P arishes all over the Rockford Diocese will begin the annual Christmas posada tradition next week.

 

Generally, the same parishes that make a special event of the feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe — those with strong Latino and Hispanic traditions — also mark at least one day of the novena.

 

The tradition, which originated in Spain, has come to the United States chiefly through Mexican immigrants.

 

Sometimes, for the novena, a pair of young people dress as Joseph and Mary  and recreate their journey to Bethlehem and their search for shelter before Jesus is born.

 

Parishes often have refreshments after a Mass or other prayer service.

 

Below are some of the parishes with planned events. Check your bulletin for others.

 

AURORA

Sacred Heart, 771 Fulton St.: 6 p.m. Dec. 15-23. Info: 630/898-4165 

St. Nicholas, 308 High St.: 6:30 p.m. Mass and 7 p.m. posadas, Dec. 16-23. Info: 630/898-8707

 

CARPENTERSVILLE

St. Monica, 90 N. Kennedy Dr.: 6 p.m. Dec. 16, 17, 23; 6:30 p.m. Dec. 18-22. Info: 847/428-2646

 

DEKALB

St. Mary, 329 Pine St.: 6 p.m.  Dec. 16-23, in parish center gym. Info: 815/758-5432

 

ELGIN

St. Joseph, 272 Division St: 7 p.m., Dec. 16-24; in the school gym. Info: 847-931-2800

 

MCHENRY

Church of Holy Apostles, 5211 Bull Valley Road: 8 p.m. Dec. 15; 7 p.m. Dec. 16-Dec. 23. Info: 815/385-5673

 

ROCHELLE

St. Patrick, 244 Kelley Dr.: 6:30 p.m. Dec. 16-23. Info: 815/562-2370

 

ST. CHARLES

St. Patrick: Downtown Church, 400 Cedar St.; 

Masses at 4 p.m. Dec. 16, 23; 5 p.m. Dec. 17; 5:30 p.m. Dec. 18-20, 22, 24; 6 p.m. Dec. 21. Info: 630/338-8000

 

SOUTH BELOIT

St. Peter, 620 Blackhawk Blvd.: 7:30 p.m. (after 6:30 p.m. Mass), Dec. 16 and 23; 7 pm. Dec. 17, 20, 22. Info: 815/525-3400

 

STERLING

St. Mary, 509 Avenue B: Bales Hall, 6 p.m., Dec. 16-23. Info: 815/625-0640

 

WOODSTOCK

St. Mary, 312 Lincoln Ave.: 6:30 p.m  Dec. 16 and 23; 12 noon Dec. 17 and 24; 6 p.m. Dec. 18-22. Info: 815/338-3377