Flocknote

The Beatification of Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen

Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen, one of the most influential Catholic evangelists of the twentieth century, was beatified on September 24, 2026, marking a historic moment for the Catholic Church in the United States. The Beatification Mass took place at The Dome at America’s Center in St. Louis, Missouri, with Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle serving as the papal representative.

Born in Illinois in 1895 and ordained a priest for the Diocese of Peoria in 1919, Fulton Sheen became internationally known as a preacher, author, missionary leader, and pioneer of Catholic broadcasting. Through radio programs such as The Catholic Hour and his celebrated television program Life Is Worth Living, he brought the message of Jesus Christ into millions of homes. His preaching combined intellectual clarity, humor, and a profound love for Christ, the Eucharist, and the Blessed Virgin Mary.

The cause for Sheen’s canonization formally began in the Diocese of Peoria in 2002. After an extensive examination of his life, writings, and virtues, Pope Benedict XVI recognized his heroic virtue in 2012, giving him the title Venerable.

A decisive step toward beatification came through a remarkable event in Illinois in 2010. A newborn child, James Fulton Engstrom, showed no signs of life for 61 minutes after birth. His family prayed specifically for Fulton Sheen’s intercession. Unexpectedly, the child’s heart began beating, and he eventually recovered without the severe neurological damage doctors might have expected. After extensive medical and theological investigation, Pope Francis officially recognized the healing as a miracle attributed to Sheen’s intercession on July 6, 2019.

Although Sheen’s beatification was originally planned for December 2019, it was postponed. In February 2026, the Holy See informed the Diocese of Peoria that the cause could proceed, and the new beatification date was subsequently announced.

Beatification means that Archbishop Sheen will receive the title “Blessed.” His feast day has been approved for December 9, the anniversary of his death in 1979.

For Catholics around the world, Sheen’s beatification celebrates more than a famous preacher. It honors a priest whose life proclaimed a simple conviction: Jesus Christ can transform the human heart, and every Christian is called to bring His light to the world.

Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen has been a great inspiration to me. Over the years, I have listened with great interest to many of his audio recordings and have read a number of his books. His profound insights, powerful preaching, and deep faith have greatly enriched and inspired my own spiritual journey.

Our Annual Fall Raffle!

Our Annual Fall Raffle is an important yearly fundraiser that helps support the ministries, programs, and ongoing needs of our parish. It is also a great help to continue and strengthen our ongoing maintenance work (Chapel, parking lot, landscaping, etc.) Your generous participation makes a meaningful difference in strengthening our parish community.

Raffle tickets will arrive in your mailbox this week. If you would like to purchase additional tickets, they are available at the parish office. Thank you for your generous support and participation. The raffle drawing will take place on Thursday, November 12th. Good luck!

--Father Augustine

Friday, October 2:
- Mass 8:30 a.m. (Chapel)
- Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament 5:00 p.m. (Chapel)
- Rosary Crusade 7:00 p.m. (Chapel)
Saturday, October 3:
Second Collection: Catholic Voice
- Reconciliation 4:00 - 4:30 p.m. (Church)
- Men of Faith Table 4:45 p.m. (Outside of the Church)
- Outdoor Vigil Mass and Blessing of the Animals 5:00 p.m. (Back lawn)
Sunday, October 4:
Feast of St. Francis of Assisi
Twenty-Seventh Sunday of Ordinary Time
Second Collection: Catholic Voice
Men of Faith Table 7:15 am to 12:45 pm (Outside of the Church)
- Mass 7:30 a.m. (Church)
- Mass with CLW 9:30 a.m. (Church)
- Pre-School/Tiny Treasures 9:30 a.m. (Dominic)
- Mass 11:30 a.m. (Church)
- Welcome Lunch 12:30 pm (Hall)
Monday, October 5:
- Mass 8:30 a.m. (Chapel/Livestream)
- Christian Meditation 5:30 p.m. (Ignatius)
- Safety Team Meeting 7:00 p.m. (Pope)
- High School Youth Ministry 7:00 p.m. (Hall)
- Rosary Crusade 7:00 p.m. (Chapel)
Tuesday, October 6:
- Mass 8:30 a.m. (Chapel/Livestream)
- Pastoral Staff Meeting 10:30 a.m. (Pope)
- Lector Meeting 12:00 p.m. (Pope)
- Liturgy Committee Meeting 1:00 p.m. (Pope)
- Faith Formation (Kindergarten-5th Grade) 3:45 p.m. (Hall)
- Faith Formation (1st-5th Grade) and Parent Orientation 6:15 p.m. (Hall)
- Rosary Crusade 7:00 p.m. (Chapel)
Wednesday, October 7:
- Mass 8:30 a.m. (Chapel/Livestream)
- Faith Formation (Kindergarten-5th Grade) 4:30 p.m. (Hall)
- Children's Choir Rehearsal 5:15 p.m. (Church)
- Adult Choir Rehearsal 6:30 p.m. (Church)
- New Testament Bible Study Group 6:30 p.m. (Oscar)
- Middle School Youth Ministry (MSYM) 7:00 p.m. (Hall)
- OCIA Meeting 7:00 p.m. (Pope)
- Rosary Crusade 7:00 p.m. (Chapel)
Thursday, October 8:
- Mass 8:30 a.m. (Chapel/Livestream)
- WINGS Meeting 9:30 a.m. (Hall/All Rooms)
- Our Lady of Guadalupe Planning Meeting 7:00 p.m. (Pope)
- Rosary Crusade 7:00 p.m. (Chapel)
- Scout Troop Meeting 7:00 p.m. (Hall)
Friday, October 9:
- Mass 8:30 a.m. (Chapel/Livestream)
- Health Ministry Meeting 10:00 a.m. (Oscar)
- Rosary Crusade 7:00 p.m. (Chapel)