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 United States Conference of Catholic Bishops on clergy sexual abuse and new norms for reporting abuse by bishops. Bishop Malloy was scheduled to attend the June 10-14 bishops’ meeting where these discussions would take place. 

 

After questions and answer with Bishop Malloy, councilors heard from Director of the Family Life and Evangelization Office Jennifer Collins on legislation passed in Illinois under the “Reproductive Health Act” and the work being done by pro-life advocates around the country. 

 

Collins highlighted legislation passed in other states and reviewed the four pillars of the U.S. bishop’s pastoral plan for Pro-life activities. 

 

“This pastoral plan calls upon all the resources of the Church — its people, services, and institutions—to pursue this effort with renewed energy and commitment in four major areas,” Collins said. Those areas are:

 

1. Public information and education;

 

2. Pastoral care;

 

3. Public policy efforts; and, 

 

4. Prayer and worship. 

 

“This plan requires all of us: priests, deacons, religious, and lay persons, individually and collectively,” Collins said. 

 

Near the end of the meeting, council members discussed suggestions to increase efforts at both the diocesan and parish levels to be visible and positive witnesses to support life. 

 

Also at the meeting Bishop Malloy thanked Sharon Hall, representing lay professionals, and Nadine Konieczny, representing the McHenry Deanery, for their service as they concluded their terms on the DPC.

 

Three terms open

 

Kevin Fuss, DPC executive secretary and diocesan director of Research and Planning, says there are three openings on the DPC. One representative is needed from the Aurora, Elgin and McHenry deaneries. 

 

Individuals in good standing with the Church and active in their parish may nominate themselves for service after contacting the dean of their deanery. 

 

Terms are three-years long and members attend two morning meetings each year at the Diocesan Administration Center in Rockford. 

 

Find information to contact the deans http://www.rockforddiocese.org/priests