Dear St. Philomena Parish Family,
Blessings to you all and Happy Mother’s Day to all of our mothers, grandmothers, godmothers, and other special women who help us know the love of God! In his The Training of Children, Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen wrote, “The mother to the child is the incarnation of gentleness, meekness, forgiveness, understanding…The mother reveals that other attribute of Divinity—which is mercy, love, and forgiveness.” Of course, as we grow, Sheen notes that we experience the imperfections of one another. Still, he says, parents can be that image of justice and mercy for their children that help teach the child to seek out God. Mother’s Day is always a great day to be thankful for our mother’s “yes” to the gift of our life. Know of my thanks and prayers for all of our mothers!
As we continue our reflections on Anointing of the Sick, this week we focus on the fruits and effects of the Sacrament. As our Catechism teaches, the Sacrament brings us “a particular gift of the Holy Spirit” that is “one of strengthening, peace and courage to overcome the difficulties that go with the condition of serious illness or the frailty of old age” (CCC, 1520). This gift helps grow trust in God and protects against temptations in the midst of suffering. Continuing, “This assistance from the Lord by the power of his Spirit is meant to lead the sick person to healing of the soul, but also of the body if such is God’s will. Furthermore, ‘if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven’.” This passage highlights for us that the grace is primarily focused on interior healing. However, there are times when a physical healing is also granted. We entrust this to God’s wisdom and understand that the gift of a physical healing is for a purpose. We especially strive to trust God’s wisdom when the physical healing isn’t received.
The next fruit..
Dear St. Philomena Parish Family, Blessings to you all and Happy Mother’s Day to all of our mothers, grandmothers, godmothers, and other special women who help us know the love of God! In his The... Read More
Deacon Blake Ordination Information Deacon Blake’s Ordination to the Priesthood is fast approaching! Please continue to pray for him. Since it is so near, we want to share information with you about Masses and blessings... Read More
BEATIFICATION DETAILS OF ARCHBISHOP FULTON J. SHEEN “With great joy and deep gratitude to God, I am pleased to announce the Mass for the Beatification of the Venerable Servant of God, Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen,... Read More
Dear St. Philomena Parish Family, This week I was set to be back at the seminary for my continuing education. I got derailed by allergies and ended up with a couple extra rest days—I was... Read More
Dear St. Philomena Parish Family, Blessings be in your hearts today! What a grace-filled week we had here at St. Philomena! Our First Communion celebration last Sunday was so joyful—it is always so inspiring to... Read More
St. Philomena Parish is a Catholic Church with a parochial elementary grade school in an established family neighborhood in the heart of Peoria, IL.
Our mission is to proclaim our faith in Jesus Christ through worship, sacraments, education and community life. Each parishioner is invited to understand, embrace, and communicate the truth of Catholic Christianity to our culture.
Monday-Friday: 7:00 a.m.
Monday-Saturday: 8:00 a.m.
Saturday Vigil Mass: 4:30 p.m.
Sunday: 7:30 a.m., 9:00 a.m., 11:00 a.m., 7:30 p.m.
7:00 a.m., 8:00 a.m. & 5:30 p.m.
Wednesday: 5 p.m.
Thursday: 8:30 a.m.
Saturday: 8:30 a.m. and 3 p.m.
