Welcome to the Office for the Missions

Maryknoll Missionaries Celebrate 100 Years!

Our diocese is proud to celebrate with Maryknoll their 100 year anniversary. During the past 100 years four men and seven women from our diocese have joined Maryknoll to serve God's people in the farthest reaches of the earth. These eleven people grew up here in Central Illinois, attended our Catholic schools or parish catechism classes, and were members of parishes that continue to serve and form us.

With much help from Maryknoll, I have gathered their stories to share with you. I pray that their stories of sharing life and sharing God's love will inspire you to live your own call to holiness more deeply and more universally.

Operation Rice Bowl Grant Applications Being Accepted

Each Lent our parishes participate in Catholic Relief Services' Operation Rice Bowl program. The faithful pray, fast and give alms as they learn about the needs of our brothers and sisters around the world. 75% of the funds collected are used for the relief and development projects of Catholic Relief Services in 100 countries around the world and 25% are distributed within the diocese for food programs and root-cause-of poverty relief efforts. Any hunger relief organization within the geographical boundaries of our diocese is invited to submit an application to receive funds.

2012 Operation Rice Bowl Grant Application

'Mom's' the Word!

The Holy Childhood Association's website for young people – www.hcakids.org – received a "Mom's Choice Award"! These awards honor excellence in family-friendly media, products and services. Check it out!

If you haven't visited the newly designed website recently, make a trip today! In addition to mission facts and stories, young people can also find out, "What happens to your dollar?"

St. Therese, the patroness of the Missions

St. Therese of Lisieux is the Patroness of the Missions. Her simple life has much to teach us today about living each day with great love.

Who Cares About the Saints? (Therese of Lisieux) from Loyola Productions on Vimeo.