ALGONQUIN—A change is coming to St. Margaret Mary Parish here with the newest round of clergy assignments for the Diocese of Rockford.
The Franciscan Fathers of Bl. James Strepar who have been in faithful service to the parish for the last 15 years will be moving on to new assignments effective June 22.
Bishop David Malloy announced to the parish in mid-April that a diocesan priest would be assigned to pastoral duties at the parish. A statement from Bishop Malloy read at all Masses also announced that in addition to a diocesan pastor, a parochial vicar would be assigned to minister to the Polish Catholics who worship at the parish.
In his announcement, Bishop Malloy expressed his great appreciation for the Franciscan Friars and “their fidelity, both to doctrine and to liturgical norms which are so very important to the formation and strengthening of the faithful in any parish.
“I am likewise very appreciative of the service that the Friars have provided to the Polish community. In language, culture and tradition they have fostered the faith of families and individuals, especially those who are first generation arrivals from Poland,” Bishop Malloy said.
Since the announcement, Father Robert Blood has been assigned as parochial administrator of the parish (See page 1). He will be assisted by Father Adam Slominski, a priest of the The Society of Christ for Polish Migrants (SChr) whose provincial house is currently located in the Chicago area. The Society of Christ Fathers religious congregation was established in 1932 to provide pastoral care for Polish people living outside Poland and serves in various parishes worldwide, often acting as a bridge for Polish heritage in foreign lands.
Bishop Malloy said in his announcement that St. Margaret Mary Parish, founded in 1954, “has a special union with the mission of the Diocese of Rockford and with its clergy. Parishes typically experience that link with, and exposure to, the diocesan clergy with the rotating assignments of pastors and parochial vicars, in accord with particular law establishing the term for pastors at six years, with the possibility of renewal.”
Bishop Malloy went on to say that it was in that context, “and after much thought and prayer, as well as consultation with priest advisors of the diocese,” that the decision was made to return St. Margaret Mary Parish to staffing by diocesan clergy.
Bishop Malloy expressed his gratitude to “the dedicated service” of Fathers Zbigniew Zajchowski, Martin Buntov and Daniel Zdebik.
The changes become effective June 22. The Friars will accept new assignments from their order both in Poland and in the U.S.
A ‘Farewell to the Friars’ reception will be held after all Masses May 24 beginning at 8 a.m. until 4 p.m. in McDonnell Hall. Refreshments will be served and all are welcome.
