Illinois Catholic dioceses release plan for reopening churches
The bishops of Illinois' six Catholic dioceses late yesterday released a uniform plan developed in conjunction with state and local civic and public health officials for reopening churches across the state. Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker last week released a detailed "Restore Illinois" plan for reopening regions of the state as the COVID-19 pandemic runs it course. Each bishop also released a personal letter to the faithful in his diocese, with some noting regional modifications to the overall plan.
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Pope Francis names Fr. Louis Tylka of Archdiocese of Chicago as Coadjutor Bishop of Diocese of Peoria
Pope Francis announced early today that he has named Reverend Louis Tylka, a priest of the Archdiocese of Chicago, as the Coadjutor Bishop of Peoria, Ill.
A coadjutor is an assistant bishop with the right of succession. Bishop Daniel R. Jenky, CSC, who has shepherded the Diocese of Peoria since 2002, will continue as diocesan bishop. When he retires, Coadjutor Bishop-elect Tylka will automatically succeed him. Bishop Jenky turns 75, the age when bishops are required to turn in their resignation to the pope, on March 3, 2022.
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Pope Francis accepts resignation of Bishop R. Daniel Conlon of Joliet
Pope Francis has accepted the resignation of Bishop R. Daniel Conlon from the Office of Bishop of Joliet in Illinois and has appointed Most Reverend Richard E. Pates as the Apostolic Administrator sede vacant. Bishop Conlon has been on medical leave since December 2019 and Bishop Pates, who retired as Bishop of Des Moines in 2019, has been serving as Apostolic Administrator for the diocese.
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CCI Radio Hour: April 20, 2020
Executive Director Bob Gilligan talks with newly-appointed Bishop-elect Michael McGovern of the Diocese of Belleville; Lauren McCormack of USCCB's office of government relations on the CARES Act; Jennifer Junis of OSF HealthCare on its partnership with the state of Illinois in remote monitoring of COVID-19 patients via its Pandemic Health Worker Program (PHWP); and Steve Roach of Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Springfield on the agency's new COPE Line.
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Pope Francis names Fr. Michael G. McGovern of Archdiocese of Chicago as Bishop of Diocese of Belleville
Pope Francis today announced that he has named Father Michael G. McGovern, a priest of the Archdiocese of Chicago, as Bishop of the Diocese of Belleville, Illinois. Pope Francis also announced that he had accepted the resignation of Bishop Edward K. Braxton, who was installed as the Bishop of Belleville in 2005. Bishop-elect McGovern, 55, is expected to begin his ministry in the Diocese of Belleville later this year.
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CCI coordinates letter to Gov. Pritzker from Catholic school superintendents on CARES Act funding
The Catholic Conference of Illinois coordinated with the state's six Catholic school superintendents on a letter sent today to Gov. JB Pritzker and Illinois State Superintendent Carmen Ayala regarding monies for nonpublic schools in last week's Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act.
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Illinois Catholic dioceses respond to coronavirus
As the coronavirus continues to spread across Illinois and other states, the six Catholic arch/dioceses have suspended public Mass, closed Catholic schools and shuttered pastoral centers in order to limit congregate groups and maintain the “social distancing” required to prohibit the spread of the virus.
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CCI Radio Hour: March 16, 2020
CCI Executive Director Bob Gilligan shares a recorded message from Cardinal Cupich about the COVID-19 pandemic; talks with Bishop Richard Pates, who's serving as the apostolic administrator of the Joliet diocese while Bishop Conlon is on medical leave; discusses the need for privilege in restorative justice practices with Judge Tom Donnelly; and briefly outlines tomorrow's primary election.
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Archdiocese of Chicago: USCCB launches 3rd-party service for receipt of bishop sex abuse allegations
The Archdiocese of Chicago announces the new Catholic Bishop Abuse Reporting (CBAR) program. The new USCCB service is operated by a third party and allows for the reporting and investigation of sexual misconduct by Catholic bishops in the United States.
read moreCardinal Cupich offers reassurance during coronavirus pandemic
Cardinal Cupich of the Archdiocese of Chicago has recorded an inspiring video message on unity in these trying times, reminding us, “This is a time to be gentle with one another, and accompany each other emotionally. … And this is a moment to deepen our own spiritual lives as members of the body of Christ by making a commitment, as I do today for you, that we will pray for each other."
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