Q  Just what is One diocese, One Book? Why should we all read one book?
A One Diocese, One Book is a reading program modeled after The Big Read and other One Book programs in use throughout the country. It is intended to give Catholics from everywhere in the 11-county Rockford Diocese a chance to read a book about an aspect of our faith and to talk about it over the course of a year.
For our first book, we’ve chosen “Dedicated to God” by Abbie Reese. Her book about the lives of cloistered nuns is appropriate because it is an oral history of the Poor Clares who live in Rockford.
While many in the diocese already know about the community of sisters in our midst, others do not.  Yet, these sisters have been a part of the Rockford Diocese since 1916, when they established a community  after repeated requests from Bishop Peter J. Muldoon, the first bishop of Rockford.
Because the first book is about vocations, the Diocesan Vocations Office has joined The Observer Book Club as a sponsor.
Q 
How will the program work?
A Individuals and reading groups — existing or organized to take part in the program — will read the book and have one or more conversations about it.
A free reading guide will be ready soon. Order it online at http://observer.rockforddiocese.org/book-club-blog.
Q 
Are there any related activities?
A The biggest event so far will be our diocesan kick-off gathering with Abbie Reese. It will be 2-4 p.m., Oct. 18, at Barnes & Noble in CherryVale Mall. Parishes or schools may schedule their own events for their reading groups.
The next event will be Sept. 15, when Reese will be a guest of Bishop David Malloy on The Catholic Forum radio program. (See box, right.)
Q 
Who can take part in ODOB?
A Anyone who can read and understand the book is welcome to take part. This book should be easy for high school readers and adults.