“In His Presence.” What a beautiful theme for our annual diocesan stewardship appeal. Those three words are powerful in so many ways.
They could be used as a goal, a pronouncement, a description, a dwelling place. No matter how the words are used in association with our faith and our God surely conjures feelings of security, peace, contentment and reverence.
And for those of us that work every day for the people of the Diocese of Rockford, “In His Presence” is a simple yet strong reminder that all the tasks we take on and the work we do is done for God as he watches over and guides us and that our work is for all the people of God who, like us, are “In His Presence” too.
If you are receiving this week’s Observer as a result of the annual appeal this weekend, I hope you enjoy it and consider joining our great family of subscribers both in print and online. If you do, you’ll get interesting news and information each week that is sure to help you focus on being in the presence of Christ no matter how hectic your life can be.
Even if you just choose to enjoy this issue, please read more about the annual diocesan appeal on pages 16 and 17. And be sure to watch the brief and beautiful video highlighting just some the beneficiaries of the annual appeal at site http://www.rockforddiocese.org/stewardship. If you have ever had a child in religious education, been a catechist, taken a ministry class, ministry formation, been to the Youth Summit, participated in Be Reconciled, have a deacon in your parish or your family, have had a child confirmed or been confirmed yourself, or just simply belong to a parish with a resident priest, then you have benefited from Diocesan Stewardship. Thank you for your prayerful and generous support.
The words “In His Presence” also remind me of something very special taking place this weekend in Rome. Pope John XXIII and Pope John Paul II will be canonized as saints of the church. You can read more about this historic event in this issue beginning on page 12.
Most of us especially remember Pope John Paul II. Not only did he teach us about living the faith, he taught us very publically about letting go of this world to be really and truly “In His Presence.”
The first time I saw Pope John Paul II up close, I was waving a yellow handkerchief and chanting “JP II, we love you,” along with about 80,000 others in Mile High Stadium in Denver, Colorado at the Mass which opened World Youth Day. I remember too, how wonderful it was to have the Holy Father pray with us at Cherry Creek State Park during the evening vigil. He stayed almost 30 minutes more than he was scheduled and as the chants of JP II we love you, filled the air again, the pope responded with hands waving ... “and JP II loves you too.” And then the next day at Mass he said, “Young pilgrims, Christ needs you to enlighten the world and to show it the “path to life” (Ps 16,11). The challenge is to make the Church’s “yes” to Life concrete and effective. The struggle will be long, and it needs each one of you. Place your intelligence, your talents, your enthusiasm, your compassion and your fortitude at the service of life!
Have no fear.”
It was a blessing to be in his presence during his life among us. Watch for more on the canonization next week from The Observer’s Sharon Boehlefeld who is covering the ceremony in Rome. She is sure to help us all be in the moment with our two newest saints now “In His Presence” as well.