DIOCESE—Parishes throughout the Rockford Diocese prayed rosaries throughout the month of September, National Suicide Prevention and Awareness Month, to remember loved ones who had been lost to suicide and to pray for suicide prevention. 

 

At Christ the Teacher University Parish at Northern Illinois University in DeKalb, members of the student ministry team hosted a rosary Sept. 17 for suicide prevention and awareness. Many attendees wrote names of people to pray for on a board placed at the front of the congregation. 

 

Christ the King Parish in Wonder Lake held a rosary on Sept. 24. On that day, as the parish gathered to celebrate its anniversary, they prayed for members of their community that they had lost. 

 

Prayers for those impacted by suicide will continue at St. Anthony of Padua Parish, Rockford, which  will host a Mass in memory of anyone who has died by suicide.

 

The Mass will be Oct. 28, 10 a.m., at 1010 Ferguson St. Attendees are encouraged to bring a 5”x7” (or smaller) framed photo of their loved one to Mass, which they will take home afterward.

 

By Oct. 21, submit their name to Mary Fuller at cmhm@rockforddiocese.org or 815-520-7549. A time of fellowship will follow in the parish hall.