Collection Aids Work in U.S. and Diocese
National Appeal Weekend Jan. 19-20
By Amanda Hudson, News Editor
January 10, 2019
DIOCESE—The 2019 National Appeal, a collection in parishes across the diocese that combines what would otherwise be six separate collections, will take place the weekend of Jan. 19-20.
Calling them “established efforts to share the faith here in the United States,” Bishop David Malloy in his letter to parishioners across the diocese to... Read More
Rockford City Hall Delays Old Chancery Demolition
Rockford group seeks historic status for the 1929 building
January 10, 2019
ROCKFORD—Planned demolition of a former parish convent and the former diocesan chancery building, scheduled for safety reasons during the Christmas break at the Cathedral of St. Peter School, was denied by the City of Rockford just days before the buildings were to be razed.
Work was halted because a local Rockford group called the Friends o... Read More
Bishop Visits Jail on Christmas Day
For the first time, Bishop David Malloy also meets with women at Winnebago County Jail.
By Amanda Hudson, News Editor
January 10, 2019
ROCKFORD— For the seventh time since becoming Bishop of the Diocese of Rockford in May 2012 Bishop David Malloy celebrated Mass on Christmas Day for men inmates at the Winnebago County Jail.
This year for the first time he was able to minister also to a roomful of female inmates. An earlier than usual Mass time for the men made it possible to arra... Read More
January 10, 2019
Rev. Jhakson A. Garcia — to be Parochial Administrator at St. Patrick Parish, Rockford, Illinois, effective Wednesday, Jan. 1, 2019.
Rev. Johnson Lopez — to be Parochial Administrator at St. Edward Parish, Rockford, Illinois, effective Wednesday, Jan. 1, 2019.
Rev... Read More
By Amanda Hudson, News Editor
January 10, 2019
ROCKFORD—Although John McGrath retired as director of ministry formation and religious education for the Diocese of Rockford at the end of December, he doesn’t plan to disappear.
“My vocation has been to be an educator and a teacher,” he says. “That won’t change with retirement. I’ve let go of some of the admini... Read More
January 10, 2019
WOODSTOCK—Father Louis Tosto retired effective Dec. 1, 2018.
His was a later-in-life vocation, entering seminary studies at age 44 and ordained at age 49.
The schools he attended include Forest View High School in Arlington Heights, college at Cardinal Stritch in Milwaukee, Wis., and Sacred Heart School o... Read More
January 10, 2019
DIOCESE—Last year it was basketball at three high schools. This year it was only two schools, but Rockford Diocese priests and seminarians took their basketball and volleyball skills on the road during Christmas break.
The second “holiday tourney” featured games at Newman Central Catholic High School in Sterling on Dec. 26 and at... Read More
December 20, 2018
DIOCESE—Lunch time became a cause for upset and it was not because of bad food on Dec. 13.
Around noon that day, several sites in the Diocese of Rockford were caught up in a nation-wide email hoax containing a threat to explode a bomb.
St. Rita Parish, Rockford; St. Mary Parish, McHenry and the Dioc... Read More
By Amanda Hudson, News Editor
December 20, 2018
ROCKFORD—As a child, Sandra Dettori lived in Italy and was captivated by the crèche scenes there and in other parts of Europe.
“As a young child, you’re fascinated,” she says of the village scenes surrounding the nativity. “You imagine what’s going on.”
Little did she ... Read More
By Pat Szpekowski, Observer Correspondent
December 20, 2018
HUNTLEY—“The opening of Simbang Gabi is a sign that the Lord is near,” said Bishop David Malloy, “and the third rose candle of Advent reminds us all of hope and joy.”
In anticipation of what was to come, both excitement and reverence was apparent among more than 800 members of the Fox Valley Filipino community gathered for ... Read More
Making Room in the Inn
Aurora’s House of Peace Offers Lodging for Women in Need
By Margarita Mendoza, El Observador Editor
December 13, 2018
AURORA—A decent home and spiritual support are the mainstays at the House of Peace (Casa de la Paz) at St. Nicholas Parish here.
The residence is for women going through difficult times who need a temporary place to live. The home also serves adult students looking for affordable, clean and safe lodging while they finish their classes.
... Read MoreStained Glass ... a Place for Reflection
Art in Our Churches
By Louise Brass, Observer Correspondent
December 6, 2018
If walls could talk there would be a lot of history to reveal.
Stained glass windows in the walls of churches do talk — virtually speaking — and tell the stories of heroes and saints, while also reflecting Catholic symbols and truths.
Even the most casual visitor to a Catholic church, cathedral, or basili... Read More
Diocesan Bishop Lane Retreat Center Renovated
New Entrance Makes Main Building More Accessible
By Amanda Hudson, News Editor
December 6, 2018
ROCKFORD—Making Bishop Lane Retreat Center ”handicapped accessible ... was our number one goal,” says Kristen Sapoznik, director of the center southwest of Rockford.
Although the second floor of the retreat center’s main building has long been accessible via a back driveway and a door leading into its chapel, the first floo... Read More
By Penny Wiegert, Editor
November 22, 2018
ROCKFORD—Bishop David Malloy and Cathedral of St. Peter Rector Father Stephen St. Jules announced changes and improvements to the Cathedral of St. Peter campus during an informational meeting Nov. 19.
About 35 people gathered in the fellowship hall to find out about the next chapter in parish and diocesan history.
November 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 permanent deacon and eight religious order priests who served for a time in the Diocese of Rockford.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 the people of the Diocese of Rockford which outlined the history of sexual abuse of minors in the dioc... Read More
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