Together with the Parish Councils of Champaign and Logan Counties, we have come to a strong consensus on the name for our Family of Parishes. We will be called the Mary, Queen of Angels Family of Parishes! Thank you to everyone who submitted suggestions for our name. Since three of our churches are named after our Blessed Mother (Immaculate Conception, St. Mary, and St. Mary of the Woods), it seemed fitting to go with a Marian name. The reference to the angels incorporates St. Michael Church, as well as all the churches that say the prayer to St. Michael at the end of Mass.
There were many people who wanted the name ‘Our Lady of Fatima,’ but this name was taken by another family of parishes very early in the process. However, the title ‘Mary, Queen of Angels’ connects with the angel of Fatima.
I personally think ‘Mary, Queen of Angels’ is a beautiful title that reveals the high honor in which Mary is held, even in Heaven. As one parishioner pointed out, I had an image of Our Lady of the Angels on my ordination card. We are blessed to have such a powerful intercessor for our family of parishes!