Bishop Thomas John Paprocki | Diocese of Springfield

Students and faculty from across the Diocese of Springfield gathered at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception on October 8 for the annual Missionary Childhood Association Mission Mass. Bishop Thomas John Paprocki led the celebration as main celebrant and homilist, with several priests concelebrating and assisting in various roles.

During his homily, Bishop Paprocki highlighted statues of missionary saints within the cathedral, including St. Peter, St. Paul, St. James the Greater, St. Patrick, St. Anthony of Padua, St. Dominic, and St. Thérèse of Lisieux. Speaking about St. Thérèse, he said, “She was very aware that every person was an important part of the Body of Christ, the Church. So, none of us should see ourselves as unimportant to the work of the missions. We must always see ourselves as being on-mission.”

After Mass, Michael Carlson, recently appointed director of Pro-life and Missions for the diocese, addressed students by saying, “Students can change the world, even at your age. You can make this world a place of justice and love. Today this Cathedral is full of young missionaries.”

Carlson recognized schools for their per capita donations to the Missionary Childhood Association during the 2024-2025 school year: St. Boniface in Edwardsville (fifth), St. Agnes in Springfield (fourth), St. Mary in Taylorville (third), St. Mary in Brussels (second), and St. Louis in Nokomis (first). Sacred Heart Church in Virden received a special PSR participation award.

Winners were also announced for the annual Missionary Childhood Association Christmas Artwork Contest at both local and national levels for 2024-2025. Local winners included students from several diocesan schools across different grade levels.

Cecilia Arana from St. Boniface School in Edwardsville was named a national winner for her artwork in this contest; her piece will be displayed at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception during Advent and Christmas seasons while her original art will be hung at her school.