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Pastor’s Letter: June 21, 2026

Dear St. Philomena Parish Family,

Blessed Father’s Day weekend! Speaking for all of us priests, thank you so much for your prayers this past week! The priest Convocation was a great opportunity to be together with our Peoria priests, to pray together and enjoy great brotherhood. As I knew Father’s Day weekend was coming, I spent some time reflecting on my own dad—his life of hard work to provide for our family…and especially his faith that I think was such a wonderful foundation for our family. As I strive to be a good spiritual father, I often think of my own dad and his influence on me, as well as so many great priests through the years who have been solid men of God. Let us all be thankful for the many fathers, grandfathers, godfathers, and spiritual fathers who have helped us know God the Father and who we are as His beloved sons and daughters!

As we wrap up our reflections on the Sacrament of Holy Orders, I thought it would be fitting first to recall one of my favorite conversations with someone many of you will remember—Fr. Greg Ketcham. During our years we worked together at St. John’s Catholic Newman Center in Champaign, Fr. Greg was honored with the Church title of Monsignor. “Monsignor” is a title of honor bestowed by the pope, typically in recognition for a special role or significant contributions through the life of ministry. Early on, Msgr. Greg was truly honored by the title, and I think he appreciated the recognition. A few years later, we ended up swapping assignments and I became the Head Chaplain at the Newman Center and he moved to Bloomington to St. Patrick Church of Merna. I had heard from some folks there that he introduced himself as “Fr. Greg” and told people that is what he preferred to be called. When he and I got together to catch up and talk..