ROCKFORD—Father Brian Grady, pastor of St. Rita Parish in Rockford, is now also Director of the Permanent Diaconate for the diocese.

 

Born in Hartford, Conn., Father Grady attended Marmion Military Academy in Aurora and Northern Illinois University in DeKalb. His priestly studies were at Mount St. Mary Seminary in Emmitsburg, Md.

 

He was ordained to the priesthood at the Cathedral of St. Peter by Bishop Thomas G. Doran on May 20, 2000.

 

Father Grady began his service as parochial vicar at Holy Cross Parish, Batavia, 2000-2003, and also taught part-time at Aurora Central Catholic High School. He was parochial vicar at Holy Family Parish in Rockford, 2003-2005, and served as its administrator for one month in 2003.

 

He served as administrator for St. Joseph, Lena, and St. Ann, Warren, and St. Joseph, Apple River, 2005-2007, before becoming pastor of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish in Crystal Lake, 2007-2021.

 

He became pastor at St. Rita, Rockford, in 2021 and was dean of the Rockford Deanery until this newest assignment. He also has served as Episcopal Vicar for Clergy and Religious, 2011-2013, dean of the McHenry Deanery, 2018-2021 and chairman of the Board of Consultors for Marian Central Catholic High School, 2018-2021.

 

In reflecting on his new position, Father Grady says, “I am humbled by our bishop’s confidence in my assuming this role along with my responsibilities as pastor at St. Rita Church in Rockford.  

 

“Permanent deacons are such a vital part of the life of the Church. We are truly blessed with the program we have, and I look forward to working with the bishop and our deacons on ways to enhance, improve, and build upon our program in order to provide our deacons with the resources and tools they need in order to serve Our Lord and His Church, and to assist in ministering to the people 

of God.  

 

“Please pray for our deacons and our deacon candidates. Please pray for their wives and their families.  

“Finally,” Father Grady adds as he begins his new duties, “please pray for me. I need all the help I can get.”