ROCKFORD—The Rockford Family Initiative held its 2026 Walk for Life and Family on Saturday, June 27, in downtown Rockford. The Walk for Life Rally began at 11 a.m. with all joining in to sing “America the Beautiful” with St. Mary Oratory Choir, an opening prayer by Father Phillip Kaim, pastor of Holy Family Parish, and […]

ROCKFORD, BATAVIA—The Diocese of Rockford Vocations Office’s “Called by Name” campaign is now in its second phase, and all the faithful are invited to participate in efforts to encourage vocations to the diocesan priesthood. The campaign began on Good Shepherd Sunday, April 26, and asked parishioners to honor and share the names of faithful young […]

FREEPORT—A morning Mass on Sunday, June 28 at St. Joseph Church was filled with prayer for family members and friends who were recommended to God and to the prayers of St. Monica. St. Joseph pastor, Father Matthew McMorrow, explained the steps being taken during the “Return-centered” Mass. The idea for the special Mass came from […]

The performers of the “Those Were The Days” Radio Players of Lake County gave two patriotic performances on June 28 during the day’s theme of the “250th Anniversary of Our Country” at Resurrection Church, Woodstock. Emotions were high amongst the 40 attendees when hearing a re-enactment of the United States forefathers’ debates about signing the […]

ROCKFORD—This year, 2026, is a big year for the United States of America, marking the 250th anniversary of its independence. And all people are invited to share in the celebration. Since there were many historical events that led to and followed our Declaration of Independence, not all celebrations will happen on July 4, and Sharing […]

DIOCESE—There are currently openings on the Diocesan Pastoral Council (DPC) for a lay representative from the deaneries of DeKalb, Elgin, Freeport, Rockford and Sterling and also three lay openings to represent young adult Catholics (single or married people in their late teens, twenties or thirties). The deanery boundaries may be identified by consulting the diocesan map […]

HANOVER—St. John the Evangelist parishioners joined Bishop David Malloy, pastor Father Joachim Tyrtania, native son Congregation of Holy Cross Father Stephen Wilbricht, and retired Father Howard Barch and Canon Stanislaw Kos to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Hanover parish. As he began the Mass, Bishop Malloy noted “three privileges” of the day beginning with […]

By FATHER JACK REICHARDT, Director of Vocations Office The Observer staff, The Observer As we at The Observer attend ordinations, parish missions and Masses at parishes hosting seminarians, we hear a variety of questions from supportive family members and parishioners. “How did you know you wanted to be a priest? How many years will you […]