What You Need to Know about Communion and
Coronavirus In the Rockford Diocese |
It is recommended that we all be particularly vigilant about practicing preventative measures as suggested
Wash your hands often |
|
Holy Week Alone: A Cross We Bear
Under the threat of COVID-19 spreading, Bishop Malloy and Pope Francis cancel public Holy Week services.
By Observer Staff
March 26, 2020
DIOCESE—As orders from the federal and state governments changed almost daily, Bishop David Malloy of the Rockford Diocese, changed his guidance to parishes to comply. Both he and Pope Francis have cancelled public Holy Week services.
In a letter he... Read More
By Amanda Hudson, News Editor
March 26, 2020
Once they were everywhere, but now it is harder to find church altars complete with altar stones.
An altar stone is a piece of natural stone containing the relics of a saint or saints in a cavity. They are consecrated by a bishop, as is shown here at St. ... Read More
By Amanda Hudson, News Editor
March 26, 2020
ST. CHARLES—As the coronavirus impact grew, Linda Abendroth, a parishioner at St. Patrick Parish here, and her cousin Janice Nasuti felt they needed to do something to encourage prayer.
“We were prompted to become active (one) Saturday w... Read More
Pews Lightly Filled in Diocese
Despite Bishop Malloy’s immediate dispensations for the ill, older and fearful parishioners, many opt to attend Masses.
By Pat Szpekowski, Observer Correspondent
March 19, 2020
DIOCESE—The first weekend, March 14 and 15, of the new coronavirus guidelines for Mass issued by Bishop David Malloy set the tone at churches around the diocese.
At weekend Masses, diocesan Catholics learned of the bishop’s decision last week ... Read More
March 19, 2020
ROCKFORD—Msgr. Thomas J. Monahan, 90, died Sunday, March 15, 2020, at Wesley Willows in Rockford.
Born in Des Moines, Iowa, to James and Leona (Waltenbaugh) Monahan on July 30, 1929, Msgr. Monahan attended Leo High School in Chicago, St. Joseph High... Read More
By Lynne Conner, Observer Correspondent
March 19, 2020
ROCKFORD—Just hours before Illinois governor J.B. Pritzker closed all Illinois public and private schools in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Bishop David Malloy and the Rockford Diocese Education Office released a statement closing Catholic elementary and high schools throu... Read More
March 19, 2020
Set the tone
Use a calm, reassuring voice. This will help your children see how you are trying to cope and will help them do the same. They learn best from watching how you handle situations.
Share accurate info... Read More
By Penny Wiegert, Editor
March 12, 2020
DIOCESE—Sometimes we hope God answers our prayers and sometimes we know God answers them.
One of those times happened right before Lent at the Diocesan Administration Center.
A regular fixture in the chapel at the DAC is a basket fill... Read More
By Amanda Hudson, News Editor
March 12, 2020
ROCKFORD—Bunches of blue and silver pinwheels cover one side of Heather Dunaway’s cubicle — an upcoming, tangible reminder for the parish and school staffs of the Diocese of Rockford that April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month.
March 12, 2020
AURORA— Dr. Seuss came to Holy Angels School Feb. 27 to help celebrate the second family reading night there.
With Seuss-themed games, crafts and readings from the famed children’s author, 40 Aurora University students led by three faculty mem... Read More
February 27, 2020
ALBANY
St. Patrick, Illinois Rte. 84
Info: 815-857-2315
March 6, 20, April 3 — Stations of the Cross: 5:30 p.m.
February 27, 2020
CRYSTAL LAKE—A Silent No More Campaign speaking event will be held on Thursday, March 5, 7 p.m. at McHenry County College, 8900 US-14, Crystal Lake, in the Luecht Conference Center, Door B.
The Silent No More Awareness is a campaign to help the publ... Read More
February 27, 2020
AURORA—Marmion Academy’s Student Council and Leadership Education and Development (LEAD) Program will host the annual Mr. Marmion talent and performance show March 6. Students from each class will compete in four events and a panel of faculty judges will determine the winner.&nbs... Read More
February 27, 2020
AURORA—Four alumni were inducted into Marmion Athletic Hall of Fame Feb. 7.
J. Reed “Whiz” O’Malley, class of 1956, played golf and basketball at Marmion. He graduated from the University of Notre Dame and served a... Read More
By Penny Wiegert, Editor
February 20, 2020
EAST DUBUQUE—Father Peter Snieg, pastor of St. Mary Parish here and Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary Parish in Menominee, announced to teachers, parents and parishioners on Feb. 14 that St. Mary Parish elementary school will close at the end of this school year.
... Read More
By Penny Wiegert, Editor
February 20, 2020
ROCKFORD—It may be only February but Bishop David Malloy wants to invite you to a Thanksgiving celebration — a thanksgiving Mass that is.
Each year diocesan Catholics are asked to contribute donations to the Diocesan Annual Appeal. Along with ... Read More
February 20, 2020
DIOCESE—For the first time in 17 years, Lent will be a little different in the Rockford Diocese and in Peru.
This Lent, Rockford Diocesan children won’t be asked to decorate hearts with colors and messages to be shared with students just like ... Read More
It’s All About God’s Love
Friends and ‘Brothers’ Travel ‘The Way’ Together in Spain
By Margarita Mendoza, El Observador Editor
February 13, 2020
Whoever finds a friend finds a treasure, says the Bible In Sirach 6:14.
Justin Skeesuck and Patrick Gray’s friendship is proof of that. Skeesuck is confined to a wheelchair. He used to live a normal life until he had a car accident when he was a tee... Read More
February 13, 2020
DIXON—Deacon Robert Eugene Brandenburg, 91, of Dixon, died Tuesday, Feb. 4, 2020, at Rock River Hospice and Home.
He was born July 7, 1928, in Portland, Ore., the son of Henry and Minnie (Carlson) Brandenburg. Deacon Brandenburg worked a... Read More
By Sharon Boehlefeld, Features Editor
February 13, 2020
ROCKFORD—Students from six Rockford Deanery Catholic schools attended the first regional Here I Am Lord vocations conference on Jan. 24.
Participants came from St. Rita (the host school), All Saints Academy and Holy Family schools in Rockford; St Ja... Read More
... As We Forgive
Connecticut deacon helps Elgin, Kankakee high school students learn from poor behavior at basketball game.
By Margarita Mendoza, El Observador Editor
February 6, 2020
ELGIN— St. Edward Central Catholic High School and Bishop McNamara Catholic High School came together Jan. 24 for a day of healing.
The sensitivity training, integration and reconciliation event was part of the apologies that St. Edward CCHS h... Read More
By Amanda Hudson, News Editor
February 6, 2020
ROCKFORD—Boys, girls and adults earned religious awards this year, presented at the Cathedral of St. Peter on Scout Sunday afternoon, Feb. 2.
Bishop David Malloy spoke of the “dedication, work, stick-to-it-iveness” needed to earn the awa... Read More
February 6, 2020
ROCKFORD—Scouts Sunday honors went to:
Light of Christ Award -- Joseph Bachta, Cole Brochtrup, Xander Burkel, Damian Fletes, Lucas Fontana, Caelan Frank, Adam Graczyk, Eddie Kaptinoff, Isabel Lamb, Giovanni Losurdo, Cayden Me... Read More
By Amanda Hudson, News Editor
February 6, 2020
DIOCESE—Girls now have another option in addition to Girl Scouts and American Heritage Girls.
In 2018, the Boy Scouts of America became Scouts BSA and began accepting girls into the program.
A May 2018 comm... Read More
February 6, 2020
AURORA—Amy McMahon has been appointed Head of School at Rosary High School here as of Jan. 30. McMahon has served as Rosary’s Assistant principal and dean of students since July 2018.
Former Head of School Anthony Wilkinson is stepping d... Read More
February 6, 2020
WAUWATOSA, Wis.—Father Louis Busemeyer, SJ, died on Sunday, Jan. 26, 2020, in Wisconsin.
He was 81 years old and a member of the Society of Jesus for 60 years, and of the St. Camillus Jesuit Community in Milwaukee.
... Read More
By Amanda Hudson, News Editor
February 6, 2020
Medical marijuana has been legal in Illinois for some time now, and recreational marijuana is now legal as well.
But another marijuana product called CBD (cannabidiol) may attract people who would not normally consider using marijuana. CBD products ... Read More
February 6, 2020
n Numerous testimonies which confirm one another lead one to the conclusion that nature itself has made provision to render more bearable at the moment of death separations that would be terribly painful to a person in full health.
n Physica... Read More
By Amanda Hudson, News Editor and Margarita Mendoza El Observador Editor
January 30, 2020
ST. CHARLES—Father Jeremy Trowbridge celebrated the Jan. 22 send-off Mass at St. John Neumann Church here for pilgrims to the March for Life in Washington, D.C.
Two full busses from the Diocese of Rockford traveled to the Jan. 24 event.
... Read MoreJanuary 30, 2020
WASHINGTON (CNS)—What you don’t comprehend about the marching portion of the March for Life until you’re in it is — even though it appears somewhat unorganized at the start — it’s an intensely polite and orderly experience despite its immense size.
... Read MoreJanuary 30, 2020
The students at St. Charles Borromeo School in Hampshire engage in service-learning throughout the school year.
Before Christmas, students made candy cane reindeer for soldiers who are recovering at Walter Reed hospital in Washington D.C.
&... Read More
CATHOLIC SCHOOLS WEEK 2020
The Observer dedicates 13 pages to honor Catholic Schools Week in the January 24 edition
January 23, 2020
What is National Catholic Schools Week?
Since 1974, National Catholic Schools Week is the annual celebration of Catholic education in the United States. It starts the last Sunday in Jan... Read More
By Amanda Hudson, News Editor
January 23, 2020
ROCKFORD—A Catholic family and a Boylan student were honored at the annual January Life Breakfast on Jan. 15 sponsored by the International Organization for the Family (IOF).
The White Rose Award was presented by Dr. Allan Carlson of IOF to Alexandr... Read More
January 16, 2020
Parishioners from St. Patrick Parish in St. Charles and St. James Parish in Belvidere join the 2020 March for Life rally at Daley Plaza in Chicago on Jan. 11.
The march theme was “Life Empowers: Pro-Life is Pro-Woman.”
Read More
January 16, 2020
ST. CHARLES—Knights of Columbus Council 12497 of St. Charles held its 2019 annual Thanksgiving “Pies by the Guys” event Nov. 1 and 2.
This year two Rockford Diocese councils, Sugar Grove Council 16660, Aurora Council 14795 and the ... Read More
January 16, 2020
ROCKFORD—The Diocesan Theological Institute will begin offering spring classes in ongoing faith formation for adults Jan. 18. Classes, instructors and times are:
♦ “Theology of the Body and Ge... Read More
January 16, 2020
FREEPORT—St. Mary Parish here has begun presenteing the Yolanda Garcia Nava Award. It will be given each year in memory of her dedication both to her faith and to the parish and its Hispanic community.
Garcia Nava was always willing to help an... Read More
January 16, 2020
When a priest becomes a bishop, he wears particular vestments and insignia to designate his office. Different vestments and insignia are required depending on the liturgy, ceremony, or event being celebrated.
Bishop David Malloy of the Dioces... Read More
Elgin’s St. Edward Catholic Preparatory Academy To be Formed, Open in Fall 2020
St. Joseph campus to host new academy
By Penny Wiegert, Editor
January 9, 2020
ELGIN—The Diocese of Rockford announced to parents, faculty and parishioners at St. Joseph Parish here, that it would be the site of the new vision for Catholic education in the Elgin area.
St. Joseph School will be home of the new St. Edward ... Read More
By Amanda Hudson, News Editor
January 9, 2020
DIOCESE—The first of the three 2020 combined collections — the National Appeal — will be held at diocesan parishes the weekend of Jan. 18-19.
The National Appeal collects donations to benefit the:
n&t... Read More
By Amanda Hudson, News Editor
January 9, 2020
ROCKFORD—“We’re all here for basically the same reason ... I hope you gather a bit of spiritual strength from this (and that) you give some encouragement and some spiritual strength” to others, Bishop David Malloy said at his Christmas morning Masses at the Winnebago ... Read More
In the Habit
Habits ‘Should Mark Us’
By Amanda Hudson, News Editor
September 12, 2019
Brother Theodore Haggerty, OSB, is one of the younger monks at Marmion Abbey, scheduled to be ordained to the priesthood next year.
He and Benedictine Father Joel Rippinger talk about the “great witness value” of their habits.
&... Read More
August 15, 2019
A retreat is an intentional time away from your daily life.
It can make room for you to experience a new awareness of the presence of God. For generations, people have gone on spiritual retreats to encounter God and experience spiritual renewal.
August 15, 2019
Whether done at home or elsewhere, personal retreats can be helpful and spiritually refreshing.
Get away from your usual surroundings if possible. A change of scene most often results in a change of mind-set. Do this even if you live alone. For a sh... Read More
By Penny Wiegert, Editor
August 8, 2019
ROCKFORD—The paint is dry, the floors and windows are squeaky clean, the staff is anxious and the doors are ready to open wide for students at All Saints Catholic Academy on Aug. 28.
Head of Schools, Renee Payne said Aug. 1 that supplies and equipme... Read More
August 8, 2019
Name: All Saints Catholic Academy
First day: Aug. 28, 2019
History: ASCA is located at 409 N. First Street on the campus of St. James Parish, the first Catholic Church... Read More
By Lynne Conner, Observer Correspondent
May 2, 2019
ROCKFORD—Those “who began a good work” in the life of Boylan Central Catholic High School alumnae, Amanda Clement, are sharing in the performer’s success as Clement made a visit to her alma mater April 29.
She spoke to choir ... Read More
By Louise Brass, Observer Correspondent
April 11, 2019
MAYTOWN—St. Patrick would be proud! The people of the church named for him in Maytown have kept faith with the founding families and maintained the church building through thick and thin for 100 years.
Although the population in the area has thinned... Read More
By Louise Brass, Observer Correspondent
April 11, 2019
MAYTOWN—The roots of St. Patrick Parish in Maytown go back almost 180 years, and the founding families planted those roots deep.
This parish was started in 1840, before the Civil War. The first Mass was said in the home of William Dolan, just a few ... Read More
By Amanda Hudson, News Editor
April 4, 2019
SPRINGFIELD—It was a busy day March 20 at the State Capitol as an estimated 4,000 pro-life advocates from around Illinois gathered to lobby their elected officials and participate in an afternoon rally against bills that are moving through the House and Senate that would radically dere... Read More
By Amanda Hudson, News Editor
March 7, 2019
“Katie” has an inner joy that sparkles out, particularly when she talks about God.
Her deep happiness, rooted in God’s mercy, is hard won. Now in her mid-50s, Katie continues to recover from her two abortions, the first done when she was... Read More
March 7, 2019
DIOCESE—Bishop David Malloy asked that his Feb. 28 letter about abortion laws in Illinois be read at all weekend Masses on March 2 and 3. The text of the letter follows:
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
March 7, 2019
Abortions laws are in flux in the United States, ranging from a New York law that allows abortion up to delivery to a Missouri law that bans abortion when the heartbeat of an unborn child can be detected.
Catholic News Service reports new abortion legisla... Read More
By Amanda Hudson, News Editor
February 28, 2019
ROCKFORD—“People want to talk with us because we have a wife (and maybe) children,” said Deacon Ignacio Felix.
Deacon Thomas Petit agreed. “People see us (as someone who) has walked in their shoes,” he said. “They think... Read More
February 21, 2019
DIOCESE—On Feb. 13, two new abortion bills were introduced in the Illinois General Assembly.
They are House Bill (HB) 2467: Parent Notice Abortion- Repeal, and HB 2495: The Reproductive Health Act.
“T... Read More
February 21, 2019
DIOCESE—A vote is expected on Feb. 25 in the U.S. Senate on the Born-Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act (S. 311/H.R 962).
If passed, it would require health care providers to care for an abortion survivor as they would any newborn.
... Read MoreNovember 15, 2018
ROCKFORD—The Diocese of Rockford on Nov. 14, released a list of those priests, deacons, and religious against whom a substantiated allegation of sexual abuse of a minor has been reported.
The list includes the names of six diocesan priests, one perm... Read More
November 15, 2018
“With all my heart I seek you; do not let me stray from your commandments. In my heart I treasure your promise that I may not sin against you.” (Ps 119:10-11)
In January 2004, the Diocese of Rockford published a four-page report to th... Read More
 |
A Subscribers Guide to Reading The Observer Digital Edition. - Click Here - |
 |
Learn how you can share that 'special year' in your life |