NOTICE!!!!

MASSES ARE CANCELLED AT ST PATRICK'S ELKHART, ST MARY'S ATLANTA, ST THOMAS AQUINAS MT PULASKI FOR SUNDAY 1/25/26. HOLY FAMILY LINCOLN 10:00AM IS STILL ON. IF YOU FEEL UNSURE OR UNSAFE GETTING OUT PLEASE DO NOT TRY AND STAY HOME FOR YOUR SAFETY. STAY WARM AND STAY SAFE

Catholic Schools Week: Thoughts Shared by Our CCS 8th Graders on Their Experiences at Carroll Catholic School (Letters from the Bulletin in larger print)

Carroll Catholic has been instrumental in my academic and personal development. I have gained valuable knowledge in mathematics, science, history, reading, and English. History is my favorite subject because I am fascinated by topics such as the Viking and Roman empires, as well as our current studies on World War II. Studying the Civil War, in particular, sparked my curiosity and engagement.

I am grateful to my teachers at Carroll Catholic for their ongoing support. Mr. Welch provided guidance on art and the history timeline. Mrs. Fuiten helped me strengthen my computer skills and English, particularly in reading and spelling. Mrs. Coyle has supported my learning in science, mathematics, and engineering.

Carroll Catholic has deepened my faith through religion classes and regular attendance at Mass. These experiences have encouraged me to reflect on the significance of prayer. My faith now guides my actions, supports ethical decision-making, and inspires me to assist others.

Wrestling has taught me perseverance, teamwork, and personal growth. I value the lessons of respect and kindness toward teammates, and my coaches have encouraged self-reflection to help me improve. Their mentorship motivates me to take responsibility and make positive choices.

Participating in service activities such as food events, Student Council, Lunch, and Patrol Duties has taught me the importance of kindness and helping others. These roles have enabled me to contribute to a supportive environment, foster positive experiences, and help ensure safety.

I am grateful to everyone who supports Carroll Catholic in any capacity. I especially appreciate my parents, Mr. and Mrs. Kohl, for bringing me to this school. My mother, Emily Kohl, has had a significant impact on my life by encouraging me to improve and help others. She was also my third-grade teacher. My experiences at Carroll Catholic have been both enjoyable and fulfilling. I am thankful for the many opportunities the school provides and value how it has strengthened my faith and encouraged my spiritual growth.

John Kohl, Class of 2026

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Over the past two years at Carroll Catholic School, I have experienced substantial personal and academic development. These years have provided enduring memories, meaningful friendships, and important lessons that will continue to influence me. The education I have received has prepared me well for future academic challenges. Mrs. Coyle, Mr. Welch, and Mrs. Fuiten have been outstanding educators. Mrs. Fuiten presents material with clarity and ensures her classes are both informative and engaging. Mrs. Coyle’s teaching methods in Math and Science have made complex concepts accessible and have been essential in preparing me for high school. Mr. Welch animates History in the classroom and is also an effective principal.

Although I am not Catholic, I have gained valuable insights from attending Mass, guided by Fr. Joe and Fr. Nicodemus. Weekly adoration has further supported my spiritual growth through prayer. Having Fr. Joe as a religion teacher has been particularly meaningful, as his stories and use of scripture foster deep engagement.

Participating in Cheer, Volleyball, and Student Council has strengthened my leadership abilities and sense of responsibility. These activities have equipped me for high school and future pursuits.

I would like to express my gratitude to all my teachers for their support during my time at Carroll. I am especially thankful to my parents for encouraging me to do my best and for enabling me to attend this school and participate in extracurricular activities. As I move on to high school, I will carry forward the lessons, values, and memories from Carroll Catholic School.

Reilly Mestinsek, Class of 2026

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Throughout my years in elementary and middle school, my teachers have played a significant role in shaping my educational journey. Mrs. Kohl was the first teacher who made a lasting impact on me. She consistently taught at a level that matched my understanding and demonstrated deep knowledge, which prepared me well for the transition to middle school. During middle school, Mrs. Coyle supported me by ensuring I understood each concept before moving on and by fostering an inclusive, comfortable classroom environment. Without the guidance of Mrs. Kohl and Mrs. Coyle, I would have found it much more challenging to grasp Math and Science. Their teaching has made these subjects my favorites, and I recognize the importance of being proficient in both. I am confident that Math and Science are the subjects I enjoy most.

I believe it is essential to remain connected to one’s faith from a young age, particularly in the years leading up to high school, when personal independence and social development increase. Carroll Catholic actively fosters this connection by providing comprehensive religious education. Maintaining a strong relationship with my faith has become even more important as I have taken on greater responsibilities, which can sometimes overshadow religious practice. Carroll’s religion classes have prepared me for Confirmation, a significant milestone in the Catholic faith. My time at Carroll has kept me engaged in the church, and opportunities such as choir and altar serving have encouraged student participation. While some lessons from Carroll may be fully appreciated only later in life, the school’s commitment to guiding students along a positive path is evident.

Many of my most memorable experiences at Carroll have involved team participation, and track has been my favorite activity. Beyond enjoyment, track taught me the value of maintaining perspective and not taking losses too seriously. My involvement in Baseball and Speech further emphasized the importance of collaboration, as working together helps prevent conflicts. My coaches have consistently encouraged me, motivating me to strive for improvement. In addition to athletics, Carroll offers various community service opportunities, such as serving as a crossing guard, kitchen helper, or food pantry assistant. I participated in all of these roles and found them rewarding. The kindness of the lunch staff and the gratitude expressed by food pantry workers reinforced the value of service. Engaging in community service has taught me responsibility and other important qualities that extend beyond the classroom.

I am deeply grateful for the opportunities and support I have received from the teachers and staff throughout my time at Carroll. I would like to express my appreciation to those who support the school through fundraising and donations, as well as to my parents for enabling me to attend Carroll and strengthen my Catholic faith while receiving a quality education. The guidance of my teachers has been invaluable, and I am thankful for every experience Carroll has provided. I am confident that the lessons I have learned here will remain with me throughout my life.

Thomas Rumler-Gomez, Class of 2026

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Caroll has taught me to learn and grow by teaching me how to treat others and guiding me through things I didn't understand. Some teachers here really stand out to me, such as Mr. Welch and Mrs. Coyle; they were always there for me when I needed help and guided me through the subjects I needed tutoring in. My favorite subjects at Caroll's school were Social Studies and  Science because they were so engaging.

Since attending Carroll, my faith has deepened significantly. I have learned more about our Father and Mother, including the sacrifice He made on the cross for us and how our Mother carried our Savior. Participating in Mass and prayer has also helped me grow closer to God. I believe my faith will continue to guide me in making wise choices and support me in my future endeavors, including writing.

During my time at Carroll, I participated in various activities, such as basketball, bowling, and golf. These experiences taught me the importance of teamwork and maintaining an active lifestyle. My coaches consistently offered encouragement and constructive advice, motivating me to improve.

I contributed to several initiatives at the school, including the Food Pantry, Student Council, Lunch Duty, and Patrol Duty. Serving others is important to me because I recognize that some individuals face financial or physical challenges.

I am grateful to everyone who supported Carroll's fundraisers; the school would not be the same without your contributions. I also thank my parents for giving me the opportunity to attend Carroll and for their guidance. Attending this school has allowed me to form lasting friendships, create meaningful memories, and gain valuable knowledge. I am deeply appreciative of all my teachers and my parents for providing me with an exceptional education at Carroll.

Gavin Vaini, Class of 2026

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Carroll Catholic School has played an important role in helping me grow in my faith, build strong academic skills, and form many meaningful friendships. From the very beginning, I have had an outstanding education, but especially over the last 4 years. Mrs. Fuiten, Mrs. Coyle, and Mr. Welch have provided me with a better education than I could imagine.  Mrs. Fuiten is a great English, Spelling, and Reading teacher who uses her kindness to make everyone truly understand the material. Mrs. Coyle prepares us well for high school by teaching us strong math and science skills. Mr. Welch is a great social studies teacher and principal who supports students and makes our school a better place. Friday Academy days have been some of my favorite classes because they let me explore new interests and are something I always look forward to. 

One of the most important aspects of Carroll Catholic School is how they educate students in faith and religion. I have learned so much about the Catholic faith over the years.  Confirmation class with Fr. Joe has been a great experience that has helped me prepare for the sacrament. Attending Mass every week with either Fr. Joe or Fr. Nicodemous really helps me stay connected to my faith. My faith will help me get through tough times in the future. 

Athletics have been a big part of my time at Carroll Catholic School. I am thankful for all of my coaches that have coached me over the past 4 years of my life. It was truly a blessing to have been able to qualify and compete in the IESA State Golf Tournament this year. I would like to thank my Mom in general. She always is trying to make me a better volleyball player mentally and physically. My Dad has helped me succeed in golf over the years. All of my coaches have helped me to improve. I would like to thank my parents for the opportunity to attend Carroll Catholic School since preschool. This school will always have a special place in my heart.

Ella Ciaccio, Class of 2026

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Time is passing quickly as I approach graduation.  As I prepare to graduate, I am reflecting on my years at Carroll Catholic School. I would like to begin by discussing my education. I do well in English and moderately well in other subjects. Carroll Catholic School has helped me grow, especially in Math and Science, thanks to Mrs. Coyle, my eighth-grade homeroom teacher. She has supported my learning in these areas, and I am now confident in addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division.

Mrs. Fuiten has helped me improve my reading and English skills. I can now read better than when I first started, and her English assignments have helped me complete my work correctly. During my time here, I have also learned about my faith, especially the importance of making the right choices.

I played volleyball for a while, but this year I decided not to continue, and I also participated in Speech competitions for three years. Since Sixth grade, I have helped with Lunch Duty, including food preparation, dishwashing, and handing out milk. This year, we began to get our own milk. Over the years, Carroll Catholic School has helped me grow stronger in my faith. I would also like to share some writing tips I learned from Mrs. Fuiten. She taught us to use capital letters, add punctuation at the end of sentences, and double-space our writing for readability. From my experiences, I have learned that Mr. Welch, our social studies teacher, is strict about homework being turned in on time. Both Coach Ciaccio and Coach Kohl are strict about volleyball practice.

In closing, a special thank you to my parents for sending me to Carroll.

Lily Notto, Class of 2026

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My teachers at Carroll Catholic School taught me many very important things. My favorite classes were art and social studies. 

I learned about my faith in religion class. Going to mass every Wednesday and praying every day helped me grow spiritually.

I did speech with my friends for 2 years. I helped with patrol and lunch duty. I also sometimes helped with the food pantry. 

I am grateful to my parents for the sacrifices they made so I could come to Carroll, for the people who support Carroll through fundraising, for my teachers, and for the friends I made at Carroll Catholic School.

Bentley Richardson, Class of 2026

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📅 Mark Your Calendars!
We’re excited to announce a parish-wide potluck bringing together parishioners from all four locations, all in one place!
✨ Come enjoy food, fellowship, and fun as we gather as one community in Christ.
🍲 Bring your favorite dish to share!
🤝 All ages welcome.
🙏 We can’t wait to celebrate together!

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St. Thomas Aquinas wanted to share a photo of their beautiful Christmas decorations.

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We are excited to share that an Outreach Priest from Cross Catholic Outreach will be visiting our parish to celebrate Mass, speak about the amazing mercy ministries our Church is accomplishing around the world, and help Fr. Joe with a portion of the January Mass schedule while Fr. Nicodemus is in Kenya.

Be sure to extend a warm welcome to Father Paul Williams from Cross Catholic Outreach when he visits our All Saints Parish Churches. Fr. Paul will speak at each Church while he is with us. 

Cross Catholic Outreach was founded to mobilize the global Catholic Church to transform the poor and their communities materially and spiritually for the glory of Jesus Christ. It supports existing ministries by partnering with Catholic bishops, priests, religious brothers and sisters, and lay workers already serving the poor in over 30 countries around the world.

To learn more about the ministry of Cross Catholic Outreach and its mission, please visit CrossCatholic.org/outreach.

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We welcome our Catechumens and Candidates to All Saints Parish

Sunday, October 26 at the 10 a.m. Mass at Holy Family Church. These Catechumens and Candidates who will journey together to the Easter Vigil and beyond.+

Please pray for each and all of them, and also remember their sponsors and the OCIA team. We are blessed to have them with us.

Back row: Candidates Andrew Cunningham and Cody Mundy

Front row: Catechumens Jade Adams, Aubrey Lichtenwatter, Jennifer Cunningham, and Nick Everson

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  COMMUNITY PRAYER TIME

Join us at our next meeting to be held on Thursday, January 22, 2026, from 7pm to 8pm. We will meet in the Bride’s Room at Holy Family for prayer. We will come together to pray for your needs and thank God for your blessings. We will gather together to pray for each other, our community, and the world. All are welcome and we look forward to seeing you!

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Our parish has been participating in the 2025 Annual Diocesan Appeal (ADA) for the Diocese of Peoria. As the diocese celebrates its 150th anniversary, we are reminded of our mission as Christians. We are called to proclaim the Gospel yesterday, today, and forever.  The Annual Diocesan Appeal gives us an opportunity to respond by sharing our gifts which will enable and equip the Church for today’s opportunities and challenges in witnessing to our faith.  There are many ministries and apostolates that the Diocese can offer that we as a single parish cannot.  Recruitment and training of priests, vocation discernment program for young men, marriage preparation, ministry to our students on college campuses, evangelization, Catholic Charities programs,  these are just a few of the many services we receive from the Diocese of Peoria.  Your support, in prayer and through your sacrificial gift to the Annual Diocesan Appeal, makes it possible to provide these services. Please prayerfully consider making a pledge to this year’s appeal.

We have not reached our goals in a few churches. You will find cards in each church if you have misplaced your mailing or feel free to go to the Diocese of Peoria ADA Giving at Annual Diocesan Appeal — Catholic Diocese of Peoria (www.cdop.org/ada), or use this QR Code to donate electronically. 

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Amazon Wish List for Carroll Catholic Teachers and Staff 

AMAZON WISH LIST FOR CARROLL CATHOLIC SCHOOL TEACHERS AND STAFF

Here are links to the Amazon items the staff would   love! Just copy and paste into your search engine and order away! Or, you can just click on the below links and shop! We appreciate your support!

 Preschool - https://a.co/6uuSEMo

 Prekindergarten - https://a.co/7WJtns9

 Kindergarten/1st grade - https://a.co/8bWsgfs

 2nd grade - https://a.co/dCpuA4e  

 3rd/4th grade - https://a.co/4f72OuV

 5th/6th grade - https://www.amazon.com/hz/   wishlist/ls/326XEY51AJGWZ...

 7th/8th grade - https://a.co/5zksiH8

 Principal/History teacher - https://a.co/2M92vUq

 Secretary - https://a.co/dyr6ahQ

 Cook - https://a.co/e165La9

Thank you for all you do to support Carroll Catholic  School!

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 A library has been established at Holy Family Church! It is near the front entrance where the old baptistry and confessional were located. The room is still usable for confessions during COmmunal Reconciliation services. We are grateful to April Jensen who volunteered her library science skills to catalog and organize the books and media resources. Thank you, April!

Click here to view our Updated Mass Schedule