ROCKFORD—During the Advent season of 2023, Bishop David Malloy joined Pope Francis and all the bishops of the U.S. in asking Catholics to participate in a special collection Dec. 16-17 to aid the Holy Land.

Bishop Malloy sent a letter to all diocesan parishes asking for an “extraordinary second collection.” The funds collected will assist those charitable efforts already in place in Jordan, Israel, Gaza and Beirut through the Catholic Near East Welfare Association, a pontifical mission situated both there and in the
United States. The agency will use the funds  to respond to the emergency needs of the people there caused by war and displacement.

Now as the Lenten season gets underway, the Diocese of Rockford, because of the generosity of most all parishes in the diocese, was able to disburse $166,085.77 on Feb. 15 to the Catholic Near East Welfare Association.

The largest donation was sent in by St. Thomas the Apostle Parish in Crystal Lake with a total of $9,117.95. According to the diocesan Office of
Finance, there were at least two parishes with donations still to be sent in from the collection, and six to report to the diocese.

“When our diocese responds to emergencies like those being faced by Christians in the Holy Land, it is  gratifying to see even our smallest parishes give generously. We appreciate the cooperation and participation of our pastors and business managers in helping our diocese help those in such desperate need,” said Jodi Rippon, diocesan director of Finance and Administrative Services.

Only three parishes reported having no collection at all.

The regular collection for the preservation of the Holy Places in the Holy Land will be taken up on Good Friday, March 29.