray together for the help of the Holy Spirit to act with a true conscience and for God’s blessing on the country we love.”

Bishop Lucas also calls for a pre-election day of penance.

“Second, I invite every Catholic who is able to participate in a voluntary day of fasting on Monday, Nov. 3 — that is to eat moderately at mealtime and to refrain from food between meals,” he said.

In his weekly column, Bishop Lucas reminded readers of the “importance of bringing a Catholic understanding to the polls.”

“We look to the teachings of our Catholic faith to receive the blessing of God’s law communicated to us in our contemporary situation,” he said. “The truth of these teachings is guarded by the Holy Spirit from one generation to the next.”

The role of the church, he wrote, is to help people of faith form their consciences through a study of the church’s teaching and an understanding of natural law, which is “explicit in the teachings of our faith,” though it can be known and understood by people of good will who sincerely seek the truth.

“While the church herself may not be partisan nor endorse candidates, we can and must speak up for the defense of God-given rights,” he said.

Bishop Lucas said that though Catholics should be concerned with many issues, “the responsibility to protect the right to life of each human person from conception to natural death must hold primacy of place in our consciences.”

“We are deceiving ourselves if we allow ourselves to trade this responsibility away for some other issue or issues,” he said.

Bishop Lucas said that he extended the invitation to pray and fast before Election Day because we will “never be equal to the sacred task of working for God’s plan for a just society until we are involved in a process of conversion ourselves.”

“I believe our prayer and penance at this time will be a pleasing offering to God in thanksgiving for the light of the Gospel and in reparation for sins against the dignity of human life,” he said.

In keeping with His Excellency's request, the Blessed Sacrament will be exposed for private prayer and adoration on Monday evening from 5:00 p.m. until 10:00 p.m. The rosary will be prayed at 5:15 p.m. and Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament will conclude the evening of prayer at 9:45 p.m.

To sing belongs to lovers

Yesterday afternoon, as part of the Sesquicentennial celebrations for the parish - the Adult Choir was honored and thanked with a reception after the 9:15 a.m. Mass.

We were able to take a photograph of the choir:


If you can imagine, one of the choristers has been singing in the choir for sixty-one years!

The reception fare consisted largely of donuts, prompting once again the age-old question: why are glazed donut holes so much better than glazed donuts?

Attention parishioners

In preparation for this coming weekend's celebration of the Solemnity of Saints Peter and Paul and the beginning of the Pauline Year, I have been looking at the statues of the two Apostles above the doors to our church.

You might not have noticed them before; many haven't. I encourage to take a moment to look at the them the next time you're by the church.

Now, I need your help. I know that the two statues were placed above the doors in August of 1893, but there is a further question that I have.

Since I first came to this parish some five years ago I've often wondered if Saint Paul originally had his hand resting upon a sword. Actually, I'm certain that he did, but I can't find a photograph to prove it.

It is very common in liturgical art for a martyr to carry the instrument of their death. Saint Paul was beheaded and, being a citizen of the Roman Empire, his execution was carried out by the sword. Thus, St. Paul is very often depicted holding a book in one hand representing the letters he wrote and a sword in the other.

If we look at a detail of the hand in question, you'll see what I mean:

Does anyone know of a picture from days gone by gone in which St. Paul is visible in which a sword is visible?

If someone knows that he did, indeed, have a sword at one time, do you know what became of it and when?

Send out the word on this one, please!

Steeple jacks

The past couple of days people in Effingham have noticed some men at the top of our steeple. They are here putting lightning rods on the church, per insurance agents.

Kenda has posted pictures taken from her porch.

Holy Week Schedule

St. Anthony of Padua Parish

Effingham, Illinois

Holy Thursday

Confessions, 12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m.

Mass of the Lord's Supper, 7:00 p.m.

Good Friday

Confessions, 12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m.

The Lord's Passion, 1:00 p.m.

Holy Saturday

Confessions, 12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m.

Vigil in the Holy Night of Easter, 8:00 p.m.

Easter Sunday

Mass, 7:30 a.m., 9:15 a.m. & 11:00 a.m.

Annunication Parish (St. Mary's)

Shumway, Illinois

Holy Thursday

Mass of the Lord's Supper, 7:00 p.m.

Good Friday

The Lord's Passion, 7:00 p.m.

Holy Saturday

Vigil in the Holy Night of Easter, 8:30 p.m.

Easter Sunday

Mass, 8:30 a.m.

Parish mission begins tonight

Tonight the parish begins its Lenten mission and I'm happy to welcome a classmate of mine, Fr. Kris McKusky, to preach the mission.

Fr. Kris will preach each evening at 7:00 p.m. in the church. His preaching will be followed by a reception each evening in the parish center. If you're free and in the area, do join us.

We'll also be hearing confessions Monday through Thursday from 6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.

The schedule for the mission follows:

Sunday, March 9th Who Needs the Church?

Tonight Fr. McKusky will offer an overview of the Sacraments of Penance and Eucharist, briefly exploring how and why Jesus has given them to us. Through his reflections he will help us understand the role those two Sacraments play in our lives as disciples seeking to remain faithful to Christ Jesus.

Monday, March 10th Jesus Wants Me to Do What? Why?

What are the Scriptural foundations for the Sacrament of Penance? Where did this Sacrament come from and why must I go to confess my sins a priest? By reflecting on the will of Christ for us in this Sacrament, Fr. McKusky will help lead us to a renewed desire to meet the Lord in this Sacrament of merciful healing.

Following the 8:30 a.m. Mass, the Blessed Sacrament will be exposed for adoration in the church. All are invited to adore our Eucharistic Lord throughout the day. Fr. McKusky will conclude his preaching this evening with Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament.

Tuesday, March 11th The Bible as Guide: Praying Better at Mass

Many people today desire to “get more out of Mass.” By understanding the Scriptural basis of much of the Mass it is possible to come to a deeper and more profound understanding of the Mass. Fr. McKusky will take us on a tour of the Biblical texts at play at the Mass to give us greater insight into our worship of God.

Wednesday, March 12th Gestures, Vestments, Prayers and More!

The Mass does not ordinarily resemble too much in our everyday lives. Just why does the priest gesture the way he does and why does he wear the vestments he wears? Where did all of this come from and what does it mean? Fr. McKusky will answer these questions and more!

Thursday, March 13th You Believe What?

Perhaps no question is more frequently and routinely asked of Catholics than one relating to the Real Presence of the Eucharist. Fr. McKusky will help us understand better the abiding presence of our Lord in the Most Holy Sacrament of the Altar by exploring Jesus’ words in the sixth chapter of Saint John’s Gospel.

The new tabernacle is completed

The finished project:


I forgot to take pictures before the work began but I'm sure I have a pictures somewhere of what it used to look like...

Save the date

The following really only applies to my readers from the Effingham area, but others of you want to come, you'd be most welcome!

The 2nd annual St. Anthony Trivia Night will be held on Saturday, March 29th after 5:30 Mass.

Start putting your team of up to 8 players together and call the parish office now to reserve your table.

Last years event was a huge success. Many shared an evening of competitive (some much more serious than others!) fellowship.

This is your opportunity to get front row seating (and parking) at your choice of Christmas Eve Mass.

We are looking for unique items for our live and silent auctions. If you have any ideas or have an item to donate, please let us know.

The proceeds from this years event will be shared with the students who will be attending World Youth Day in Australia. We also plan to make a donation to the students who will be attending the Summer Work Camp.

The entire team of eight works together in submitting the answers to the trivia questions. At no time is any player asked to answer a question individually. The majority of the questions are not scholastic and at some point during our lives we have probably been exposed to the content of the majority of the 10 categories that will be presented in a question format.

Last year pizza was offered for purchase for those coming directly from Mass and each table brought some type of snack to be shared amongst their group.

A very happy surprise

As part of our Lenten liturgies at the parish we are holding Solemn Vespers each Friday evening at 5:30 p.m.

The time would work well, we thought, since we have the Stations of the Cross and Benediction at 7:00 p.m. on Fridays during Lent. People could come to Vespers, have an hour to grab a bite to eat and return for Stations (thinking that those who came to Vespers would more than likely return for Stations).

I expected about twenty people to attend. Maybe. So I printed up twenty-five copies of the program.

I donned my cassock (which is not uncommon), surplice and violet stole and cope and our music director brought out a small hand harp and plucked the tones at the beginning of the Psalms while we chanted them unaided. We even used incense during the Magnificat.

We used simple chant tones for the Psalmody and for everything, really. We chanted the Our Father in Latin (well, all right. I chanted it in Latin while others tried to find their way).

At the beginning of each Psalm there was, naturally, a bit of difficult catching on, but by the fourth verse of each Psalm, everyone was on the same page, so to speak.

I am delighted to say that we had thirty-five to forty people in attendance! I was quite surprised and elated!

How did the people respond?

We have our parish a very dear and elderly nun who rarely has an expression on her face. It isn't that she doesn't care or isn't happy, she just isn't easily excited or upset (as best as I can tell). She's a sweet woman, really.

I'm told that as she left the church her face was rosey and she carried a big smile on her face and said simply, "That was beautiful!" I could not agree more. God be praised!

I can't wait to see how many we people we have next week. It just goes to show that what I said earlier today is true.

A little office humor

Our Sister who works with us visiting the hospital and shut ins just popped into my office and asked, "Are you taking appointments for February?"

You just never know what you'll be asked around here... (Of course I made the appointment.)

Bishop Lucas Opens Sesquicentennial Year

One hundred and fifty years ago on Christmas Day the first Mass was celebrated in the newly established parish in Effingham under the patronage of Saint Anthony of Padua.

On a warm and windy Epiphany afternoon, the Most Reverend George J. Lucas, Bishop of the Diocese of Springfield in Illinois, to commemorate the founding of the parish, celebrated the opening Mass of the Sesquicentennial Year of St. Anthony of Padua Parish in Effingham, Illinois on January 6, 2008.

Many of the priests who served the parish over the years as pastors, assistant pastors, or parochial vicars - and others - joined in the celebration. Three priests of the Diocese are sons of the parish and concelebrated the Mass.

Eight religious Sisters are daughters of the parish and attended the Mass, as well as three sisters who served the parish in the past or presently.

Twenty Fourth Degree members of the Knights of Columbus provided an honor guard for Bishop Lucas.

The Adult Choir provided beautiful music for the Mass and the hand bell choir and a harpist provided prelude music.

A reception in the parish center followed the well attended Mass, affording parishioners an opportunity to reflect on the past 150 years and to reconnect with former priests and nuns.

All in all, it was a wonderful day!

Monsignor Enlow, Pastor of St. Anthony of Padua parish, welcomes everyone to the Mass (above) while Bishop Lucas and the Concelebrants listen (below).