SUMMER 2023: With Deacon Formation over, I have begun providing services in the following ministries. Preaching, it is really enjoyable writing and delivering a homily or sermon for weekend Mass. I have also been performing Communion Services for parishioners in assisted living communities. I have really enjoyed getting to know them better and learn more about their rock-solid faith...READ MORE

PENTECOST CELEBRATION: The Sunday before Ordination was the Pentecost Celebration at our home parish, St Clare of Assisi in O’Fallon, Illinois. The parish community provided a wonderful pre-Ordination celebration, and my family was so very grateful for the support, hospitality and generosity we received. The memories created will be cherished and remain with us for quite some time.

APRIL/MAY CLASS: The last two months of formation were focused on the study of Catholic Sexual Morality teaching. We learned how to better understand, dialogue and respond to the many cultural challenges to the Christian view of sexuality. The course discussed how many sexual images appear in our society, but it is rare to find a coherent discussion on the meaning and purpose of human sexuality. The course examined God’s design for married love according to the teachings of the Catholic Church...READ MORE

Celebrating Deacon Ordinations June 3, 2023 - St. Clare Parish is so honored to have two candidates for Ordination to the Permanent Diaconate: Dan Kimutis (wife Kris) and Len Ratajczyk (wife Tami). Please mark your calendars for two important dates: + 3 June ~ their Ordination at St. Peter Cathedral in Belleville + 28 May ~ our parish’s (pre) celebration taking place at our Pentecost Festival Dan and Len have been very involved in various ministries at St. Clare and we are quite excited that our Bishop has appointed them to remain at our parish for their assignment as Deacons. Len’s “First Mass” as deacon will be Sunday, June 4, at the 8:30 Mass and Dan’s “First Mass” as deacon will be Sunday, June 4, at the 10:30 Mass... READ MORE

CLASS SUMMARY: We visited Saint Meinrad Monastery in Indiana and finished study on the Holy Trinity. We learned about how the early Church struggled with defining the identity of Jesus Christ. For example, there was significant debate on whether Jesus was created by God and perhaps divine but still less than God. Ultimately, the debate and divine guidance led to ...READ MORE

CLASS SUMMARY: For January, the focus was on learning to minister in the role of Deacon at Baptisms, Weddings, and Funerals. In the Christian life, these are some of the most memorable moments in our lives. To help us perform these correctly, we had a classroom portion on the established Catholic Rite for Baptism, Weddings and Funerals. After that, we did our best with some hands-on practice...READ MORE

Read the March 2023 issue of the Diocesan newsletter, "The Belleville Deacon"

CLASS SUMMARY: For November & December, we studied Canon Law or what might be called the “legal system” of the Catholic Church. We covered areas of Canon Law history, theological background for Law, obligations of the Christian faithful and the valid celebration and reception of the Sacraments. A special emphasis was given to areas related …

RECENT CLASS SUMMARY — In September and October, the topic for study was Moral Theology. We referenced the Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC) for much of our class discussion. The CCC is the compilation of Catholic Church teachings and is the go-to resource for teaching the Catholic Faith. For centuries, Theologians guided by the …

RECENT CLASS SUMMARY — After a short summer break, we are back for our 5th and final year. Earlier this month, we spent a full week at Saint Meinrad Seminary in Indiana. It was a privilege to spend time in daily prayer with the Benedictine Monks that live at Saint Meinrad. The topic for our class was sermon preparation and delivery. To prepare... READ MORE