DIOCESE—Seven members of the Diocesan Pastoral Council completed their terms of service at the June 11 meeting.

“As they say in the game shows, we have lovely parting gifts for you,” Bishop David Malloy joked as he presented each retiring member with a wooden crucifix that he had blessed.

“Seriously,” said Bishop Malloy, “This is just a small representation of our thanks, our gratefulness and best wishes in acknowledging your time and commitment to this group and to me. Your insights are so valuable to the entire church.”

The DPC is a consultative group from all areas of the diocese, representing diverse constituencies, which assist the diocesan bishop in his pastoral direction and leadership of the diocese.

Their role is to study, consider, discuss and make recommendations on matters presented by the bishop.

â–º Completing their final three-year terms on the DPC were:

â–ºFather Matthew Camaioni, representing diocesan priests;

â–ºFather James Ciaramitaro, OFM Conv., representing religious order priests;

â–ºAmy Deitz, representing young adults from the eastern part of the Rockford Diocese;

â–ºBob Mitchison, representing permanent deacons;

â–ºWillis Weiler, representing the Elgin Deanery; and

â–ºMichael Ochs and James Dombek, members appointed by the bishop.

Committed Catholics may nominate themselves for the following vacant DPC positions: representative from either the DeKalb or Elgin Deanery; and young adult representative from either the eastern part of the diocese (Kane or McHenry counties) or the Central part (Boone, DeKalb or Winnebago counties).

More information on these openings will appear in a future article in The Observer.

Questions about these positions may be directed to Dr. Mike Cieslak, DPC executive secretary, at 815/399-4300.