St. Joseph Altars a Display of Devotion
By Amanda Hudson, News Editor
March 23, 2023
DIOCESE—The idea of St. Joseph altars or tables has been growing to new places in the Rockford Diocese over the past few years, as evidenced by the photos featured in this issue.
 
Read More
Be Reconciled Day is March 29
March 23, 2023
DIOCESE—The   Diocese of Rockford will again hold a special day for confession with its Be Reconciled Day on March 29.
 
Bishop David J. Malloy, recognizing the need for God’s grace and forgiveness in the lives of Catholics, has again aske... Read More
National Catholic Youth Conference Comes to Indiana
March 23, 2023
INDIANAPOLIS, Ind.—The 2023 National Catholic Youth Conference (NCYC) will be held Nov. 16-18 at the Indiana Convention Center for teens ages 14-18. NCYC is produced and presented by the National Federation for Catholic Youth Ministry (nfcym.org).
 
T... Read More
Enough to Make Jesus Weep
Lent Reflection
Father Dean Smith, Holy Angels, Aurora, Parochial vicar
March 23, 2023
O nly in the Gospel for this 5th Sunday of Lent do we hear about Jesus weeping. And that is for a very good reason: that Gospel depicts the only reason for Jesus to weep. 
 
Jesus did not need to cry over 5,000 hungry people; He miraculously fed them.&... Read More
The Teeter Totter in Us
Lent Reflection - Palm Sunday
Father Timothy Barr, St. Joseph and St. Mary, Freeport, Pastor
March 23, 2023
Palm Sunday begins Holy Week. It is a remembrance of the Passion of Our Lord and His love for us. 
 
We begin with the celebration that set the course that led to the death of Our Savior. It begins with great joy. People all over recognize... Read More
Lent What’s Up
March 23, 2023
AURORA
-- St. Therese of Jesus - 271 N. Farnsworth Ave.
Seven words of Jesus: April 7, 3 p.m. (Bilingual)
Good Friday morning prayer: April 7, 8 a.m. (Bilingual)
 
B... Read More
Your Church is Waiting for You!
By Margarita Mendoza, Editor El Observador
March 16, 2023
DIOCESE—There is a place where you are welcome and where you can find peace. It is a spiritual home, and that place is your church. 
 
The Diocese of Rockford created a “media campaign to invite Catholics back to Mass,” says Penny Wie... Read More
Catholics are Invited to Confession March 29 During ‘Be Reconciled’ Day
March 16, 2023
DIOCESE OF ROCKFORD—The Diocese of Rockford will again hold Be Reconciled Day on Wednesday, March 29, 2023.  
 
Bishop David J. Malloy, recognizing the need for God’s g... Read More
Mass for Donors Held In-Person
By Amanda Hudson, News Editor
March 16, 2023
ROCKFORD—More than 65 people gathered for the annual Mass of Thanksgiving for donors to the 2022 Diocesan Appeal, held the morning of March 8 at St. Rita Church, here.
 
Bishop David Malloy reflected on the Gospel reading of the day in his homily, des... Read More
Holy Face of Jesus Relic Comes to West Dundee
Patricia Szpekowski, Observer Correspondent
March 16, 2023
WEST DUNDEE—A presentation on the Holy Face of Jesus, Holy Relic and Devotion, will be held on March 20, 6:30 p.m., at at St. Catherine of Siena Parish on 845 W. Main St. 
 
Vicki Schreiner, speaker and author, will present on the history, people... Read More
Be Opened!
Lent Reflection
Father Luis Manuel Guanipa, St. Monica Parish, Carpentersville, Parochial vicar
March 16, 2023
We started this holy season of Lent with the signs of ashes, fasting, and prayer. This season, the Church summons all its children to live with a renewed spirituality that makes us burn with love for Christ. 
 
Christ’s word “Ephphatha&rdqu... Read More
Videos Explain Stewardship In Winning Ways
By Penny Wiegert, Editor
March 16, 2023
DIOCESE—To encourage stewardship engagement in a fun and creative way, the Catholic Education and Charitable Giving offices sponsored a video contest in late 2022. This contest was open to youth groups, homeschool groups, religious education programs, and Catholic schools. 
... Read More
Lent What's Up
March 16, 2023
Submit Lent information to the form at
Read More
Parishes Honor St. Joseph with Celebrations
March 9, 2023
DIOCESE—As the March 18-19 weekend approaches, volunteers at parishes around the Rockford Diocese will be baking, making pasta and setting up elaborate altar and table displays of food, statues and decorations — all to honor St. Joseph on his feast day, falling this ye... Read More
Lent What's Up
March 9, 2023
Submit Lent information to the form at
http://observer.rockforddioce... Read More
Dispensation Granted for St. Patrick’s Day
March 9, 2023
DIOCESE—On Feb. 1 this year, Bishop David Malloy issued a formal dispensation for diocesan Catholics for March 17 only. 
 
The rescript granting a dispensation from the law of abstinence on the memorial of St. Patrick reads in part: 
... Read More
Parish Missions an Apostolate to Catholics
By Amanda Hudson, News Editor
March 9, 2023
DIOCESE—“Come away by yourselves to a deserted place and rest awhile,” says Jesus to his apostles in Mark 6:31.
 
A weekend or week long retreat may come to mind at that quote, but not everyone can get away for that length of time. Most of... Read More
Parish Missions in the Diocese of Rockford
March 9, 2023
ALGONQUIN 
♦ St. Margaret Mary -- 111 S. Hubbard St.     
March 18-19, 7 p.m. Father Jonathan Bakkelund, diocesan Director of the Office of Divine Worshi... Read More
What a Difference the Spirit Makes
Lent Reflection - 3rd week of Lent
Father David Austin, St. Mary Parish, McHenry, Pastor
March 9, 2023
“Like the deer that yearns for running streams, so my soul thirsts for you, O God.” 
—Psalm 42:1
 
A woman ventures out to get water for the day. She journeys apart from her fellow Jewish ... Read More
Rite of Election Welcomes Catechumens, Candidates
By Amanda Hudson, News Editor
March 2, 2023
ROCKFORD—It was a “moment when so many gather to be with those who will be a new light in many ways to the Church either by entrance or by the completion of their initiation.”
 
Bishop David Malloy welcomed in particular those in the crowd... Read More
We are Invited to Remain in The Peace of God’s Presence
Lent Reflection - 2nd Week of Lent
Father Johnson Lopez St. Edward Parish, Rockford Pastor
March 2, 2023
We begin this second week of Lent with an inspiring passage from the Gospel of Matthew known as the Transfiguration (Matt. 17: 1-9). 
 
Jesus took three of His disciples, Peter, James and John, to the top of a mountain. While they were there, Jesus was... Read More
Second Combined Collection Serves Many Nations
By Amanda Hudson, News Editor
March 2, 2023
DIOCESE—The Diocese of Rockford’s “One in Christ” International Appeal will take place at parishes the weekend of March 11-12.
 
This second combined collection in 2023 will support six different appeals:
 
... Read More
Crosses Mark Abortion Protest
March 2, 2023
ROCKFORD—The Rockford Family Initiative invited pro-life protesters to bring a cross or crucifix with them to a Feb. 25 protest outside the new abortion clinic at 611 Auburn St. — “even if you have to take it off a wall in your home.”
 
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International Flavors Featured at Newman Center Mardi Gras Event
By Lynne Conner, Observer Correspondent
March 2, 2023
DEKALB—The Knox Community room at the Newman Catholic Student Center, Christ the Teacher Parish on the campus of Northern Illinois University, here, resembled a United Nations of cuisine as the parish hosted its annual Multicultural Mardi Gras Dinner. Parishioners and students cooked a... Read More
Giving Thanks with and for Prayer
March 2, 2023
ROCKFORD—Diocesan Catholics are again invited to a Mass of thankgiving, and this year it will be in person.
 
Each year diocesan Catholics are asked to contribute donations to the Diocesan Annual Appeal. Along with financial pledges, Catholics are als... Read More
Lent What’s Up
March 2, 2023
DURAND 
♦ St. Mary
606 W. Main St.  
Parish mission: March 6-8, 7-8 p.m.
 
ELGI... Read More
Marmion Academy Hosts Art Exhibit
March 2, 2023
AURORA—“Color: Breathe In … Breathe Out …,” an exhibit by Naperville artist Tania Blanco, will be on display March 5-April 7 in Marmion Academy’s Dr. Scholl Gallery, 1000 Butterfield Rd.
 
Blanco’s work is inspire... Read More
Illinois Bishops Share ‘A Catholic Vision for Restorative Justice’
By Penny Wiegert, Editor
February 23, 2023
SPRINGFIELD—The Catholic Conference of Illinois, CCI, last week, Feb. 14, released a new document from the bishops of Illinois inspired by the call of the Beatitudes and Works of Mercy.
 
The document, “A Catholic Vision for Restorative Justice ... Read More
Bishop O’Neill Students Receive Scholarships
February 23, 2023
DIOCESE—When Bishop Arthur J. O’Neill retired in 1994, he chose to establish the Bishop Arthur J. O’Neill Scholarship to help with tuition for “worthy Catholic school students.” Awards are provided each year to one Catholic school family in each deanery. This ye... Read More
Women’s Retreat at Bishop Lane March 24
February 23, 2023
ROCKFORD—The Women to Women Spring Retreat will be held March 24, 7 p.m., through March 26, 1 p.m., at Bishop Lane Retreat Center, 7708 E. McGregor Rd., Rockford.
 
The retreat theme is “Jesus Approaches: He Knows You By Name, He Knows You By He... Read More
Day of Reflection Returns in 2023
February 23, 2023
ROCKFORD—The annual Day of Reflection sponsored by the Discalced Carmelite Secular Community of the Holy Innocents returns in 2023 after a three-year COVID hiatus. 
 
“The Journey of Prayer” will be presented by Father Ryan Browning o... Read More
Diocese Invites Catholics Back to Mass
Join us for Mass every Sunday
Observer
February 16, 2023
DIOCESE—Church attendance is a concern felt around the world in almost every faith denomination. And, according to statistics from almost every study, the COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated the problem of getting people to church and now back to church.
 
Catholics Called to Assist Turkey and Syria
How to Help
February 16, 2023
How to Help!
 
Catholic Near East Welfare Association (CNEWA),... Read More
Bishop Malloy Grants Dispensation
February 16, 2023

DIOCESE—Ahead of Lent this year, Bishop David Malloy issued the following formal dispensation for diocesan Catholics for March 17 only. The text was issued Feb. 1 at the Diocesan Administration Center and reads:

Rescript Granting a Disp... Read More
Deacon Paul Iwanski Dies Feb. 9
February 16, 2023
ST. CHARLES—Deacon Paul Iwanski, 73, died Feb. 9, 2023. He was born Nov. 27, 1949. 
 
He was ordained a permanent deacon for the Diocese of Rockford on May 14, 1994, and served at St. John Neumann Parish in St. Charles. 
 ... Read More
Changes at Richmond Parish Point to Past and Future
By Amanda Hudson, News Editor
February 16, 2023
RICHMOND—Parishioners at St. Joseph Parish in Richmond are understandably proud of their parish, which will celebrate 125 years of being “St. Joseph Church” in 2024.
 
They’ve been collecting photos and materials about its history.... Read More
Elgin Chili Cook-Off Coming Up Fast
February 16, 2023
ELGIN—The biggest annual fundraiser for the Elgin Knights of Columbus Council #654, the Chili for Charity cook-off and dinner, marks its 25th anniversary this year. The Knights invite all chili lovers to come and celebrate. 
 
The cook-off and di... Read More
Somonauk, Sandwich Knights Support Aurora Pro-Life Center
February 16, 2023
AURORA—Members of the Knights of Columbus Council #13436 based at St. John the Baptist Parish, Somonauk, and St. Paul the Apostle, Sandwich, came together Jan. 13 to support pro-life efforts. 
 
The Knights presented a check for $1,000 to Aurora&... Read More
Lent: Mercy Over the Law
Lent Reflection
Father Jhakson Garcia, Parochial Vicar, Church of Holy Apostles, McHenry
February 16, 2023
Lent is a liturgical season that is repeated every year, and it is the path that every Christian takes to return to God.  
 
It is a journey made by both the powerful and the lowly; it is the process carried out by the one who considers himself pe... Read More
Scouts Recognized at Annual Mass For Earning Religious Awards
By Lynne Conner, Observer Correspondent
February 9, 2023
ROCKFORD—Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts, and American Heritage Girls from across the diocese gathered Feb. 5 at the Cathedral of St. Peter for the annual Scout Sunday Mass. 
 
The event celebrates scouts and adult leaders who have earned various religiou... Read More
Scouts Recognized …
February 9, 2023
There are various religious emblem programs available for Scouts to earn. Each emblem requires that a Scout obtain a manual for earning that emblem with the goal of completing requirements over the course of several weeks.
 
It is important to understand th... Read More
Abortion Battle to Go to Court
By Amanda Hudson, News Editor
February 9, 2023
ROCKFORD—Some neighbors of the new abortion clinic at 611 Auburn Street have reacted to abortion protests in their neighborhood with direct threats against the protesters, according to a Jan 21 incident report when some 250 people gathered to pray, sing, chant and hold signs along the ... Read More
Called to Serve the Council of Catholic Women
God Calls … Mary Glosson
By Amanda Hudson, News Editor
February 9, 2023
When Mary Glosson of Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary Parish in Aurora speaks of her extensive volunteer work with the Council of Catholic Women, she points to what she sees as most important: that it has “enhanced my spirituality.” 
 
Priest Has Enjoyed Being the DCCW Spiritual “Cheerleader”
February 9, 2023
For more than 30 years, Msgr. Thomas Dzielak has served as spiritual advisor to the Diocesan Council of Catholic Women (DCCW).
The position was first called “moderator,” and he followed Father Richard Kramer into the ministry at t
 
Mental Health Events Upcoming
February 9, 2023
The following are two mental health ministry events coming up in the Diocese of Rockford. Though both are about mental health, the events are different and separate offerings. 
 
Read More
Elgin Chili Cook-off Returns After Hiatus
February 9, 2023
ELGIN—The biggest annual fundraiser for the Elgin Knights of Columbus Council #654 returns Feb. 25 for all chili lovers. 
 
The Chili for Charity cook-off and dinner will be Feb. 25, 3:30-7 p.m., at the St. Thomas More gym, 1625 W. Highland Ave. ... Read More
Busy Aurora Deacon Watermann Dies Jan. 31
February 9, 2023
AURORA—Deacon Bruce M. Watermann, 72 of Aurora, passed away Tuesday, Jan. 31, 2023 at his home. He was born March 20, 1950 in Elgin, and came to Aurora in 1968 to work for WKKD radio as an on-air personality. He married his wife, Jody, in 1972, and they celebrated 50 years of marriage ... Read More
Former Director Of Diaconate Dies
February 9, 2023
PELL CITY, Ala.—Thomas Claggett Welch, 79, died on Jan. 28.
 
In the Diocese of Rockford, he was ordained to the permanent diaconate in 1979 and served at SS. Peter and Paul Parish, Cary, until 1998, also serving for a time in the apostolate for marri... Read More
OSF Healthcare Names New Colleges of Nursing President
February 9, 2023
PEORIA—Charlene Aaron, PhD, RN, has been named president for Saint Anthony College of Nursing in Rockford and Saint Francis Medical Center College of Nursing in Peoria.
 
Her new position begins July 5. 
 
She h... Read More
How to Strengthen Marriage, Family
United States Marks National Marriage Week, Feb. 7-14
By Father Jeremy Trowbridge, Spiritual Director of the Life and Family Evangelization Office
February 2, 2023
There is a trend on social media, specifically Facebook, where a husband or wife will write a public note celebrating their spouse or child on their birthday. These notes are extremely meaningful, loving, supportive and celebratory. These beautiful words are usually accompanied by a collage ... Read More
Remembering Deacon Steve Pulkrabek; Died at 74
February 2, 2023
ROSCOE—As reported in the Jan. 27 issue of The Observer, Deacon Steve Pulkrabek, 74, of Roscoe passed away on Jan. 21, 2023. Here is his full obituary.
 
Steve was born on Nov. 30, 1948, in Silver Lake, MN. He began his life on a family farm and used ... Read More
Resettlement Efforts Ongoing in Rockford Diocese
February 2, 2023
Regardless of how the new Welcome Corps Program will affect local resettlement agencies, the Rockford Diocese’s Refugee Resettlement Services continues to assist those individuals and families escape danger and find new and peaceful homes in the Rockford Diocese. 
&... Read More
Pro-Life Rally Draws a Crowd
One day before the anniversary of Roe v. Wade, pro-life supporters rally outside Rockford’s newest abortion clinic.
By Lynne Conner, Observer Correspondent
January 26, 2023
ROCKFORD—Nearly 200 pro-life supporters attended the Keep Rockford Pro-Life Rally on Saturday, Jan. 21 outside of the new abortion facility at 611 Auburn St. in Rockford. The event, sponsored by the Rockford Family Initiative, drew pro-life advocates and religious from as far away as C... Read More
Superintendent of Catholic Schools to Retire
By Amanda Hudson, News Editor
January 26, 2023
DIOCESE—Vito DeFrisco, Superintendent of Catholic Schools for the Diocese of Rockford since July 1, 2021, has announced he plans to retire on June 30.
 
“Some have said I’ll be known as the COVID superintendent,” he says, a bit ruefu... Read More
Durand Deacon Killed In Auto Accident
By Penny Wiegert, Editor
January 26, 2023
BELVIDERE—Deacon Steven Pulkrabek, 74, of Roscoe was killed in the early morning of Jan. 21 after his vehicle collided head-on with another vehicle in Boone County.
 
Authorities said a driver traveling north on Route 76 just north of Squaw Prairie Ro... Read More
Day for Catechists Addresses Gender, Identity Challenges
By Amanda Hudson, News Editor
January 26, 2023
ROCKFORD—History will see this as a terrible time, said John Jelinek in his talk at a workshop for parish catechists, youth ministers and others as they work with youth and families during great social change.
 
Jelinek, the diocesan dire... Read More
“Hero of Marmion” Provides for Renovation Of Multi-Sport Stadiums, Baseball Field
January 26, 2023
AURORA—A    generous gift from Ed Regole, longtime friend of Marmion Academy, will provide for a long-awaited renovation of the school’s varsity baseball field and the multi-sport Fichtel Field and Regole Stadium. 
 
Regole, a Marmi... Read More
Mental Health Course Goes Online
January 26, 2023
DIOCESE—Catholic Charities in the Diocese of Rockford will offer the Sanctuary Course for Catholics, an eight-part course for small groups designed to raise awareness and start conversations regarding mental health. 
 
The course will be offered ... Read More
Community, Generosity Mark Christmas Season in the Diocese
January 26, 2023
St. Charles Breakfast Stars Santa, Crafts and Christmas Posters
ST. CHARLES—The Knights of Columbus Council #12597 at St. Patrick Parish held a breakfast with Santa at the church on Dec. 11. The event also included a nativity craft and a “Ke... Read More
Bishop Malloy Part of Holy Land Coordination Delegation
By Penny Wiegert, Editor
January 20, 2023
AMMAN, JORDAN—Bishop David Malloy is among bishops from 11 countries who have gathered in Jordan for the annual Holy Land Coordination pilgrimage held from Jan. 14-19 to meet with the Christian community there. There are over 200,000 Christians in the country. Its Catholic parishes, sc... Read More
Diocese of Rockford Discontinues Charter Relationships with BSA
January 20, 2023
ROCKFORD—Bishop David Malloy sent a letter to priests and to two councils of the Boy Scouts of America in the Rockford Diocese Jan. 13 outlining a decision that has come after months of consultation and negotiation.
 
“Scouting has been a positi... Read More
Sinsinawa Sisters Begin Capital Campaign
By Amanda Hudson, News Editor
January 20, 2023
SINSINAWA, Wis.—In a time of change, the Sinsinawa Dominican sisters count their blessings.
 
“All of us, regardless of age or need, live in communities with access to nourishing food and quality health care,” they say on their website ann... Read More
A history of growth, decline and continued service
Sinsinawa Dominican Congregation, 1847 to present
January 20, 2023
On Aug. 4, 1847, pioneer priest Dominican Father Samuel Mazzuchelli founded the Sinsinawa Dominican Congregation with two women, Sisters Seraphina and Ermeline. 
 
Two more women joined in December that year, and by the time of Father Samuel’s de... Read More
Called to Advocate for Children
God Calls … Julie Segoviano
By Amanda Hudson, News Editor
January 20, 2023
God calls numerous people to serve in pro-life ministries. Julie Segoviano is one who serves in Elgin in the Fox Valley.
 
Segoviano is both a staff member and volunteer at The Life Center (doing business as TLC Pregnancy Services) in Elgin and Schaumburg, ... Read More
Support Life in the Diocese, State
January 20, 2023
The Jan. 13 issue of The Observer covered two current threats to life in the state of Illinois: the Jan. 6 opening of the Rockford Family Planning Center and House Bill 4664, Senate Amendment #3, which proposes a number of changes that advance abortion in Illinois abortion law. Find more inf... Read More
Media, Arts Events Planned in Diocese
January 20, 2023
The following are media and arts-related events coming up around the diocese. 
 
• FREEPORT—Musical parish mission: St. Jo... Read More
Abortion Clinic Opens; Rally Planned
By Penny Wiegert, Editor
January 12, 2023
ROCKFORD—Rockford is again a destination for ending life with the opening of the Rockford Family Planning Center Jan. 6.
 
The Rockford Register Star reported that the offic... Read More
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