By Pat Szpekowski, Observer Correspondent
August 22, 2019
MCHENRY—“You are linked to Mary,” said Bishop David Malloy to parishioners during an evening Mass on the Feast of the Assumption, Aug. 15, at St. Mary Parish, here.
The day held special significance as the parish commemorated its founding on Aug. 15, 1894, and celebrated 125 years of service to God and the community. The parish began w... Read More
August 22, 2019
ROCKFORD—St. Patrick Parish will celebrate 100 years on the west side of Rockford on Aug. 31 with a 4 p.m. Mass followed by a reception.
Bishop David Malloy will serve as main celebrant, joined by priests who have served at the parish and Father Jhakson Garcia, current parochial administrator.
The first p... Read More
Sept. 11 Blue Mass in Shannon Changes Venue
After years at fire station, Mass moves to St. Wendelin
August 22, 2019
SHANNON—The annual Knights of Columbus Blue Mass in honor of the attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, will switch things up a bit this year.
Since the first Sept. 11 Blue Mass at St. Wendelin Parish in 2002, participants have gathered at the church and walked in procession to the Shannon Fire Station a couple of blocks away for the Mass. This year the event... Read More
By Amanda Hudson, News Editor
August 22, 2019
ROCKFORD—Seminarians Joshua Moore and Connor Orabutt, both of whom soon will begin their first year of theological studies at St. Mary-of-the-Lake Seminary in Mundelein, took an important step in their vocations discernment on Aug. 15.
That first step of candidacy, Bishop David Malloy said, is a matter of “declaring oneself to be willing to ... Read More
Silver and Gold
Married Couples Honored at Annual Mass Aug. 18 in Huntley
By Margarita Mendoza, El Observador Editor
August 22, 2019
HUNTLEY—This year 303 couples participated in the traditional Silver and Gold celebration, Aug. 18 at St Mary Parish, here.
Some brought family members and friends to share the day. All received a blessing from Bishop David Malloy.
“Marriage is a gift and as any gift comes from the hand but also fro... Read More
By Amanda Hudson, News Editor
August 15, 2019
ROCKFORD—As in years past, the Poor Clare Colettine nuns at Corpus Christi Monastery made baskets of small breads to be blessed by the bishop and distributed to those who attended Mass at the monastery on the feast of St. Clare, this year falling on a Sunday, Aug. 11.
The custom stems from a story about St. Clare, who blessed some bread made by he... Read More
By Lynne Conner, Observer Correspondent
August 15, 2019
ROCKFORD—The 30th annual International Living Rosary was held on Aug. 11 at St. Anthony of Padua Parish, here.
The event was sponsored by the Diocesan Council of Catholic Women (DCCW) and was hosted by the St. Anthony Altar and Rosary Society.
Those attending participated as “living beads” and... Read More
August 15, 2019
ELKHORN, Wis.—Father Bernard J. Mullane died Wednesday, Aug. 7, 2019, at Holton Manor Care Facility here.
Father Mullane was born on Nov. 14, 1930, in Rockford to Cornelius Mullane and Sarah Harnett.
He attended St. Thomas High School in Rockford from 1944 to 1948. He then attended St. Franci... Read More
By Margarita Mendoza, El Observador Editor
August 15, 2019
AURORA—Suffocating heat didn’t stop the fun or the spiritual experience at the Sacred Heart annual festival, here, Aug. 4.
“It is impressive, all the people and the families who are here despite the warm temperatures,” said Bishop David Malloy after he prayed and toured the event grounds, blessing festival goers, artists an... Read More
By Amanda Hudson, News Editor
August 15, 2019
BATAVIA—Sister Myra Lambert is a member of the Servants of the Holy Heart of Mary. Her background includes studying the process of giving retreats and the experience of making retreats — directed, preached and one-on-one retreats.
Her M.A.S. degree in Spiritual Direction is from the University of San Francisco, “which is a Jesuit unive... 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.
It can also be an opportunity to put some distance between you and the d... Read More
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 short retreat — say a half-day — head to a nearby park or even your own guest room. <... 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 equipment from the former Cathedral of St. Peter School and St. Edward Catholic School were received at All... 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 established in the City of Rockford. The centrally located downtown school will continue the tradit... Read More
By Amanda Hudson, News Editor
August 8, 2019
ROCKFORD—Several Vincentians — members of St. Vincent de Paul conferences — gathered at St. Rita Church on July 31 to test-drive and finish organizing a newly-local training program for area SVdP conferences.
The Ozanam Orientation Central District Training Team — named for SVdP founder Blessed Antoine-Fréd&eac... Read More
By Amanda Hudson, News Editor
August 8, 2019
ROCKFORD—The 41st annual Festa Italiana drew all ages to the grounds of Boylan Central Catholic High School for three days of fun, food, faith and culture Aug. 2-4.
“The emphasis on family, on the shared history of migration and on the centrality of faith and life, joined to the food and festival make this a most-worthy event,” said Bi... Read More
By Pat Szpekowski, Observer Correspondent
August 1, 2019
HAMPSHIRE— “Cursillo is a short course in Christianity bringing people to a closer relationship with Christ,” said Ken Meeker, a member of Holy Cross Parish in Batavia.
He serves as the English-language coordinator and volunteer Cursillo lay director of the Rockford Diocese.
The Cursillo... Read More
August 1, 2019
COPPELL, Texas—Father Thomas Burr died July 29, 2019, at his residence in St. Joseph Village in Coppell, Texas. He was 83.
Father Burr was born Nov. 25, 1935, in Geneva to Ralph and Clara (Keller) Burr.
Originally from St. Patrick Parish in St. Charles, Father Burr graduated from Marmion Military Academy ... Read More
By Margarita Mendoza, El Observador Editor
August 1, 2019
ROCKFORD—Some prayer items made in Rockford were distributed during the July 17-21 visit of the Mexican Mobile Consulate to St. Bernadette Parish on the west side.
The consulate visit is “to help our neighbors get their paperwork in order,” said Kevin Rilott, director of religious education (DRE) at the parish.
Read More
By Amanda Hudson, News Editor
August 1, 2019
ROCKFORD—An Encounter Retreat for young men who are seeking God’s direction was held July 21-23 at Bishop Lane Retreat Center.
Seventeen young men attended the event organized and run by seven seminarians. Four priests, including Father Kyle Manno, director of vocations, assisted with parts of the retreat.
... Read More
Making Room  for God
Exodus 90 is a spiritual boost â€" and ‘boot camp’ â€" for modern Catholics
By Amanda Hudson, News Editor
July 25, 2019
‘I t is the will of God that the soul should be empty of all created things, so that it may become a fitting altar of His Majesty.’
So said St. John of the Cross, who would likely approve of Exodus 90, a sort of spiritual fat farm and boot camp designed by seminarians for seminarians that has evolved to welcome parish priests and lait... Read More
July 25, 2019
The Exodus 90 website describes the spiritual exercise for men as “based on a challenging 90-day period of purification, a dying to self, which is supported by a fraternity of like-minded men for greater interior freedom and, eventually, a more purified and selfless love ... it is a program for men who seek, together, to strive for a more-perfect freedom. This is the cornerstone of t... Read More
By Amanda Hudson, News Editor
July 25, 2019
CRYSTAL LAKE—Father Akan Simon, parochial vicar at St. Thomas the Apostle Parish, here, and several volunteers provided information and a way for parishioners to donate to a new project, “Building 4 God,” after all Masses the weekend of June 29-30.
That kickoff fundraising effort is being done in support of St. Joseph Church in Father ... Read More
The Chair
Cathedral of St. Peter and Bishop Malloy To be Part of New Catholic TV Series
By Penny Wiegert, Editor
July 11, 2019
‘Hello, my name is Bishop David Malloy and this is a sneak peak of “The Chair.” ’
That sentence began an hour-long interview and voice recordings for an episode of “The Chair” filmed July 1 at the Cathedral of St. Peter in Rockford.
“ ‘The Chair’ ser... Read More
By Margarita Mendoza, El Observador Editor
July 11, 2019
‘JP2 has smaller classes where the teachers can really pay attention to their students. ...
and students like me can become close to their classmates.’
and students like me can become close to their classmates.’
Read More
July 11, 2019
MAYTOWN—St. Patrick Parish here is compiling a booklet for its 100th anniversary. Organizers are asking for pictures from parishioners by Sept. 30. They may include celebrations of all kinds.
Info: Diane Blaine, 815-440-3265
July 11, 2019
DIOCESE—The 35th annual Knights of the Roundtable banquet will honor three Knights of Columbus from around the diocese on Sept. 25.
Honorees will be Father Phillip A. Kaim, Holy Family Council 12123, Rockford; Troy Grower, Columbian Council 2191, Batavia; and Thomas Griffin, Father Ron Conro Council 10212, Elizabeth.
July 11, 2019
St. Mary Parish in Tampico fetes Sister Philomene Reiland, CSJ, on June 23 in honor of her 60th jubilee.
Coffee and sandwiches were served after Mass.
She told parishioners about the history of her order.
Sister Philomene, an organist, has accompanied Masses since the death of pia... Read More
July 11, 2019
Totus Tuus Religious Education Summer Camp is given by college students and seminarians from the
Rockford Diocese who share their energy and enthusiasm for Jesus Christ and the Catholic faith.
Totus Tuus includes sacraments, skits, songs, games, Marian devotions, crafts, inspiring and interactive learning. The camp lasts for one wee... Read More
By Amanda Hudson, News Editor
July 4, 2019
ROCKFORD— The first of three Encounter Retreats to be held this summer welcomed young women from seventh grade through college to Bishop Lane Retreat Center June 23-26.
Encounter retreats are being offered this year in place of the traditional summer vocation camps sponsored by the diocesan Vocation Office. This first encounter retreat brought wom... Read More
July 4, 2019
DIOCESE—“Top o’ the Morning with Bishop David Malloy” joined all three of the Rockford Diocese’s publications in receiving awards from the Catholic Media Conference, held in St. Petersburg, Fla., June 18-21.
The competition included Catholic media professionals from the United States and Canada.
July 4, 2019
ELGIN—The 30th anniversary St. Edward Central Catholic High School Tidal Wave, “Diamonds and Pearls,” drew more than 400 parents, friends, alums and sponsors at The Stonegate Banquet Center this spring.
Silent and live auction and raffles netted more than $100,000 to benefit the students and programs at the school. Read More
July 4, 2019
HUNTLEY—On June 8, St. Mary Parish, here, celebrated its first Special Needs Mass hosted by the St. Mary Knights of Columbus Council 11666 and Special Religious Development (SPRED) ministry.
The Mass was designed to assist those who have difficulty coming to Mass regularly and was held in the parish hall.
Hundreds Gather at Eucharistic Congress
St. Rita Parish in Rockford hosts its first such congress on Corpus Christi weekend
By Lynne Conner, Observer Correspondent
June 27, 2019
ROCKFORD—The first ever Eucharistic Congress at St. Rita Parish in Rockford was held June 22.
Sponsored by the Confraternity of Jesus Our Merciful Priest, “Free Indeed 2019, a Eucharistic Congress for the Healing of the Church” featured guest speakers, catechesis, workshop sessions, devotional exhibits, an international rosary an... Read More
June 27, 2019
WOODSTOCK—Father E. Yovanny Dorado Burbano, died June 22, 2019, at JourneyCare Hospice here after a courageous battle with cancer.
Father Dorado was born Nov. 22, 1969, in Ipiales Narino, Colombia, to Luis Felipe Dorado and Teresa del Carmen Burbano.
Father Dorado attended Major Seminary Valmaria de... Read More
June 27, 2019
Kathy Whitcomb, who has served the Church in the Rockford Diocese for nearly 35 years, was feted at a luncheon at the Diocesan Administration Center June 21.
She was greeted by many of the priests she has served over the last 21 years in the Office of Clergy and Religious, as well as by family and co-workers.
Attende... Read More
June 27, 2019
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (CNS)—Supreme Knight Carl Anderson said June 19 a new video produced by the fraternal organization is aimed at equipping parents with resources and the tools they need to protect their children from predators.
The video, titled “Protecting Our Children: A Family’s Response,” is meant to complement other Churc... Read More
By Observer Staff
June 20, 2019
ROCKFORD—Democratic Gov. J.B. Pritzker signed into law an abortion bill that Illinois’ Catholic bishops said eliminates “even minimal limitations on abortions under previous law” and whose passage by the legislature marked “a sad moment in our history as a state.”
Read More
New Name, Still Some Camp-Style Fun
Annual vocations camps get updates for 2019 season
By Amanda Hudson, News Editor
June 20, 2019
ROCKFORD—The trio of vocations summer camps — St. Therese, Jeremiah Days and First Call — have been renamed but still have some just-for-fun things planned as well as many activities to encounter Jesus.
The new name for each of them is “Encounter Retrea... Read More
Kathy Whitcomb Retires after Decades of Service
Martha Fetterhoff to follow Whitcomb in service to new diocesan vicar
By Amanda Hudson, News Editor
June 20, 2019
ROCKFORD—Kathy Whitcomb began serving the Church in Rockford as a volunteer in 1981 when she moved to Rockford and Holy Family Parish from farther south in Illinois.
“I guess I was (at Holy Family) so much, they thought they might as well hire me,” she says with a laugh.
She began fulltime work as s... Read More
June 20, 2019
ROCKFORD—Kevin Fuss, executive secretary and diocesan director of Research and Planning, announced three openings on the Diocesan Pastoral Council (DPC) at its June 1 meeting.
One representative is needed from each of the Aurora, Elgin and McHenry deaneries.
Criteria for serving on the DPC are... Read More
June 20, 2019
AURORA—Aurora’s Dominican Literacy Center closed its yearlong 25th anniversary celebration June 1 with “Finding Mystery in the Ordinary,” a retreat for 20 DLC staff and anniversary committee members.
Keynote speaker was Sister Ann Willits, OP, from Sinsinawa Mound in Wisconsin. The morning event was held at Casa Santa Maria, a ne... Read More
June 20, 2019
DEKALB—Catholic Daughters, Immaculate Conception 996 from St. Mary Parish in DeKalb supported teachers at St. Mary schools in DeKalb and Sycamore this school year.
Members picked a teacher as a “secret pal” for the school year, sending notes of encouragement and thanks, little gifts, and surprises for the holidays. Read More
June 20, 2019
Over 600 volunteers from the two St. Charles parishes — St. John Neumann and St. Patrick — joined together to pack 132,192 meals for people who have little or no food and are in jeopardy of starving in Third World countries.
The event was organized by the St. Charles Knights of Columbus Council 12497 and the St Charles Ladies Auxiliary and c... Read More
By Penny Wiegert, Editor
June 13, 2019
DIOCESAN—Members of the Diocesan Pastoral Council were updated on legislation protecting and threatening life around the U.S. and in Illinois during their meeting June 8.
A report on Be Reconciled Day and Ministry Day opened the agenda followed by a preview by Bishop David Malloy on the proposed changes and updates coming from the Unit... Read More
Ground Cleared for Campus Changes
Legal Barriers Hurdled, Demo Under Way at Old Chancery
Observer Staff
June 13, 2019
ROCKFORD—After months of meetings, petitions, protests and waiting for decisions, the former chancery and convent are being razed to make way for prayer gardens and parking at the Cathedral of St. Peter campus here.
Judge Donna Honzel ruled May 31 that a group calling themselves “Save Piety Hill” had no legal standing and therefore can... Read More
June 13, 2019
DIOCESE—Registration is open for this year’s Silver and Gold Anniversary Mass, to be celebrated by Bishop David Malloy on Aug. 18 at St. Mary Parish in Huntley.
Mass will begin at 2:30 p.m. and will be followed by a cake and punch reception in the parish hall.
Couples from the Rockford Diocese... Read More
By Louise Brass, Observer Correspondent
June 13, 2019
SYCAMORE—Young adults gathered to hear the importance of making a decision to follow Christ, during “A Pentecost Evening of Reflection” with author and speaker Pete Burak, May 28.
Burak’s ministry focuses on helping lead young adults to become missionary disciples and to live more deeply the life of faith through the Holy Spirit.... Read More
June 13, 2019
DEKALB—On May 7 the Catholic Daughters of the Americas’ local court, Immaculate Conception 996, presented awards to winners of this year’s national education contest.
The contest is open to and encourages students of the community, local schools, CCD classes, homeschooled children, and even adults, to use their imagination and fr... Read More
June 13, 2019
POLO—Kay Tyne was selected as the recipient of the 18th annual Woman of the Year Award from St. Mary Parish in Polo.
This year Carol Glenn presented the award to Tyne at a luncheon on May 19.
Tyne and her husband, Ed, have been active in the parish for more than 30 years. They have two children, Brian and... Read More
June 13, 2019
ELGIN—The Elgin Deanery Council of Catholic Women (EDCCW) collected women’s toiletry items for the 16th year and delivered gift bags to women in area shelters in time for Mother’s Day.
With help of ladies from St. Patrick, St. Charles; St. Laurence, Elgin; St. Catherine of Siena, Dundee; and St. Thomas More, Elgin, 152 gift bags ... Read More
June 13, 2019
MCHENRY—St Mary Council of Catholic Women here presented a check for $600 to McHenry Home of the Sparrow on May 20.
As part of its ongoing mis sion to serve, St. Mary’s CCW initiated a Wishing Well fund-raiser to buy a tent for parish events, announcing that a portion would be given to Home of the Sparrow.
... Read More
June 13, 2019
FREEPORT—Adam Acevedo will attend Stanford University with a full-ride academic scholarship.
A parishioner of St. Mary in Freeport, Acevedo will be heading to California this fall after graduating in the top five of his class at Freeport.
During his high school career he has taken part in Showtime (an ann... Read More
By Amanda Hudson, News Editor
June 6, 2019
ROCKFORD— “These are good guys; they are good guys,” was the happy hum of one of the priests behind the scenes at the June 1 ordination of three men to the priesthood and one to the transitional diaconate.
Robert Blood, John Kladar and Charles Warren became priests, and Jack Reichardt became a transitional deacon as the ordination rite... Read More
By Amanda Hudson, News Editor
June 6, 2019
ROCKFORD—As is his custom since coming to Rockford, Bishop David Malloy celebrated Mass on Memorial Day under a tent at Calvary Cemetery near Rockford.
Although it was windy, the holiday’s rain was avoided. The crowd, many of whom wore red, white and blue, seemed a bit larger than at last year’s Mass.
... Read More
June 6, 2019
Early on the morning of June 1, demolition crews began the work of removing the old chancery on the Cathedral of St. Peter campus in Rockford.
Work stopped well before ordination began at 11 a.m.
Once the old diocesan chancery and unused parish convent are cleared away, work will begin on the planned prayer garden.... Read More
June 6, 2019
Today is a dark day in the history of the State of Illinois.
With today’s vote by the Illinois Senate to approve the horribly misnamed Reproductive Health Act, that body has declared that abortion in Illinois is a fundamental right. This legislation strips the unborn of any protection or rights under the law, and demonstrates a grievou... Read More
June 6, 2019
Several priests and sisters were honored for their Jubilees in the June 7 issue of The Observer. The jubilarians, listed below, along with their photos and bio's appear in this week's issue of The Observer.
60 Years:
Abbot Vincent Bataille, OSB (Marmion Abbey)
Father Salvadore J. Guagliardo
Father Leo Ryska, OSB
Boylan Grads Walk Toward Priesthood Together
Three to be ordained as priests, one as transitional deacon for the Rockford Diocese on June 1
May 23, 2019
ROCKFORD—On June 1, three young men will be ordained as priests for the Rockford Diocese and one as a transitional deacon, taking another step toward the priesthood.
While the ordinations are not unusual, the fact that all four are graduates of Boylan Central Catholic High School in Rockford is.
Transitional de... Read More
May 23, 2019
Father Jerome Leake
AURORA—Father Jerome Leake will retire effective June 17.
Born in Evanston, Father Leake attended Quigley High School in Chicago, graduating in 1960. He then attended St. Ambrose College in Davenport, Iowa, and Mount St. Mary Seminary in Emmitsburg, Md., graduating in... Read More
May 23, 2019
ST. CHARLES—On June 17, Msgr. Stephen Knox, S.T.L., becomes diocesan Vicar for Clergy and Religious and the pastor of St. Bridget Parish in Loves Park.
The Woodstock native attended McHenry High School there, graduating in 1978. He attended Rock Valley College, McHenry College and Northern Illinois University in DeKalb. He then studied at St... Read More
May 23, 2019
Father Barch Heading West
BYRON—Father Howard C. Barch, pastor of St. Mary Parish in Byron, will become pastor of St. Michael and St. Mary parishes in Galena and Holy Trinity Parish in Scales Mound on June 17.
Born in Detroit, he studied at Brother Rice High School in Birmingham, Mich., ... Read More
May 16, 2019
The Rev. Jerome L. Leake — Pastor of St. Joseph Parish, Aurora, to retire with the permission of The Most Rev. Bishop, effective June 17, 2019.
The Rev. Robert J. McClellan — Parochial Vicar at St. Peter Parish, South Beloit, to retire with the permission of The Most Rev. Bishop, effective June 17, 2019.Read More
May 16, 2019
CRYSTAL LAKE—Rosemary Blazier was selected the Woman of Inspiration by the St Thomas the Apostle Woman’s Club here at its annual Woman’s Club spring luncheon, on May 2.
Blazier has been an active parishioner at St Thomas for over 60 years, having taught high school religious ed, served as a lector, provided leadership in the Marr... 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 students about her role in the Chicago production of the Broadway musical “Hamilton.”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 in recent decades, today 48 families keep this parish alive and vibrant. While others have moved on... 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 miles from the current church site, at 1336 Maytown Road. A Vincentian priest, Father Parody, ... 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 deregulate and encourage abortions in Illinois.
In a related effort... 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 a high school sophomore and the second when she was a high school senior.
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,
I write to you at a moment of profound challenge to the citizens of the State of Illinois. I... Read More
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 legislation working its way through Vermont — increasing availablity — and Tennessee &mda... 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 they have a better chance to be understood.”
They were a... 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.
“There is also a push on in Illinois to ‘modernize’ Illinois’ abortion laws,” ... 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.
Archbishop Joseph Naumann, chairman of the USCCB committee on Pro-Lif... Read More
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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