ISSN: 0029-7739 $ 1.00 per copy THE BSERVER OOfficial Newspaper of the Catholic Diocese of Rockford Volume 85 | No. 47 http://observer.rockforddiocese.org FRIDAY NOVEMBER 20, 2020 Some Schools Already Online Increased COVID-19 cases Nov. 29 with a planned return to on-site instruction on Nov. 30. cause Catholic schools to nMontini, McHenry — remote learn- move to e-learning for ing from from Nov. 12 through Nov. 29 with a planned return to on-site instruc- holiday season tion on Nov. 30. n St. John the Baptist, Johnsburg — BY PENNY WIEGERT remote learning from Nov. 16 through Editor Dec. 4 with a planned return to on-site instruction on Dec. 7. DIOCESE—Just after the Rockford n St. Mary, DeKalb — remote learn- Diocese Department of Educational ing from Nov. 30 through Dec. 11 with Services announced an e-learning a planned return to on-site instruction schedule to help circumvent the spread from Dec. 14 through Dec. 18. Christ- of the coronavirus after the Christmas mas break will begin on Dec. 18. The holiday, schools began reporting in- return for the week of Dec. 14–18 is so creased cases of the virus. teachers can give end of quarter tests Principals were advised that if their and assessments and do further plan- school met one or more of the following ning for the return to remote learning criteria they should contact the Catho- beginning on Jan. 4. lic Education Office to discuss the pos- According to Michael Kagan, su- sibility of moving to remote learning perintendent of Catholic schools in the before Christmas break. E-learning Rockford Diocese, “The biggest issue may be necessary if: that St. Mary (in DeKalb) is facing is n Two or more grade-levels are re- a lack of substitute teachers. They are quired to quarantine; down to just one or two. Most people n Schools have difficulty covering on their sub list have either decided not in-class teaching or supervision be- to sub because of COVID or have taken (CNS photo/Nancy Wiechec) cause of the number of staff in quar- other jobs, which puts the school in a A Thanksgiving Day table features foods from local farms, ranches and purveyors in antine or isolation, or the inability to very precarious position in addition to Arizona. secure substitute teachers; those who are sick or quarantining due n Five or more positive COVID cases to positive tests.” (students or staff) have been identified Kagan told The Observer on Nov. Bless us, O Lord, and these within a school building. (As defined 13 that he and assistant superintendent by the Illinois Department of Public Vito DeFrisco met with the principals Thy gifts, which we are Health, five or more cases linked to a of St. Bridget in Loves Park, Holy Fam- common location during a 14-day pe- ily, St. Rita and All Saints Schools in about to receive from Thy riod is considered an outbreak.) Rockford to discuss their COVID-19 n The local health department rec- situations. bounty, through Christ, ommends remote learning. Due to an increase in positive tests With positivity rates in Illinois now and those already in quarantine, the at 15% or higher, schools are report- schools will all move to remote learn- Our Lord. Amen. ing increased cases of the coronavirus ing beginning on Nov. 23 and continue in students and staff and a shortage of through Jan. 18, 2021. substitutes for sick staff. On-site instruction will begin again Happy Thanksgiving! Diocesan Catholic schools that have for the Rockford-area schools on Jan. moved from in-person to e-learning at 19. Additionally, each principal dis- See Bishop David Malloy’s Thanksgiving video message press-time are: cussed the situation with his or her pas- at https://www.rockforddiocese.org/starting Nov. 21 at 9 a.m. n St. Margaret Mary, Algonquin — tor or executive pastor and has received remote learning from Nov. 13 through his support, Kagan said.
This Issue Official Quick News Appointments Bishop Malloy ...... 2 Father Lutz Dies Nov. 16 Observer Online for free at http://observertoo. The Rev. David E. Beauvais — rockforddiocese.org/. Headliners...... 3 Father Joseph L. Lutz died Monday, Nov. 16, to be Parochial Administrator Subscribers to the print edition will continue to Diocesan...... 4-6 2020, while under hospice care. Information of St. Peter Parish, South Beloit, receive it by mail. Nation/World ...... 7 effective Nov. 12, 2020. about his services will be available online at Given at the Chancery, Nov. 13, 2020 https://www.rockforddiocese.org/ and in the Our Catholic View ...... 8-9 DAC to Close Nov. 26-27 next issue of The Observer. The Diocesan Administration Center in For the Record ...... 10 Read The Observer Online Free Rockford will be closed Nov. 26 and 27 for the Media/Arts...... 11 Thanksgiving holiday. It will reopen Nov. 30. While we fight COVID, anyone may read The Young Observer ...... 12 2 | FRIDAY NOVEMBER 20, 2020 | The Observer God’s Will For Us is to Give The Observer (ISSN 0029- 7739), is published weekly, Thanks in All Circumstances except fi ve times a year by the Diocese of Rockford, “Rejoice always. Pray without ceasing. In all A year like we are living through, however, gives 555 Colman Center Dr., P.O. circumstances give thanks, for this is the will of us an opportunity to refl ect upon giving thanks to Box 7044, Rockford, IL 61125 Phone: 815/399-4300; Fax God for you in Christ Jesus.” God as an act of faith, even when times are tough. 815/399-6225. — 1 Thess 5:16-18 For the last 10 months, the coronavirus has Periodical postage paid at dominated our lives. For a time, our physical hese are words that Paul wrote to the Rockford, Ill., and additional presence at Mass and the sacraments has been mail offi ces. young Church that he had founded in restricted or regulated. People have learned to POSTMASTER: send address Thessalonica. live with increased isolation. How hard that has BY BISHOP changes to The Observer, 555 The missionary work of St. Paul was been on residents of nursing facilities and on their DAVID J. Colman Center Dr., P.O. Box Tanything but easy. Often it would not qualify as families. Many have lost income or even their entire 7044, Rockford, IL 61125 MALLOY successful if judged from human standards. The livelihood. And the numbers of positive tests are For ADVERTISING information: Church at Thessalonica, for example, saw Paul ominously rising again. Contact The Observer at the year persecuted and driven from the city. We have also gone through a tremendous social address above or call 815/399- like we His opponents from Thessalonica followed him upheaval this year. Controversy and anger over 4300; fax 815/399-6225, A to subsequent stops to try and hinder his preaching the death of George Floyd soon morphed into Email: kmccarthy@ are living rockforddiocese.org. and any rooting of the faith that might result. The demonstrations that at times resulted in violence through, faithful who embraced his message in Thessalonica and attacks on our social structure, history and Send NEWS information to The however, also faced pressures and persecutions after he was even on our church properties. Observer at the address or fax gone. number above; send email to gives us an The Church herself continues to be marked by Observer@rockforddiocese. With this background, we see that Paul’s opportunity heroic acts of faith and witness, both locally and org; or fi ll out a form at admonition to the Thessalonians that they should, throughout the world. But scandals and confusion http://observer.rockforddiocese. to re ect “In all circumstances give thanks” was not simply continue to remind us of the human element of the org/contact-us. upon giving pious optimism. It was formation of their minds and Church and the need for constant conversion. Subscription rate $28.00 per thanks to hearts in the midst of diffi culties. And he links it Still, St. Paul has told us to give thanks in all year (48 issues); Canadian God as an to the very will of God which all of us are to seek circumstances. That means that we stop and thank and Pan American $29; other daily. God for the gift of life He has given us. We thank foreign: surface mail $37, air act of faith, This Thursday is Thanksgiving Day. As we Him for the faith that leads us to the truth and to mail $97; single copies $1. even when know, it is a civil holiday, fi rst offi cially proclaimed God’s will for us. We thank Him for our family and The Observer Online digital times are nationally by Abraham Lincoln in 1863 at the for our daily bread. subscriptions are also available. tough. height of the American Civil War. Still, it resonates But it means we thank God also for grace to face Publisher: with our faith. Consequently many people make every challenge. We thank Him for the strength Most Reverend David J. Malloy going to Mass in the morning a part of their to confront suff ering with Jesus and to deepen Editor: Penny Wiegert Thanksgiving celebration. The Eucharist of course our faith in the midst of confusion and even News Editor: Amanda Hudson means thanksgiving and it is our highest form of persecution. adoration and gratitude to God. In this our thanksgiving is like our need to Features and Multimedia We naturally recognize that we are to say thanks forgive others. It is not at the easy moments, but at Editor: Sharon Boehlefeld for moments of joy, of happiness or for gifts that have those most diffi cult when we thank God, that we Circulation/Proofreading: been received. We wish, for example, to emulate the most truly align our will to His. Susan Sabrowski Samaritan leper who returned to thank Jesus for his In all circumstances give thanks, for this is the Accounting: Jill Bonk cure. And we recognize lack of gratitude when the will of God for you in Christ Jesus. other nine never came back to do so. Happy Thanksgiving. Advertising and Marketing: Kevin McCarthy Production and Web Administrator: Gary Haughton Moses, Like Us, Prayed in Fear Contributing Writers: Father Kenneth Wasilewski, From the General Audience, Library of the Apostolic Palace, June 17, Part 1 lips, in every prayer he addresses to God, is the Lynne Conner, Tony Carton, question why? “Why have you sent me? Why do Pat Szpekowski, Margarita In our itinerary on the theme of prayer, we are you want to free this people? Why?” Mendoza, Louise Brass, Patrick realizing that God never liked to deal with those In the Pentateuch, there is even a dramatic Winn who prayed the “easy way.” And Moses was not a passage where God reproaches Moses for his lack of “weak” conversationalist either, from the very fi rst Publication Dates: Weekly
(CNS photo/C. Peri via Reuters) Peri photo/C. (CNS trust, a lack that will prevent him from entering the except that in 2020 there will day of his vocation. promised land (see Num 20:12). be no issues on Jan. 3, May BY POPE When God called him, Moses was, in human With these fears, with this often wavering heart, 29, July 31 and Oct. 30. FR ANCIS terms, “a failure.” The Book of Exodus portrays him in the land of Midian as a fugitive. As a young how can Moses pray? Indeed, Moses appears News Deadlines: Usually, 10 man he had felt compassion for his people and had human like us. And this happens to us too. When days before publication date. hen we have doubts, how can we pray? We do not feel aligned himself in defense of the oppressed. But he Ad Deadlines: Usually, 10 we like praying. And it is because of this, his weakness, W soon discovered that, despite his good intentions, days before publication date. have doubts, it was not justice but violence that fl owed from his as well as his strength, that we are impressed. Entrusted by God to transmit the law to his Offi cial information on the poli- how can we hands. cies, activities, and positions pray? Thus his dreams of glory were shattered. Moses people, founder of divine worship, mediator of of the Diocese of Rockford is was no longer a promising offi cial destined to rise the loftiest mysteries, he will not for this reason released only in the pages of rapidly in his career, but rather one who gambled cease to maintain close bonds of solidarity with his The Observer, or in state- people, especially in the hour of temptation and sin. ments from the Diocesan away opportunities and now grazed a fl ock that was Offi ce of Communications and not even his own. And it was precisely in the silence He is always attached to his people. Publications. of the Midian desert that God summoned Moses Moses never forgets his people. And this is a great The Observer uses recycled to the revelation of the burning bush: “ ‘I am the characteristic of pastors: not forgetting the people, paper and is recyclable. God of your father, the God of Abraham, the God not forgetting one’s roots. It is what Paul says to his Our Mission is the mission of Isaac, and the God of Jacob,’ And Moses hid his beloved young Bishop Timothy: “Remember your of the Church itself — to face, for he was afraid to look at God” (Ex 3:6). mother and your grandmother, your roots, your spread the Gospel through people.” contemporary means of Moses resists God who speaks, who invites him communications. to take care of the people of Israel once more, with Moses is so friendly with God that he can speak his fears and his objections. He is not worthy of that with Him face to face (see Ex 33:11), and he will Member of: mission; he does not know God’s name; he will not remain so friendly with the people that he feels be believed by the Israelites; he has a stammering mercy for their sins, for their temptations, for the tongue ... (there are) so many objections. sudden nostalgia that the exiles feel for the past, The word that issues most frequently from Moses’ recalling when they were in Egypt. Headliners The Observer | FRIDAY NOVEMBER 20, 2020 | 3 Bishop Honors Long-Time Marriages at Virtual Silver and Gold Mass Nov. 15
DIOCESE—Couples hon- married the longest this year. 50; John and Patricia Wuebben, 51 Richard and Susan Schindel, 50 Belvidere ored at the annual Silver and Each couple who asked for a St. Rita of Cascia: Gerald and Gold Mass for the Rockford commemorative certifi cate by Algonquin Merrilee Lubshina, 50 St. James: Devin and Jeanne Al- Diocese on Nov. 15 collectively the deadline was listed at the St. Therese of Jesus: Christian brecht, 25; Tom and Janet Lacke, St. Margaret Mary: Grzegorz marked more than 9,000 years end of the Mass. and Marisol Stinson, 25 55; Douglas and Deborah Wheel- and Malgorzata Przybylko, 25 Couples and their years of of marriage. Batavia er, 50 Bishop David Malloy, who marriage are also listed below Aurora celebrated a virtual Mass from in alphabetical order by town Holy Cross: Alan and Mary Fran Byron his chapel, congratulated the and parish. Holy Angels: Paul and Lillian Fulton, 50; Gerald and Marilyn St. Mary: Frank and Nancy Har- couples and mentioned the Albany O’Loughlin, 62; Paul and Jean Kasper, 50; Donald and Fran- years of marriage being cele- Rettig, 60; Thomas and Joanne ces Nallenweg, 60; Christian and wath, 65; William E. and Patricia brated. He also read the names St. Patrick: John and Elaine For- Vickroy, 69 Anhdria Paschoud, 25; Randy and A. Hogan, 70; Kevin and Palma of those couples who had been rest, 54; Gary and Becky Hovey, Our Lady of Good Counsel: Helen Zaleski, 50 Continued on page 4
Bishop Malloy’s Public Schedule ROCKFORD — Nov. 21, 7:30 JOHNSBURG — Nov. 22, 1 a.m., Mass and Blessing of new p.m., Con rmation ceremony, Our Lady of Guadalupe Prayer St. John the Baptist Church Garden, Cathedral of St. Peter ONLINE — Nov. 25, 12 noon, AURORA — Nov. 21, 10 a devotion and re ection, a.m., 11:30 a.m., and 1 p.m., https://www.rockforddiocese. Con rmation ceremonies, St. org/ and https://www. facebook.com/Diocese-of- Rita of Cascia Church Rockford-107823162598914/ ROCKFORD — Nov. 22, 7:30 ROCKFORD — Nov. 29, 7:30 a.m., Sunday Mass, Cathedral of a.m., Sunday Mass, Cathedral of St. Peter St. Peter ONLINE — Nov. 22, 9 a.m. ONLINE — Nov. 29, Mass, https://www. 9 a.m. Mass, https:// rockforddiocese.org/ and www.rockforddiocese. https://www.facebook. org/ and https://www. com/Diocese-of- facebook.com/Diocese-of- Rockford-107823162598914/ Rockford-107823162598914/
(Photo provided) Polish Language Students in Rockford Visit Cemetery On Oct. 3, children from the Polish language school at St. Stanislaus Kostka Parish in Rocford went to Calvary Cemetery west of Rockford to pay respect to and visit grave sites of relatives and other parish- ioners.
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Don’t Miss Bishop Honors Long-Time Marriages Bishop From page 3 Lyons, 60; James and Linda Ross, Malloy’s 50; Ron and Mary Weber, 50 TV Messages Carpentersville St. Monica: Salvador and Josefi na Weekday Reflection Corona, 26; Roberto and Josefi na (about 6:58 a.m.) Ornelas, 51 on WREX-TV, Channel 13, Cary Rockford SS Peter and Paul: Michael J. Boyce and Kathleen Cote Boyce, Top o’ the 50; James and Priscilla Graziano, 58; Steve and Meghan Ruschein- Morning ski, 25; Mark and Brenda Woz- with niak, 25 Crystal Lake Bishop (Observer screenshot/Sharon Boehlefeld) St. Elizabeth Ann Seton: Henry Bishop David Malloy welcomes couples and their families to the annual Silver and Gold Mass for couples Malloy and Judith A. Bernhardt, 50; Ran- in the Rockford Diocese who are celebrating signi cant anniversaries this year. He o ered the virtual Mass dy and Deanna Weidner, 25 from his private chapel in Rockford on Nov. 15. Listen to archives anytime at http://observer.rockforddiocese.org. St. Thomas the Apostle: Christo- Click on Bishop Malloy on the top left pher and Lisa Dalton, 25; Ronald Lorraine Vormezeele, 62; James Freeport Hartland side of the page. and Bernice Ferraro, 60; Jack and and Janet Wenger, 58 Maureen Hoscheit, 50; Vince and St. Thomas Aquinas: Wayne and St. Patrick: Thomas and Theresa Brought to you by Michele Mannella, 25; Doug and Elburn Mary Drake, 50; Edward and Jane Selzer, 50 Fitzgerald Funeral Homes Nancy Myslenski, 50; John and Hoff man, 50; Bill and Sheila Leib- St. Gall: Charles and Donna Pel- Huntley Illinois Bank & Trust Barbara O’Neill, 25 man, 50; John and Leanne Namio, letier, 50; Daniel M. and Kathleen 50; Gary and Rosemary Young, 50 Diocesan Office of DeKalb A. Pool, 50; Michael and Sally St. Mary: Thomas C. and Diane L. Benbennick, 70; Nestor and Communication and Wade, 50 Fulton Publications The Observer Christ the Teacher University Rosamaria Castillo, 50; Thomas Office of Charitable Giving, Parish: Samuel and Kathleen Ber- Elgin Immaculate Conception: Ronald and Florence Dennison, 50; Marco and Kathleen Bell, 57; Franklin and Laurie DiSilvio, 25; Donald Diocese of Rockford kes, 30 and Nadine Brabender, 59; Charles A. and Helen K. Giancaterino, St. Mary: Mark and Karen Fen- St. Joseph and St. Thomas More: and Mardelle Dykstra, 61; Eugene 50; James and Joan Heine, Sr., 55; ske, 50; Raymond and Paula Mil- Michael and Mary Kearney, 50 and Rebecca Field, 64; Robert and Thomas and Barbara Janicak, 55; roy, 60 David and D’Ann St. Mary: Patricia Newton, 51; Michael and Michael and Mary Kaus, 50; Ed- Granger, 25 Dixon Mary B. Paul, 52; Irvin and Mary ward W. and Dolores A. Kniola, St. Thomas More: Wallace and Sanderson, 58; Richard and Janann 72; Richard and Denise Lessner, St. Anne: Raymond and Lorraine Barbara Allen, 50; Derek and Jen- Sanderson, 52; James and Beverly 65; Fritz and Tina Masur, 72; Da- Murray, 61; Donald D. and Rita M. nifer Garza, 25; Ralph W. and Pa- Schmerse, 53; Terry and Jeanine rin and Kathleen Michel, 25; Allen Trent, 60 tricia A. Lopatowski, 60; Richard Tufty, 53; William and Pam Wisor, and Grace Moran, 50; Oliver and St. Patrick: Kenneth and Judith and Darlene Thoms, 25 56; Bernard and Joyce Zajicek, 59 Marjorie Stefonek, 65; Tom and Mendel, 56 Mary Torp, 25; Fryderyk and Hel- Erie Galena ena Wenc, 50; Bernard and Mary Durand Winker, 60 St. Ambrose: Bernard and Mari- St. Mary: Neil and Bernadette St. Mary/St. Patrick: Shad and lyn Null, 64; Joseph and Cynthia Spurr, 53 Johnsburg Kathy Sutherland, 25; Robert and Weaver, 50 Geneva St. John the Baptist: Lloyd G. and Doris E. Freund, 70; Donald St. Peter: Robert and Janis Grant, and Carol Golemba, 50 50; Richard and Mary Hendrian, 25; Gary P. and Barbara A. Jensen, Loves Park Weekly in 50; Ian and Kristine McPheron, 25; Donald and Mary Poore, 50; St. Bridget: Paul and Barbara Pe- The Dennis and Ritsuko White, 60 terson, 25; Brad and Manda Rey- nolds, 25; Boyd and Maria Small, Observer Genoa 25; Robert and Katherine Stacionis, 50; David and Cynthia Welte, 25 St. Catherine of Genoa: Vernon C. and Shirley A. Drendel, 65 Maple Park
Subscribe Hampshire St. Mary of the Assumption: James A. and Mildred F. Diehl, 64 Today! St. Charles Borromeo: Richard and Jean Bruggeman, 50; George Marengo Select print, digital E. and Marcella E. Drendel, 72; Jim and Terry Feld, 50; Roger and Sacred Heart: Ronald and Pamela or both for just Angeline Gregory, 50; Robert W. Behm, 50; Pasquale and Josephine $28 per year. and Joan Wajda, 60 Passaro, 55 Call 815-399-4300 ext. 383 or go online at Watch Sunday http://observer. rockforddiocese.org Catholic TV in the Rockford Diocese starts with a faith-filled program at 6 a.m., followed by Mass at 6:30 a.m. on WREX
channel 13 in Rockford View Mass anytime atwww.rockforddiocese.org/tv-mass Brought to you by the Diocesan Office of Communication and and on cable. Publications Diocesan The Observer | FRIDAY NOVEMBER 20, 2020 | 5 at Virtual Silver and Gold Mass Nov. 15
McHenry Shannon Carla Kohlert, 25; 50; Kenneth and Alison Prokopec, James P. and Annette 50; Lyle and Edna Rolfe, 50; Scott Church of Holy Apostles: Dennis St. Wendelin: John M. Meek, 60 and Pamela Young, 25 and Mary Kay Diedrich, 55; John and Jane Jirgenson, St. Patrick: Jef- and Milica Glaw, 50; Anthony and 60 frey and Nicolle Mc- Sycamore Linda Gullo, 52 Cullough, 25; Frank St. Mary: Ed and Kathy Malenius, Somonauk and Bernice Monte- St. Mary: Jerome and Sheila Bliu- 50; Robert and Darlene Mrachek, leone, 67; Richard 50 St. John the Bap- jus, 25; Roy and Joyce McConkey, and Diane Piontek, St. Patrick: Dennis and Patricia tist: Donald and 50; Jerry and Susan Phillips, 50 25; Larry and Mary Ansell, 60; Harold and Joyce Died- Marilyn Ciesielski, rich, 60; Peter and Maureen Keller, 60 Rakunas, 50; Dennis Warren 50; Leon and Linda Van Every, 50 and Kathleen Skow- South Beloit ron, 50; Walter and St. Ann: Gregory and Kathleen Andrea Szuck, 50 Menominee St. Peter: Bri- Stake, 50 an and Jennifer (Observer photo/Amanda Hudson) Nativity BVM: Robert and Mar- Roberto and Jose na Ornelas of St. Monica Parish in Car- Sugar Grove Woodstock lene Wallenhorst, 50 D’Haeze, 25; Ed- ward and Cindy pentersville who marked 51 years of marriage this year were St. Katharine among hundreds of couples who received commemorative St. Mary: O. Lynn and Linda Morrison Godawski, 25 Drexel: Michael certi cates. and Mary Beh- Fifer, 50; Mark and Susan Heir- St. Mary: Burton and Rita Sea- Spring Grove rens, 50; Rick and ess, 25; Kenneth F. and Linda M. man, 60 St. Charles Kathy Furgason, 50; St. Peter: Edward T. and Kathleen Mokry, 50 George and Jeanne Hesseling, 50; N. Curry, 50; Richard and Mary Resurrection: Ronald and Sharon Mount Carroll Patrick and Kathleen LaJeunesse, K. Yager, 50 St. John Neumann: Jeff rey and Lipinski, 50 SS. John and Catherine: John and Thelma Swiech, 65 North Aurora
Blessed Sacrament: Ken and Sha- ron Kish, 50; John Whitney and Patricia Cawley-Whitney, 35 Now is the Time to Consider Pecatonica
St. Mary: Robert and Carmen a Charitable Gift Annuity (CGA) Meyer, 73 Rochelle
St. Patrick: Joe and Patricia Weaver, 60 Did you know a CGA gives twice? Rockford First to you – then to your parish, Cathedral of St. Peter: Bob and school or diocesan entity Anne Hammes, 50; Douglas and Barbara Lundin, 50 • Lucrative Rates Holy Family: Walter “Red” and • Your quarterly distributions Patricia Bainbridge, 50; John A. are fixed (no economy or and Mary Jane Ciburk, 60; Michael and Maureen Cyrs, 25; David and market fluctuations) Rosann Hawkinson, 50; Jef and • Your gift annuity can be single Joanne Heckinger, 50; Keith and life or joint life Jennifer Kersten, 25; Richard and Sandra Niggemann, 60; Edward and Jeanne Rudnicki, 71; Charles and Elizabeth Shafer, 55; Matthew and Marianne Summers, 63; James CURRENT CGA RATES and Patrice Vecchio, 50; Kenneth The single life rates, determined by the American Council on Gift E. and Mary E. Wolowiec, 50 Annuities, are as follows (for joint life rates, which are a bit lower, WHAT IS A CHARITABLE St. Anthony of Padua: Thomas please contact us): and Dana Maggio, 25 GIFT ANNUITY? A Charitable Gift Annuity (CGA) St. Edward: Robert and Georgi- AGE RATE AGE RATE AGE RATE AGE RATE ann Nimmo, 55 is a contract between you St. James: Vito and Janette Gri- 65 4.2% 72 4.9% 79 6.2% 86 7.8% and the Catholic Foundation sanzio, 50; Peter and Julie Smith, for the People of the Diocese 25 66 4.3 73 5.1 80 6.5 87 8.0 of Rockford, in which you St. Patrick: Robert and Jean 67 4.4 74 5.2 81 6.7 88 8.2 transfer ownership of cash, Babcock, 73; Deacon Ronald and securities or other assets, Rosemarie Graw, 70; Richard and 68 4.5 75 5.4 82 7.0 89 8.4 and receive a guaranteed fixed payment for life. Upon Anne Murphy, 65; Kenneth and 69 4.6 76 5.6 83 7.2 90+ 8.6 Helen Walton, 63 your death, the remainder St. Rita: James and Jan Fulton, 70 4.7 77 5.8 84 7.4 of your gift is distributed to your parish, school, or other 56; Robert and Janice Jakeway, 50; 71 4.8 78 6.0 85 7.6 Ron and Chris Knauer, 50; John diocesan agency. and Nancy McCoy, 50; Clarence minimum age 65; min. amount: $5,000 ACGA rates effective July 1, 2020 and Kathleen Welte, 60 St. Stanislaus Kostka: Gerald and Carol Brugger, 61 Roscoe
Church of the Holy Spirit: Rich- ard and D’Anna Freiberg, 50 Savanna
St. John the Baptist: Martin and Dan O’Malley | Executive Director | 815-399-4300 | [email protected] Janet Altensey, 52; Larry and Mary Stebbins, 50 6 | FRIDAY NOVEMBER 20, 2020 | The Observer Diocesan COVID, Papal Comments, McCarrick Topics for Diocesan Pastoral Council BY PENNY WIEGERT In his presentation on the said. For that reason he said, pope’s remarks into their prop- with council members the fact Editor topic, Bishop David Mal- he is continuing the dispensa- er context. that a full report on the investi- loy praised “the tremendous tion from the obligation of in- “The long and short of it gation into the handling of alle- DIOCESE—Members of the work being done by parishes person Mass indefi nitely. is, our faith does not change, gations against former cardinal Diocesan Pastoral Council met from the priests down to each “There will be stormy seas Christ has given us the words Theodore McCarrick was due virtually for their regular meet- volunteer” in helping to keep ahead of us, but we continue to for all time and our task is to to be released the week follow- ing Nov. 7. churches clean and safe places do a good job of safety” in the implement them, not change ing the DPC meeting (Nov. 10.) The group met online for the them ... . The whole story of cre- While Bishop Malloy said he to worship and minister. Even churches so in-person Mass at- second time because of the on- tendance, though limited, will ation in Genesis still remains had no preview of what might though the hope was that the going coronavirus pandemic, continue. for us. It is important for us not be included in the report, he which also topped the agenda virus would stabilize and there Members of the council to allow an informal comment expected that some of the news for the group. would be some sort of leveling shared with Bishop Malloy with a kind of a vague back- would be “shameful.” (See cov- After reports from DPC ex- of the virus, the numbers being their experiences of attend- ground to get us uneasy or un- erage in the Nov. 13 issue.) ecutive secretary Kevin Fuss, reported every day tell us that ing Mass and reported that comfortable particularly when Kevin Fuss, executive sec- the ongoing challenges to the is not the case,” he said. new people continue to return our faith is very established in retary of the DPC, reported on life of the Church and the life “Going forward is of partic- to in-person Mass and that this area that is very contested the fi rst-ever virtual ministry of the faithful caused by the ular concern for the elderly and online Masses continue to at- right now,” Bishop Malloy said. day attended by some 300 par- pandemic were addressed. vulnerable,” Bishop Malloy tract large numbers of viewers, During the discussion that ticipants. As successful as the many times from all parts of followed, council members format was, Fuss said most all the country. thanked Bishop Malloy for his those surveyed after the meet- Many were concerned with remarks but expressed frustra- ing look forward to an in-per- You’ve Helped Us Build It! the upcoming winter months tion with the Vatican in the de- son meeting. and handling outreach to the lay clarifying the remarks. The next Ministry Day is Will You Help Us Equip It? most vulnerable during that Council members were also scheduled for October 2021. time. Others expressed appre- updated on how and when Fuss also said that Mass ciation to the Diocesan Finance names of priests with substan- counts would still be taken Offi ce for assistance during the tiated allegations of abuse are this year despite the capacity pandemic. added to the list maintained restrictions of the pandemic. Bishop Malloy also com- on the diocesan website under Counts were to be conducted mented on the reported re- Safe Environments. Nov. 7-8 and Nov. 14-15. marks made by Pope Francis His comments were to clar- Joining the DPC at the last on civil unions during a recent ify an erroneous report by a meeting was new member “Not all of us can do great things. interview for a documentary. newspaper in the diocese that Kristin Rauch representing Bishop Malloy relayed some six names had recently been laypeople from the Freeport But we can do small things with great love.” clarifi cation from the Vatican added. The last update to the Deanery. — St. Mother Teresa of Calcutta reaffi rming the nature of mar- list was on Oct. 20, 2020, when The next meeting of the Di- riage between a man and a one new name was added. ocesan Pastoral Council will be woman and putting some of the Bishop Malloy also shared in June 2021. Donors Needed Now to Help Catholic Students with Scholarships DIOCESE—”Empower Illi- kamp on Nov. 17. “We need to schools in the Rockford Dio- Website: https://www.imabridge.org/ nois ... let me know that we are have donations committed by cese who is leading the Free- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ImaBridgeAfrica $50,000 short of exceeding our Nov. 30 to count for and get port Aquin Schools this year. fundraising from last year for used for this year’s students.” In the Rockford Diocese, 86 Mailing Address: the Invest In Kids Scholarship Heitkamp is an assistant students receive Empower Illi- ImaBridge Africa, PO BOX 752, Sycamore, IL 60178 nois scholarships with 1,075 still program,” said Elizabeth Heit- superintendent of Catholic waiting to be funded, she said. “Any size donation is appre- ciated and used to give students access to an excellent Catholic education,” she added. Empower Illinois is a state- wide scholarship granting or- ganization created in 2017 to serve Illinois children through the state’s tax credit scholar- ship program known as Invest in Kids. Invest in Kids Act is a fi ve year pilot program that allows income tax credits for Illinois taxpayers who make autho- rized contributions to a schol- arship granting organization (SGO). The SGOs, in turn, provide scholarships for eli- gible Illinois students to attend qualifi ed, non-public schools in Illinois. The program helps children E whose educational options are
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I limited by household income. L Q U A L I F Y I N G Donors should go to the Em- N ENTRANCE EXAM power Illinois website for spe- O SATURDAY, DEC. 5, 2020 at 9:00 AM APPLY ONLINE: MARMION.ORG/ADMISSIONS cifi c instructions on how to make a donation. Info: Empowerillinois.org Nation/World The Observer | FRIDAY NOVEMBER 20, 2020 | 7 Carmelite Priest, Mercy Sister News in Brief At audience, pope renews commitment to fight abuse Honored for Social Justice Work VATICAN CITY (CNS)—After the Vatican released its exten- sive report on Theodore E. McCarrick, Pope Francis renewed MEXICO CITY (CNS)— their decades of ministry and the Catholic Church’s Carmelite Father Peter Hinde social justice work in Latin pledge to uproot the and Mercy Sister Betty Camp- America. scourge of sexual abuse. Be- bell often share an anecdote An ecumenical organization, fore concluding his weekly when receiving foreign visitors CRISPAZ, or Christians for general audience Nov. 11, at Casa Tabor, the home in a Peace in El Salvador, was co- the pope made his first pub- modest Ciudad Juarez neighbor- founded by Father Hinde and lic statement on the release hood near the U.S. border where two colleagues in 1985 during of the report regarding the they’ve lived, worked and wel- the Salvadoran civil war. (CNS photo/Vatican Media) “painful case” of the former Pope Francis leads his general au- comed visitors for 25 years. Father Hinde, 97, recently cardinal. “I renew my close- dience in the library of the Apos- In the anecdote, originating (CNS photo/Julie Bourbon, courtesy Sisters of Mercy of left the hospital after battling the Americas) ness to all victims of every tolic Palace at the Vatican Nov. 11. from the time when they began COVID-19 complications. Sis- Mercy Sister Betty Campbell and form of abuse and the working together in Peru, a lo- ter Campbell, 86, a nurse by Carmelite Father Peter Hinde Church’s commitment to eradicate this evil,” he said. After cal man said good guests do not pose next to an illustration of St. training, has taken care of him, enter uninvited and don’t rear- but also contracted COVID-19 reading his brief comment on the report, the pope bowed Oscar Romero in a 2019 photo in his head and closed his eyes in silent prayer. The 460-page range things once inside. Ciudad Juarez, Mexico. without showing symptoms. “It’s about how many times Colleagues describe the pair report, which was published by the Vatican Nov. 10, chron- good-hearted Americans come Erickson, “but it was also what as still active at Casa Tabor, icled McCarrick’s rise through the Church’s hierarchal ranks to another country, thinking they called ‘contemplative po- where murals speak of social despite decades of accusations of sexual abuse and abuse of how they’re going to help the litical action.’ They wanted to justice and the names of the power. people without asking the peo- understand what was happening missing and murdered are writ- ple what they want,” said Mercy to people, forcing migration.” ten on the walls. Christians, Muslims again top list of Sister Kathleen Erickson, who The pair worked quietly in They long have received faiths facing hostility worldwide knows the pair well. Ciudad Juarez, not seeking the groups of U.S. students and WASHINGTON (CNS)—Christians top the list for countries Father Hinde and Sister spotlight, but actively bearing parishioners seeking to learn where they face either governmental or social hostility, ac- Campbell took it to heart. That witness to the difficulties of life about the realities of the U.S- cording to a new report issued Nov. 10 by the Pew Research wisdom has shaped their de- in the borderlands: the murders Mexico border region. Center. Christians have topped the list each year since Pew cades-long ministry, which has of women, migrants perishing Both U.S. citizens, Father started collecting data in 2007. The number of countries focused on being a witness, liv- in attempts to reach the U.S., Hinde and Sister Campbell where Christians face some form of hostility rose from 143 ing in solidarity with the poor low wages and poor working met while serving in Peru and in 2017 to 145 in 2018, the latest year for which statistics are and raising awareness of what conditions in the factory-for- traveled frequently throughout they consider the corrosive ef- export economy and drug cartel Latin America, learning of lo- available. Christians were followed in order by Muslims, Jews, fects of U.S. policy toward Latin violence. cal situations and advocating for “others,” folk religions, Hindus, Buddhists and the religiously America. Father Hinde and Sister changes in U.S. foreign policy. unaffiliated. Out of 198 nations studied, Christians faced “Tabor House did a lot of hos- Campbell received the CRIS- They established Casa Tabor in government harassment in 124 countries, second to Muslims’ pitality for the poor,” said Sister PAZ Peace Award Nov. 17 for 1995. 126, and social harassment in 104 countries.
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It is recognizing the On the question is one we now by Christina opportunity to be Christ to others discourage her from uttering. and to receive Christ from others. The impulse to swing open Capecchi It does not require uncluttered Road her door and her arms, honed counters. It does require an over nine decades and stitched uncluttered heart. BY COLLEEN CAMPBELL | into her Irish-Catholic DNA, is http://ReadChristina.com Emily Stimpson Chapman, Catholic News Service (CNS photo/Paul Haring) not easily thwarted. Yet we have attempted to do author of “The Catholic Table,” taught me this In his apostolic exhortation, Just like the two so this year. back when visions of immaculate Pinterest “Evangelii Gaudium” (“The disciples on the road to Joy of the Gospel”), Pope She’s doing her best, but she doesn’t like it one boards held me back. Emmaus, we may have Francis says that accompa- bit. Social distancing goes against every fiber of “When we think of hospitality not as found ourselves tearful niment “heals, liberates and her being. impressing people but as loving people, it’s easier and shocked at many encourages growth in the At 90, Grandma still lives in the two-story to let go of all the extras that make welcoming points in the past few Christian life.” brick home where she raised her six kids. It is people into our home stressful or expensive,” the the hub for our sprawling extended family. We Pittsburgh mom told me. months for a variety of reasons, saying, “But we all gather there on Christmas Eve, when she’s The Biblical command to care for those in were hoping ... .” perched at the piano, plucking out carols we sing need does not exclude times of pandemic, Emily If at the root of any traumatic experience is along to across the living room. pointed out. It does require greater creativity isolation, insecurity and exclusion, then healing is Individually, we flee there on bad days, when and greater courage. “What God calls us to, He cultivated through safety, security and inclusion. we need a sympathetic ear and a soft place to always gives us the grace to do,” she said. In other words, one of the ways in which trauma land. She sits by the fireplace, a candy dish at one The Benedictines consider hospitality a can be healed is through relationship. elbow and a basket of newspapers and magazines charism, a special spiritual gift. St. Benedict On the road to Emmaus, Jesus gives us this at the other. She listens so wholeheartedly, explored the topic in a chapter of his book “Rule example of healing through relationship and with appreciative sounds and interjections, and of Benedict,” written in the year 516. He believed instantly everything seems better. accompaniment. Instead of admonishing the guests should be warmly received upon arrival That is hospitality in its truest sense. The word and departure. Doesn’t it feel good when a host two disciples for experiencing the real effects originates from the Latin word for hospital. grabs your bag as you enter or walks you out as of a trauma by coldly instructing them on the Grandma’s expression of hospitality does indeed you leave? theological purpose of His passion and death, He turn her home into a hospital: a refuge for the sad St. Benedict emphasized the “humility” at the invites them into relationship by meeting them and lonely, a place for healing. core of hospitality, and he described it in action: where they are. I’ve been reflecting on the virtue of hospitality, a host should bow to their guests to adore the Pope Francis, in “Evangelii Gaudium” (“The Joy which feels more needed than ever yet harder Christ within, pray with them, sit with them and of the Gospel”), spoke of the need for the Church than ever to exercise amid a pandemic. How are wash their hands. to be initiated into the “art of accompaniment” we to practice hospitality now, when our faces The spirit of those gestures can be done from a (No. 169). are covered and our reserves are depleted? How distance, even remotely: listening well, affirming are we to embrace the stranger while keeping six- others, praying for them, checking in, mailing The point of departure for accompaniment is feet distance? cards, leaving banana bread at the front door. the real-life experience of the one who is accom- If hospitality is defined as kindness toward We can smile with our eyes even when our panied, from which a mentor creates a space of strangers, the friendly reception of guests, then mouths are masked. Perhaps that’s a metaphor for relationship and acceptance. Accompaniment is the opposite is judgment. It’s forming unfair hospitality in 2020: We have less to work with, the opposite of trauma and separation because and unfavorable ideas about others based on but we’re doing what we can. We’re trusting that, it “heals, liberates and encourages growth in the our own insecurities and ignorance. This means once again, God will give us the grace. Christian life,” says Pope Francis (No. 169). Through accompaniment, another person helps guide us in our pursuit of holiness by as- Scripture Reflection for Nov. 22, Solemnity of Jesus Christ, King of the Universe sisting us in recognizing where in the messiness, chaos and defeat in our lives the Spirit is, has been and is still inviting us to go. Imagining the ‘End’ of ‘All’ What does accompaniment ask of us in this time of collective trauma? BY KEVIN PERROTTA was saying that, in its entirety, it will pass away; It asks us not to remain idle, wishing that Catholic News Service something new will take its place. circumstances were different. It requires us to imi- For us in the 21st century, talking about the tate Jesus and take the first step toward those on unday’s readings mark the end of the year “end” of “all” the universe means thinking with the journey who, like the disciples, are suffering — the Church year, that is. measures of time and space that far exceed from the trauma of the past few months. We’ve made our way once more comprehension. For a 13-billion-year-old Jesus doesn’t wait for the ideal situation to en- through the yearlong celebration of the universe, whose extent can be represented only SChristian mystery. God has so loved the world with a mind-glazing string of zeroes, when might counter the disciples; He meets them on the way. that He sent His only Son, so that we might have the end be? What might it look like? We are called to go in the same haste with which life in Him. Whenever or however the end, Paul says, it will Jesus accompanied His disciples. Since last December, not simply be the end. It will be the moment of It calls us to recognize that we can offer virtual we have remembered God’s re-creation in His Son, so that God will be accompaniment by offering encouragement to His Son’s birth, life, “all in all.” God will be everything for everything, a loved one in a Zoom call, checking in on our death and resurrection. everything for everyone. “All” will find friends via direct messages on social media or Now we’ve arrived at fulfillment in Him. Whatever was crooked will be calling our family from miles away. the end of the cycle. straightened out. Every tear will be wiped away. As Jesus created a space of healing for the From this vantage That is what the Christian mystery amounts to. disciples by accepting their frame of reference, point, we can turn and If in faith we take hold of this cosmic vision, so too are we called to accompany those in our look back. we must ask how we, in our littleness, can What, finally, does it all amount to? An manage to find a place in it. care in our current frame of reference: through uplifting message for a darkening world? A The path is accessible, Jesus tells us in the screens and technology. guide to a decent, moral existence — the Ten Gospel. Show compassion to the people around In his Letter to the Romans, St. Paul asks, “What Commandments plus grace? A hope for some you. Each person around you, then, is your way will separate us from the love of Christ?” (8:35) kind of afterlife? into the summing up of everything in God. Through accompaniment, we can answer that St. Paul gives us an indication that takes me, at And if we know ourselves to be weak and nothing, not even the collective trauma of a pan- least, to the very limits of the capacity to believe. wayward, needing strength and guidance along demic, can separate us from Christ, and therefore, Paul speaks of the “end” of “all” (1 Cor 15:24, the way? We have our answer in both our first one another. 28). We don’t know exactly how Paul pictured reading and responsorial psalm. “I am your the universe, but however he thought of it, he shepherd,” God declares. Our Catholic View The Observer | FRIDAY NOVEMBER 20, 2020 | 9 Di erent View CNS/Joe Heller What’s on Your List?
There is no shortage of online discussion about the current pandemic. Sadly, much of it has no basis in fact. Some of the truths about how to face it are also discussed online. Fortunately, some of that is based on truth, wisdom and even the Gospel. And some of the wisdom of coping is shared in memes. In case you aren’t familiar with memes, they are defi ned as “humorous images, videos, pieces of text, From the Editor etc., which are copied (often with slight variations) and by Penny spread rapidly by internet Wiegert users.” Editor Some of the memes posted The Observer are quite relevant. One of the [email protected] most recent memes advises that rather than focusing on what the pandemic has taken from us via cancellations, closings, etc., that we should focus on what we have. Another meme says that while we are complaining about slights or worrying about what we don’t have or haven’t achieved, somewhere, someone is praying to have the things we take for granted. That gives us all a lot to think about. Just like the Gospel discussed in Bishop Malloy’s column on page 2 of this issue, Postelection, Let’s March Toward we need to be that person who goes back to our master who is Christ and says “Thank You,” because despite all that is going on, we really do have things to be grateful for. Thanksgiving with Gratitude This all gave me pause. Rather than refl ect on all the things that were missed or changed this year that, in my case, included: It was the day after For the Journey My gratitude list includes Halloween and just two appreciation for Americans, Not dressing for church and singing joyfully about the resurrection at Mass in my home parish. days until Election Day. As by E e in record-breaking numbers, Not having my extended family in my home for Easter a nation, we were marking Caldarola who made the eff ort to vote milestones in our long by mail, or like me, dropped dinner. national COVID-19 trudge. their ballot at the county Not having birthday parties. Taking a neighborhood offi ce. Or who stood in a Not participating in theater. Catholic News Service walk, I was struck by how long line in the midst of a Not having mom and daughter shopping and lunch dates. fast Halloween decorations disappear. Here, pandemic to vote. Thanks to each one of you, Not comforting friends and family who are grieving with for instance, was a driveway where a giant whether you voted my way or not. funeral visitations, luncheons and holding hands in prayer. infl atable ghoul had hovered menacingly. I am grateful that in these brutal times, Not having a big Father’s Day gathering, which is our Now, he had apparently gone to wherever good people still run for offi ce, for positions tradition. ghouls spend the off season. great and small. I appreciate the people who Not kicking back on the couch with my grandkids and adult But, then, surprisingly, I found a minion worked on campaigns. I’m thankful for kids for pizza and a movie night. still standing, wearing a witch’s hat and an my friends who made phone calls for their Not having a big Thanksgiving with games. expression of abject terror. A minion is a candidates, including a relative who was Not nearly enough hugs for those who need them. little computer-animated comedy character, occasionally cursed at for her eff orts. Instead those goofy little memes and the Scriptures got me to but this particular minion was anything but I’m thankful for those who mailed decide to focus on all the things I do have that others may not cheerful. When I mentioned this frightened postcards to voters and those who displayed have or are currently praying to get. As I look around my home, infl atable to my daughter, she said, “Well, yard signs, including the ones with whom I I include on my list: he’s probably terrifi ed about the election.” disagreed. A warm, secure home. Ah, yes, Election Day. It seemed one Thank you to those brave citizens who Safe, clean running water whenever I need it from a tap that thing united a divided nation: election volunteered, despite COVID-19, to work at is close by wherever I go. apprehension. After the 2016 election, a the polls. Thank you to those who counted Medicine and care for when I am, or my family is, sick. priest friend told me he knew a psychiatrist votes, for days, sometimes in the midst of Available food for when we are hungry. who had to hospitalize a patient, so great was harassment or even threats. Thank you to Clothes to wear and a place to clean them. his postelection angst. Most of us weren’t poll watchers, observers and state offi cials Safe transportation to get me where I need to go. that emotionally nettled, but I noted that who made this election a model of honesty A church close by and parishioners who pray for each other. dentists are seeing tooth grinding, cracking and effi ciency. A peaceful community to live in where I am not afraid to be and clenching spiking lately. Thanks to voters who studied all the ballot who I am. Everyone prepared for a long night, only issues right down to the local utility district to fi nd the night dragging on to several days. elections. A family that loves and supports each other and the The huge voter turnout underscored the fact Kudos to those who fought for more technology to keep us together when we must be apart. that few of us were ambivalent. polling stations and greater voter access. A job to pay for the things I need, some things I want and We are a nation of passionate partisans. Democracy can’t survive without a strong enough to help others as I can. Now, amid increasing COVID-19 fears, free press. To journalists, my deepest This list by no means represents all the things to which I am we march on toward Thanksgiving with a appreciation. For those Americans who kept grateful but you get the idea. It is a list that I wish everyone the new president-elect but no strong mandate an open mind, eschewed conspiracy theories world over could make. Even as I compiled the list I knew there for either side. How can we incorporate this and sought their news from many and credible were people suff ering from the ravages of storms, violence, most American of holidays into a journey of sources? You are our civic backbone. hunger and illness above and beyond the concerns presented by healing for our divided country? To those who refrained from making the pandemic. All great spiritual writers tell us gratitude unkind, personal remarks on social media: But in everything there must be hope. And I think hope begins is a key to spiritual growth. Whining, bless you. To those — voter, candidate with faith and prayer. The late Bishop Thomas G. Doran’s motto anxiety and negativity are not. or offi ce holder — who never, ever called was “Hope is the Anchor of Life.” Yes, hope most certainly is So let’s use this period — our national anyone names, thanks. our anchor and it certainly must be. And our hope is in the Lord festival of thanks, and then the joyous and For a future of hope and civility for our who made Heaven and Earth. And to the Lord we say, “thank expectant season of Advent that follows — nation in the struggle ahead, we are grateful you.” to focus on gratitude. and ask God to bless us. What’s on your list this Thanksgiving?
To send letters to us please use one of the following: Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, Mail: The Observer, Email: or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of The Diocese of Rockford [email protected] 555 Colman Center Drive (Please put Letter to the Editor in speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, P.O. Box 7044 the subject line.) and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances. Rockford, IL 61125 Please provide your name, address, Fax: 815/399-6225 and phone number. — The First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution 10 | FRIDAY NOVEMBER 20, 2020 | The Observer For the Record Deaths Oct. 13; Teodulo Varela, 54, Max Joseph Striedl, Sr., 84, Oct. Nov. 3; 26; Nancy J. Christianson, 71, Oct. Parish offices may forward death and wedding information using forms at http://observer.rockforddiocese.org. Click on AURORA—Our Lady of Good 31; Robert Anderson, 91, Nov. 4; BATAVIA—Holy Cross: Sarah Contact Us , then click on the death or wedding form. You may Counsel: Denise A. Lewis, 61, Katherine Schuler, 72, Oct. 17; DEKALB—St. Mary: Arlene also request death and wedding postcards by calling 815-399- Ann Faivre, 90, Nov. 4; Helen Di- ane Stryker, 55, Nov. 7; 4300, ext. 383. We encourage you to send the information as soon as you receive it. Thank you. DIXON—St. Patrick: Alice K. Swinton, 90, Oct. 31; James P. 94 and in the 77th year of her reli- her community while residing at Boos, 71, Nov. 8; gious commitment. the Loretto Center in Denver. DURAND—St. Mary/St. Pat- The first of four children of Helen In 2013, Sister Marietta moved to rick: James Thomas, 70, Oct. 29; (McGovern) and Leo Goy, Sister Loretto Motherhouse, where until ELBURN—St. Gall: Stanley R. Marietta was born Nov. 1, 1926, in her death she performed commu- Crane, 85, Nov. 8; Sublette, and baptized Geraldine nity service, visited with the sis- FREEPORT—St. Joseph: Mary Mary Goy Nov. 7, 1926, at St. Pat- ters and loved to do crossword and Lamm, 97, Nov. 9; rick Church in Maytown. Sudoku puzzles. She entered the Sisters of Loretto at Preceding her in death were her GENOA—St. Catherine of Ge- the Foot of the Cross in 1944 from parents. She is survived by her noa: Lillian “Marj” Marjorie Pe- St. Patrick in Maytown, where she sister, Charlotte (Goy) Fitzpatrick terman Fitzsimmons, 90, Nov. 1; grew up, and was received into of Dixon, and brothers, James and HAMPSHIRE—St. Charles the Loretto congregation on April Glen (Mary) Goy of the Chicago Borromeo: Palma M. Butts, 88, 25, 1945. Sister Marietta made her area. Nov. 3; first vows April 25, 1947, and final Her funeral Mass was held Tues- HUNTLEY—St. Mary: Carlyle vows Aug. 15, 1950. day, Nov. 10, in the Church of the Walters, 85, Oct. 26; Warren Han- She earned a bachelor’s degree in Seven Dolors at Loretto Moth- sen, 82, No. 4; John Mandala, 77, education, with minors in history erhouse in Nerinx. Burial was in Nov. 4; Leonard Gaul, Jr., 62, Nov. and English, in 1955 from Loretto Our Lady of Sorrows Cemetery 8; Heights College in Denver and a on the grounds of Loretto Moth- master’s in education in 1966 from MCHENRY—St. Patrick: Doro- erhouse. Loyola University in Chicago. thy Reinholdt, 98, Nov. 10; Sister Marietta “was totally Irish, Weddings NORTH AURORA—Blessed even though her dad was German,” Sacrament: Judith A. Gramme, said Loretto Sister Jean Johnson, DEKALB—St. Mary: Liana 80, Nov. 2; who had known Sister Marietta Elizabeth Fedele and Steven Mi- OREGON—St. Mary: Ruth A. since the two were children grow- chael Chadra, Nov. 7. Capriola, 94, Nov. 3; ing up in Maytown. “Her sense of humor was unbelievable. She was ROCKFORD—Cathedral of St. Mass Meditation a fun person, and she loved life.” Peter: Norbert M. Valentino, 80, Sister Jean said that after Sister Sunday, Nov. 22 (Christ the Nov. 2; Marietta graduated from Amboy King): When the Son of Man STERLING—St. Mary: Ismael Township High School in 1944, comes in glory, may we be among Celestino, Sr., 85, Nov. 5; “she was all set up to go to a nurs- those who have led the hun- WEST BROOK LYN— St. ing program. When summer came gry, welcomed the stranger, and Mary: Barbara Haub, 84, Nov. 5. along, and she heard I was going clothed the naked. For Jesus tells to be a Sister of Loretto, she said, us clearly that it is those who have Theophila Simon Etim ‘I think that’s what I’ll do, too.’ ” demonstrated good stewardship NIGERIA—Theophila Simon In the Diocese of Rockford, Sis- by sharing their gifts with the less Etim, the mother of Father Akan ter Marietta served at St. Andrew fortunate who will receive God’s Simon, died Nov. 2, 2020, in Nige- School in Rock Falls, where she blessing and inherit the kingdom. ria. She was 85. taught elementary students from Courtesy of Sharon Hueckel If you or someone you know She was preceeded in death by her 1956 to 1962 and was superior and has been the victim of sexual husband Simon Essien Etim, who principal from 1964 to 1969. abuse by an employee or mem- died in 1985. Elsewhere, as a young Loretto Life Moment ber of the clergy of the Rockford Services will take place in Nigeria. sister, Sister Marietta served in el- Pray: That the world’s harvest will Diocese, report the matter to ementary schools in Missouri and be gathered and shared among all Newspapers • Catalogs • Mail Service law enforcement in the county Sister Marietta Goy, SL Colorado. Later she taught in pub- people, especially those who are in Business Cards • Magazines • Brochures in which the conduct occurred NERIX, Ky.—Loretto Sister lic schools in Louisiana. most need. 815-758-5484 and then please call the hot-line Marietta Goy died Nov. 5 at Lo- After retiring from education, for 121 Industrial Drive • DeKalb, IL 60115 number: 815-293-7540. retto Motherhouse here. She was 15 years she performed service for Courtesy of www.priestsforlife.org Business Spotlight Put your Business in the Spotlight!
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“GREAT DEALS - GREAT SERVICE he bserver has ffecTive SINCE 1926” T O e VAESSEN adverTising OppOrTuniTies BROTHERS fOr yOur business! CHEVROLET, INC. Tim & Peggy Javurek — Owners HIGHWAY 52 “We treat your car as if it were our own!!” Newspaper — website — tV SUBLETTE, IL 61367 Complete Auto Repair Lightning Lube Call Kevin McCarthy (815) 849-5232 or (800) 227-5203 Make Your Appointment Today www.vaessenbrothers.com — All Work Guaranteed — 815-399-4300, ext 385 815-399-2886 or email Great selection and prices on 3427 East State @ Fairview - Rockford Silverados and Silverado HDs. www.tjsautocenter.com [email protected] Media /Arts The Observer | FRIDAY NOVEMBER 20, 2020 | 11 On TV Catholic Professor’s Album Nominated for Latin Grammy Broadcast times may vary; check DECATUR, Ga. (CNS)— His newest work honors his other way to praise God in song local listings. When Tony Alonso imagines Cuban roots and has been nomi- alongside many others,” he said. “Saving Notre Dame” — the choirs and believers in the nated for a Latin Grammy in the “Scripture is filled with bib- Nov. 25, 8-9 p.m. (PBS): A pews singing his music, it isn’t Best Christian Album category. lical commands to sing. And look at the scientists and polished musicians hitting ev- The award winner was to be re- those commands don’t come engineers working to restore ery note he envisions, but the vealed Nov. 19 (after deadline with any caveats. I see my work Paris’ Notre Dame cathedral imperfect, faith-filled women for this issue). fulfilling that mandate,” Alon- after the 2019 fire there. A and men who sing to share The Latin Grammy nomi- so told The Georgia Bulletin, newspaper of the Archdiocese “Nova” presentation (TV-PG God’s gift of their voices, no nated album “Caminemos con matter the talent. Jesús/Let Us Walk with Jesus” of Atlanta. — parental guidance sug- “My heart is with untrained can be heard at http://bit.ly/gb- The Emory University assis- gested). (A complementary folks singing together,” said the caminemosconjesus. tant professor directs the Catho- episode of the series “Secrets author of hundreds of original He said the style of “son Cu- lic studies program at the Cand- of the Dead,” titled “Building pieces of hymnal music across bano” in liturgical music has ler School of Theology. He has Notre Dame,” re-airs 10-11 (CNS photo/Michael Alexander, The Georgia Bulletin) denominations throughout the been underexplored. composed more than 20 collec- p.m. EST). — CNS Tony Alonso world. “I hope to simply offer an- tions of music. At the Movies Divine Love enjoyment that might be had from boasts a strong aesthetic appeal and likely appreciate this vinegary retro- this combination of horror and com- some positive themes but these as- spective. (Outsider/Strand) edy, intended as a teen-victim slasher sets are offset by other elements. PARENTS: THIS FILM CONTAINS ma- O Bizarre drama from Brazil movie riff on the body-swapping PARENTS: THIS FILM CONTAINS ture themes, including adultery, crude Not Rated projects a dystopian near- future for that country in genre. misguided values, mature themes, and crass language. PARENTS: THIS FILM CONTAINS gory including genocide, prostitution and which the evangelical group of the Martin Eden title has infiltrated the supposedly violence, a wayward view of human drug trafficking, crude language. still secular government, leading it sexuality, graphic casual sex, profan- A-III (Kino Lorber) ity, oaths, rough and crude language, Mank Director and co-writer Pietro to encourage fertility and discourage Not Rated an obscene gesture. (Netflix) Marcello’s adaptation of Jack divorce. In Portuguese. Subtitles. A-III The thesis of this historical London’s semi-autobiographical 1909 PARENTS: THIS FILM CONTAINS The Life Ahead R blasphemous plot developments, drama is that the principal novel offers a refreshing new take on (Netflix) credit for the landmark excessively graphic portrayals of O a man’s desperate attempt to better An octogenarian former 1941 film “Citizen Kane” ought to be aberrant adulterous sex and marital PG-13 himself for the love of a woman. In lovemaking, nudity, medical gore, prostitute and Holocaust given to screenwriter Herman Mankie- Italian. English subtitles. and an oath. survivor (Sophia Loren) liv- wicz (Gary Oldman) rather than to PARENTS: THIS FILM CONTAINS vio- ing in a seaside village in Italy strug- the movie’s director, co-writer and Freaky lence, implied sexual activity and drug gles to care for an orphaned 12-year- producer, Orson Welles (Tom Burke). use, rough and crude language. old Senegalese immigrant (Ibrahima O (Universal) Devotees of classic cinema who may — CNS; for the latest reviews, http://observer. Gruesome bloodletting Gueye). Directed and co-written by not care too much about the nuances R rockforddiocese.org, scroll to the bottom and squelches any potential Loren’s son, Edoardo Ponti, the drama of past personalities and events will click on Movie Reviews.
NOVENAS Stewardship Moment A right sense of proportion: We us to a right sense of proportion in is the question into which the whole Powerful Prayer souls, pray for us. Amen. Say for nine need not give up the pleasures and administering our substance. The matter of stewardship resolves itself. to the Holy Spirit consecutive mornings for anything you Holy Spirit, you who solve all problems, may desire. Published in gratitude.L.F. luxuries of this life. God does not question is: “If I have this for myself, Courtesy of Parish Publications who lights all roads so that I can attain my goals, you who give me the divine Prayer to St. Anthony call us to be ascetic, but He does call then what should I do for God?” This “Stewardship” newsletter gift to forgive and forget all evil against Most loveable St. Anthony, we honor you me, and that in all instances of my life as God’s servant for your fidelity and you are with me, I want in this short perseverance in His service. May we prayer to thank you for all things and to always be assisted by your merits and confirm once again that I never want to intercession in following your example. be separated from you even and in spite St. Anthony, great wonder worker, of all material illusion. I wish to be with God has honored you abundantly by granting many miracles through your The Holiday Season is upon us! you in eternal glory. Thank you for your mercy toward me and mine. Amen. Say intercession. Glorious St. Anthony I this prayer for three consecutive days acknowledge my weakness and many without asking a favor. Then on the third sins against the Almighty. Despite my unworthiness please assist me in my Attract a loyal day make your request. Published in gratitude of grace attained and for many pressing need, aid me in my anxiety and be my powerful patron in granting requests granted. M.H. C.F. B.F. D.F. my intention. Amen. This Novena is to J.F. C.F. L.C. be said once a day for nine days. L.F. and dedicated Prayer to the Blessed Virgin Mary Prayer to St. Jude O most beautiful flower of Mount Carmel, O glorious Apostle St. Jude Thaddeus, fruitful vine, Splendor of Heaven, Blessed faithful servant and friend of Jesus, the Catholic audience Mother of the Son of God, Immaculate name of the traitor has caused you to Virgin, assist me in my necessity. O be forgotten by many, but the Church Star of the Sea, help me and show me invokes you universally as the patron of that you are my mother. O Holy Mother hopeless cases and things despaired of; to your business of God, Queen of Heaven and Earth, I Pray for me that I may receive the con- humbly beseech you from the bottom of solations and succor of Heaven in all my my heart to secure me in my necessity necessities, tribulations and sufferings, (make request). There are none that can particularly (here mention your petition) by advertising withstand your power. O Mary conceived and that I may bless God with you and without sin pray for us who have recourse all the elect throughout eternity. Amen. to thee (3 times). I place this prayer in your In thanksgiving. G.J.O. hands (3 times). Amen. Say this prayer for Novena to the in The Observer! 3 consecutive days. Novena is published Sacred Heart and St. Jude in gratitude. L.F. May the Sacred Heart of Jesus be adored, glorified, loved and preserved Prayer to St. Joseph O St. Joseph whose protection is so throughout the world now and forever. Website ~ Newspaper ~ Television great, so strong, so prompt before the Sacred Heart of Jesus, pray for us. St. Throne of God, I place in you all my inter- Jude, worker of miracles, pray for us. ests and desires. O St. Joseph do assist St. Jude, helper of the hopeless, pray for Let us create one to enhance me by your powerful intercession and us. Amen. Say this prayer nine times a obtain for me from your Divine Son all day for nine days. Published in gratitude. Don’t have an ad? your business at NO additional cost. spiritual blessings through Jesus Christ, Thank you St. Jude. F.F. Our Lord; So that having engaged here below your Heavenly power I may offer To have a Novena printed: Send — Contact — my thanksgiving and homage to the a $10 check for each Novena along most loving of Fathers. O St. Joseph, with the name of the Novena you want Kevin McCarthy @ 815-399-4300 ext. 385 I never weary contemplating you and and the initials you wish us to use to: Jesus asleep in your arms. I dare not or email approach while He reposes near your The Observer The Offi cial Newspaper of the Catholic Diocese of Rockford heart. Press him in my name and kiss P.O. Box 7044 [email protected] His fine head for me, and ask Him to Rockford, IL 61125 return the kiss when I draw my dying ALENA REEPORT TERLING OCKFORD E ALB RYSTAL AKE LGIN URORA breath. St. Joseph, patron of departing G - F - S - R - D K - C L - E - A 12 | FRIDAY NOVEMBER 20, 2020 | The Observer Boylan adds 38 to NHS roster oung ROCKFORD—Boylan Central Catholic High Anna Armato, Aidan Coe, Marco Danger, School inducted 16 students into the National Landon Gulotta, Angelina Madero, Madeline bserver Honor Society. They join 38 students who were Montalbano, Carolyn Nguyen, Ella O’Boyle, Annabelle Okite, Adela Rivas, Delaney inducted last spring. Slabaugh, Sarah Smith, Daniel Tobin, Nicolas YO Inducted in a virtual ceremony Nov. 5 were: Tully, Abraham Voelker and Olga Zasadny. radio ‘The ^ play’s the thing ...’...’ Socially distanced theater: ACC students stage virtual 'Sleepy Hollow' AURORA—Aurora Central Catholic High School’s first virtual drama production was planned for Nov. 13-14. Phil Nohl, drama instructor and play director, said ACC thespians were to perform an online radio version of Washington Irving's "Edgar Allan Poe's ‘Sleepy Hollow,’ ” which combines Irving’s tale with Poe short stories and poems The free production was accessible from links provided at the ACC website, auroracentral.com. Nohl said, "In COVID times we had to be creative.” Actors had their own microphones and were seated apart from each other. The sound design was created by drama tech class students led by the drama production students. To make up for lost ticket revenue, the ACC Drama 5 (Photocol provided) x 8.5: Aurora Central Catholic High students rehearse a virtual radio version of Washington Irving’s ‘Edgar Allan department welcomes donations at https://bngn.smarttuition. Poe’s ‘Sleepy Hollow.’ ” com/?id=f2aenxsiwcg. The goal is $2,000. 2020 Diocesan Appeal Status Report Parish, City % of Goal % of Goal Parish, City % of Goal % of Goal Parish, City % of Goal % of Goal Pledged Paid Pledged Paid Pledged Paid St. Patrick, Maytown 250.87%* 250.87% St. Mary, Sycamore 97.39% 77.96% St. Mary, Elgin 77.43% 58.98% St. Mary, Maple Park 212.41%* 197.85% St. Patrick, Amboy 96.28% 74.75% St. James, Belvidere 74.64% 62.86% St. Mary, Byron 200.69%* 182.86% St. Mary, Polo 96.28% 91.30% St. Monica, Carpentersville 74.35% 57.79% St. Peter, Spring Grove 191.13%* 174.48% Our Lady of Good Counsel, Aurora 96.09% 79.59% St. Edward, Rockford 73.93% 65.66% St. Mary, Morrison 159.28%* 105.10% Church of Holy Apostles, McHenry 95.78% 74.93% St. Peter, South Beloit 73.71% 64.24% St. Mary, West Brooklyn 144.96%* 144.96% St. Mary, Pecatonica 95.77% 81.26% St. Catherine, Prophetstown 73.23% 72.81% St. James, Lee 140.69%* 118.77% Cathedral of St. Peter, Rockford 95.32% 80.36% Sacred Heart, Sterling 72.75% 66.82% St. Bridget, Loves Park 131.05%* 110.75% St. Patrick, Rochelle 93.88% 77.97% Holy Cross, Batavia 72.61% 61.90% St. Wendelin, Shannon 128.49%* 116.88% St. Patrick, McHenry 93.41% 75.95% Church of the Holy Spirit, Roscoe 72.11% 49.95% St. Charles Borromeo, Hampshire 127.22%* 118.30% St. Patrick, Dixon 93.36% 80.06% St. Margaret Mary, Algonquin 71.22% 58.15% St. Patrick, Rockford 123.34%* 122.56% St. Thomas More, Elgin 93.06% 76.20% Holy Angels, Aurora 70.97% 64.45% St. Patrick, St. Charles 114.79% 96.76% St. Rita, Rockford 93.02% 71.79% Sacred Heart, Marengo 68.78% 60.24% St. Michael, Galena 113.31%* 107.33% St. Andrew, Rock Falls 92.10% 83.73% Holy Trinity, Galena 66.55% 63.33% St. John the Baptist, Savanna 112.63% 97.86% St. Mary, Huntley 92.03% 79.10% SS. Peter and Paul, Cary 66.20% 55.65% Holy Cross, Stockton 110.90%* 101.00% SS. John and Catherine , Mount Carroll 91.28% 74.92% St. John the Evangelist, Hanover 65.31% 48.98% St. Joseph, Lena 110.74%* 107.72% St. Mary, DeKalb 90.86% 79.24% St. Elizabeth Ann Seton, Crystal Lake 65.10% 49.46% St. Mary, Walton 110.14%* 110.14% St. Mary, McHenry 90.44% 74.92% St. Thomas the Apostle , Crystal Lake 63.31% 47.20% St. Mary, Galena 109.77% 96.13% Christ the Teacher, DeKalb 90.30% 72.11% St. Mary, Gilberts 61.81% 59.71% Blessed Sacrament, North Aurora 109.46% 96.50% St. Thomas Aquinas, Freeport 90.01% 76.06% St. Joseph, Freeport 58.76% 51.00% St. Patrick, Hartland 107.25%* 102.58% St. John the Baptist, Somonauk 89.29% 74.90% St. Mary, Freeport 58.56% 41.54% St. Bernadette, Rockford 107.14% 95.39% St. Peter, Geneva 88.07% 71.48% St. Gall, Elburn 58.13% 47.83% St. Ann, Warren 106.93%* 100.92% St. Catherine of Genoa, Genoa 87.17% 74.11% St. Mary, Sterling 57.30% 47.98% Our Lady of Perpetual Help, Sublette 106.79% 98.00% Resurrection, Woodstock 86.90% 60.92% St. Joseph, Richmond 54.59% 39.56% St. Mary, Elizabeth 106.04%* 105.06% St. Anthony, Rockford 86.75% 64.07% St. Paul the Apostle, Sandwich 53.82% 42.81% Christ the King, Wonder Lake 105.59% 83.65% St. Rita of Cascia, Aurora 85.96% 53.58% Annunciation of the BVM , Aurora 53.10% 47.09% St. Mary-St Patrick, Durand 104.64% 90.26% St. Joseph, Apple River 84.64% 80.30% Nativity of the BVM, East Dubuque 52.03% 50.90% St. Stanislaus Kostka , Rockford 101.72% 96.56% Holy Family, Rockford 84.58% 72.47% St. Flannen, Harmon 51.59% 51.59% St. Mary, Tampico 101.13% 79.40% SS. Peter and Paul, Virgil 83.79% 79.31% St. John the Baptist, Johnsburg 51.58% 47.50% St. Ambrose, Erie 100.70% 96.26% St. Mary, Aurora 82.83% 64.11% St. Catherine of Siena, Dundee 47.45% 40.46% St. Katharine Drexel , Sugar Grove 100.62% 85.67% St. Nicholas, Aurora 82.21% 57.37% St. Therese of Jesus, Aurora 46.57% 40.02% Immaculate Conception, Fulton 100.05% 80.19% St. Anne, Dixon 81.41% 70.04% St. Joseph, Harvard 44.77% 35.89% St. Mary, Oregon 100.01% 82.87% St. Patrick, Albany 80.62% 80.62% St. James, Rockford 43.72% 38.92% St. Joseph, Aurora 99.86% 85.96% St. Mary, Woodstock 79.39% 67.85% SS. Peter and Paul, Rockford 37.65% 27.60% St. John Neumann, St. Charles 99.35% 80.87% St. Laurence, Elgin 78.98% 61.24% St. Joseph, Elgin 31.68% 26.64% St. Mary, East Dubuque 99.13% 92.65% St. Peter, Aurora 77.66% 69.52% Sacred Heart, Aurora 30.27% 21.37% *Parishes have met target goal with payments to date. Data as of 11/16/2020 Bolded parishes have more pledges than their target goal.
Goal ...... $4,991,640 Number of Pledges ...... 12,789 Total Pledged ...... $ 4,307,481 Average Pledge ...... $336.81 Percentage of Diocesan Goal Pledged ...... 86.29% Parishes at Goal ...... 32 Thank you for your generous and loyal support of the Diocese of Rockford!