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Articles by Andrew Hansen
Quincy pilgrims will pray for an end to racism to commemorate Father Augustine Tolton’s legacy, July 9
QUINCY– Area Catholics and others devoted to the Venerable Father Augustus Tolton will commemorate the anniversary of his death with a pilgrimage procession on Thursday, July 9, in Quincy. According to the Springfield Diocese, the mile-long pilgrimage procession will begin at 5:30 p.m. at the statue of Father Tolton outside St. Peter Catholic Church at 2600 Maine Street.
Quiny pilgrims will pray for an end to racism to commemorate Father Augustine Tolton’s legacy, July 9
QUINCY– Area Catholics and others devoted to the Venerable Father Augustus Tolton will commemorate the anniversary of his death with a pilgrimage procession on Thursday, July 9, in Quincy. According to the Springfield Diocese, the mile-long pilgrimage procession will begin at 5:30 p.m. at the statue of Father Tolton outside St. Peter Catholic Church at 2600 Maine Street.
‘Mass on ice’ draws nearly 2,000 as thousands join Illinois Pro-Life March in Springfield
SPRINGFIELD - On Thursday, March 19, 2025, the Illinois Mass for Life in Springfield, Ill., unfolded in a way no one expected — not in a cathedral, church, or event center, but on ice at the Nelson Center Ice Hockey Rink. In a space usually filled with the crack of sticks and the roar of competition, nearly 2,000 people packed the arena to capacity — transforming it into a place of reverence, prayer, and witness for life. The visual contrast was striking.
Maryville Priest Receives Golden Ticket To Meet Pope Leo
EDWARDSVILLE - When Father Rob Johnson, chaplain of the Southern Illinois University Edwardsville (SIUE) Newman Community and pastor of Mother of Perpetual Help in Maryville, arrived at the Vatican on October 21, he didn’t know if he would meet Pope Leo XIV as Father Johnson was there for the public papal audience on October 22. He had put in a request to meet Pope Leo through private channels but never heard back officially from the Vatican.
Bishop Paprocki Condemns Passage Of Physician Assisted Suicide Bill
SPRINGFIELD - The bill passed early at 2:54 a.m. on Wednesday, Oct.
Bishop Paprocki: ‘The Catholic Church Celebrates the Election of Pope Leo XIV
SPRINGFIELD Bishop Thomas John Paprocki of the Diocese of Springfield in Illinois issued a statement Thursday, May 8, 2025, expressing his response to the election of Pope Leo XIV as the new leader of the Catholic Church. Article continues after sponsor message “With profound joy and deep gratitude to God, the universal Catholic Church celebrates the election of Pope XIV, our new Holy Father,” Paprocki said.
How to find HOPE this Advent and Christmas season
By ANDREW HANSEN Editor Hope is central to the Catholic experience of Advent and Christmas. During Advent, we as Catholics prepare our hearts and souls for the coming of Jesus, embracing hope as we await and then celebrate the birth of Christ, the Light of the World, during the Christmas season. But what if you are struggling to get this hope? During these four weeks of Advent, focus on living out the following each week to refill your body, mind, and soul with the gift of hope.
Documentary Features Incredible Stories Of Faith, One Is That Of Jerseyville Rev. Marty Smith
SPRINGFIELD - God is Alive, produced by Diocese of Springfield in Illinois, available to watch for free In a world full of selfishness, hardships, and despair, more and more people are asking, “God, are you up there?” God is Alive, an original documentary, created and produced by the Diocese of Springfield in Illinois, answers that question in an adventurous, impactful, and local way.
Bishop Paprocki: Pope Benedict ‘An Authentic Example Of Faithfulness’ | RiverBender.com
SPRINGFIELD - Bishop Thomas John Paprocki of the Diocese of Springfield in Illinois issued the following statement in response to the death of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI: “Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI was an authentic example of faithfulness to God and Catholicism, living and preaching the Gospel message with truth and passion.
Standing Ovation: Bishop Paprocki Presents Brussels Teacher 2022 St. Elizabeth Ann Seaton Award
BRUSSELS - She received a standing ovation. Her family, including her husband, siblings, and children made sure they were there to see it. Every student gave her a hug.
PATIENCE AND HOPE: Milledgeville man creating awareness while he waits for a liver transplant match
Scott Brown’s life was changed in 2020 when he found out he had liver disease. Doctors could not diagnose what was wrong with Brown, so he continued searching for answers. “My symptoms were that I was bone tired, I didn’t want to do anything,” Brown said. “Not that I didn’t want to do stuff I needed to do, I didn’t want to do stuff I enjoyed.” Brown enjoyed fishing, hunting and hiking but due to this extreme exhaustion, he was confined to his bed.
Dress the walls offers framing and more
EATONTON, Ga. — Maria and David Siffert opened Dress the Walls in Eatonon in 2006 to provide the people in the community a source for affordable and beautiful artwork and framing. “That is my motto,” Maria Siffert said. “I have champagne taste with beer pockets. I guess most people are the way I am, so that is why I created this.” Dress the Walls and Art of Oconee convene in the same building, which allows for patrons to purchase local art and choose a frame to display the artwork as well.
Cruising for a Cause: Milledgeville Cruisers share common interest in motorcycles, giving back
In 2006, Edward Jackson desired to start a motorcycle club in Milledgeville. As interest grew, the Milledgeville Cruisers were born. What grew out of a shared interest in motorcycles, has sparked numerous community outreach efforts. “First of all, we love motorcycles,” said Bruce Chatman, vice president of the Milledgeville Cruisers. “There was always somebody who helped me along the way, so if I can help somebody else it is worth it to me.
Dance in the Spirit studio opens in Milledgeville
Young Carla Walter stared up at her television in California and saw the most beautiful sight she had ever seen. A ballerina with her pointe shoes and a corps de ballet around her. This is when Walter knew her passion in life was dance. Walter is an independent scholar and was affiliated with Missouri Southern State University as an associate professor. In addition, Walter was selected to be an Invited Visiting Professor in Hypermedia Communications at the University of Savoy in Annecy, France.
Needles for Jesus continues serving those in need through sewing
As the Needles for Jesus sewing group at the First United Methodist Church celebrated its 20th anniversary, the community focus has not wavered. The group serves those in need, especially children, through sewing. Needles started at the old First United Methodist Church, now the student activities center for Georgia College, in 2002 with the help of the founding member Priscilla Randall.
Honoring our teachers
Presenting the second annual St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Award We asked everyone from across the Diocese of Springfield in Illinois what Catholic teacher in our schools is making a big difference in the classroom? What teacher goes above and beyond, someone whose impact is deep and personal? What teacher authentically lives out what it means to be Catholic and instills our faith into his or her students? What teacher embodies St. Elizabeth Ann Seton, who founded Catholic schools in the United States?
Quincy honors Father Tolton
QUINCY — Despite temperatures in the 90s, about 150 Catholics from the Quincy area and other places devoted to the Venerable Servant of God Father Augustine Tolton, commemorated the 123rd anniversary of his death with a pilgrimage procession on July 9 in Quincy. Father Tolton, a Quincy native, is recognized as the first black priest in the United States and his cause for the beatification and canonization of sainthood is under way in Rome.
Raising Children is Tough. Living in today's culture makes it tougher
Advice, tips, resources, and help for parents and grandparents In this special edition of Catholic Times, hear from diocesan priests, medical experts, and lay leaders on the subjects of raising your children, discipline, how to build a faith foundation for your child, how to get your adult child back to the faith, COVID-19 advice for back-to-school, why you shouldn’t put off baptizing your infant, resources for parents and grandparents, and much more.
Eight men set to become deacons throughout diocese
From changing diapers and taking children to Mass, to family rosaries and balancing work and family life, come next year, eight men will add another vocation to their lives as they will all be ordained to the holy order of deacon. “I am very pleased to have these eight men in their last year of formation,” said Deacon Dave Sorrell, director of the Office for the Diaconate for the Diocese of Springfield in Illinois.
Biking for Babies raising money for two pregnancy centers in diocese
Biking for Babies, a pro-life nonprofit aiming to renew the culture of life one pedal stroke and one pregnancy resource center at a time, was supposed to be riding through Springfield July 17 and have a fundraising event at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception. The young adult missionaries were planning on riding across the country on four routes, with groups starting in Wisconsin, Ohio, Mississippi, and Colorado.
Called and sent: Six men ordained priests by Bishop Paprocki
It was a joyous occasion at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception June 19 as Bishop Thomas John Paprocki ordained six men priests. The six were part of a class of eight, representing the largest class of new priests in our diocese since 1964. The priests will begin their first assignments July 1 in parishes across the diocese. Catholic Times asked each of the newly ordained why they chose the priesthood.
Religious Freedom Week to feature critical updates from Statehouse, local doctor
Join the Diocese of Springfield in Illinois as we celebrate and promote our religious liberties. Religious Freedom Week is June 22-June 29, and the diocese will host speakers on its online platforms to discuss religious freedom, what issues will be coming to the forefront, and what you can do to fight back.
Celebrating 10 Years
Bishop Paprocki reflects on his decade leading the faithful in our diocese On April 20, 2010, Pope Benedict XVI appointed Bishop Thomas John Paprocki to be the ninth bishop of the Diocese of Springfield in Illinois. Then, on June 22, 2010, Bishop Paprocki was installed as bishop of our diocese during Mass by Cardinal Francis George, Metropolitan Archbishop of Chicago, at a packed Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Springfield.
Bishop Paprocki answers 10 questions from readers across diocese
Catholic Times asked the people of the Diocese of Springfield in Illinois to submit questions for Bishop Thomas John Paprocki to answer for his 10th anniversary of being named bishop of our diocese. Here are those questions with Bishop Paprocki’s answers: What has been the hardest thing you have done since being bishop of our diocese?
Seed that was planted has blessed Brown family, diocese
This year, an aunt and her niece will observe the anniversary of their profession of vows as members of the Hospital Sisters of St. Francis. Sister Leola Brown, OSF, will observe 80 years of profession while Sister Ritamary Brown, OSF, her niece, will observe 60 years of profession. “Sister Leola, my aunt, and I are the products of faith-filled Irish Catholics,” Sister Ritamary said.
Pure joy: Public Masses return in diocese
Sunday, 14 June 2020 10:51 Pure joy: Public Masses return in diocese Written by Andrew Hansen and Diane Schlindwein
Father Tracy prepares for basic training with Illinois National Guard
EFFINGHAM — Father Mark Tracy, parochial vicar at St. Anthony Parish in Effingham and St. Mary Parish in Shumway, has already been preparing his body and mind before he heads off to complete basic training with the Illinois National Guard June 3 through Sept. 3. Over the past several months, he has been working out and running, even competing against students in a sit-up contest at St. Anthony Grade School during Catholic Schools Week.
Raising kids is tough. Raising kids during a pandemic, even tougher
The coronavirus pandemic has brought stress to new levels for many families as parents try to balance working from home, completing schoolwork and countless Zoom meetings, keeping the children occupied all day, and staying on top of all the new government guidelines. Throw in the fact that even before the pandemic, raising children in a world full of secular temptations, was already a daunting task.
During pandemic, Mission Outreach shows global church mission in action
Forty-foot shipping containers, containing crucial medical supplies to help doctors and nurses, are on their way to Fiji, Liberia, Ghana, Pakistan, South Sudan, Nigeria, Bolivia, Uganda, Tanzania, Jamaica and Ethiopia, thanks to Hospital Sisters Mission Outreach. Founded in 2002 by the Hospital Sisters of St. Francis in Springfield — Mission Outreach packages and delivers medical supplies and equipment around the world, mostly to poorer countries.
Covenant Network’s new Springfield station gets big signal boost
Will include locally produced Catholic content Catholics in and around the Springfield area are now more easily able to listen to Catholic radio programming provided by Covenant Network. On May 18, the St. Louis based Catholic radio network launched a full power FM station, 88.9 FM - WTTT, which will give listeners a stronger signal around the greater Springfield area.
Bab Sharkey and the Animal Mummies: Prickly Battle
The Chaser’s Andrew Hansen teams up again with Jessica Roberts for the fourth hilarious adventure in the Bab Sharkey and the Animal Mummies series! From the bonkers brain of celebrated Australian comedian Andrew Hansen and the hilarious head of Jessica Roberts comes Bab Sharkey’s fourth laugh-out-loud book! The Unpharaoh is resurrected once again – this time in the form of an evil beard! With Bab’s pharaoh beard destroyed, he’ll have to team up with Prong, Scaler and the Animal Mummies to...
‘I know I am where I am supposed to be, and it was God who brought me here.’
How Regina Villafuerte’s beautiful voice, amazing musical talents, and her trust in God brought her from Mexico to Effingham EFFINGHAM — If you were to make the drive between San Juan del Rio, in the State of Querétaro, in Mexico to Effingham, your journey would encompass 1,787 miles and it would take you 28 hours — without stopping. That’s how far away 29-year-old Regina Villafuerte is from where she was born.
Eight men to be ordained to priesthood ― biggest class since 1964
Eight men, representing a wide spectrum of ages and backgrounds, who come from different parts of the diocese and the globe, will make history in the coming weeks. That’s when they will be ordained priests at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Springfield by Bishop Thomas John Paprocki, making them the largest class of new priests in the diocese since 1964. Over the past decade, the diocese has averaged about three men every ordination class, so eight this year is a huge jump.
I love my parish priest! Why is he being reassigned?
It’s a common question: Why is my parish priest being reassigned to another parish? This question especially comes up when the priest is beloved by parishioners and then, quite naturally, there is angst about what the future of the parish will look like. The first thing to remember is that diocesan priests don’t “belong” to a parish, but in fact, belong to the universal church. Diocesan priests, through their ordination by their local bishop, therefore, serve the people of their diocese.
EPA relaxes enforcement of environmental regulations
Andrew Hansen, Reporter April 29, 2020 On March 26, the Environmental Protection Agency announced that the department would be retroactively relaxing enforcement of environmental regulations and fines during the COVID-19 pandemic, starting March 13, 2020.
Public trust in media decreases
Andrew Hansen, Reporter April 29, 2020 While Americans trust in the media is higher than it was last year, it’s still at a decade low, as a 2019 Gallup poll found that only 41% of Americans trust the mainstream news media. UW Oshkosh Political Science professor George Wallace says one reason for the low level of trust in the news media may be Americans’ overreliance on social media.
Forced to stay home, families becoming closer, more prayerful and faithful
Forty parishes in diocese streaming Mass to the faithful; tens of thousands tuning in each week It’s a new routine for the Manns family in Bethalto. Every day at 9 a.m., the five children (ages 9, 8, 6 and 3 years, and 6 months) join their parents for breakfast, and then they turn on their television to participate in Mass through a Facebook Live stream from their home parish, St. Mary in Alton.
Honoring our teachers
Presenting the first annual St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Award finalists We asked everyone from across the Diocese of Springfield in Illinois the following questions: What teacher in our Catholic schools is making a big difference in the classroom? What teacher goes above and beyond, someone whose impact is deep and personal? What teacher authentically lives out what it means to be Catholic and instills our faith into his or her students?
Teachers, priests, parishes and lay faithful showing Catholic spirit amid coronavirus closings
When the going gets tough, the faithful get going. That’s just what has been happening in the Diocese of Springfield in Illinois since mid-March, when the threat of the coronavirus shut down Catholic schools and public Masses were no longer available until further notice. For the past several weeks, students have been remote learning, schools have been posting updates on social media, and many parish priests have been LIVE streaming Mass and rosaries.
‘Converting WAS one OF THE best decisions I’ve ever made.’
One year after becoming Catholic, Effingham’s Rebecca McIntire is more joyful than ever. This Easter, the Diocese of Springfield in Illinois is set to receive more than 200 peopleThis Easter, the Diocese of Springfield in Illinois is set to receive more than 200 peopleinto the Catholic Church. Effingham’s Rebecca McIntire was in their shoes just last year. Catholic Times checks in with her to see how things are going, what she loves about the faith, and what we can learn from her conversion story.
Seven Sisters in Effingham prays for priests
Our priests need our prayers and they need them consistently. That’s the mission behind Seven Sisters, a prayer group at Sacred Heart Parish in Effingham. As part of the Seven Sisters Apostolate, which has local groups in parishes throughout the world, the Effingham group started in January of 2018. “I found out about the Seven Sisters Apostolate and knew this was something every priest needs,” said Nancy Bence, the group leader at Sacred Heart.
Best-selling author to give talk about God the Father
Father Michael Gaitley, MIC, best-selling author of 33 Days to Morning Glory, will give a talk about God the Father at Blessed Sacrament Parish in Springfield on Thursday, March 19 from 7-8 p.m. During the free event that’s open to the public, Father Gaitley’s presentation will center around this book that emphasizes a total consecration to the Father through Jesus based on the Gospel of John.
‘I’m finally free of fear’
She stared up at the white ceiling tiles as the abortionist started the procedure. It was a suction abortion. Focusing on the white ceiling tiles above her, she did her best to not panic all the while a silent scream overtook her. Growing up in a Baptist home, Betty Parquette of Springfield believed in the gift of life and that the marital union was solely reserved for marriage. Despite that upbringing, she admits she wasn’t well educated on life in the womb and felt detached from God.
Lent begins Feb. 26
Journey with us at dio.org/lent Lent is the 40-day, penitential season of preparation for Easter. It begins on Ash Wednesday (Feb. 26) and ends with the paschal triduum Holy Thursday (April 9), Good Friday (April 10) and Holy Saturday (April 11). “Each year, through Mother Church, God gives us this joyful season when we prepare to celebrate the paschal mystery with mind and heart renewed … as we recall the great events that gave us new life in Christ,” Pope Francis said.
SaintCards: Fun game teaches all ages about saints
Jersey County couple created game in 2018 JERSEY COUNTY — It was the impact of saints and their stories that led David and Kendel Williams to the Catholic faith in 2010 in St. Louis. After moving to Brighton, in Jersey County in 2017, the couple, who has six children, now call Ss. Peter and Paul in Alton their home parish. “The saints had much to do with our conversions and St. Francis de Sales and St. Gianna in particular became our dear friends during RCIA,” David Williams said.
Springfield Right to Life more active at new location next to Planned Parenthood
In December 2017, Springfield Right to Life moved into a new space, next door to Planned Parenthood. Since that move, Laura Colantino, who was hired as their new executive director last November, says Springfield Right to Life has become more active. “For example, we have prayer warriors on the sidewalk along with our sidewalk counselors,” Colantino said. “Our very active 40 Days for Life program keeps getting better every year.
St. Pope John Paul II, dogs, and the Eucharist
An incredible story of the true Presence A story from 1995 reports that when St. Pope John Paul II was visiting the United States, on his last day in Baltimore, the pope said that after greeting seminarians outside St. Mary’s Seminary, he wanted to spend some time inside, to pray before the Blessed Sacrament. Security had not planned for this, so they sprang into action. They quickly swept the building, putting an emphasis on the chapel, where the pope wanted to go to pray.
Are you receiving the Eucharist correctly?
As we prepare for the coming of Jesus this Christmas season, let us remember he is always present to us in the Eucharist. Here are some things to keep in mind when participating in Mass and when receiving the Eucharist: Because Jesus is truly present in the Eucharist reserved in the tabernacle, commonly behind the altar, Catholics should genuflect when entering and exiting their pew to show reference to God, who is truly present.
Give the gift of education
How you can help our students, receive a tax credit, and provide Catholic education Student demand for Illinois’ tax credit scholarship is at an all-time high. This school year, 377 students in the Diocese of Springfield in Illinois received scholarships valued at $1,073,290.31 thanks to generous donations to Illinois’ tax credit scholarship program. When you learn, however, that 1,326 students in our diocese applied, it’s clear the demand is far exceeding the supply.
Nearly 70 percent of Catholics don’t believe Eucharist is Body and Blood of Christ
Why Catholics need to believe in gift in front of them After Mass on Aug. 15, 1996 at a parish in Buenos Aires, Argentina, a woman approached the priest saying that she found a consecrated Host in the church. The priest — following proper procedures in such a case — placed the Host into a glass of water so it would dissolve and put the Host into the tabernacle. Days later, to the priest’s amazement, the Host appeared bloody and had a flesh-like appearance.
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