By Megan Peterson, Features/Multimedia Editor
ROCKFORD—The night of Jan. 10, around 200 guests gathered at St. Mary Oratory, here, to celebrate the joy of the Christmas season and to give a gift to the church. At “The Bells of St. Mary’s” fundraiser concert, the music of the oratory’s choirs and instrumentalists rang out — all in hopes that, soon, a new bell will ring out from the fully-restored church.
Canon Gerald Bell, rector, traced the oratory’s history. Finished in 1886, the oratory was dedicated in 1887 by Archbishop Patrick Feehan of Chicago. In 1997, the oratory was entrusted to the care of the Institute of Christ the King Sovereign Priest.
Now, after 140 years, the oratory “has suffered considerable wear and tear,” said Canon Bell. He noted the impact of weather as well as a fire in 1962 which damaged the church interior.
His predecessor, Canon John O’Connor, had already begun some renovations. Others are also planned for the nave, pews, floor and confessionals.
But the most urgent need is outside in the bell tower, said Canon Bell. “Notably, the masonry is in very poor condition,” he said. The parish plans to repair the tower and install a new church bell.
Canon Bell thanked those in attendance who had made the evening possible: Canon Matthew Talarico, the Institute’s provincial superior for the United States, who encouraged the concert; Dolores and Danniel Pribble, who were essential organizers; Skot Lien, Director of Sacred Music, who prepared the evening’s program; and volunteers who helped with decorations, food, and security. The printed program thanked attendees and many local sponsoring businesses, which all together raised $50,000.
“What unites us here today is the heritage of our faith in Jesus Christ. We are here to save more than just bricks and mortar,” Canon Bell said, pointing to souls striving for eternal life.
That heritage of faith echoed through the songs directed by Lien and sung by the Chorus Angelorum (children’s choir) and Cantores Christi Regis (the polyphonic choir for
ages 14 and up).
High notes of the concert included the children’s well-prepared German “Stille Nacht” (Silent Night); the rich strings of the instrumental “Pastorale Ad Libitum: Largo” movement by Arcangelo Corelli; the echo effect of “Jubilate Deo,” sung by the CA and CCR groups together, and the soaring harmonies of “O Magnum Mysterium” sung by CCR.
Keira Ehrke, Cantores Christi Regis alto, saw the concert’s beauty as a way to evangelize. “It’s great that we get to repair our church and have the beautiful bell … but it’s also nice that we can bring more people, hopefully, to the church and into the faith,” she said.
CCR bass Elliot Dawson noted how the bell tower’s beauty can draw people to the church. “When you’re coming to the church or driving … the bell tower is one of the first things you see,” he said. “We want that to be a point of beauty for the church, drawing the eyes upwards towards God.”
Following the concert was an elegant reception with champagne, hors d’oeuvres, and live harp music. Chorus Angelorum members ran between guests while playing hide-and-seek. A young choir member ventured out on the stage to watch the harpist play. Canon Talarico visited with guests.
Between bringing flowers and treats to thank each choir member, Lien reflected on the concert’s meaning to him as a lifelong St. Mary parishioner.
“It means a lot, just to be able to contribute to the church in this way and be able to help us restore it … we’ve been trying to restore it faith by faith, step by step, for about five years. Getting this next step done is awesome to be a part of,”
Lien said.
As she watched the lively crowd, Brigid Ehrke, business manager, mentioned recent calls to the office from parishioners who went to school at St. Mary, or were confirmed there some 50 years ago.
They were all excited, she said, to learn that the church is still alive and well.
To give to the bell tower restoration, visit www.BellsofStMarys.com or call 815-965-5971.
