SPRINGFIELD – The Diocese of Springfield will welcome a new community this summer.
The Norbertine Fathers of St. Michael’s Abbey will arrive around the beginning of July, Bishop Thomas Paprocki said, and will establish the Evermode Institute, a spiritual and intellectual training center for Catholics, at the Chiara Center on the grounds of the Hospitaller Sisters of Saint Francis.
“This community is shrinking and looking to see what they could do with the beautiful property with a wonderful church,” Paprocki said. “We have made the decision to hand this over to the Diocese and we have put it in a trust where we will have the Evermode Institute.”
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The Norbertines, of Southern California, grew as a community and were looking for a place to establish a new community, Paprocki said. The connection to the Diocese of Springfield came about through Reverend Kevin Vann, a Decatur native who is now Bishop of the Diocese of Orange County, California. Vann introduced Paprocki and his team to the Norbertine community.
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Kevin Vann
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The institute is necessary, Paprocki said, because Catholic schools today are staffed almost entirely by lay teachers, unlike when he was a child and almost all of his teachers were nuns. Pope Francis has spoken of the need for extensive training for lay teachers and catechists, and the Evermode Institute will provide that to the Diocese of Springfield.
“We are excited about this growth in vocations and hope this is the first step,” Paprocki said. “It’s a beautiful property that the sisters have, and with the arrival of the Norbertines, I hope it’s a first step for more good things to come.”
A look back at the churches in the Decatur region
People’s Church of God

1983: People’s Church of God “Christmas Windows” children.
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Church of the Living God PGT Temple 2

1994: Choir members representing 14 churches participate in the New Year
Concert of the ecumenical choir of the day before at Temple 2.
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First Presbyterian Church

1987: First Presbyterian Church meets for peace with Reverend Ron Allin, far right.
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First Presbyterian Church

1942: The program of the First Ye Olde Songe Presbyterian Church includes from left to right in the front row, Mrs. William Ridgly, Mrs. LF Wiegand and Mrs. Corwin Johns; back row, EM Lyons, conductor Alan Easterling and LF Wiegand.
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First United Methodist Church

1977: First Boare Head Festival of the United Methodist Church.
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First United Methodist Church

1991: Rehearsal of the United Methodist Church’s first children’s choir front row from left, Tyler Smith, Leah Brown and Cameron Barnett with members of the Asbury and Good News choirs.
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First United Methodist Church

1984: The first attendees of The United Methodist Church’s Madrigal Dinner dance and sing along to the ancient songs.
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Grace United Methodist Church

1984: The Madrigal Singers of Grace United Methodist Church front from left, Ken Buckles, Carol Drayton; back row, Donna White and Bill Milligan.
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Grace United Methodist Church

1990: Grace United Methodist Church Adult Choir.
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Grace United Methodist Church

1988: Martha Weigel, director of Grace United Methodist Church’s parent outing program, read a book to children.
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Church of God

1932: The dedication of the Churches of God meeting hall includes 30 ministers and a group from the Church of God.
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Boiling Springs Road Church of God

1931: Church of God officers at elders meeting.
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First Church of God in Christ

1990: Church of God in Christ, left to right, Pastor ME Allen prays with Mary Walker, Jimmy Walker and Paulette Hines.
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First United Congregational Church

1994: United First Congregational Church’s Last Supper with Dave Brown as Jesus.
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Contact Valerie Wells at (217) 421-7982. Follow her on Twitter: @modgirlreporter