The Observer

Archives 2012 to present (click here)

Click here for older editions of The Observer (1935-1964)
(NOTE: 1958 is missing)

November 30, 2023	Infant of Prague Devotion Blesses Catholics with Comfort, Miracles Funeral Arrangements Pending For Father Engbarth Diocesan Pastoral Council Hears, Considers Status, Future of Catholic Schools and Charities Dominican Literacy Center Awarded Sinsinawa Restructuring Brings Changes for Visitors What's Up Advent What's Up Advent Invites Us to Silence Advent Brings Simbang Gabi Masses Dec. 15
November 23, 2023	Catholics Awarded for Creative Philanthropy A Program to Boost the Spirits of Catholic Men Men’s Conference a Time for Renewal During President’s Visit, Pro-Life Groups Witness for the Unborn What's Up
November 16, 2023	Providing Corporal, Spiritual Works of Mercy Dinner Catches National Attention Vocation Ministry Starts with Seeing the Need Bishop Malloy on Catholic Spirit Radio Marmion Musician To Play in Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade Advent What’s Up
November 9, 2023	Ministry Formation Certifies 69 for Service Members of the Ministry Formation class of 2023 Fifteen Women Honored for Their Inspiration Great Lakes Conference Calls Catholic Men Nov. 18 All Souls Day: A Time to Remember and Pray What’s Up
November 2, 2023	Extern Sister Embraces An Uncommon Role Observer Cited for General Excellence By Northern Illinois News Association Calling Diocesan Students: Use Your Artistic Gifts to Promote Vocations Support Chicago Sisters Through 2024 Marathon Diocese of Rockford Parishioners Invested into Equestrian Order Choral Union to Perform the ‘Messiah’ Nov. 25-26
October 26, 2023	Diocesan Women’s Luncheon Honors Bishop, Priests Parish Pro-life Volunteers Inspired, Updated at Diocesan Event Great Lakes Conference Calls Catholic Men Nov. 18 Catholic Spirit Radio Comes To Rockford Area What's Up
October 19, 2023	Youth Rally Invites 100 to ‘Be Real’ Empowering Work of KFACT Featured at 25th Annual Ecumenical Benefit Brunch Vocations Corner Celebrates Past, Present, Future Vocations Poster Contest Promoting Vocations Begins Register for Magnificat Breakfast by Oct. 25 Students: Submit to Pro-life Essay Contest by Nov. 6 Parish Communities Gather to Pray for Suicide Prevention; Prayers Continue at St. Anthony of Padua Mass Vocation Events What's Up
October 12, 2023	Woodstock Explosion Damages Church, School, Parish Office Knights Celebrate Together, Honor Three Diocesan Vincentians Celebrate 100 Years Longtime Catechist Bernadette Spurr Honored for 50 Years of Service Prairie Restoration Honors St. Francis
October 5, 2023	New Abbot Solemnly Blessed at Marmion Prairie Restoration Honors St. Francis 50 Years Assisting Catholic Education Aquin Marks High School’s Centennial McHenry Catholic Women of Inspiration Honored McHenry County Catholic Prayer Breakfast Packs Powerful Punch of Faith Gathering Gives Thanks to Donors Speeding Truck Causes Car to Crash into St. Elizabeth Cente Boylan Honors Distinguished Alumni Magnificat Breakfast Oct. 28
September 21, 2023	Holy Angels’ ‘Team Proud Mouse’ Scores Visit from Broadway Star McHenry Catholic Women of Inspiration Honored New Superintendent Joins Education Office Deacon Warren R. LaMont Dies Sept. 15 Giving Thanks for Guardian Angels Oct. 2 ‘People, Places, Things,’ and Becoming Mentally Healthy Diocesan Council to Host Bishop Luncheon Silver Rose Travels Throughout Rockford Diocese
September 14, 2023	Refreshed Memorial Site Setting for Remembrance Service for the Unborn Memories Abound at Madonna Gathering Understanding Suicide in Light of Catholic Teaching and Evolution of Understanding Factors Influencing Decisions on Suicide Catechists Honored for Inviting Students to the Lord 25th Annual Ecumenical Benefit Brunch Oct. 14 Dominican Literacy Center Awarded at National, State Levels Aurora Benefit Dinner for India Orphanage Opens Hearts
September 7, 2023	Mission Statement the Focus of Charities’ Employees Meeting Far-Reaching Retreat Has Diocesan Beginnings About Light of the World Event Recalls Sept. 11, Blesses First Responders McHenry Prayer Breakfast Sept. 23
August 24, 2023	10,895 Years of Marriage Celebrated At Annual Silver and Gold Mass Celebration of Inspiring Women Returns to Aurora The Aurora Deanery 2023 Catholic Women of Inspiration: Newest Employee Set to Work with Youth Ministry Deacon Kenneth Ramsey Dies Aug. 19 God Calls … Holy Name Society Honors Member’s Lifetime Service
August 17, 2023	St. Patrick Parish Celebrates Eucharistic Conference Pray for the Unborn This Fall McHenry Prayer Breakfast Sept. 24 Annual Event Remembers, Blesses Poor Clares Mass Honors Saint Whose ‘Whole Life was a Eucharist’
August 10, 2023	Polish Pride Alive and Thriving On Fest’s 40th Anniversary LiFE Office Welcomes New Employee Ministry Formation Begins Aug. 19 New Principal Not Completely New to Elgin Aquin Central Celebrating 100 Years Lacrosse to be New Sports Option At Boylan This School Year Montini House Wins International Award Madonna High School Holds All-Class Reunion Get Active to Help Aquin Celebrate Marriage at Silver and Gold Mass Aug. 20
August 3, 2023	Parish Ablaze With Hope One Year After Fire Elgin Parish Celebrates a Milestone Coming Soon: Ministry Formation Begins Aug. 19 Filipino Catholics Come Together for Community, Culture and Competition Celebrate Marriages At Silver and Gold Mass Aug. 20
July 27, 2023	Huntley Parish Celebrates 150 Years Of History and Community Roots Sister Jubilarians with Connections to the Diocese of Rockford Sinsinawa Sisters to Relocate Exhibits McHenry Prayer Breakfast Sept. 23 ‘Have a Ball’ with Sports and More at St. Edward Summer Festival July 30
July 20, 2023	New System, Course Offerings in Place for Marriage Preparation Celebrate Marriages At Silver and Gold Mass Aug. 20 LiFE Office Spiritual Direction Nominations Sought for a DPC Representative McHenry County Prayer Breakfast Sept. 24
July 13, 2023	Grotto Restoration a Labor of Love Deacon James ‘Jim’ Woeste Dies June 24 Celebrate Silver and Gold Wedding Anniversaries Aug. 20 Ministry Formation To Begin Aug. 19 Support the ‘Blue Nuns’ with Treats OSF Medical Center Names Vice President
July 6, 2023	Faith Crosses the Border ‘Blue Nuns’ Celebrate 25 Years in North America Celebrate Silver and Gold Wedding Anniversaries Aug. 20 Father James Canova Retires Walk for Life Draws Hundreds Last Call for Young Men’s Discernment Retreats Donate to Pro-life Biker, Support Johnsburg Pregnancy Care Center Support the ‘Blue Nuns’ at Freeport, Rockford Events
June 22, 2023	Rockford Hospital’s Community Garden To Promote Wellness Diocese of Rockford Eucharistic Revival Prayer Polo Women Honored, Officers Installed Ladies Auxiliary Celebrates 15 Years Diocese Earns Three National Media Awards
June 15, 2023	Diocesan Pastoral Council Weighs In on Synod, Mass Attendance and AG Report Join Rockford’s Walk for Life June 24 Eucharistic Processions a Public Witness Congratulations and God Bless our Priest Jubilarians Congratulations and God Bless our Priest Jubilarians Congratulations and God Bless our Priest Jubilarians God Bless our Sister Jubilarians from the Diocese God Bless These Sister Jubilarians Who Previously Served in the Diocese of Rockford
June 8, 2023	One Priest, Two Deacons Ordained Two Additional ‘New’ Pastors Introduced Parishes, Schools Present 2023 St. Timothy Awards Dominican Literacy Center Graduates 13
June 1, 2023	Masses Remember Sacrifices Rev. Mr. Connor Orabutt to be Ordained To Diocesan Priesthood on June 3 Two Becoming Transitional Deacons Official Appointments Include Nine Pastors More Priest Assignments Food Bank Celebrates 40 Years OSF Seeds Community Garden
May 25, 2023	Official Appointments Mass for Mental Health Brings Encouragement, Comfort Bishop Blesses Gift That Works to Save Lives Officers Blessed at Annual Mass McHenry Parish Celebrates Two Anniversaries in One Marmion Academy Hosts Groundbreaking
May 24, 2023	Illinois Attorney General Releases Final Report On Catholic Clergy Child Sex Abuse in Illinois Statement from Bishop David Malloy and the Diocese of Rockford to the Public Regarding the Attorney General’s Report
May 18, 2023	Catholics Asked to Stop Last-Minute Push for Legalized Assisted Suicide Msgr. McLoughlin Dies at Age 84 God Calls … Susan Wiland to the Society of St. Vincent de Paul Discernment Retreats Set for July Geneva Food Pantry Celebrates 40 Years
May 17, 2023	Aquin Schools Close May 18 to Remember Educator, Supporter
May 11, 2023	2023 Jubilarians Feted at Mass, Luncheon Magnificat Prayer Breakfast May 20 Mass Honors Young Martyr ‘Walking with Moms’ Gearing Up Don’t Miss Out!
May 4, 2023	Cathedral Organ Sounding ‘Exceptional, Brilliant’ at Rededication Ceremony CCI Asks Citizens to Act Now to Help Save Illinois Scholarship Parish Pantry Feeds Stomachs and Souls Magnificat Prayer Breakfast May 20 Rosary Makers Mark 40 Years May 18 What’s the Buzz? Aurora High Schools Hold Summer Camps Catholic Homeschooling Conference June 9-10
April 27, 2023	Annual Appeal Supporting Diocese of Rockford Begins St. Edward CCHS Breaks Ground for Performing Arts Diocesan Mass Attendance is Up But Still Down St. James Parishioners Provided Progress Update Hope for Haitians Mobilizes Volunteers in Illinois to Support Families in Poverty in Haiti New Street Name Memorializes Aurora Deacon Aquin Football Team in Jeopardy Marian CCHS Feeder Program Nets Girls Basketball Players Magnificat Prayer Breakfast May 20 Rosary Makers Celebrate 40 Years Marriage Classes Help Couples Prepare for Life Together
April 20, 2023	Maintaining a Connection To College Students Elgin Music Educator, Director Honored
April 13, 2023	Chrism Mass Celebrates Priesthood, Sacred Oils Altars of Repose the Focus of Old Yet New Tradition Cathedral Organ Refurbished and Sounds ‘Warmer’ Deacon John Kellen Dies April 7 Thousands Take Part in Live Stations of the Cross Pro-Life Stations Held On Good Friday New Initiative at Marmion Academy To Promote Healing, Moving Forward Observer Correspondents Earn State Recognition
April 6, 2023	Alleluia! Christ is Risen! Be Reconciled Again Provides The Opportunity for Grace Aurora Catholic Academy Consolidates Campuses Statewide March Includes Diocesan Pilgrims Illinois March for Life: Why did its location and date change? Legion of Mary Celebration a Small But Warm Gathering Despite Snow Rockford Priest Honored by Seminary
March 23, 2023	St. Joseph Altars a Display of Devotion Be Reconciled Day is March 29 National Catholic Youth Conference Comes to Indiana Enough to Make Jesus Weep The Teeter Totter in Us Lent What’s Up
March 16, 2023	Your Church is Waiting for You! Catholics are Invited to Confession March 29 During ‘Be Reconciled’ Day Mass for Donors Held In-Person Holy Face of Jesus Relic Comes to West Dundee Be Opened! Videos Explain Stewardship In Winning Ways Lent What's Up
March 9, 2023	Parishes Honor St. Joseph with Celebrations Lent What's Up Dispensation Granted for St. Patrick’s Day Parish Missions an Apostolate to Catholics Parish Missions in the Diocese of Rockford What a Difference the Spirit Makes
March 2, 2023	Rite of Election Welcomes Catechumens, Candidates We are Invited to Remain in The Peace of God’s Presence Second Combined Collection Serves Many Nations Crosses Mark Abortion Protest Rite of Election Welcomes Catechumens, Candidates International Flavors Featured at Newman Center Mardi Gras Event Giving Thanks with and for Prayer Lent What’s Up Marmion Academy Hosts Art Exhibit
February 23, 2023	Illinois Bishops Share ‘A Catholic Vision for Restorative Justice’ Bishop O’Neill Students Receive Scholarships Women’s Retreat at Bishop Lane March 24 The ‘Insignificant’ Parts of Jesus’ Passion Hold Lessons Day of Reflection Returns in 2023
February 16, 2023	Diocese Invites Catholics Back to Mass Catholics Called to Assist Turkey and Syria Bishop Malloy Grants Dispensation Deacon Paul Iwanski Dies Feb. 9 Changes at Richmond Parish Point to Past and Future Elgin Chili Cook-Off Coming Up Fast Somonauk, Sandwich Knights Support Aurora Pro-Life Center Lent: Mercy Over the Law
February 9, 2023	Scouts Recognized at Annual Mass For Earning Religious Awards Scouts Recognized … Abortion Battle to Go to Court Called to Serve the Council of Catholic Women Priest Has Enjoyed Being the DCCW Spiritual “Cheerleader” Mental Health Events Upcoming Elgin Chili Cook-off Returns After Hiatus Busy Aurora Deacon Watermann Dies Jan. 31 Former Director Of Diaconate Dies OSF Healthcare Names New Colleges of Nursing President
February 2, 2023	How to Strengthen Marriage, Family Remembering Deacon Steve Pulkrabek; Died at 74 Resettlement Efforts Ongoing in Rockford Diocese
January 26, 2023	Pro-Life Rally Draws a Crowd Superintendent of Catholic Schools to Retire Durand Deacon Killed In Auto Accident Day for Catechists Addresses Gender, Identity Challenges “Hero of Marmion” Provides for Renovation Of Multi-Sport Stadiums, Baseball Field Mental Health Course Goes Online Community, Generosity Mark Christmas Season in the Diocese
January 20, 2023	Bishop Malloy Part of Holy Land Coordination Delegation Diocese of Rockford Discontinues Charter Relationships with BSA Sinsinawa Sisters Begin Capital Campaign A history of growth, decline and continued service Called to Advocate for Children Support Life in the Diocese, State Media, Arts Events Planned in Diocese
January 12, 2023	Remembering Pope Benedict XVI First Combined Collection Set for Mid-January Abortion Clinic Opens; Rally Planned