ISSN: 0029-7739 $ 1.00 per copy THE BSERVER OOfficial Newspaper of the Catholic Diocese of Rockford Volume 82 | No. 10 http://observer.rockforddiocese.org FRIDAY APRIL 28, 2017

Inside Diocesan Appeal Pledge Weekend May 6-7

2017 Diocesan Appeal Learn more about this year’s appeal to support diocesan ministries. pages 19-21 Retirement, New Position Lead to Changes In the Diocesan Educational Services Office Four-decade veteran says (Observer screen grabs) good-bye while two join This year’s Diocesan Appeal videos highlight the education office. annual Youth Summit (above), priest formation page 3 (right) and assistance to the needy and refugees (far right) and other Rockford Diocesean ministries funded by donations to the annual appeal. In English, Spanish and Polish, the videos are available online at www.rockforddiocese. org/charitablegiving.

Schools Strategic Planning Process Annual Diocesan Appeal Will Soon Move to Work Groups Into the second year, the diocesan examination of its Helps Fund Many Ministries schools will move to focus on potential changes. By Amanda Hudson “Knowing that Christ is part of the very page 6 News Editor articipating in the 2017 fabric of our lives also compels us to reach out to others with our time, talent and re- DIOCESE—The 2017 Diocesan Appeal Diocesan Appeal is a ‘P sources,” Bishop Malloy says in the appeal will be announced this weekend of April powerful way to make sure brochure. The efforts made by diocesan of- 29-30 at Masses across the Diocese of fices, he adds, “bring the faith to others in Rockford. the larger family of your one form or another on your behalf.” The pledge weekend is set for May 6-7. The holy practice of stewardship recom- This year’s theme is: “The Lord is With Church carries on the work of mends that Catholics donate one percent Us.” of their income in support of their diocese. What is the Diocesan Appeal? It is an Jesus.’ A process allowing participants to donate annual call to Catholics in the diocese to — Bishop David Malloy their pledge over the course of the year Jesus Gives Sight to support the work of the diocese beyond and in support of individual parishes and makes giving easier for many. The pledge weekend provides handy a Man Born Blind parishioners. ian education, lay ministry formation, tools for parishioners to use in determin- The Junior Observer, page 29 Much of what happens in a parish — college campus ministry, religious educa- from educating pastors and associates, to tion, youth ministry and evangelization ing and signing up for those pledges. training lay ministers and catechists, to as well as for specialized ministries such An optional process for easy and offering support for parish staffs — is made as the Deaf Apostolate Ministry, Office of secure giving is provided online at: www. This Issue possible through the work of diocesan- the Permanent Diaconate, Catholic Chari- rockforddiocese.org/donate. Additional level services. ties and St. Elizabeth Catholic Community information is available at that website as Bishop Malloy ...... 2 The Diocesan Appeal is all about serving Center. well. Headliners...... 3 families, strengthening marriages, form- Tiny offices including the Office of- Di “Participating in the 2017 Diocesan Ap- Diocesan...... 4-25 ing priests and empowering youth, says the ocesan Ethicist and the Office of Research peal is a powerful way to make sure the Around the Diocese ...... 26-28 2017 brochure explaining the pledge. and Planning also accomplish their impor- larger family of your Church carries on The Junior Observer ...... 29 In addition to the nuts-and-bolts needs tant work through the annual appeal. the work of Jesus,” Bishop Malloy says. Media/Arts ...... 30 provided by offices such as the Vicar for Even transportation costs necessary for “Thank you for your generosity to (the ap- Nation/World ...... 31, 33-35 Clergy and Religious, Accounting, Tribu- Bishop David Malloy to bring the sacra- peal) and for your help in sharing the good Our Catholic View ...... 36-37 nal, Information Technology and the like, ment of confirmation to parish youths news that the Lord is indeed with us in this For the Record ...... 38 this appeal provides funding for seminar- across the diocese comes from this appeal. world and the next.” 2 | FRIDAY APRIL 28, 2017 | The Observer Annual Appeal Theme Reminds Us

The Observer (ISSN 0029- Our Generosity is With and For Christ 7739), is published weekly, except fi ve times a year by the Diocese of Rockford, n the weeks after Easter, the were “of one mind and heart” (Acts Aurora. Our St. Elizabeth Catholic 555 Colman Center Dr., P.O. Church annually looks at the 4:32). And this was lived out in Community Center in Rockford Box 7044, Rockford, IL 61125 Scripture passages describing personal charity but also in earthly hosts programs for children as well Phone: 815/399-4300; Fax the early life of the Church. generosity. They cared for the poor as clothing and food distributions. 815/399-6225. ICombined with the extra-Biblical so that “There was no needy person The appeal strengthens our work Periodical postage paid at records and sources, we can answer among them” (Acts 4:34). in one of the areas of greatest need Rockford, Ill., and additional the question, how did those fi rst The life of the early Church in the Church and our society of mail offi ces. disciples live out their new faith in was not an anomaly that soon BY BISHOP our day. That is, the strengthening POSTMASTER: send address Jesus? disappeared. It set the framework of families and marriage through changes to The Observer, 555 DAVID J. We are told that, “they devoted and the tone for the life of the Colman Center Dr., P.O. Box MALLOY the work of our Life and Family themselves to the teaching of the Church today. Our gathering at Evangelization Offi ce. That same 7044, Rockford, IL 61125 Apostles and to the communal life, Mass, our study of the teaching of offi ce arranges visible and popular For ADVERTISING information: his year, to the breaking of the bread and to the Church and our common support outreach among our young people Contact The Observer at the the prayers.” (Acts 2:42). for each other are signs of the Jesus address above or call 815/399- the including the Youth Summit and the 4300; fax 815/399-6225, T Through the teaching of the among us today. trip to Washington to participate in theme of Apostles, the faithful refl ected upon So too has the generosity of the Email: kmccarthy@ the annual March for Life. rockforddiocese.org. the Appeal the words of Jesus as well as His Church, both to the poor and to the The appeal also contributes to deeds. The Apostles, those closest to Send NEWS information to The is “The Lord mission of spreading the Gospel the passing on of our Catholic faith Jesus and trained by Him, laid the been a constant reality in every Observer at the address or fax through the work of our Catholic number above; send email to is With Us.” groundwork for the refl ection on and age. As I complete my fi fth year as Education Offi ce. Your contributions Observer@rockforddiocese. That phrase implementation of the life of Jesus Bishop of Rockford, I am constantly help us to strengthen our Catholic org; or fi ll out a form at for the Church. reminded of the generosity here at reminds schools and religious education http://observer.rockforddiocese. The followers of Jesus led a home. org/contact-us. us that our programs, as well as providing “communal” life. They saw that Each year at this time, in the for on-going training in faith and Subscription rate $28.00 per faith and Jesus called His followers not to be Diocese of Rockford, we undertake year (48 issues); Canadian excellence for our principals, especially individual believers who happened the annual Diocesan Appeal. And and Pan American $29; other our to associate with each other. each year, the Catholic faithful teachers, and catechists. foreign: surface mail $37, air I would not want to fail to mention mail $97; single copies $1. generosity Rather, we are called to be the give generously and participate in Church, God’s Holy People. We assisting the poor and the mission the help that your donations give The Observer Online digital is done with need to be together to live that of the diocese. Thanks to each and to assist the formation of the next subscriptions are also available. Christ and reality and to draw and off er support every one who has contributed in generation of priests. The excellent Publisher: for Him. to confront life’s challenges to faith. the past. training given to our seminarians, Most Reverend David J. Malloy At the heart of that new life were This year, the theme of the Appeal underwritten by such donations, will Editor: Penny Wiegert bear great fruit in the years to come. the prayers and the Mass. We are is “The Lord is With Us.” That News Editor: Amanda Hudson told that the early Church continued phrase reminds us that our faith and Yes, Christ is with us. And we, for the Jewish practice of prayers in the especially our generosity is done our part continue the work of Easter, Features and Multimedia Editor: Sharon Boehlefeld temple, but they lived a new reality. with Christ and for Him. the work begun by the early Church That was to gather each Sunday, the Your contributions help to feed after Christ’s ascension. Circulation/Proofreading: day of the Resurrection, to celebrate the hungry and support eff orts to I ask that again this year, you Susan Sabrowski, Keith the Mass. overcome poverty throughout the please be as generous as possible. Be Ludolph What astonished the wider world diocese, especially through our it great or small, prayer or treasure, Accounting: Jill Bonk greatly was an additional element of diocesan Catholic Charities with thank you for your participation in Advertising and Marketing: the life of those fi rst believers. They offi ces in Belvidere, McHenry and the 2017 Diocesan Appeal. Kevin McCarthy Production and Web Administrator: Gary Haughton This End is Not in Sorrow, But in Joy Contributing Writers: Father Kenneth Wasilewski, Father From the homily at the Vatican Basilica, Holy and brutality. frustration. Keith Romke, Keith Ludolph, Saturday, April 15 In their faces we can see refl ected Worse, we can even convince Lynne Conner, Father Ronald Rolheiser, Tony Carton, all those who, walking the streets ourselves that this is the law of life, “After the Sabbath, as the fi rst Pat Szpekowski, Margarita of our cities, feel the pain of and blunt our consciences with day of the week was dawning, Mary Mendoza, Louise Brass, Patrick dire poverty, the sorrow born of forms of escape that only serve Winn Magdalene and the other Mary went exploitation and human traffi cking. to dampen the hope that God has (CNS photo/C. Peri via Reuters) Peri photo/C. (CNS to see the tomb” (Mt 28:1). We can also see the faces of those entrusted to us. Publication Dates: Weekly except that in 2017 there will be BY POPE We can picture them as they went who are greeted with contempt So often we walk as those women FR ANCIS on their way … . They walked like no issues on Jan. 6, March 31, because they are immigrants, did, poised between the desire of June 30, Sept. 29 and Dec. 29. people going to a cemetery, with deprived of country, house and God and bleak resignation. Not only uncertain and weary steps, like those News Deadlines: Usually, 10 his is the family. does the Master die, but our hope who fi nd it hard to believe that this is We see faces whose eyes bespeak dies with Him. ... days before publication date. Tpromise how it all ended. We can picture their loneliness and abandonment, God suddenly breaks in, upsets Ad Deadlines: Usually, 10 present faces, pale and tearful. And their because their hands are creased with all the rules and off ers new days before publication date. question: can Love have truly died? from the wrinkles. possibilities. God once more comes Offi cial information on the poli- Unlike the disciples, the women Their faces mirror the faces of to meet us, to create and consolidate cies, activities, and positions beginning. are present — just as they had been women, mothers, who weep as a new age, the age of mercy. of the Diocese of Rockford is This is God’s present as the Master breathed His they see the lives of their children This is the promise present from released only in the pages of last on the cross, and then, with crushed by massive corruption the beginning. This is God’s surprise The Observer, or in state- surprise for ments from the Diocesan Joseph of Arimathea, as He was laid that strips them of their rights and for His faithful people. Rejoice! his faithful in the tomb. Offi ce of Communications and shatters their dreams. Hidden within your life is a seed Publications. people. Two women who did not run away, By daily acts of selfi shness that of resurrection, an off er of life ready who remained steadfast, who faced The Observer uses recycled Rejoice! crucify and then bury people’s to be awakened. paper and is recyclable. life as it is and who knew the bitter hopes. By paralyzing and barren That is what this night calls us to taste of injustice. We see them there, bureaucracies that stand in the way proclaim: the heartbeat of the Risen Our Mission is the mission before the tomb, fi lled with grief but of the Church itself — to of change. Lord. Christ is alive! ... spread the Gospel through equally incapable of accepting that In their grief, those two women Let us go, then. Let us allow contemporary means of things must always end this way. refl ect the faces of all those who, ourselves to be surprised by this communications. If we try to imagine this scene, we walking the streets of our cities, new dawn and by the newness that can see in the faces of those women behold human dignity crucifi ed. ... Christ alone can give. May we allow Member of: any number of other faces — the In our hearts, we know that things His tenderness and His love to guide faces of mothers and grandmothers, can be diff erent but, almost without our steps. May we allow the beating of children and young people who noticing it, we can grow accustomed of His heart to quicken our faintness bear the grievous burden of injustice to living with the tomb, living with of heart. Headliners The Observer | FRIDAY APRIL 28, 2017 | 3 Retirement, New Position Lead to Changes In the Diocesan Educational Services O ce

BY AMANDA HUDSON tration program. News Editor From June 1999 to June 2006, DeFrisco served at St. Thomas ROCKFORD—Changes are the Apostle Parish and School coming to the Department of in Crystal Lake, as director, as- Educational Services for the sistant principal and business Diocese of Rockford. manager. Margo Shifo has retired as He was an associate at the assistant superintendent for Institute of School and Parish curriculum, assessment and Development in New Orleans school recognition. She will be from July 1998 to June 1999, replaced by Vito DeFrisco. and served as development di- Elizabeth Heitkamp has ac- rector at Marian Central Catho- cepted the new post of assistant (Observer le photo) (Photo provided) (Photo provided) lic High School in Woodstock Margo Shifo Vito DeFrisco Elizabeth Heitkamp superintendent of schools in from July 1994 to June 1998. charge of professional develop- only professional employer,” weren’t judgmental of each me,” she says. “I am disap- He received an award for be- ment, training and grants. she says. “I had other opportu- other; they were supportive of pointed that I couldn’t be with ing a “Distinguished Principal” nities (but) I like the kids and one another.” the schools another year. My Shifo retires from the National Catholic Ed- their parents and I just stayed. At a recent St. Patrick School body quit before I did.” ucational Association in April Shifo, who has served the It’s not an exciting story, but I reunion, a former student told Of her career, she says, “I just 2015, and under his leadership diocese since 1974, retired ef- don’t regret it at all.” her about something she said kind of experienced it. I never St. Hubert School received the fective April 1. Shifo taught at St. Patrick that had made a lifelong impact thought of it as a career, but I 2014 National Blue Ribbon “There will be many things School for 17 years, then was on him. guess it turned into a career. I Award from the United States that we will miss about Mar- its principal for four years. “I remember you told us ev- just did the best I can. Department of Education. go,” wrote Michael Kagan, di- When the school closed, she ery day we have a choice — a “It’s what I loved to do.” His bachelor’s degree in ocesan superintendent of Cath- became principal at St. James good one or a bad one,” he told DeFrisco steps in business communication is olic schools in a memo. School in Rockford, serving in her, adding, “I think of that from DePaul University in “But in particular,” he said, that position for 10 years. every day whenever I have a Stepping into Shifo’s former Chicago. He holds a master’s “we will miss her love of chil- She was principal at St. Ed- choice to make.” position of assistant superin- in educational administra- dren; her dedication to promot- ward School for fi ve years be- “Sometimes it wasn’t aca- tendent for curriculum, assess- tion from Dominican Univer- ing strong and vibrant Catholic fore beginning service at the demics, but they still learned ment and school recognition is sity and his education includes schools; and her vast knowl- diocesan education offi ce more from us,” Shifo says, describ- Vito DeFrisco, who will begin Catholic School Coordinator edge of best practices in educa- than seven years ago. ing how she’s heard from par- his service on July 1. of Religious Education for the tion.” Reminiscing a bit about two ents what their children did and DeFrisco lives in Crystal Archdiocese of Chicago, June The March 30 memo went co-workers and the fun and accomplished. Lake, and his work has been 2006. to high school and elementary camaraderie they shared at St. “It’s been rewarding when both inside and outside of the Most recently he studied principals and pastors with Patrick School, she says her you hear the students (you Diocese of Rockford. “Data Wise — School Im- schools. work in education was some- taught) are doing great things He has been principal at St. provement Process” at Har- In 1974, when Shifo was thing she “never thought of as — good, positive things,” she Hubert School in Hoff man Es- vard University in Cambridge, two weeks out of college, Sin- a career that you had to climb. says. “I think, ‘Okay, this is tates since July 2006. From Mass., in June 2014. sinawa Dominican Sister Ales- We (just) thought this is what why God put me here.’ ” May 2006 to 2014, he also was DeFrisco attended Catholic sandra Kubasta, principal at St. we do.” Fighting cancer has derailed an adjunct member of the fac- elementary, high school and Patrick School, hired her. Recalling that the student her plans to make it to 45 years ulty at Dominican University, college and says Catholic edu- “I was going to work for population was about one- of service. teaching classes in the master cation is “very important” to Catholic schools for a year,” third each Hispanic, African “God has diff erent plans for of arts in educational adminis- Continued on page 4 Shifo says. American and white, Shifo That one-year job turned into says, “We had some great more than four decades of ser- kids at St. Pat’s. They all liked vice. each other. They all had stuff “The diocese has been my in their home lives (but) they

Bishop Malloy’s 10 a.m., Diocesan Finance Council Meeting, Diocesan Public Schedule Administration Center AURORA — April 28, 10 a.m., ST. CHARLES — May 5, Eighth Grade Aurora Catholic 6 p.m., Con rmation for St. Schools Mass, Aurora Central Joseph Church, Elgin at St. Catholic High School Patrick Church ST. CHARLES — April 29, Did you know... SUGAR GROVE — May 6, 10 9:30 a.m., Mass for Totally Yours Evangelization Conference, a.m., Con rmation, St. Katharine Pheasant Run Resort and Drexel Church Savant's Social Responsibility portfolio options allow Convention Center PROPHETSTOWN — May investors to align their strategies with their faith? HUNTLEY — April 30, 12:30 6, 6 p.m., Mass for 100th p.m. and 3 p.m., Con rmation, Anniversary of the Dedication St. Mary Church of St. Catherine Parish, St. Catherine Church Savant Capital Management is a nationally recognized fee-only wealth ROCKFORD — May 2, 11 management firm that offers integrative investment management and a.m., Jubilee Mass for Priests of DEKALB — May 7, 1 p.m., the Diocese, St. Rita Church Con rmation, St. Mary Church financial planning solutions to individuals, families, foundations, trust funds, HANOVER — May 2, 5:30 ST. CHARLES—May 8, 6 retirement plans and non-profit organizations. p.m., Con rmation for St. John p.m., Mass and Dedication of the Evangelist, Hanover and Altar and Altar Stone, St. Patrick St. Mary, Elizabeth at St. John Church on Cedar Street Start building your ideal future! Church ROCKFORD — May 9, 11 a.m., Call us today for a complimentary portfolio review. WOODSTOCK — May 3, 6:30 Clergy Relief Meeting, Diocesan p.m., Mass for Celebration of Administration Center 815 227 0300 savantcapital.com the Feast of the Holy Cross of ROCKFORD — May 9, 2 p.m., Redemption, St. Mary Church Savant Capital Management is a Registered Investment Advisor. Savant's marketing material should not be construed by any existing Presbyteral Council Meeting, or prospective client as a guarantee that they will experience a certain level of results if they engage in the advisor's services. ROCKFORD — May 4, Diocesan Administration Center Please contact Savant to find out if they are qualified to provide investment advisory services in the state where you reside. 4 | FRIDAY APRIL 28, 2017 | The Observer Diocesan

Visiting Ball Players Greeted with Cards From St. Pat Students A girls’ basketball team from vulnerable towns in Chocó, Colombia, came to Illinois for a week to have different activities related to the sport. Among the team’s stops was Elgin Community College, where they were surprised with welcome cards from Spanish students’ classes at St. Patrick School in St. Charles and a greeting from Father Manuel Felipe Forero, parochial vicar from St. Joseph, Elgin, and Dr. David Sam, president of ECC. The Águilas Chocó basketball team took part in a clinic with ECC basketball coach Gerald McLaughlin. They also visited Michael Jordan’s restaurant, went to a couple Chicago Bulls training sessions and games, and received training at Loyola and DePaul universities. (Observer photo/Margarita Mendoza) Retirement, New Position Lead to Changes In the Diocesan Educational Services Office

From page 3 n Coordinate the in-servic- n Assist the superintendent Elizabeth “Beth” Heitkamp ture of Catholic Education for his and his wife’s family. ing of principals and teachers of schools in implementing the is set to begin in that role on this generation and for genera- “I believe we prepare students when the curriculum evalua- goals of the Diocesan Strategic July 1. tions to come,” Heitkamp says. well, not only spiritually but tion process is complete; Plan — Faith Forward; Heitkamp is a familiar face “I am confident that we will also academically, and I be- n Oversee the elementary n Perform other duties as as- in the Rockford/South Beloit be able to make our diocesan lieve (a Catholic education) is Student Data Management signed. area. She has served as princi- schools stronger in this process. the best gift a student can re- System; pal at St. Bernadette School in I am especially excited to help ceive,” he says. n Oversee the academic ar- Heitkamp to Rockford from July 2004 to the our teachers and staff identify “I feel blessed to work in Cath- ticulation process between el- fill new post present, also assisting St. Peter the needs of their students and School in South Beloit as prin- olic education. To me, it is truly ementary and high schools; Elizabeth Heitkamp will fill provide them with new profes- cipal during the 2013 and 2014 a ministry and not just a job.” n Manage the ITBS annual a new position being added to sional development opportu- school years. DeFrisco says he is looking assessment process; the diocesan Department of nities to help them meet these Before coming into the Cath- challenges.” forward to working will all the n Serve as liaison with test- Educational Services as the re- olic school system, Heitkamp As assistant superintendent principals and visiting all the ing and textbook companies; sult of recommendations made worked at Hononegah High for professional development, schools. “I view this position n Serve with the superinten- by the Faith Forward Strategic School, first as a special edu- training and grants, Heitkamp’s as a position of service, mak- dent of schools on the Non-Pub- Planning Process. cation teacher (August 1993 to duties will include: ing sure the schools have the lic School Advisory Board for She will be the assistant June 2000), including as coor- n Provide training and/or op- support they need,” he says. “I the ISBE recognition process; superintendent of schools in dinator of the Special Educa- portunities for training to in- think we must always be sure n Manage the Diocesan Self- charge of professional develop- tion Department from October structional and administrative we’re doing the best job we Study Process; ment, training and grants. n 1997 to June 2000. She was staff in a number of different can.” Provide technical support “One of the administrative the assistant principal at Hon- areas; DeFrisco’s work as assistant and being present on the day needs identified in the Faith onegah from July 2000 to June n Work with elementary and superintendent for curriculum, of the Illinois State Board of Forward plan was to continual- 2004. high school administrators to assessment and school recogni- Education recognition visit for ly develop our Catholic school Heitkamp holds a bachelor’s develop school, deanery and tion will include: schools; faculties and seek additional n n degree in Special Studies from diocesan-wide professional de- Facilitate the elementary Assist the superintendent funding through grants,” said curriculum evaluation and de- of schools in the screening, hir- State University of New York, velopment experiences, such as Michael Kagan in his March College at Fredonia, and a Mas- velopment process on a cyclical ing and training of new dioc- in-services and institute days; 30 memo. ter of Science in Education/Ed- basis; esan administrators; n Assist schools in creating “In order to accomplish that ucational Administration from annual professional develop- goal, the Catholic Education Northern Illinois University, ment plans; During the Centennial Year of Fatima Office is adding an assistant DeKalb. n Assist administrators in you are invited to pray the Rosary superintendent of schools in “Through our strategic plan identifying and utilizing fund- charge of professional develop- we are embarking on an impor- ing sources for professional with the Secular Franciscans at the ment, training and grants.” tant mission to secure the fu- Fatima Shrine at the Poor Clare Monastery. development and instructional and programmatic improve- May 13 June 13 July 13 ment; August 19 September 13 October 13 SPECIALIZING IN FAITH-BASED JOURNEYS n Remain current on Federal 3 P.M. (Hour of Mercy) and State programs that pertain Ask about Lourdes to Fatima with a “taste of the El Camino” to education; Fatima Shrine in the front yard of the Poor Clare Monastery n Periodically assess the ef- 2111 South Main Street — Rockford, IL 61102 fectiveness of the teacher eval- Experience the trip uation process; The Sisters will join from their place in the Chapel. n Assist the superintendent Following the Rosary: of a Lifetime! of schools in implementing the V Procession into the Chapel goals of the Diocesan Strategic V Exposition of the Most Blessed Sacrament Plan — Faith Forward; CINDY NICOLOSI TRAVEL n Assist the superintendent V The Chaplet of Mercy .....serving all your travel needs of schools in the screening, hir- V Reflection by Father Nicholas Federspiel ing and training of new dioc- on the message of Fatima Cindy Nicolosi, CTC (Cell: 815-298-7460) esan administrators; 849 Breckenboro Road [email protected] V Benediction of the Most Blessed Sacrament will n Perform other duties as as- conclude the service Lake Summerset, Davis IL 61019 home/offi ce (815) 248-3106 signed. The Observer | FRIDAY APRIL 28, 2017 | 5 feed your faith!

THE BSERVER OOfficial Newspaper of the Catholic Diocese of Rockford

Subscribe Today to Your Source for Catholic News Still only $28 per year for print, digital or both. http://observer.rockforddiocese.org 815/399-4300, Ext. 383 6 | FRIDAY APRIL 28, 2017 | The Observer Diocesan Schools’ Strategic Planning Process Will Soon Move to Working Groups

By Penny Wiegert laborate and/or share resources. Editor The bad news DIOCESE—The Faith For- The overall picture, accord- ward Strategic Plan for Catho- ing to Michael lic Schools in the Rockford he Kagan, diocesan Diocese will soon move into its superintendent next phase and that is to form Tdiocese of schools, is smaller study groups in key ar- has seen that enrollment eas of the diocese. a decline in the Catho- So far meetings with parents, lics schools in of 3,000 (Observer file photo/Penny Wiegert) pastors and educators have the diocese has been held in Aurora, Elgin, students A sign with the strategic plan been on the logo sits on a table behind par- McHenry and Rockford. in the past downward trend ticipants at an education plan- During those meetings, data 10 years for the past 10 ning meeting held Oct. 27, 2016, gathered by the Meitler consul- years. in Rockford. tant group of Milwaukee was The diocese presented. That information (Observer file photo/Margarita Mendoza) The two Elgin area parents meet at St. Edward Central Catholic High School has seen a decline of 3,000 included a close look at popu- The fact that s c h o o l s in Elgin on April 4 to listen to Michael Kagan (at podium), diocesan students in the past 10 years, lation, enrollment, finance and will begin superintendent of schools, and other talks about their area’s school which is equivalent to losing 12 ‘we have had s h a r i n g demographics in each of the planning data. schools with an enrollment of so many people areas. resources 250 students each. participate and About 200 parents in each which asked participants to storm about ways the Catholic This decline in each area is beginning area attended the meetings, talk about the data and brain- schools in each area could col- attributed to several factors express great in the 2017- which include declining over- passion and 2018 school all population, a decline in the year. willingness to Details Catholic population and eco- help plan the nomics. of the plan “In order to maintain the future of our from the high quality Catholic education schools is quite two schools that is our standard, we had to will be re- heartening.’ ported in take some action,” Kagan said. upcoming That is why the strategic — Michael issues of planning process was begun Kagan, diocesan The Ob- over a year and a half ago. superintendent of server. During each of the area schools Kagan meetings, feedback was gath- (Observer file photo/Penny Wiegert) said in Au- ered and compiled and will be Michael Kagan (left), diocesan superintendent of schools, talks to Aurora parents Feb. 6 at Aurora Central rora, the Catholic High School. The session was one of several being held around the Rockford Diocese to explain used by the working groups to next round of meetings will findings and get feedback about the Faith Forward strategic plan. be developed in Aurora, Elgin be scheduled for late spring or and Rockford. early summer. “The overall impression that Working groups and meet- I gathered from these area ings in Elgin and Rockford will meetings was that strong Cath- be formed after the administra- olic schools are still needed and tive team at the diocesan level wanted in the Rockford Dio- is put in place on July 1. (See LONG HISTORY, cese, and the potential to gain pages 3 and 4). new students is also strong,” he said. Why now? The good news The Rockford Diocese ini- tiated this strategic planning BRIGHT FUTURE. “The fact that we have had process as a means to help so many people participate and strengthen its Catholic schools express great passion and will- and to increase their effective- A century is only the beginning. ingness to help plan the future ness to both evangelize and of our schools is quite hearten- form future generations of stu- You can learn a lot about us by looking at our history—and our plans for the future. ing,” Kagan said. dents. Over the last hundred years, we’ve helped people, businesses, and our communities Montini School in McHenry The plan is a means to make succeed… with fi nancial products and expertise, truly personalized customer and St. John the Baptist School change possible through clearly service, and strong support for area organizations and causes. in Johnsburg have already understanding the challenges moved ahead in the process. and prescribing changes that The economy is moving forward again, and our team is focused on helping our The two schools and area set forth a wise and smart di- customers and communities do the same. pastors retained the Meitler rection for the future. consultants to work specifi- To guide development of the cally with them and parents to Faith Forward plan, a Catholic develop a plan of collaboration. Continued on page 7 The future looks bright. Let’s go together.

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(Observer file photo/Penny Wiegert) MEMBER FDIC Parents from St. Bernadette, St. James and the Cathedral of St. Peter Helping people, businesses and our communities succeed since 1908. schools in Rockford gather before the Faith Forward strategic planning meeting at Boylan Central Catholic High School in Rockford, March 8. Diocesan The Observer | FRIDAY APRIL 28, 2017 | 7

Johnsburg, McHenry Schools to Work Together Schools’ Strategic St. John the Baptist School Planning Process in Johnsburg and Montini Will Soon Move to Schools in McHenry are Working Groups planning to share resources. From page 6 See pg. 6 Schools Planning Committee was established. RIGHT: During Members reviewed data and fi ndings compiled by Lent, the Meitler and the diocesan Catholic schools offi ce. Student Council Early in the process, the consultants visited at St. John the every school and compiled data signifi cant to Baptist School the planning process. Findings about the condi- in Johnsburg tion of schools were widely shared, and a discus- collected baby sion of new directions was initiated. wipes for the The planning committee used the information community’s and initial feedback to create a working draft of First Way Life the plan. The draft was then shared for further Center. Council feedback and refi ned using that feedback. members who After many hours of interviews, meetings, site delivered them visits and assessments conducted from Novem- on April 18, and LEFT: Fourth- ber 2015 to October 2016, a comprehensive stra- the volunteers graders at tegic plan called “Faith Forward: Building our who accepted Montini Middle Blueprint for Catholic Schools” was drafted. them are (from School in That preliminary plan was publicly presented left) Charlotte McHenry study to Catholic leaders including pastors, principals, Bis, Kaitlyn several topics educational commission members and leaders Mullen, Jordan in science, during a meeting on Oct. 27, 2016, at Rockford’s Orlos, volunteer including animal St. Rita Parish. Mary Kay classi cation. In During the gathering, major aspects of the Welter, council a recent project, plan were presented and discussed in small member they observed, groups. Topics included Catholic identity and Simon Freund, recorded, and mission; governance and leadership; academic volunteer researched excellence; operational vitality in the areas of Christa Kaiser, fossils to enrollment management, fi nance, facilities and council classify them. diocesan support and leadership. members Feedback from that meeting and from those Daniel Hubbard reading the draft online was collected and used and Delaney Hopp. to complete the fi nal document which is posted (Photos provided) at www.rockforddiocese.org.

YOUR GIFT OF $600 CAN HELP PROVIDE LAB EQUIPMENT, ...YOUR GIFT STAGE LIGHTING, AND Aurora Central Catholic HS TEAM LOCKERS Development Office 1255 N Edgelawn Dr Aurora, IL 60506 WILL CHANGE YOUR GIFT OF $300 SUPPORT THEIR WORLD CAN HELP PROVIDE CATHOLIC EDUCATION SMARTBOARDS, TRAINING Aurora Central Catholic is faced with a EQUIPMENT, AND wonderful challenge to expand its campus to Name ______AUDITORIUM SEATING address increasing enrollment and provide 21st Address ______“ century educational opportunities. Each City ______St ___ Zip ______phase of the expansion – the STEM Education Center, the Athletic Center and YOUR GIFT OF Phone ______the Performing Arts Center – is projected ANY AMOUNT E-mail ______to cost over $4 million each.” SUPPORTS GENERAL Fr. William Etheredge, Principal Amount of enclosed gift: $ ______CONSTRUCTION OF ALL To reach our goal, it will take the generous THREE CENTERS Give online at: auroracentral.com/heritageoffaith support of all, especially YOU. 8 | FRIDAY APRIL 28, 2017 | The Observer D iocesan Boylan Hires New Principal ROCKFORD—Chris Rozanski will be the next principal at Boylan Central Catholic High School, here, beginning his new role this summer. He is a former Boylan assistant principal and teacher. School President Amy Ott made the announcement during a brief press conference April 25 at Boylan. Rozanski replaces Jerry Kerrigan who has served as principal for the past four years and will now return to the classroom. “It’s the best of both worlds for Boylan,” said Ott. “We get to keep Mr. Kerrigan who returns to his passion for teaching, and Boylan receives an accomplished new leader who is very familiar with our school but who also brings a wealth of knowledge from experience outside the region.” Rozanski spent the past three years as athletic director for Huntley High School, which serves approximately 3,000 students. Prior to that, he was an assistant principal, a science teacher and

(Photo provided) an athletic coach at Boylan. Rozanski “I’m really excited to return to Boylan with the knowledge and experience I’ve gained running the athletic program for a large high school,” Rozanski said. “I su- pervised and handled facilities, academics, and scheduling issues while also enjoying my work with students, teachers, and parents to ensure an optimum outcome for both our athletic program and academic success.” Ott said they began their search for a new principal in January and used a very inclusive process to choose Rozanski. “Our school leadership team conducted a panel interview with Mr. Rozanski, he met with a small group of faculty members, and ultimately he met with our school superintendent and with the bishop. We also involved our board of consultors. It was a very thorough process, (Photo provided) and we are confident and excited about our choice,” Ott said. Rozanski attended Aurora Central Catholic High School, re- Aurora Knights Care for God’s Creation ceived his bachelor’s degree from North Central College and mas- Members of Holy Angels Parish Knights of Columbus Council 4849 clean parts of Orchard Road in Auro- ter’s degree from National Louis University. He lives in Rockford ra on April 22. Road crew volunteers are (from left) Mel Boule, Scott Tellman, Jose Chavarria, Joe Peters, with his wife, Tricia, and his two children, Sophia and Evelyn, Guy Chollet, Jerry Knudtson and John Aguilar. who attend Holy Family Catholic School. STEM Labs Blessed at Holy Angels By Amanda Hudson best bite mark impressions and an art class. News editor learning about fingerprints and At the Mass, Bishop Mal- footprints. loy encouraged the students of AURORA—After an all- Fifth graders are working Holy Angels School to remem- school Mass on March 29, with robots they put together ber that “heaven really touches Bishop David Malloy shook and soon will study coding to earth here.” everyone’s hand before walk- create programs for those ro- He asked them to pray for ing over to the school to bless bots. everyone who could benefit its new STEM lab classrooms. Catapults made with plastic from the Be Reconciled Day, The lab, made of two class- spoons, 3-D puzzle cubes and which was held the week after rooms, was completed over the bean stalk buildings all have the Mass. He also encouraged summer. Students in all grades been part of STEM classes. them to pray for graces they have created a variety of things Technology coordinator, would need to come and make from paintbrushes to shelters Sheridan Gurbal, works with a good confession. made from newspapers, and students and classroom teach- In his homily, he also reflect- solved problems such as what ers and says that “It has been ed on how students “do a lot of to do to retrieve a stuck tire. awesome.” important things in school.” They use engineering prin- Bishop Malloy wore a school “We want you to be followers ciples through the Project sweatshirt given to him by of Jesus,” he told the students, Lead the Way program. This Principal Karen Behrns from “but then we want to help you year’s curriculum includes classroom to classroom after develop your minds ... . We the Launch program for kin- blessing the STEM lab with a need good, Catholic scientists, dergarten through fifth-grade prayer and holy water. engineers ... doctors, nurses ... students and the Gateway pro- He played an adverb game, lawyers ... . I want you to take gram for sixth- through eighth- losing to two very quick fifth that (STEM and other lessons) graders. grade students, drew on his and incorporate (your faith) (Observer file photo/Amanda Hudson) Junior high students have fourth grade memories of frac- into it. Fifth grade students Emerson Hollarbush and Ryan Anderson most recently been studying fo- tions in conversing with a math “Take all of those gifts and demonstrate robots their class constructed from a kit. Soon they will rensics by experimenting with class, and received a crucifix go out ... and be a good Catho- begin to study coding and create instructions for the robots. materials to see which get the made out of clothespins from lic in the world.” Diocesan The Observer | FRIDAY APRIL 28, 2017 | 9

Lessons of Lent in the Diocese Throughout the Rockford Diocese during Holy Week, parishes and schools shared the Passion story. ABOVE AND LEFT: The St. Laurence Parish family of Elgin experience the Passion of our Christ, April 12. Led by Jazz musician Nick Colionne (far left), fifth- Father Carl Beekman, pastor of SS. Peter and Paul Parish in Cary, takes time during Holy through eighth-grade students from St. Laurence week to explain to the school’s 3-year-old preschool class that Jesus can be found in our School perform the re-enactment. hearts and in the tabernacle.

ABOVE AND RIGHT: Confirmation students at Christ the King in Wonder Lake, present a version of the passion and death of our Lord under the direc- tion of parishioner Susan Dorwaldt and Father Joel Lopez, parochial administrator.

LEFT: Members of Aurora’s St Joseph Knights of Columbus and St Joseph Parish participate in the annual living Stations of the Cross on Good Fri- day in Aurora. Council Chaplain Father Jerry Leake and Grand Knight Mike Bauer (not pictured) were among several Knights involved with the first and second station, posed between Sacred Heart and St. Nicholas parishes on the city’s east side.

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335 Locust Street, Elgin, IL 60123 (847)741-7535 www.stedhs.org 10 | FRIDAY APRIL 28, 2017 | The Observer Diocesan Father, Son Trust God’s Providence for

By Louise Br ass started farming at the current Observer Correspondent location in the 1930s. Jim and his wife Susan, DEKALB—In God they who attend St. Mary Parish in trust — for good planting and DeKalb, have farmed this site growing weather, for a fine since the 1960s. Jamie joined harvest, and for all the many the farming business in 2000 elements needed to make hun- — when his uncles retired — dreds of barrels of rye whis- after a stint as an attorney. key, corn bourbon and vodka Both father and son agree, it’s each year, say the father and a good life — working together son farming team at Whiskey and witnessing the bounty of Acres Distillery Co. nature as it develops from seed They know that faith is a re- to finished product. quirement for this job. “It absolutely is,” said Jamie Products globe-hop Walter, a fifth generation farm- The spirits produced on the er at Walter Farms. He operates DeKalb farm, located at 11504 Whiskey Acres together with Keslinger Road, are shipped his father, Jim, and business to at least 40 countries, and as partner Nick Nagle. many states, Jamie said. There’s been a lot of rain this spring, so a little more faith is To date, more than 12,000 needed, said Jamie, a member visitors have come to the facil- of Christ the Teacher Univer- ity, which is a top tourism loca- sity Parish where the Newman tion in the county. Center for Northern Illinois A group of scientists who University students are served visited here took several bottles in DeKalb. He also serves on a with them when they left on parish committee. their research project to Ant- (Observer photo/Louise Brass) arctica. A postcard from the “This year is an example of Farmers Jamie Walter (left) and his father Jim, sit at the bar as they talk over a DeKalb County charity project edge of that frozen continent a year where we are getting a they plan to contribute to. little antsy, he says. “It’s been arrived recently attesting to so wet. We are waiting to plant. full-time distiller, eight tasting- is a business people are inter- only real farm distilleries in their gratitude for the product. Normally, we would have a lot room ambassadors who give ested in,” Nagle said. “The idea the United States,” Jamie says. Above a fire place in the of field work done by now.” weekly tours, a bookkeeper of making whiskey is some- “We do a lot for economic de- Whiskey Acres tasting room, Jamie sits at the bar in a and a number of interns (mostly thing that most people can re- velopment.” hangs a large black and white 100-year-old stone building chemistry students from NIU). late to. But also it gives us an The business also regularly photograph, circa 1897, show- beside a flagstone patio, wait- The chemistry of fermentation opportunity to have a conver- contributes to area charitable ing Leopold in the center, sur- ing for the rain clouds to move and distillation is important sation about farming.” causes. rounded by his family. One away from northern Illinois. here. The grant is a value-added Farming is definitely in Ja- person holds a jug of what is “I think there is a certain producer grant, Jamie said, mie’s blood. His great, great believed to be whiskey they faith that is inherent with being Already honored given for businesses that take grandfather, Leopold Walter, produced, but only for personal a farmer — a faith in, and trust The new business has won raw commodities and turn who was of German stock, consumption, Jamie said. in God that He will provide more than a dozen national and them into a consumer product, was a farmer in Ohio before Leopold might be surprised what we need when we need international double-blind tast- bringing the farm and consum- the family moved west into Il- if he knew his progeny are it. The rain will fall and plants ing awards, Nagle said. er closer together. linois. shipping whiskey worldwide. will grow on someone’s sched- Last year, Whiskey Acres “We are truly one of the Jamie’s grandfather, Joseph, Continued on page 11 ule other than my own. was awarded a $250,000 USDA “We have to have that faith rural business development every year,” he added. grant for creating a farm-to- Though the family farm is bottle operation, meaning the Family farmers, old, Whiskey Acres was incor- entire operations occurs right Jim and porated only a few years ago here. Jamie Walter in 2014. Already it employs a “It’s been well received. This of DeKalb County, plant and harvest (left) their own grains for Watch their family business. Catholic Whiskey Acres Distillery Mass produces Sunday, 6:30 a.m., whiskey, WREX-TV Channel 13 bourbon Rockford and vodka. A Anytime at Whiskey Acres logo is on the www.rockforddiocese.org/tvmass back of the Brought to you by the Diocesan Office of grain wagon. Communications and Publications (Photo provided) Diocesan The Observer | FRIDAY APRIL 28, 2017 | 11 Crops to Make Whiskey at DeKalb Farm

From page 10 and we are the “Napa Valley” of Beneath the photograph, four corn right here,” Jamie said. bottles of the award-winning Jim says that he enjoys the drinks are displayed, with med- independence that comes with als won at competitions, includ- this lifestyle, and the chance to ing in California, Kentucky, meet people. Denver and Chicago. “It’s all about doing for other “When Whiskey Acres people. That’s where you get opened, the family, includ- true happiness. Since we are ing Jamie’s wife, Kristin, and dealing with alcohol, we ap- children, Danielle, Josh, and proach this with a lot of dis- Sydney, held a blessing ser- cipline. We make sure they vice, with Father Jeremy Trow- (visitors) are the correct age and bridge, officiating at the private make sure they are responsible. ceremony. Both the distillery The whole process, from operation and the fields were planting to readiness for drink- blessed. ing, takes about two and a half The facility produces the years.

(Photo provided) about 70,000 bottles a year from “When it comes to farm- Father Jeremy Trowbridge, parochial vicar at Christ the farm’s own corn, wheat and ing, it takes a lot of patience,” the Teacher Unversity Parish in DeKalb, blesses rye. The majority of the product Jim said. “You put all this seed (Photo provided) equipment at Whiskey Acres. The blessing included right now is in storage for ag- and money into the ground and Jamie (left) and Jim Walter stand before awards reciting the liturgy of saints associated with agricul- ing. pray that God’s willing, and the Whiskey Acres Distillery has already won after be- ture. “Corn is the major ingredient, creek doesn’t rise.” ing in business only a few years. Abbey Farms Host Summer Fun for Kids AURORA—Three age-spe- ROCKFORD’S cific classes and Farmtastic Fri- days are open for registration at Abbey Farms, 2855 Hart Road, here. Farmtastic Friday is open #1 HOSPITAL to all children, kindergarten through fifth grade, 9-11:30 FOR STROKE CARE a.m. From the Jumping Pil- low and Zipline to the Mega- Drop Slide and Tractor Tire Mountain, there is fun to enjoy around every corner. Experience. Speed. Technology. 24/7. Registration is $20 per child or $15 each for those regis- tered for a 2017 summer camp. Farmtastic Fridays will be June When a stroke hits, time is 16, 23 and 30. critical – so is choosing the right Classes, which are $110 per child, are: hospital. OSF Saint Anthony n Art Time on the Farm — cares for more stroke patients kindergarten-second grade, than any other Rockford June 12 - 15. Children will ex- hospital. Combined with the periment with a variety of arts. n Stimulating STEM — sec- latest technology and treatment ond-fourth grade, June 19 - 22: options available around the Students will work on Alka- clock, our experienced team Seltzer rockets, an egg-drop brings you the best chance at engineering challenge, and more. recovering from stroke. n Fun Food Science — third- fifth grade, June 26 - 29. Camp- ers will discover the basics of nutrition and kitchen funda- mentals. Stroke is an emergency. At the first sign of stroke Campers receive a healthy snack each morning, along with call 911 and ask to go to OSF Saint Anthony. structured playtime on Abbey Farms' many attractions. Learn more at osfsaintanthony.org/knowyourrisk Info: www.abbeyfarms.org/store, or call (630) 966-7775, ext. 4.

Please take the time to thank our advertisers. The Observer 12 | FRIDAY APRIL 28, 2017 | The Observer Diocesan Don’t Miss Warriors Help Ava Fight Rare Tumor Bishop BY PAT SZPEKOWSKI Malloy’s Observer Correspondent TV Messages BATAVIA—Ava Georgia Olson, 9, a student at Holy Weekday Refl ection Cross School here, loves sports and is a big fan of the Chicago (about 6:58 a.m.) Cubs. on WREX-TV, Channel 13, She and her mother Jodi, Rockford her father Ken, and brother Max, 11, enjoyed the thrill of Top o’ the the team’s fi rst World Series Championship since 1908. Morning But the day after their team’s with victory last Nov. 3, Ava’s life — but not her fi ghting spirit — Bishop completely changed. That was the day when she Malloy was diagnosed with a rare and Listen to archives anytime at aggressive brain tumor called http://observer.rockfo rddiocese.org. diff use intrinsic pontina gliona Click on Bishop Malloy on the top left (DIPG). side of the page. DIPG aff ects children almost exclusively, and approximately Brought to you by 200-400 children in the Unit-  Savant Capital Management  Fitzge rald Funeral Homes ed States are diagnosed each  Illinois Bank & Trust year.  Diocesan Offi ce of “Our life has completely Communications and Publications changed,” said Ken Olson, a  The Observer chiropractic physician. (Observer photos/Dan Szpekowski)  Offi ce of Charitable Giving, The Olson family — (front from left) Max and Ava with their parents Jodi and Ken — spent time together at Diocese of Rock ford “Every day we say to our- selves, ‘What is God asking us the Ava’s Warriors 5K Walk Run in December. The fundraiser drew more than 700 participants. to do?’ instead of saying, ‘Why the diagnosis. us?’ “He fi red us up to pray to Schools, individuals invited to help “Since that day, we have Blessed Chiara Badano who On May 12 an all-school dress down day is scheduled at been overwhelmed with the needs one more miracle to have Holy Cross School and at many other area Catholic elemen- love and support from our faith full consideration to be canon- tary and high schools. community at Holy Cross,” ized as a saint. Through our If other schools in the diocese are interested in joining this he added. “We have received prayers, let us make that mira- e ort, Elizabeth Carlson can provide details at 630/805-4093 many prayer cards and notes cle Ava.” (See box, below left.) or [email protected]. from all over the world. Our As Ava’s Warriors, area A bene ciary account has been created at Chase Bank. Do- pastor, Father (James) Parker, Catholic schools, parishes, nations can be sent to Chase Bank, 5N Randall Road, Batavia, distributed over 10,000 prayer families and friends have ral- IL 60510 in Ava Olson’s name. The Olson’s will not incur tax cards in support of Ava.” Wednesday Refl ection lied behind the Olsons to hold liabilities from the donations. Prayers — from everyone — a variety of fundraisers. A 5K during the Spanish Learn more about Ava’s Warriors, at avawarriors.com or are important, Ken said. walk/run and local restaurant newscast (5:30-6 p.m.) gofundme.com/avas-warriors. “My good friend Father benefi ts are among the eff orts. on My Network TV, Keith Romke, the Diocese of These will help the family neering Convection Enhanced every six weeks back to Lon- Channel 17.2, Rockford Rockford director of vocations, with the burden of Ava’s health was with us when we received Delivery (CED) 9.5-hour oper- don for the next six months, Minuto de care costs, which are not cov- ation to fi t four precision cathe- remaining a week each time for Prayer to Blessed ered by insurance. ters near the tumor and admin- Ava’s care. Due to FDA regulations, ister chemotherapy drugs. “Friends have said to us that Meditación Chiara Badano treatment is not available in the “We carefully researched perhaps God gave us Ava be- Listen to archives anytime on O Father, fount of every United States. It is costly, out- every option and clinical trials cause we are the people who Facebook at Diócesis de Rockford good, of-pocket, but can be done with and have taken charge,” says can give her the exact care she and Periódico El Observador, or on we give You thanks for the the generous support of others. Ken. “This is our hope and needs,” said Ken. “So many Twitter, @DiocesisRockfor wonderful Six weeks ago the family priority. God has given us this people have helped, giving us Brought to you by testimony of Blessed Chiara traveled to London, England, cross in our lives.” great peace through prayers  Savant Capital Management Badano, where Ava underwent a pio- The Olson’s expect to travel and fi nancial support.”  Diocesan Offi ce of Communications and Publications Filled with the Holy Spirit  El Observador and guided by the radiant light of Jesus, Or His Column she believed rmly in Your in nite love, Weekly in and wished to return it with all her strength, THE surrendering herself in complete trust OBSERVER to Your paternal will. We humbly beseech You Subscribe that You may also grant us the gift to Today! live with You and for You, and Select print, digital or ask You, both for just if it be your will, for the $28 per year. grace to heal the wounds of our Ava and her family Call 815/399-4300, through Our Lord Jesus ext. 383 or go online at Christ. Students at Holy Cross Catholic Church in Batavia teamed up with a local Toys for Tots in December and contributed $10,000 in toys to the Lurie Children’s Hospital in Chicago in honor of their schoolmate Ava http://observer. Amen Olson. She also received a “Friend of Jesus” monetary gift which has been given to the school for the past Prayer from avawarriors.com rockforddiocese.org nine years by an anonymous donor. D iocesan The Observer | FRIDAY APRIL 28, 2017 | 13 Vocations Promoted as St. Patrick Graduate Honored

By Amanda Hudson the Mass. News Editor Earlier when commenting on the Gospel, Msgr. Stephen ST. CHARLES—Students at Knox, pastor, said St. Peter St. Patrick School, here, were “was not having a good day” invited to imagine various pos- after hours of fishing had pro- sibilities for their future begin- duced nothing. ning at an all-school Mass on But, “when he finally listened the parish feast day celebrating (to Jesus), they made this great St. Patrick, March 17. catch,” he said. When Peter ex- That future might include pressed that he is not worthy of religious life, as one St. Pat- Jesus’ love, Jesus response was rick graduate, Sister Anna Jo- ‘I’ve got a job for you,’ ” the seph VanAker, explained after priest said, adding, “All (God) needs is a humble heart, and He can do great things.” After Mass, the parish and school honored one of its own, described by Msgr. Knox as “someone really blessed by St. Patrick School ... she heard God’s call.” (Observer photos/Amanda Hudson) Sister Anna Joseph, a 2001 Sister Anna Joseph VanAker, a 2001 graduate of St. Patrick School in St. Charles, speaks with girls from the school about her decision to join a religious order. St. Patrick graduate who now is a Nashville Dominican Sis- ter of St. Cecilia, came forward ll He needs is a humble heart, and He can do great things.’ after being introduced and was feted with gifts and well wishes ‘A — Msgr. Stephen Knox, pastor, St. Patrick Parish in St. Charles from teachers and parishioners who know her. boys, sharing his own voca- vocation, grew from there. a wedding cake. At the bot- She and Father Kyle Manno, tions story. He told how he Sister Anna Joseph, a teacher tom layer, she said, “we are all parochial vicar, spoke to the couldn’t come up with a good at St. Joseph School in Madi- called to be holy — everyone students in junior high and excuse to miss the 9 p.m. Sun- son, Tenn., also spoke to two gets a bite of that ... you’re go- older elementary grades a bit day Mass at college, and there groups, younger and older ing to be saints,” and got a few later that morning about voca- he discovered “a priest who girls, and with both she tossed girls to talk about their confir- Recently ordained Father Kyle tions — what they are and why loved being a priest and loved a beanbag to individuals to so- mation saints. Manno speaks of the priesthood listening to God is a good idea. God.” licit their responses. The second vocations cake with boys from St. Patrick School. Father Manno spoke to the His faith, and eventually his She compared vocations to Continued on page 18 14 | FRIDAY APRIL 28, 2017 | The Observer Diocesan Parents, Kids Learn Cyber-Safety Tools at Holy Family Parish By Lynne Conner kids abuse their technology to technology, kids are usually Observer Correspondent privileges. one or two steps ahead of us.” Wistocki said that neither Father Kaim described Wis- ROCKFORD—Helping kids way is effective in getting kids tocki as “an expert in the field navigate the internet safely and to “be good digital citizens.” of cyber-bullying and online educating parents on cyber- Instead, he offers several tips safety. bullying were just two of the (see box below). “He has provided some good topics presented by Naperville “I thought I knew a lot about tools in how parents can protect Police Det. Richard Wistocki at cyber-safety, but I learned two their kids.” Holy Family Parish on April 2. important things,” said Theresa Tom Lewis, who has children Wistocki spoke to parents Durbin of Holy Family Parish, in both the religious educa- and children from both the par- a mother of three. “Start young tion program and Holy Family ish’s religious education pro- with teaching your kids about School said Wistocki’s pro- gram and its parish school. (Observer photos/Lynne Conner) cyber-bullying before they find gram was informative. After spending 27 years in law enforcement, Naperville Police Det. “The most prevalent threats out the hard way. “My kids don’t have digital Richard Wistocki says a “God moment” in church one day led him to our kids today are cyber-bul- “And we can’t threaten our devices yet,” he said, “but see- to create BeSure Consulting, an outreach program on cyber-safety. lying, internet predators, cell- kids,” she addeed. “I can see ing this presentation definitely Wistocki also authored the Illinois’ sexting and sexual exploitation phone applications, sextortion, how threats might make a puts a lot of awareness in my of child laws. He serves as a member of the Illinois Attorney and active sexting,” he said. child embarrassed or ashamed mind on how to approach this General’s Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force. Parents can “And the first line of defense to come to their parent with a topic and what to watch out for find more resources in monitoring kids’ online activity at Wistocki’s, against these threats is you, the cyber-safety issue.” once my kids are older.” besureconsulting.com. parents. There is no such thing Father Phillip Kaim, pastor as privacy for children … Par- of Holy Family Parish, said he ents are responsible for their asked Det. Wistocki to speak Cyber-Safety Rules for Families children (and) need to have ac- about the BeSure program to cess to their devices,” Wistocki help educate parents and kids Kids need parents’ support Parents must work together said. on cyber-safety and the con- A common misconception sequences of risky internet be- 1 “Parents and kids need to have open and 4 Wistocki also encouraged parents to act among parents, Wistocki said, havior. honest communication about electronic devices, as a team when it comes to setting boundaries is they mistakenly believe their “Today’s technology pro- establish clear boundaries for using the devices with their kids. and kids need to know that if they make a mistake children “would never do any- vides unique challenges for “We want the best for our kids, but there have to or are being threatened online, they can come to thing inappropriate online” be- be limitations,” he said. “If the parents represent a parents trying to keep their their parents with that situation,” he said. cause they are “good kids.” kids safe online,” he said. “We united front, no one is playing one parent off the Other parents may threaten always want our parents to be Be wary of social media sites other and the kids know their boundaries.” their children with the loss of one or two steps ahead of their 2 “The rules of social networking apps is Monitor kids’ accounts computer or cell phone if the kids and I think when it comes that no one under the age of 13 is supposed to have an Instagram or Snapchat account,” he said. 5 Keeping kids safe online, Wistocki said, “I’m seeing fifth and sixth graders who have these comes down to transparency, limits and parental accounts,” he said. involvement. “Kids’ brains are not developed enough to He strongly encouraged parents to go through handle what goes on in these social networks. It’s social media accounts with their children so they all about feeling good and hormones, kids don’t can together identify profiles of friends or strang- understand what happens after they send that ers. picture or after they talk to someone they just met online.” Record before you report Prohibit phones at bedtime 6 “If your child encounters cyber-bullying 3 Often times, Wistocki said, problems or inappropriate posts directed toward them, with sexting and sextortion occur when kids have (take a) screen-shot of the inappropriate material access to their cell phones overnight or when they and make a digital file as evidence,” Wistocki told are in a peer group like a party or sleepover. parents. Become a Catholic Order of Foresters “A ... common denominator for kids that are “Don’t contact the social media administrator, victims of sextortion is that they have cell phones otherwise the inappropriate posts will be deleted or computers in their rooms all the time. Their (COF) field representative and, and you will not have any evidence to show police. bedrooms are for sleeping. “Contact your local police department with a • Be a leader in your Catholic community “When your kids are using their cell phones late at night, typically, the parents are sleeping and the thumb drive containing the evidence and that • Strive for personal and professional growth kids are up and online. This is dangerous territory,” should help make reporting the inappropriate • Work for yourself but not by yourself he said. activity easier,” he said. • Receive customized training Experience not required.

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To request more information visit catholicforester.org their passwords with their parents. D iocesan The Observer | FRIDAY APRIL 28, 2017 | 15 Reading for Good Father Father Jared Ryan Twenty Purpose Browning Two Priests Tackle the Work of a Censor Librorum

By Amanda Hudson

News Editor Hudson) (Observer photos/Amanda

ast summer, Bishop “We’re here to help look for Father Twenty also mentions book of about 230 pages on An imprimatur (Latin for “let David Malloy asked red flags (and give) a summary, diaconate formation, lay minis- mercy and hope. He provided it be printed”) usually comes parochical vicars analysis and recommendation,” try formation and high schools a synopsis of the work along from the bishop himself, Father Father Ryan Brown- he explains. as potential beneficiaries of with notes on whatever might Browning adds. Ling and Father Jared Twenty to “We didn’t take a particular teachers with S.T.L. degrees. “be misunderstood or lead to A nihil obstat (Latin for serve also as censores librorum class” to prepare for the job, Fa- There is, he adds, “an advan- misunderstanding the faith,” he “nothing hinders/stands in the for the Diocese of Rockford. ther Twenty adds. tage to have a variety of priests says. way”) points to a judgment by “Censor librorum means, “I took it that (Bishop Mal- (who have S.T.L.s) with different He also has reviewed a St. an official censor. basically, a censor of writing loy) wanted some people to do focuses.” He notes, for example, Rita chaplet. The works they have ana- or (of) books,” Father Twenty that, and Father Browning and another diocesan priest studied Father Twenty has read says, explaining it is not cen- I were asked because we had marriage and one focused his through two books and a film lyzed were published or cre- soring as society generally uses that degree.” S.T.L. degree on liturgy. Both of screenplay. ated by people or orgnizations the term, but more of a “read- “That degree” is the S.T.L. — those priests serve the diocese “I give (the bishop) a quick located within the Rockford ing over” of a work. Licentiate of Sacred Theology in those areas. review, and if I (noticed) any Diocese. “The job is to make sure — which is an optional, spe- Father Browning earned an particular moments, I could “I would assume (the re- nothing is contrary to the cialized study undertaken after S.T.L. in studies of St. Thomas say, ‘Here’s something to note.’ quest comes from) a publisher faith,” Father Browning says. a man completes his course- Aquinas, called Tomistic stud- “In a few paragraphs I give in the diocese,” Father Twenty He and Father Twenty are not work for the priesthood. ies, with an emphasis on morals. him some highlights of things says, speculating that bishops editors checking grammar and This more scientific study of Father Twenty studied Dog- that are of interest (and) I give or archbishops with large cit- don’t judge whether or not the theology is done at his bishop’s matic Theology with an em- him my recommendation. ies — particularly those with writing has good insights. discretion. phasis on Scripture. Analysis is the best word,” he numerous publishing houses “It’s strictly (a matter of) “It is kind of the Church’s Both focuses, Father Twenty says. “If I see an error in a foot- — receive more requests than helping the bishop to determine stamp of approval that you can says, “fit nicely with” work of note, that’s not my concern.” would be sent to the Rockford its congruency with Catholic teach in a seminary or any kind a censor librorum in finding An author or publishing Diocese. doctrine,” Father Twenty says. of Catholic-run institution for anything that contradicts the house typically makes the ini- Both priests say they are hap- A canon in the Code of Can- that kind of formation,” Father teachings of the Church. tial request of a bishop to re- on Law “talks about a (censor Twenty explains. view a work. py to provide this service. librorum) as being an assistant “It’s a function that serves How does it work? “We’re simply helping (the “I love reading, so it’s fine to the bishop in his teaching the bishop ... (and) sometimes “A book shows up in the mail bishop) when people ask for with me,” Father Twenty con- function,” Father Twenty adds. there are men who start the li- with a letter from Bishop Mal- an imprimatur or nihil obstat,” cludes. “Bishop Malloy could certainly centiate program and don’t fin- loy asking for an assessment,” Father Twenty says, describing “I’m just happy to help the determine this for himself. It is ish because their bishop calls Father Browning says. them as “two sides of the same bishop out with whatever he an issue of time. them home,” he says. His first assignment was a coin.” needs. It works well.”

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DH ad_10x4.667.indd 1 3/14/17 10:48 AM 16 | FRIDAY APRIL 28, 2017 | The Observer Diocesan

Bishop Kagan Confers Ministry on Rockford Seminarian TOP RIGHT: Bismarck, N.D., Bishop David Kagan (left, back to camera), former vicar general and pas- tor in the Diocese of Rockford, conferred the ministry of acolyte to 63 students at the Pontifical North American College on Feb. 26. Rockford seminarian Nicholas Sentovich (center) was among the new acolytes. The college serves as the American seminary in Rome. The seminarians are in their second year of formation for the priesthood and have two additional years of theological studies and spiritual formation before ordination. Bishop Kagan is an alumnus of the North American College. Two seminar- ians of the Diocese of Bismarck were among those he installed as acolytes. BOTTOM RIGHT: Bishop David Kagan (front center) of Bismarck, N.D., joins others in the Church hierar- chy to pose wiith the new class of acolytes from the Pontifical North American College in Rome. Rockford Seminarians in Rome for Studies and Visit BELOW LEFT: Rockford seminarians studying at the Pontifical North American College in Rome visit with fellow Rockford seminarian, Robert Blood, a student at St. Paul School of Divinity in St. Paul, Minn., earlier this year. They are pictured on the roof of a college building. The seminarians are (from left) Jack

Reichardt, Nicholas Sentovich, Blood, and John Kladar. (Photos provided)

Marmion Students Partner On Engineering Projects AURORA—Bringing real world challenges to members he tools Marmion students are learning of Marmion Academy’s Engi- are truly state of the art and cutting edge.’ neering students is the goal of ‘T a partnership with engineering — Steve Powell, Parker Hannifin powerhouse, Parker Hannifin, a Fortune 500 company. that will be used by their cus- Since the first round of - cer Steve Powell, business devel- tomers who wish to safely ex- tifications in 2015, teachers (Cutline - credit paragraph style) opment manager of the firm’s plore for and produce oil in deep Jeanne McLean and Eric Pe- Parker Hannifin’s Business Development Manager Steve Powell (sec- Fluid Connectors Group, flew in water basins around the globe. terson have had more than 80 ond from left) inspects the work of Marmion Academy engineering from Ohio recently to meet with Students assigned to the students complete the testing. seniors Charlie Zimmer and Zach Fincher. Dr. Victor Pinks II, Marmion’s Marmion students who are test- Parker Hannifin project pre- This February two seniors, science chair, looks on. ing the durability of a product sented their initial work to Adam Danklefsen and Jona- Powell. thon Powers, went on to com- “The tools Marmion students plete the professional certifica- are learning are truly state of tion (CSWP). the art and cutting edge,” Pow- They are then given the op- ell said. portunity to work on real world “They should have a sig- projects with Marmion’s Com- nificant advantage, if they putational Prototyping and Re- continue to hone and develop search Center (CPARC). these skills, when they enter CPARC was developed by the engineering job market and Dr. Victor Pinks II, Marmion in their collegiate studies,” he science chair and graduate of added. the class of 1972. He also said the Marmion The center is comprised of students are not doing research vetted business and education at a college level, they are partners and engineering stu- working at a graduate level. dents at Marmion. Marmion seniors Zach Finch- What began with a group er and Charlie Zimmer are as- of local businesses has grown signed to the Parker Hannifin to a consortium of close to 30 project. national and international part- “I have had a tremendous ex- ners. perience collaborating with the CPARC offers students, out- engineers at Parker Hannifin, side businesses and educational not as a high school student, partners a collaborative learn- but a colleague,” Fincher says. ing atmosphere to tackle real “Over the last few months I world problems. have been given invaluable real The students focus on com- world experience through tele- putational STEM (science, conferences and meetings,” he technology, engineering, math) said. learning, an area of engineer- Students in Marmion’s En- ing where qualified employees gineering Center are Certi- are in high demand. fied SolidWorks Associates Twenty-eight Marmion stu- (CSWA). Completing the first dents are currently working on level of the SolidWorks pro- 15 group projects for compa- gram gives them the ability to nies including Parker Hannifin, do 3D modeling in a variety Rok Werk Systems, Inc. and of engineering and design ca- the Federal Aviation Adminis- reers. tration. D iocesan T he Observer | FRIDAY APRIL 28, 2017 | 17 MSC Celebrates 50 Years of Service in Colombia By Margarita Mendoza t wasn’t easy, especially because the language was different, but the El Observador Editor ‘Imission was bigger than the difficulties.’ AURORA—“When God wants something, the obsta- — Father Juan Pablo Romero, MSC cles are means,” Father Jules Chevalier, founder of the France. Back in December 1967, they was different, but the mission Missionaries of Sacred Heart Locally, it has been 50 years arrived in “vulnerable com- was bigger than the difficul- (MSC), once said. since two MSC priests, Fathers munities in Ciudad Kennedy, ties,” said Father Juan Pablo The MSC is an order of Ro- Thomas Hayden and Thomas on the west side of Bogotá, Co- Romero, who serves as paro- chial vicar at Holy Family Par- man Catholic priests estab- Carney, were sent to Colombia lombia. … (It) wasn’t easy, es- A variety of silent auction items lished in 1854 in Issoudun, to serve. pecially because the language ish in Nazareth, Penn. helped raise funds for MSC work. “Today we are working in different places and parishes,” Likewise, they have the place Father Romero said at the 46th for spiritual retreats, weddings annual benefit dinner dance on and receptions. April 1 in Aurora. With the funds MSC collects The evening also marked the from their activities, they serve 50th anniversary of MSC ser- the poor and help young men vice in Colombia. with vocations but no econom- Father Raymond Diesbourg, ic resources to become priests. MSC, provincial, explained Father Joseph Jablonski, what the order is offering in the MSC, the spiritual director for U.S. and in Colombia. Life’s Healing Journey retreat, Events such as Life’s Healing is active with projects in Co- Journey retreats, he said, help lombia. He also coordinates the people with “pain, disappoint- Colombian Christmas Novena ment and sadness, to learn how in Chicago and brings food and to deal with that.” Christmas presents to the poor Also, in the south part of Bo- in the areas they serve in that gota, they have a project that South American country. provides 45 to 50 houses for In the Diocese of Rockford, low income families. Missionaries of the Sacred In Colombia they also have Heart are located in Aurora. a farm used to grow tomatoes, As part of its golden anni- (Observer photos/Margarita Mendoza) corn and different vegetables versary celebration, the order Dancers of the Tierra Colombiana group and dinner guests are reflected in a mirror during the Missionaries for their own consumption and plans a pilgrimage to Colombia of the Sacred Heart celebration of 50 years of service in Colombia. The dinner was April 1 in Aurora. for sale. later this year.

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“SCB School provides a top notch academic pro- gram! The staff and priest “I love seeing my child all provide a very nurturing coming home talking environment…” about his day and what he learned about “A wonderful staff! Jesus…” Great priorities! The kids and Catholic education are in the forefront!...” Technology Features: » SchoolSpeak and SchoolReach grade / communication enhancement system » Accelerated Reader Program — yielding greatest Reading advancements “Building mind and body…” » Mathletics – for high Math improvement, including international Math challenge » PreK – 8 Expanded Technology Program with EasyTech  Middle School, intermediate, elementary, and preschool beginning at 3 years old  Scoring better than 99% of the nation on nearly one-third of the Iowa Test  Scoring in the top 10% of the nation on standardized tests in 81 different areas  Small class sizes, BeforeCare and AfterCare available K-8  THREE state-of-the-art computer labs, including two portable labs, teaching both Mac and PC  Multi-child & new family discounts available, open to students from all area parishes (Same tuition) “Great class sizes, school environment is positive, strong academics, committed staff…”  Girls’ Volleyball  Boys’ Basketball  Girls’ Basketball  Cross Country  Chess Club  Altar Servers  Band  Environmental Club  Patriot’s Pen  Running Club  Seeking to Succeed  Yearbook  Saints Fair  Musical/Variety Show/Drama  History Fair (Local, Regional, and State)  Science Fair (Local, Regional, and State)  Service Learning Projects  Choir  Geography Bee  Mentor/Buddy Program  Spanish  Spelling Bee  Young Rembrandts Art  Spirit Squad/Cheerleading “We love the fact that they teach and live the Catholic faith…”  Ozzie’s Rdg Contest  Piano Call us to arrange a visit and see how we can be your child’s family away from home! 288 E. Je erson Avenue, Hampshire, IL 60140  847-683-3450  www.scborromeoschool.org

4-22-2016 18 | FRIDAY APRIL 28, 2017 | The Observer Diocesan Mother’s Day Collection to Fund National Shrine’s Dome WASHINGTON (CNS) — in 2020 — the 100th anniver- A one-time national collection sary of the placement of its will be taken at U.S. parishes foundational stone. at Masses on Mother’s Day, The U.S. Catholic bishops May 14, to support the mosaic approved the special collec- ornamentation of the Trinity tion in November 2015 during Dome. their annual fall general as- The last time a national col- sembly. lection was done for the shrine Last October during the was in 1953. blessing of the workspace Called the “crowning jewel” where the new mosaic will be of the Basilica of the Nation- installed, Washington Cardi- al Shrine of the Immaculate nal Donald W. Wuerl said the Conception, the dome mosaic work of art “will be a wonder will depict the Trinity, Mary, the four evangelists and words to behold.” from the Nicene Creed. It is expected to be complet- Thirteen saints associated ed at the end of 2017. with the United States or the The mosaic work is be- national shrine will also be ing done at the Travisanutto featured. Giovanni mosaic company in The fnished dome will com- Spilimbergo, Italy, and is being plete the national shrine, ac- shipped to the national shrine (CNS photo/Tyler Orsburn) cording to the original archi- in 30,000 sections weighing A depiction of what the completed Trinity Dome will look like at the National Shrine of the Immaculate tectural plans for the church. 24 tons and composed of more Conception in Washington is seen July 13. The preliminary piece of mosaic fabricated for the dome was It is set to mark its centennial than 14 million pieces of glass. blessed by Pope Francis during his visit to the National Shrine Sept. 23, 2015. Vocations Promoted as St. Patrick Graduate Honored From page 13 layer, Sister Anna Joseph said, y favorite vocations prayer is “Help me involves service in the life of to want what You want me to want.” ’ the Church, which can include ‘M becoming a priest, a nun or be- — Sister Anna Joseph VanAker ing married. She told them that many Agnes, a Roman martyr. Sister letters, and her family of “304 would be called to marriage Anna Joseph said, St. Agnes sisters and one brother.” and that God already has a guy “picked me” at confrmation. For everyone, the bottom lay- in mind for them. Five years later, when in col- er of the vocations cake, Sister “So you can start praying for lege and studying in Rome, she Anna Joseph said, “is God say- him now!” she said. said she “spent a lot of time ing, ‘I chose you frst.’ We can A third layer is “the vocation with (St. Agnes’) relics, and she only love other people because of your job,” another calling (Observer photo/Amanda Hudson) made a big difference in my life God loved us frst.” that would include the roles of Sister Anna Joseph VanAker (left), and members of her family, attend Mass at St. Patrick Parish in St. Charles, March 17. Sister Anna Joseph from then on.” The common vocation to be a mothers and fathers. was honored for choosing to devote her life to Jesus. Her choice to enter the Nash- saint “is also a promise to hap- The “tiny top layer,” Sister ville Dominican community piness,” she said. Anna Joseph added, is “the was encouraged by their work “Trust Him, He has a re- here and now” of their current at St. Patrick Parish raised her You want me to want.’ ” as teachers and the fun they ally good plan just for you ... . vocation to be students and own awareness of vocations, When she was “sucked into have together. Discernment is a fancy word daughters. LENTshe said. - 2015 youth ministry” at the par- “I also loved that they wear a for listening to God. He’ll be An early Here I Am Lord “My favorite vocations ish, Sister Anna Joseph said it habit,” she said. very clear with you (although) (HIAL) vocations conference prayer is ‘Help me to want what “opened my heart to learn how She described the parts of her sometimes you have to take a to pray ... When HIAL came, habit, its signifcance, and how big leap.” that was when I frst met sis- it is blessed at a sister’s profes- “My one piece of advice,” ters,” including the Nashville sion of vows. she said in conclusion, “is to The Catholic Dominicans. Other parts of her life now in- make time in your life for some Her vocation was assisted clude an annual, one-week visit silence, so you can hear God’s Gift Store by her confrmation saint, St. home, written (not emailed) voice.”

Quality May 10 CWL Mass Encourages Peace Traditional ROCKFORD—The Catholic choices, call Mary Jo Keffer at lunch and silent auction, Women’s League invites the 815/877-8856. n a blanket-making work- Catholic public to its annual Mass for Mail reservations, phone shop, Gifts & Books Peace, May Luncheon and in- number and check, payable to n an Easter basket project, stallation of officers on May 10. “Catholic Women’s League” to n Sewing and Reach Out The Mass begins at 10 a.m. at Keffer at 5784 Weymouth Dr., guilds and more. the Poor Clare’s Corpus Christi Rockford, IL 61114. Membership dues and Lent  Easter LaPromesse proceeds allowed Monastery, 2111 S. Main St. Membership open Rosaries  Bracelets  Statues  Medals  Crucifi xes Bishop David Malloy will be the CWL to donate to 19 agen- Confi rmation  Communion  Baptism the celebrant. Women from Rockford cies this year serving all ages. Officers will be elected at 9:45 Deanery parishes may join the Memberships are from May Music  Video  Books  Medjugorje a.m. and installed after Mass. 108-year-old Catholic Women’s 1 to April 31. Costs are $15 reg- M-F 10A-6P SAT 11A-3P SUN CLOSED The luncheon will begin at League. ular, $10 ages 65 and older; $50 11:30 a.m. at Mauh-Nah-Tee- CWL provides opportunities for patrons. See Country Club, 5151 Guil- for Catholic women to come Send membership checks www.thecatholicgiftstore.com ford Road, starting with social together for spiritual growth, payable to “Catholic Women’s time and a cash bar. community aid and social in- League” to 1030 N. Second St., 1-815-787-0802 Luncheon reservations are teraction. Rockford, IL 61107. DeKalb, Illinois due May 5; cost is $20. Annual activities include: Info: Janet Staehling, 815/226- For information about lunch n La Promesse, a fundraising 0556 The Observer | FRIDAY APRIL 28, 2017 | 19

20 Diocesan appeal 17 Diocese of RockfoRD

“Lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven … For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.” –Matthew 6:20-21 20 | FRIDAY APRIL 28, 2017 | The Observer The Observer | FRIDAY APRIL 28, 2017 | 21

your Gift supports 20 Diocesan appeal Ministries like These 17 Diocese of RockfoRD

Dear Friends in Christ: the theme of this year’s annual appeal is Ministry, Catholic Schools, Vocations, the witness. all our gifts, whether they be gifts of a powerful one indeed … “The Lord is tribunal or my own ministry as bishop. treasure or our active presence in and love With Us.” for the Body of Christ, help further Christ’s when our young people experience the mission in your parish and in your diocese. we walk with the Lord in so many presence of the Lord each year at the Youth servinG faMilies ways from the time we are made Summit, it is because you have invested in thank you for your generosity and born in God’s image until their faith and their future. to Diocesan appeal and for the time we are called back your help in sharing the to him at the end of our Your commitment to share faith good news that the Lord days. During our lives we through your resources makes it is indeed with us in this are also called in many possible for our Life and Family world and the next. ways to help others evangelization Office to teach walk with Christ too. and prepare men and women In the love of Jesus for the fullness of God’s plan as Christ, I remain, Knowing that Christ is faith-filled husbands, wives and part of the very fabric mothers and fathers as they are the Most Reverend, of our lives also compels called to marriage. David J. Malloy us to reach out to others Your support for our 22 seminarians BIShOP OF with our time, talent and ROCKFORD sTrenGTheninG MarriaGe resources. Our faith calls us to studying for the priesthood assures the encourage the faith of those around future of our faith and the ability to teach and us and assist the needs of those most minister to the body and soul of all Catholics vulnerable so they too can share in as we called to serve others in our diocese the comfort of knowing The Lord is and in our world. With Us. all those efforts bring the faith to others in one form or another on your Our spiritual commitment to the behalf. that, of course, requires our Catholic faith engages each of us financial commitment. and we in spirit and in body. In spirit, fulfill that commitment through we believe and live everything our support of the Diocesan conveyed to us from Jesus and annual appeal. through the Catholic Church. In body, we seek to bring Jesus Participating in the 2017 forMinG priesTs and our faith to the needy Diocesan appeal is a and to the world. In the Diocese powerful way to make sure of Rockford, that work takes many forms the larger family of your in many different ministries whether it be Church carries on the work through Catholic Charities, Life and Family of Jesus in a world that evangelization, Young adult and Youth desperately needs our

Ways To Give Online Giving Appreciated Stock Credit/Debit Card or Bank Account Withdrawal Mutual Fund eMpoWerinG youTh Bank Bill Pay Employer Matching Gift www.rockforddiocese.org/donate 20 | FRIDAY APRIL 28, 2017 | The Observer The Observer | FRIDAY APRIL 28, 2017 | 21

your Gift supports 20 Diocesan appeal Ministries like These 17 Diocese of RockfoRD

Dear Friends in Christ: the theme of this year’s annual appeal is Ministry, Catholic Schools, Vocations, the witness. all our gifts, whether they be gifts of a powerful one indeed … “The Lord is tribunal or my own ministry as bishop. treasure or our active presence in and love With Us.” for the Body of Christ, help further Christ’s when our young people experience the mission in your parish and in your diocese. we walk with the Lord in so many presence of the Lord each year at the Youth servinG faMilies ways from the time we are made Summit, it is because you have invested in thank you for your generosity and born in God’s image until their faith and their future. to Diocesan appeal and for the time we are called back your help in sharing the to him at the end of our Your commitment to share faith good news that the Lord days. During our lives we through your resources makes it is indeed with us in this are also called in many possible for our Life and Family world and the next. ways to help others evangelization Office to teach walk with Christ too. and prepare men and women In the love of Jesus for the fullness of God’s plan as Christ, I remain, Knowing that Christ is faith-filled husbands, wives and part of the very fabric mothers and fathers as they are the Most Reverend, of our lives also compels called to marriage. David J. Malloy us to reach out to others Your support for our 22 seminarians BIShOP OF with our time, talent and ROCKFORD sTrenGTheninG MarriaGe resources. Our faith calls us to studying for the priesthood assures the encourage the faith of those around future of our faith and the ability to teach and us and assist the needs of those most minister to the body and soul of all Catholics vulnerable so they too can share in as we called to serve others in our diocese the comfort of knowing The Lord is and in our world. With Us. all those efforts bring the faith to others in one form or another on your Our spiritual commitment to the behalf. that, of course, requires our Catholic faith engages each of us financial commitment. and we in spirit and in body. In spirit, fulfill that commitment through we believe and live everything our support of the Diocesan conveyed to us from Jesus and annual appeal. through the Catholic Church. In body, we seek to bring Jesus Participating in the 2017 forMinG priesTs and our faith to the needy Diocesan appeal is a and to the world. In the Diocese powerful way to make sure of Rockford, that work takes many forms the larger family of your in many different ministries whether it be Church carries on the work through Catholic Charities, Life and Family of Jesus in a world that evangelization, Young adult and Youth desperately needs our

Ways To Give Online Giving Appreciated Stock Credit/Debit Card or Bank Account Withdrawal Mutual Fund eMpoWerinG youTh Bank Bill Pay Employer Matching Gift www.rockforddiocese.org/donate 22 | FRIDAY APRIL 28, 2017 | The Observer D iocesan Book Project Links Younger, Older McHenry Students By Sharon Boehlefeld Features Editor Marian CCHS WOODSTOCK—Students at Reading Partners Marian Central Catholic High Marian Central Catholic School here are connecting High School students with elementary students in the traveled to six schools in McHenry Deanery through a McHenry County to read to book project. and spend time with first Maureen Jackson, principal grade students. The schools of St. John the Baptist School and the first grade teachers in Johnsburg, calls it “one of the ways our diocesan high there are: schools are building bridges to n Montini Primary, McHenry the elementary students they — Sue Hansen hope to recruit.” n St. John the Baptist, St. John the Baptist is just Johnsburg — Jennifer one of the schools Marian is Stark reaching out to. n St. Margaret Mary, Lynn Widhalm, a compo- Algonquin — Peggy sition and speech teacher at Orabutt and Sharon Marian, says her classes read McKewen to first grade students at Mon- n St. Mary, Woodstock — tini School in McHenry, St. Melody Domek John the Baptist in Johnsburg, n SS. Peter and Paul, Cary — and St. Mary in Woodstock Lori Bendell and Kristina on April 19, and St. Margaret Terry Mary in Algonquin, SS. Pe- (Photos provided) n St. Thomas the Apostle, ter and Paul in Cary, and St. Claire Van Der Bosch (left) and Becca Corn, Marian Central Catholic High School students, hold their books Crystal Lake — Gretchen Thomas the Apostle in Crystal as they sit with Austin Orlos at St. John the Baptist School in Johnsburg. Striedl and Molly Updike Lake on April 20. “I think the (Marian) stu- tary schools.” he students on third-) grade students. Both of continue the project. dents not only developed their Widhalm regularly has as- these ideas were generated by “The students on both sides creative writing skills, but I signed writing a children’s book ‘Tboth sides enjoy Marian and we are glad of their enjoy it,” she says. to her composition and speech think they also learned how to inclusive thinking. Echoing Widhalm’s remark, interact with younger students students at Marian Central. it.’ “We don’t have any other on- Jackson says, “So much happi- as a model and mentor for “To help make it authentic going programs but I feel like ness and Christian fellowship them,” says Widhalm. “There for my students in terms of an — Lynn Widhalm, Marrian CCHS was a lot of smiling and laugh- audience, I decided to reach out these are a good start,” she was enjoyed ... I thought many ter, and I know all students en- to our feeder schools and see if us when the books were done.” adds. would like to see the happy re- joyed their time at the elemen- they would be willing to host Widhalm’s students also Widhalm says she plans to sult.” must create an activity for the first graders that is related to the their books. “For example,” she says, “if a book was about baseball, they could have done a word search with baseball terms from the book. There were a variety of themes and activities. “This is the third year we’ve gone to the schools, and it’s been a hit,” she adds. Jackson is pleased with this and other projects that link the elementary and high school. “Last year in addition to Steven Ricchiuto (left) and Brett Seegers of Marian Central pose with reading to the first graders Cole Frutiger of St. John the Baptist. by Mrs. Widhalm’s class, we had football players come out and read sports related stories Isabelle Lux of St. John the Baptist and Kailin Fortin of Marian Central to our (kindergarten through display Fortin’s book. May 5 Workshop to Show How to Lead Like Jesus ROCKFORD—A one-day “Any time you are trying to It has drawn praise from workshop at the Radisson Ho- influence anyone else, you are bishops, priests, permanent tel and Conference Center here playing the role of leader, so deacons, diocesan and parish on May 5 will help people learn everyone is a leader some of the staff members, and persons in to live, love and lead like Jesus. time” says Phelps, “The only the pew ages 14 to 80 all across “It’s the perfect followup choice we have about leader- the U.S. and in five foreign to Lent and Easter,” says Dr. ship is what kind of leaders we countries on three continents. Owen Phelps, head of the Ye- will be — and we believe Jesus The $79 fee includes lunch, shua Catholic International is the best leadership teacher snack breaks and materials. Leadership Institute. and model of all time.” Partial scholarships are avail- The workshop, known as the The scripturally-based En- able. Write to ophelps@Yesh- Catholic Vision for Leading counter is a rich mix of live uaLeader.com for details. Like Jesus Encounter, is being and video presentations, self- Register online at www.Ye- sponsored by the institute. discovery exercises and large shuaLeader.com. Master facilitator and Yeshua and small group discussions to Parish leaders interested in board member Dick Kunnert help people in all walks of life hosting an encounter in their will co-facilitate the Encounter integrate their faith and every- own parish may also write to with Dr. Phelps. day lives. [email protected].

2 col x 4.5

3 col x 6.5 Diocesan The Observer | FRIDAY APRIL 28, 2017 | 23 Boylan CCHS Looks Ahead With Own Strategic Plan ROCKFORD—Boylan Cen- Among tral Catholic High School has academic set a direction for its next five opportunities years. at Boylan The school administration Central says a number of individu- Catholic als and groups were involved High School in developing a new strategic is studying plan, including the school’s Chinese language Board of Consultors, area pas- and culture. tors, administrators, school These students parents, students, faculty and display their staff, principals and parents of calligraphy. elementary schools. Meitler Consultants, who are (Photo provided) working on the diocesan edu- rollment marketing plan and n cation strategic planning, also a rigorous curriculum; create a new Office of Enroll- helped the Boylan planning “high expectations and stan- ment Management. committee. dards for all students” and Results focus on a handful — Facilities: ongoing main- “quality and innovative pro- of standards, detailed in a bro- tenance for quality condition grams;” current, integrated and chure about the plan. of existing structures plus the effective technology; organization of a master plan to The process is organized n a “deep sense of apprecia- guide future new or expanded around the document, “Nation- tion and ownership among all needs. al Standards and Benchmarks of its constituencies;” compen- for Effective Catholic Elemen- — Advancement: develop- ment of a comprehensive ad- sation and staff development tary and Secondary Schools” opportunities to ensure “a and its four key standards, vancement plan targeting a highly qualified and dedicated which are: 2019-20 advancement revenue n Mission and Catholic of net funds equal to 10 percent faculty and staff;” Identity: The school “will of the total annual operating n a “safe, attractive and wel- serve as a witness to the evan- budget and an endowment in- coming” environment; and gelizing mission of the Catholic crease to $15 million by 2026- “effective strategic and finan- Church,” and the school’s cam- 27. cial planning to ensure (the pus ministry program “will be — Financial/Business: eval- school’s) long-term sustainabil- restructured to provide appro- uate the tuition assistance ity ... and access for students of priate faith formation.” process to strategically award diverse backgrounds.” financial aid scholarships and n Governance and Leader- “Boylan Catholic ensures maintain the desired student ship: Enhanced presence and its students are ready to meet profile; update annually and impact of the Board of Consul- the challenges of the 21st cen- tors; develop a leadership plan use the financial projection tury,” says Boylan President for the president and other key when building a balanced bud- administrative positions; and get. Amy Ott. She adds a request the president and the board will The strategic plan, say school for “support and prayers for the monitor and update the strate- documents, “while focusing on successful implementation of gic plan. the next five years, also estab- this plan as we move forward” n Academic Excellence: An lishes a vision of a preferred and expresses her thanks for excellent faculty, tailored cur- future that will extend into the so many people’s “commit- riculum and instruction and next decade.” ted support of Boylan Catholic supportive technology to meet That vision includes: High School.” n instructional goals. “a distinctively Catholic Info: www.boylan.org/ n Operational Vitality: educational environment” with downloads/documents/Boylan_ graduates who are practicing Key areas are: StrategicPlan_2017_web.pdf Each bead represents something to be grateful for and — Enrollment Management: Catholics active in the commu- rejoyce in - a special friend, a sunny day, the smile of a develop a comprehensive en- nity; — Amanda Hudson child, or a cherished memory of a loved one - these are the things that fill our lives with Joy and Delight. Like all good Cathedral School Adopts Program things, the more you appreciate beauty, kindness, goodness To Prepare Students for Success and love, the more you find in your life to celebrate.

ROCKFORD—Cathedral engineering and math subjects. sixth- through eighth-grades, a of St. Peter School is adopting “We are excited to offer time when kids are figuring out Project Lead The Way progams PLTW Gateway and Launch to what they’re passionate about. for elementary and middle our students.” Tackling pressing challenges school students in the 2017-18 PLTW Launch taps into stu- like designing tires for a moon school year. dents’ exploratory nature, en- rover, cleaning up an oil spill or The school joins more than gages them in learning that solving a fictional crime, stu- 8,000 others across the U.S. in feels like play and encourages dents learn to test their limits offering PLTW programs, but them to keep discovering. and question what’s possible. will be the first locally to offer Whether designing a car By challenging themselves the kindergarten through fifth- safety belt or building digital (815) 399-9000 grade curriculum. animations based on their own to rework and refine their proj- “Project Lead the Way has short stories, students engage ects, students learn that both a long history of successfully in critical and creative think- failure and persistence are keys engaging students in STEM ing, build teamwork skills, and to learning and innovation. subjects,” said James Burns, develop a passion for and con- St. Peter teachers will com- principal. fidence in STEM subjects. plete a week of PLTW training STEM classes encourage The PLTW Gateway™ pro- this summer at the University Pray for Vocations studies in science, technology, gram is designed for students in of Illinois-Chicago. 24 | FRIDAY APRIL 28, 2017 | The Observer Diocesan Genoa Parishioner Visits Haiti to See Aid at Work GENOA—When Food for the Poor cess, Camarena said, is that locals stand asked Father Donald Ahles, pastor of in line for up to six hours a day for small St. Catherine’s of Genoa Parish, here, portions of food. if someone from the parish could visit Many would go hungry on Sundays them in Haiti, parishoner Eliseo Ca- because no food was distributed. marena volunteered. He also learned many parents of chil- He took kids’ clothing, school sup- dren go hungry so their children can be plies and food, including rice, beans and educated. candy. The group also visited a local hospital Before he left, he needed shots for to drop off bags of clothes to people in malaria and other diseases and a full need. background check. One of the doctors praised the group’s The flight from Chicago landed in work during their visit, he said. Fort Lauderdale, Fla., where Camarena On the second day, visits included a met with 15 other who would fly with school and an old folks home where the him to Haiti the next day. group washed the feet of residents. He also toured the main warehouse Camarena said they were praised for for Food for the Poor while in Fort Lau- doing this and were told that the resi- derdale. dents were given hope by such small Once in Haiti, the group was escorted gestures of kindness. to a hotel owned by Food for the Poor On the third and final day, they visit- away from local gangs and protected by ed another village where residents have armed soldiers. makeshift homes on the water. Residents The first day in Haiti included a trip to a school built by Food for the Poor. The are taught how to survive by fishing and children there were happy to see the visi- other essential tasks. tors and enjoyed their attention. The group also visited a fish farm, Camarena said children would cling which helps with the local food supply, to him and other visitors, begging them and a local hospital for disabled children not to leave. He said their plight was who were suffering from malnutrition. heart breaking to see. Camarena said the overall experience The visitors distributed food, candy was humbling, if not life changing for and clothes at the school. the group and for him. The school also served as a makeshift Residents of Haiti welcomed them food pantry where people could come with open arms, he said, and know there (Photo provided) every day except Sundays to get beans, is hope that people from other countries Eliseo Camarena, a parishioner at St. Catherine of Genoa in Genoa, poses with a young water and a small can of rice. truly care about them student during his visit to Haiti with Food for the Poor. The writing on the photo says The most amazing part of this pro- — Michael Cirone “Look at the little Princess.” Turn Lent Sacrifices Into Lasting Change BALTIMORE, Md.—With “We hope that the CRS Rice the arrival of Easter comes the Bowl resources have enriched reminder to Catholics in the Lenten experiences across the U.S. to return their CRS Rice country by bringing stories of Bowls so others can experience hope from the people we serve the life-changing benefits that around the world.” (Photo provided) these sacrifices will create. CRS Rice Bowl is a program Knights of Columbus Charter Officers Installed Whether your school or par- with an effect that goes far be- St. Katharine Drexel Knights of Columbus Council 16660 charter officers gather for a photo with their ish participated in CRS Rice yond the funds it raises for those escorts following their installation ceremony on April 9 in the St. Anthony Chapel of St. Katharine Drexel Bowl, you can still contribute who need support and services Parish in Sugar Grove. The new council received its charter Feb. 28. to the CRS efforts. Turn in do- in communities throughout the nations: United States and overseas. It n online at crsricebowl.org/ helps Catholics reflect on their give faith life as well. n by phone at 877/435-7277 Twenty-five percent of the (be sure to mention CRS Rice money collected through CRS Bowl) Rice Bowl remains in the dio- n at your school or parish ceses where it is collected to n by mail (be sure to write address the needs of the local CRS Rice Bowl in memo line community. of check) to Catholic Relief Often dioceses offer small Services, CRS Rice Bowl, PO grants to fund food pantries, Box 17090, Baltimore, MD community gardens and other 21297-0303. hunger prevention efforts. “By turning in their Rice Bowls, participants have the Since 1975, CRS Rice Bowl chance to make sure their Lent- has been a Lent tradition for en sacrifices help our brothers thousands of Catholic families, and sisters in need through the parishes and schools as a way work of CRS,” said Joan Rosen- to focus on the lives and need hauer, executive vice president of others. of U.S. operations. Info: www.crsricebowl.org

Submit News Parish, school and organization publicists may send news and photos about upcoming and recent activities. Submissions will be forwarded to El Observador and to the diocesan calendar. The deadline is 10 days before publication. Online: Use the form at http://observer.rockforddiocese.org/contact-us. By Mail: Send to The Observer, P.O. Box 7044, Rockford, IL 61125. Diocesan The Observer | FRIDAY APRIL 28, 2017 | 25

Deacon Richard Martin, Sr., leads the Easter Vigil Mass procession at St. Rita of Cascia Parish in Aurora, April 15.

(Photos provided) Father Oscar Cortes, parochial administrator at St. Rita of Cascia Parish in Aurora, offers a blessing during the Easter Vigil Mass, April 15. St. Rita of Cascia in Aurora Finishes Busy Lent Season AURORA—Sean Forrest’s showed the movie “The Way,” by the parish Youth Ministry, visit, a parish mission, an im- starring Martin Sheen, at the which is directed by Sheryl migration workshop, a presen- parish center to a warm recep- Colwell. tation of “Everyone’s Way of tion from parishioners. On Easter Saturday, Father Members of The Branches lead “Everyone’s Way of the Cross” a March the Cross,” an Easter egg hunt “Everyone’s way of the Manuel Gomez, parochial vic- 30. The program offers a view of the stations through the eyes of the and the blessing of Easter bas- Cross,” a presentation by The ar, led the blessing of the Eas- Virgin Mary. Branches, a small faith com- kets were part of the busy Lent ter baskets. Immediately after- season at St. Rita of Cascia munity at the parish, took par- wards, children took part in a Parish, here. ticipants on a journey through traditional Easter egg hunt on On March 13 and 14, the the origin of annual parish mission, led by the Catholic the parish grounds. Gorgeous Deacons Stephen Puscas and tradition of weather greeted the hunters. Victor Puscas, focused on praying the The season culminated with “Lent and the Secret of Ever- Stations of the the bilingual Easter Vigil lasting Joy” in the English pre- Cross on Fri- Mass, presided by Father Os- sentations. days during car Cortes, parochial admin-

Both men were ordained by Lent. istrator, and Father Gomez, a05625 Sean Forrest e99d23 the Romanian Catholic Dio- This presen- with assistance from perma- cese and Eparchy of St. George tation, held March 30, used nent Deacons Richard Martin, in Canton, Ohio. text that related the Stations of Sr., and Luis Patino. the Cross as seen through the Deacon Stephen Puscas During his homily, Father eyes of the Virgin Mary. is assigned as a permanent Cortés pointed out that while A highlight of the season deacon at St. Mary Parish in St. Rita is made up of people DeKalb and works at Aurora was Sean Forrest’s presenta- from many cultures, parish- Central Catholic High School. tion on April 3. More than 400 ioners are working to become Deacon Victor Puscas is as- people of all ages from all over signed as a permanent deacon the Fox Valley area attended. one community. reverse white at St. Mary Immaculate Parish This event was sponsored — Beatriz Mendoza in Plainfield in the Joliet Dio- cese. Deacon Luis de Leon from St. Mary Parish in Elgin pre- sented “Changes During Lent” for the Spanish speakers in the parish at the same time. The following weekend, Ora et labora. people from all over the Auro- “Prayer and Work” ra area gathered at the parish hall to hear two experts from World Relief talk about the s Trappist monks, our lives are changes to immigration proce- Awholly ordered by contemplation dures that are affecting fami- and manual labor. At New Melleray, lies in our parish and through- we view the making of caskets an ex- out the diocese. tension of our compassion and hope Parishioner Susan Bachmei- to bring solace to those experiencing er led the Spanish-language loss. It is a work of prayer and not presentation while an attor- profit. ney from the organization an- swered questions. Call us now for an immediate need or On March 22, the parish Youngsters seek eggs in the Easter Saturday hunt. visit our website for future planning. Receive a keepsake cross with your request for our printed catalog. trappistcaskets.com • 888.433.6934

A deacon leads a session of a parish mission at St. Rita of Cascia in Aurora. English and Spanish sessions were offered simultaneously. Blessed and prepared by the monks of New Melleray Abbey

Write to us at [email protected]. 26 | FRIDAY APRIL 28, 2017 | The Observer Around the Diocese What’s Up Going on Now April 29 BATAVIA Mon May 1 Tue May 2 Wed May 3 AURORA Ra e sales: (also May 7) Holy Weekend retreat: 8 a.m.-8:30 FREEPORT Deadline for May 5 What’s Up Cross grounds, 2300 Main St. p.m. (also 8 a.m.-4 p.m. April 30); ROCKFORD Car ra e. Sponsor: Knights Holy Hour for Vocations: 7-8 (for events May 8-14) Missionaries of the Sacred Heart, MIDDLE-AGE SINGLES: 6 p.m., of Columbus Council 2191 of p.m.; St. Thomas Aquinas, 1400 305 S. Lake St. Life’s Healing Geneva, Batavia and Elburn. Cost: retreat in Spanish. Cost: $100 (no Kiwanis Dr. Talk, prayer, music Granite City restaurant (at Thu May 4 $100 per ticket (500 available). overnight). Info: 630/892-2371, and adoration for vocations to CherryVale Mall). Sponsor: Holy Info: Kevin Callahan, 630/235- ext. 39; lhjretreeats@misacor-usa. the priesthood, consecrated Family Parish. Dinner, socializing, ROCKFORD 6456; ra [email protected] org, http://lhj.misacor-usa.org/ life and marriage. Led by Father National Day of Prayer: 8 lifeshealingweekend activity planning. Register by Keith Romke, vocations director. a.m.-9 p.m.; First Evangelical BELVIDERE Concert: 7 p.m.; Rosary High Info: 815/399-4300 May 1. Info: 815/395-0566 Free Church, 2223 N. Mulford Bene t dinner, auction: 5-8 p.m.; School, 901 N. Edgelawn Dr. Music Road. Info: Paulina Karlsson, St. James School, 320 Logan Ave. by Chosen. Free. Proceeds to help with medical [email protected] or your LOVES PARK costs for teacher Pat Rosecrans. Each pilgrimage parish Egg roll dinner: 4 p.m.; St. Bridget Info: patrosecransfundraiser@ is your Parish Center, 704 Cli ord Ave. gmail.com. Sponsor: Greater Rockford Filipino- once-in-a-life time Fri May 5 American Catholic Community adventure ... CARY Walk-a-thon and Cinco de Filipino egg rolls, fried rice, pancit AURORA noodles, chicken adobo and drink. Mayo: noon; SS. Peter and Paul, Italy: Rome to Venice Garage sale: 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Dine-in or carry-out. Cost: $8 Father Anthony (also 9 a.m.-1 p.m. May 6); Holy 410 N. First St. For all ages. Walk adults; $5 children under 10; $3 for Angels, 1342 Prairie St. Proceeds then celebrate with Mexican two cooked egg rolls; $15 for one September 18 -27, 2017 for St. Vincent de Paul Society. food, music and dancing. dozen cooked egg rolls; $12 for (Optional 3 nights available in Fatima — Sept. 27-30) Toys, kids’ and adults’ clothing, Proceeds for school. Cost: $25. one dozen un-cooked (frozen) egg $3351.00 Land & Air from Chicago furniture, household items, small Info: Vince Sossong, 847/3041, rolls; $1 for desserts. Info: www. appliances. [email protected] facebook.com/grfacc/ 100th Anniversary of Fatima! CRYSTAL LAKE Fatima ~ Spain ~ Lourdes (with Avila/Zaragoza/Barcelona) ROCKFORD Magni cat prayer breakfast: Volunteer Very Rev. Esequiel Sanchez, Spiritual Director Marriage Encounter: (through May 7) Weekend for couples 8:30 a.m. seating; D’Andrea June 1, 15 Sept. 26 to Oct. 6, 2017 who want to strengthen their Banquets and Conference Center, DIOCESE $3168.00 Land & Air from Chicago marriage. Info: 888/574-5653, 4410 Northwest Hwy. Speaker: Ombudsman training: Volunteers alifetimeo ove.org Colleen Willard, former cancer are needed for Catholic Charities Way of St. Paul ~ Greece & 3 night island cruise victim. Register by May 4. Cost: Long-Term Ombudsman Program (Thessaloniki/Philippi/Veria/Corinth/Athens) $20. Info: Dee Slowey, 815/893- to visit long-term care facilities in Father Johnson Sat May 6 4061; magni catmchenry.com the nine counties of northwestern Illinois advocating for individuals Sept 30 to Oct. 10, 2017 BYRON ROCKFORD to receive the highest quality $3518.00 Land & Air from Chicago Used book sale: 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Golf outing: 1 p.m. tee-o (rain of life and care. Training will be (also 9 a.m.-noon May 7); St. date May 20); Westlake Golf in DeKalb. Info: John Wickman, Price includes all air taxes & fuel surcharges Mary garage, 226 E. Second St. Course, 3820 Westlake Village Dr., 800/369-0895 or jwickman@ We accept all major credit cards Proceeds for parish youth group Winnebago. Sponsor: Knights of rockforddiocese.org FOR BROCHURES & INFORMATION activities. Fiction, non ction, Columbus Council 470. Golf, cart, some audio and large print drink; dinner (6 p.m., St. James For Kids Best Catholic Pilgrimages books, magazines and more. Beauvais Center, 409 First St., rain Also some yard plants. Cost: $1 or shine) silent auction. Proceeds BATAVIA Holy Cross, 2300 Main St. 1-800-908-BEST (2378) hardback; 50 cents paperback; for tuition, parishes. Register by June 19-23, 9 a.m.-noon; Vacation E-Mail: [email protected] $2 miscellaneous large books. April 28. Cost: $25 golf; $25 dinner. Bible School, children 5-years-old www.gobestcatholic.com Info: Beverly Lorenz, 815/234- Info: Aaron Fleming, 815/721- to fourth grade. 8875; Mary Weber, 815/234-4433 5771, [email protected] June 25-29, 7-9 p.m., Totus Tuus, seventh through 12th grade June 26-30, 9 a.m.-2:15 p.m., Totus Tuus,  rst through sixth grade Info: registration forms in narthex Congratulate Your Graduate and online ROCKFORD of any age — eighth-grade, high school, college, post-grad — in our annual graduation issue St. Bernadette, 2400 Bell Ave. June 12-16, 9 a.m.-noon; Maker Alice E. Richards CLASS OF 2017 Use this form to order your Graduation Greeting. Fun Factory, kindergarten-fourth Deadline for order and payment is May 24. grade. Kishwaukee Community Limit one student per greeting; for additional students copy this form. Info: Kevin Rilott, 815/494-0333, [email protected] College, Malta Graduate’s Name ______From: Your Golf Buddies CONGRATULATIONS 17 School ______Clip and Save Greeting A ...... $10 City ______DIOCESE “From” lines must be 15-17 characters, including spaces. Project Rachel: Program to help Greeting A — 1-2 lines; Greeting B —1-4 lines; Greeting C1 — 1-2 lines. those su ering after abortion. CONGRATULATIONS From: ______Info: 815/387-3379, 888/456-4673, [email protected]; Maria Garcia ______hopeafterabortion.com Aquin High School, Joseph R. Bianchi ______Freeport Marian Central Catholic High Submit News From: Dad, Mom, Elise, Joe, School, Woodstock ______Parish, school and Catholic Grandma, Grandpa, From: Grandpa and Grandma My check is enclosed for: Aunt Jen and Uncle Paul (Albert and Evelyn) Bianchi organization publicists may send 2017 GRADUATE A:$10 _ B:$20 ___ C1: $40 ___ Photo enclosed (for C) ___ news and photos about their Greeting B ...... $20 Greeting C ...... $40 upcoming and recent activities. Greeting C includes a color photo Graduate’s school colors: ______Submissions will be forwarded to My name: ______El Observador and to the diocesan Greeting order forms and payment calendar. Phone ______Deadline: 10 days before must be received by May 24. Mail to: The Observer, P.O. Box 7044, Rockford, IL 61125. publication. Online: Use the form at http://observer.rockforddiocese. org/contact-us. Click on Submit Greetings will appear in the June 2 issue of Events and News. By Mail: Send to The Observer, P.O. Reserve your space now with Kevin McCarthy at Box 7044, Rockford, IL 61125. Find more events http://www. 815/399-4300, ext. 385, or email [email protected] rockforddiocese.org/calendar.php Around the Diocese The Observer | FRIDAY APRIL 28, 2017 | 27 Don’t See Your Parish, School Event Here? Volunteer to fix that

Parish, school and organization publicists may send news and photos about upcoming and recent activities. Submissions will be forwarded to El Observador and to the diocesan calendar. The deadline is 10 days before publication. Online: Use the interactive form at The Observer website at (Photo provided) http://observer.rockforddiocese.org/contact-us. Click on Submit Events Rosary Beads Get Championship Rings and News. (You may attach one picture per form.) By Mail: Send submissions to The Observer, P.O. Box 7044, The state champion Rosary Beads swim team received their rings at a special ceremony on April 6. The 2016 Rockford, IL 61125. swim team from Aurora’s Rosary High School were also Metro Conference champions, sectional champi- Ask your pastor or principal if there’s a need for volunteer publicists ons, and state champions. State championship team members are (not in order) Mackenzie Adkins, Julie for your parish or school. If there is, we’d be happy to help you get Bottarini, Sammi Laurich, Linda Licari, Kathryn Mueller, Abby Pardridge, Emily Ryan, Camryn Streid, Anne started. Just call The Observer at 815/399-4300 for help. Tavierne, Sydney VanOvermeiren, Alexis Yager, and Athena Ye. Summer Save the Date com; 815/282-6642 Fatima rosary: 3 p.m.; Poor Clares Greenhouse, 120 S. Lake St., on site. Cost: individuals — $25 in May May 12 Corpus Christi Monastery, 2111 S. Montgomery. Proceeds for Rosary advance; $30 on site; families — Main St. Prayers in honor of the High School athletics. Bedding plants, JOHNSBURG $75 in advance; Rosary, Marmion May 8 centennial of Our Lady’s appearance perennials, annuals, vegetables, students — $5 in advance; $10 on WEST DUNDEE Golf playday: 11 a.m.-10 p.m.; at Fatima, Portugal. Pray with the herbs, grasses, planters and more. site. Info: http://rosaryhs.com/5kRun; Diocesan Chorale: 7-9 p.m.; St. McHenry Country Club, 820 N. sisters and the Secular Franciscans. Info: http:rosaryhs.com/plant_sale Sandra Galindo, 630/896-0831, ext. Catherine of Siena, 845 W. Main John St., McHenry. Host: St. John Rosary, Exposition, Chaplet of Mercy, 211, [email protected] St. Ordination rehearsal. Info: the Baptist Parish. Golfing, games, ROCKFORD reflection and Benediction. Diocesan Chorale: 9 a.m. call [email protected] cocktails, dinner and silent auction. May 22 Cost: $150 golf 18-holes; $125 ST. CHARLES time; 11 a.m. Mass; Cathedral of St. May 10 ST. CHARLES senior golf 18-holes; $100 nine- Mother’s Day garden market: Peter, 1243 N. Church St. Diaconate Holy Hour for Vocations: 7-8 p.m.; ROCKFORD 12:30 p.m., St. Patrick, 6N487 Crane holes; $40 dinner. Info: Christina ordination performance. Info: St. John Neumann, 2900 E. Main St. CWL Mass, luncheon: 10 a.m. Mass, Road. Hundreds of perennials, herbs [email protected] Fleming, 847/287-7396; www. Talk, prayer, music and adoration Poor Clares Corpus Christi Monastery, stjohnschool.com/golf-playday; and vegetables; yard art and new May 20-21 for vocations to the priesthood, 2111 S. Main St.; 11:30 a.m. luncheon; [email protected] kids’ section. Order online for flats AURORA consecrated life and marriage. Led Mauh-Nah-Tee-See Country Club, and baskets of annuals until May 7. May 13 Weekend retreat: 8 a.m.-8:30 by Father Keith Romke, vocations 5151 Guilford Road. Mass celebrant Cost: varies. Info: 630/450-5958; pre- JOHNSBURG p.m. May 20, 8 a.m.-4 p.m. May 21; director. Info: 815/399-4300 Bishop David Malloy. Sponsor: order at www.stcgardenmarket.com; Fatima celebration: 6:30 p.m.; St. Missionaries of the Sacred Heart, 305 Catholic Women’s League. RSVP May John the Baptist, 2302 W. Church May 16 S. Lake St. Life’s Healing retreat. Cost: 5. Cost: $20 per person for lunch. St. Adoration, Mass, May crowning, BATAVIA $100 (no overnight). Info: 630/892- June Info: Mary Jo Keffer, 815/877-8856 night procession and rosary, Women’s book club: 9-11 a.m., 2371, ext. 39; lhjretreeats@misacor- Diocesan Chorale: 7-9 p.m.; reception in parish hall. Holy Cross, 2300 Main St. Book: “The usa.org, http://lhj.misacor-usa.org/ June 7 LENA Cathedral of St. Peter, 1243 N. ROCKFORD World’s First Love” by Archbishop lifeshealingweekend Strawberry social: 4:30-7 p.m.; St. Church St. Ordination rehearsal. Info: Diocesan Chorale: 9 a.m. call time; Fulton Sheen (Lighthouse). Info: May 21 [email protected] Laura Kosmach, 630/845-1384; Ann Joseph, 410 W. Lena St. Dinner and 11 a.m. Mass; Cathedral of St. Peter, AURORA Marie Schwartz, 630/209-8824 strawberry treats. Cost: $9 adults; May 11 1243 N. Church St. Priesthood Road Scholars 5K run: 8-11 a.m.; $5 children. Info: Teresa Brown, ROCKFORD ordination performance. Info: May 20 Rosary High School, 901 N. Edgelawn Marriage on Tap: 5:30 p.m.; Mauh- [email protected] AURORA Dr. Proceeds for scholarships. For 815/369-2810; [email protected] Nah-Tee-See Country Club, 5151 Women’s Fatima day: 10:30 a.m.- Plant sale: 8 a.m.-1 p.m.; Schaefer’s all ages. Pre-register by May 12 or Continued on page 28 Guilford Road. Pizza and pasta 1:30 p.m.; St. Mary Oratory, 517 Elm St. dinner. Speaker: John McGrath, Rosary and Marian prayers. Speaker: diocesan director of the Educational Rose Malavolti. Topic: “Modeling Services Department. Sponsors: Mary in Our Lives.” Luncheon (bring Celebration of 100th Anniversary St. Bridget, Loves Park; St. Rita and salad to share). For women and Holy Family, Rockford. Register “attentive” girls. Donations accepted in advance. Cost: $25 per couple. for speaker. Register by May 9. Info: of Our Lady of Fatima apparition Info: sponsoring parishes; www. Janine Schneider, 815/395-9006; marriageontaprockford.wordpress. [email protected] Saturday, May 6, 2017 Sunday, May 7, 2017 10:00 am - Arrival, Exposition of the Blessed 8:20 am - Rosary, Chaplet to Divine Mercy Sacrament, Rosary, Benediction (English, Polish) 9:00 am - Mass Summer Camps 4:00 pm - Rosary (English) 10:30 am - Reconiliation 4:30 pm - Mass (English) 11:00 am - Mass followed by Living Rosary (Polish) AURORA kindergarten through fifth grade Summer sports camps: Rosary June 16, 23 and 30. Cost: $20 per Tuesday, May 9, 2017 Wednesday, May 10, 2017 child; $15 per child for summer High School is offering summer 12:00 pm - Mass (English) followed by Rosary 12:00 pm - Mass (English) followed by Rosary athletic camps for girls in fifth- campers. Info: www.abbeyfarms. org/store, or 630/966-7775, ext. 4 through 12th grades in volleyball and basketball; for girls and boys ROCKFORD Thursday, May 11, 2017 Friday, May 12, 2017 in golf and soccer. Cost: varies. Info: Iron Titans summer conditioning: 12:00 pm - Mass (English) followed by Rosary 12:00 pm - Mass (English) followed by Rosary www.rosaryhs.com/sports_camps Boylan Central Catholic High School 6:30 pm - Mass (Polish) followed by Rosary (Polish) Summer camps: Rosary High School will run conditioning for girls and is offering art and academic camps boys in fourth through 12th grade Saturday, May 13, 2017 for girls in sixth- through eighth- four days per week for 90 minutes. 10:00 am - Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament, Rosary and Benediction (English, Polish) grade. For girls in fourth and fifth All skill levels welcome. Sibling 10:15am - 4:00 pm - Adoration with Rosary recited every hour begining at 11:00 am discounts and payment plans grade, there will be a summer fun (English, Spanish, Italian, Filipino, Polish) camp. Cost: varies. Info: http://www. are available. Early-bird discount rosaryhs.com (click on Academics, available until May 16. Cost: 4:00 pm - Benediction and confessions then on Summer Programs) varies. Info: www.boylan.org/ 4:30 pm - Mass followed by Exposition, Procession with Blessed Virgin Mary and Eucharist about/enrichment; jcacciatore@ Farm classes: Abbey Farms is boylan.org; 815/877-0531 Sunday, May 14, 2017 offering age-specific classes Titans football camp: Boylan in June. Camps are Monday- 8:20 am - Rosary and Chaplet to Divine Mercy Central Catholic High School will Thursday, 9-11:30 a.m. Art Time 8:30 am - Reconciliation host football camp July 24-28 for for kindergarten-second grade; 9:00 am - First Communion Mass (English) boys in ninth through 12th grade. Stimulating STEM, second-fourth No experience needed. Payment 10:20 am - Rosary and Chaplet to Divine Mercy in Polish grade; Fun Food Science, third- plans available; fees discounted 10:30am - Reconiliation fifth grades. Cost: $110 per child. if enrolled in football camp and 11:00 am - Mass (Polish) followed by Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament, Info: www.abbeyfarms.org/store, or Iron Titans by May 16. Cost: Procession with Blessed Virgin Mary and Eucharist (in church), farewell to Our Lady of Fatima 630/966-7775, ext. 4 varies. Info: www.boylan.org/ Farmtastic Fridays: 9-11:30 a.m., about/enrichment; jcacciatore@ 201 Buckbee St., Rockford, IL Abbey Farms. For children in boylan.org; 815/877-0531 St. Stanislaus Kostka Church www.St-Stanislaus.org — 815-965-3913 28 | FRIDAY APRIL 28, 2017 | The Observer Around the Diocese ACCHS Shaves for St. Baldrick Aurora resident Sam Martin sits for a shave during a St. Baldrick’s Day fundraiser at Aurora Central Catholic High School on March 31. Martin, an ACC senior, was

(Photo provided) among seven Chargers, an ACC alum and a St. Joseph’s School Aurora Knights Support Area Groups fourth-grader who took part in Norb Rozanski, Grand Knight of the Knights of Columbus Cardinal Bel- the event that raised $5,700. The larmine Council 4849 of Holy Angels Parish in Aurora, presents checks St. Baldrick’s Foundation funds to Amanda Rooney (Gigi’s Playhouse), Carolyn Nagle (Fox Valley Special grants for childhood cancer Recreation), and Renee McKlosik (Little Friends) at a recent meeting. research through shaving events and other fundraisers worldwide. (Photo provided) Huntley Fish Fry Grand Knight Nick Nakis and his daughter Sarah Nakis were among those from St. Mary Knights of Columbus

Council 11666 (Photo provided) serving fish dinners with the Marian Central French Students Honored Lady’s Auxiliary The Marian Central Catholic High School French Honor Society inducted new members on April 6 at a on March 31. celebratory dinner. New members are (from left) Carson Schmidt, Hunter Schmidt, Brock Japsen, Emma Hoeflich, Claire Van Der Bosch, Kimberly Spurny, Catherine Wember, Tyler Gillum, Michaela Henning, (not (Photo provided) pictured) Jason Kleberg and Ainsley O’Connor. Summer Save the Date

Corpus Christi Monastery, 2111 S. varies; 10 percent discount through games, raffles, food and drinks. couples who want to strengthen June Main St. Prayers in honor of the May 22. Info: https://npotogether. For all ages. Free admission. Info: their marriage. Info: 888/574-5653, centennial of Our Lady’s appearance org/ncr2017/ Stephanie Eldridge, 815/385-1477, alifetimeoflove.org From page 27 at Fatima, Portugal. Pray with the https://www.stjohnsjohnsburg. May 5-7 June 10 sisters and the Secular Franciscans. org/events-1, stjohnbulletin2302@ DIOCESE OF JOLIET ROCK FALLS July gmail.com Rosary, Exposition, Chaplet of Mercy, Retreat: Weekend for those suffering Golf outing: 9 a.m. shotgun start, reflection and Benediction. Emerald Hill Golf Course, 16802 July 13 Aug 19 after abortions. Presenter: Rachel’s Prairieville Road, Sterling. Host: June 16 ROCKFORD ROCKFORD Vineyard. Info: www.rachelsvineyard. St. Andrew Knights of Columbus BATAVIA Fatima rosary: 3 p.m.; Poor Clares Fatima rosary: 3 p.m.; Poor Clares org; http://hopeafterabortion.com/ Corpus Christi Monastery, 2111 S. Council 11874. 18 holes with cart, Golf outing: Mill Creek Golf Course, Corpus Christi Monastery, 2111 S. CLYDE, MO. Main St. Prayers in honor of the prizes for longest drive, longest 39W 525 Herrington Dr., Geneva. Main St. Prayers in honor of the Monastic weekend: Benedictine centennial of Our Lady’s appearance putt and more. Lunch and awards; Proceeds for Holy Cross St. Vincent centennial of Our Lady’s appearance Sisters of Perpetual Adoration, 31970 at Fatima, Portugal. Pray with the prizes of $10,000 and more. Cost: de Paul Society. 18 holes, cart, lunch, at Fatima, Portugal. Pray with the State Hwy P. For single Catholic sisters and the Secular Franciscans. $60 per person; $240 per team. dinner, beverages, $10,000 hole-in- sisters and the Secular Franciscans. women 18-40. Free. Info: Sister Maria Rosary, Exposition, Chaplet of Mercy, Info: Ken Schaefer, 815/ 631-4457; one prize and more. Rosary, Exposition, Chaplet of Mercy, Victoria Cutaia, OSB, 660/944-2221, reflection and Benediction. www.standrewrockfalls.org (click on June 22-24 reflection and Benediction. [email protected] Ministries/Men) ST. CHARLES Aug 20 May 13 July 30 HUNTLEY June 13 SVdP regional meeting: Pheasant MCHENRY LAKE ZURICH ROCKFORD Run Resort, 4051 E. Main St. North Silver and Gold Mass: 2:30 p.m.; St. “Taste of Nigeria”: after 11 a.m. Hike for Life: 8:30-11:30 a.m.; Fatima rosary: 3 p.m.; Poor Clare Central Vincentians welcome. Cost: Mary, 10307 Dundee Road. Diocesan Mass-5 p.m.; St. Patrick, 3500 celebration of couples celebrating Heron Creek Preserve, 22890 N. Washington St. Sponsor: ImaBridge 25, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70 or more years Old McHenry Road. Proceeds for Africa. Nigerian food, cultural of marriage in 2017. Mass celebrated Informed Choices (formerly Tri- Experience St. Joseph Catholic School Tradition activities, music and dancing, games by Bishop David Malloy. Cake County Crisis Pregnancy Center) for all. Dunk tank with Father Asuquo and punch reception after Mass. sites in Crystal Lake and elsewhere. Godwin. Info: Christine Carrington, Commemorative certificates for pre- Info: FriendsofIC.com 336/508-1132; www.imabridge.org; registered couples. Free. Info: Life [email protected] June 24-28 and Family Evangelization Office, CLYDE, MO. ROCKFORD 815/399-4300, life@rockforddiocese. Monastic experience: Benedictine org, www.rockforddiocese.org/life Summer fest: 11:30 a.m.-7 p.m.; Sisters of Perpetual Adoration, 31970 St. Edward, 3004 11th St. Info: ROCKFORD State Hwy P. For single Catholic 815/299-0282, stedward-rockford@ Polish fest: 10 a.m-8 p.m.; St. women 18-40. Free. Info: Sister Maria rockforddiocese.org Stanislaus Kostka Parish, 201 Victoria Cutaia, OSB, 660/944-2221, St. Joseph School continues its tradition as a leader in education offering Buckbee St. Free. Games, food, [email protected] an exceptional educational experience enhanced with: entertainment. • 3 Year Old Preschool through Kindergarten including Full Day Programs Aug July 2-5 • Challenging Academics and Gifted Programs CHICAGO • Small Student to Teacher Ratio Aug 13 Elsewhere National Congress of Catholic • Music, Gym, Computers, Art and Drama Classes JOHNSBURG Youth Choirs: For school and parish • After School Care • Extra Curricular Activities: Basketball, Volleyball (4th-8th) and Clubs Parish picnic: noon-6 p.m.; St. John April 21-23 choirs, fourth through 12th grade. • Weekly Mass and Service Buddy Activities the Baptist, 2302 W. Church St. New BROOKFIELD, WIS. Sponsor: American Federation Pueri Odyssey and other local bands, Marriage Encounter: Weekend for Cantores Info: [email protected] Registration is ongoing for the 2017-2018 School Year 3 year-old Preschool thru Grade 8

Schedule a tour to appreciate all that St. Joseph has to offer your child because…great beginnings last a lifetime! Beyond summer

Sept 13 Oct 11 Oct 13 ROCKFORD ROCKFORD ROCKFORD Fatima rosary: 3 p.m.; Poor Clares CWL fall bus tour: 8:15 a.m. Fatima rosary: 3 p.m.; Poor Clares Corpus Christi Monastery, 2111 S. departure; Highcrest parking lot Corpus Christi Monastery, 2111 S. Main St. Prayers in honor of the Main St. Prayers in honor of the near IGA, Highcrest and Alpine centennial of Our Lady’s appearance centennial of Our Lady’s appearance at Fatima, Portugal. Pray with the Roads. Destination: Milwaukee at Fatima, Portugal. Pray with the sisters and the Secular Franciscans. ethnic neighborhoods. Cost: $75 sisters and the Secular Franciscans. 274 Division Street, Elgin, IL Rosary, Exposition, Chaplet of CWL members; $80 non-members. Rosary, Exposition, Chaplet of 847-931-2804 Mercy, reflection and Benediction. Info: Patrice Vecchio, 815/654-8911 Mercy, reflection and Benediction. The Observer | FRIDAY APRIL 28, 2017 | 29 The Junior Observer Vol. 31, No. 8 Published by The Observer, Official Catholic Newspaper of the Diocese of Rockford [email protected]

A Good News Story Q Jesus Gives Sight to a Man Born Blind Catholic News Service signs, which God worked through Him in n the day of Pentecost, the Apos- your midst, as you yourselves know. This & tles were in Jerusalem praying man you killed, using lawless men to cru- O together. Out of a quiet sky came cify Him. But God raised Him up, releasing the sound of a powerful wind that blew into Him from the throes of death, because it A the house where the men were meeting. was impossible for Him to be held by it.” Tongues of fire formed over the heads of When the people heard Peter’s words, Why were everyone there, and as the men were filled they felt them deep within themselves and so many with the Holy Spirit they began to pray in they asked, “What are we to do, my broth- “ ‘I will pour out a people in different languages. Because of the noise ers?” and commotion coming from within the portion of my spirit...’ ” Peter answered them, “Repent and be Jerusalem? building, a crowd formed outside. (CNS) baptized, every one of you, in the name Many people had come to Jerusalem suppose, for of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your What did for the holiday from different parts of the it is only nine Point to Ponder sins; and you will receive the gift of the Peter say world. They were amazed because each o’clock in the Why is Peter so Holy Spirit.” important to our faith the people person heard the Apostles praying in their morning. No, Peter reassured the people who were own languages at the same time. They this is what heritage? listening about God’s love for them. Many needed to declared, “We hear them speaking in our was spoken of those people believed and were baptized, do to be own tongues of the mighty acts of God.” through the prophet Joel: ‘It will come to and on that day alone nearly 3,000 people forgiven? Someone asked, “What does this pass in the last days,’ God says, ‘that I will accepted the message of Peter. mean?” pour out a portion of my spirit upon all After that, many people followed the Read more And another person answered, “They flesh.’” teaching and supported the work of the have had too much new wine.” Then Peter continued: “You who are Apostles, and the Lord performed many about it in In order to explain what was really hap- Israelites, hear these words. Jesus the wonderful acts. The Apostles and the other Acts 2 pening, Peter spoke to the people. Nazorean was a man commended to you by believers shared what they had with each “These people are not drunk, as you God with the mighty deeds, wonders, and other, so no one lacked what they needed.

Puzzle Using the Acts of the Apostles as a guide, fill in the blanks with the correct names. Not all names in the list will be used. Chapter numbers have been provided as hints. Agrippa Ananias Barnabas Cornelius Matthias Nathaniel Saul/Paul Peter Stephen 1. I was chosen to replace Judas. (Chapter 1) ______2. I spoke to the people of Jerusalem on Pentecost. (Chapter 2) ______(Observer photos/Amanda Hudson) Students Give 3. I tried to cheat the Apostles. (Chapter 5) Bishop Crucifix ______On a visit to Holy Angels School in Aurora in March, Bishop David 4. I was the first martyr. (Chapter 7) Malloy received a handmade ______crucifix from fifth-grade students there. Members of the class 5. I was blinded by a light from the Lord. (Chapter 9) made them from wooden clip- style clothespins. The process ______starts with carefully separating the clothespins from their 6. I was the first gentile to be baptized. (Chapter 10) clips. Arrange the pieces into a ______cross and a body, then glue the pieces together. Ask an adult 7. I was the king who heard Paul’s defense in court. (Chapter 26) to help you find an example from a Catholic mom, Kate ______

Daneluk, on her website at www.

1. Matthias, 2. Peter, 3. Ananias, 4. Stephen, 5. Saul/Paul 6. Cornelius, 7. Agrippa 7. Cornelius, 6. Saul/Paul 5. Stephen, 4. Ananias, 3. Peter, 2. Matthias, 1. makingmusicprayingtwice.com/ answers: Puzzle kids-activities/easter-activites. 30 | FRIDAY APRIL 28, 2017 | The Observer Media/Arts Bishop Provides Incisive Look at Latino Experience in U.S. “Power Anyone looking for a primer on alien to their understandings of soci- istration’s early actions to strictly en- From the the Mexican-American (and by ex- ety and religion. force immigration laws, allowing fed- Margins: The tension, the Latino) experience in The book grapples with the thorny eral authorities to more aggressively Emergence the United States should read “Power issues of immigration, regarding detain unauthorized immigrants, es- of the Latino From the Margins.” The author, re- both legal immigrants and unauthor- pecially those with criminal records. in the Church tired Bishop Ricardo Ramirez, of ized immigrants, as well as educa- Hopefully, an updated version will and in Society” Las Cruces, N.M., was born of Mexi- tion, youth formation, political activ- include his insights into these issues. by Bishop can parents in Bay City, Texas, along ism and encouraging voting. But it Ricardo Reviewed by Agostino Bono for Catholic the Mexican border. was written before the political cata- Ramirez. News Service Orbis Books Bishop Ramirez blends his person- pulting of Donald Trump as the Re- (Maryknoll, al experiences as a Mexican-Amer- publican presidential nominee and New York, ican with his pastor’s knowledge of then his election as president. Read the full review of 2016). 202 how Latinos have been and are con- So it doesn’t deal with President this and more books pp. $24 tributing to U.S. secular and Catholic Trump’s inflammatory, xenophobic at http://observer. society. He also dissects how they and fear-mongering rhetoric against rockforddiocese.org/ think, act and survive in a secular Mexicans and Latinos; nor does the book-club-blog.

(CNS photo) (CNS atmosphere and church culture often bishop talk about the Trump admin- At the Movies

The Fate of the adultery theme, profanity, rough language. Furious mild oaths, rough and crude Gifted terms, an obscene gesture. (Universal) A-III (Fox Searchlight) Grown viewers will- Free Fire A-III PG-13 A 7-year-old math ing to kick reality to PG prodigy (McKenna L (A24) the curb will have Grace) gets caught R The premise of this fun with this preposterous action comedy up in a custody battle be- but lively auto-themed action is that a single extended tween the easy-going uncle adventure, the seventh sequel gunfight can sustain an entire (Chris Evans) by whom she to 2001’s “The Fast and the film, as long as participants has been raised since her Furious.” Doses of humor and keep making incongruously mother committed suicide clever resourcefulness help funny and mordant remarks. and her hard-driving grand- (CNS photo/Sony) to divert attention from dicey mother (Lindsay Duncan). At Papa Smurf, voiced by Mandy Patinkin, and Smurfwillow, voiced by The setup involves a deal to Julia Roberts, appear in the animated movie “Smurfs: The Lost Vil- us-against-the-world moral issue is the degree to which buy assault rifles that quickly lage.” values, though the sketchy she should forsake a normal ethics do come tricked out goes bad. Viewers willing to life to concentrate on her with distinctly Christian de- detach the violent proceed- Smurfs: The Lost Village studies. Director Marc Webb’s tailing. Not a film for impres- ings from real life will discover (Columbia) endearing and well-acted A-I sionable youngsters. the occasional humorous Colorful but unengaging children’s cartoon in drama is briefly marred by the THIS FILM CONTAINS gun- moment. PG which, as the blue elves of the title — Mandy young heroine’s exposure to play and hand-to-hand com- THIS FILM CONTAINS gun Patinkin voices their leader — continue to defend the aftermath of a bedroom bat with little gore, nudity, a and physical violence, gore, themselves against the schemes of the evil wizard (voice of encounter and her use of a marital bedroom scene, an drug use, profanities and Rainn Wilson). The sole female among them (voiced by Demi vulgar expression. Though Lovato) has an identity crisis which leads to a journey of fleeting, these elements of CNS classifications MPAA ratings discovery on which she’s joined by a trio of her male counter- (Catholic News Service) (Motion Picture Association of America) Tom Flynn’s script, together parts (voices of Joe Manganiello, Jack McBrayer and Danny A-I — general patronage G — general audiences, all ages admitted with some other adult fare, A-II — adults and adolescents PG — parental guidance suggested, some Pudi). A-III — adults material may not be suitable for chil- make what might have been The film eschews the mix of animation and live action used L — limited adult audiences, films dren a family-friendly movie into PG-13 — parents are strongly cautioned. in the two previous films. While the result is visually pleasing, whose problematic content many Some material may be inappropriate one exclusively suitable for adults would find troubling and screenwriters Stacey Harman and Pamela Ribon’s script for children under 13 grownups and perhaps older O — morally offensive R — restricted, under 17 requires accom- promotes teamwork and good moral choices, the story they For complete movie reviews, visit panying parent or adult guardian teens. tell will satisfy only the least demanding youngsters. NC-17 — no one 17 and under admitted http://observer.rockforddiocese.org, scroll THIS FILM CONTAINS non- THIS FILM CONTAINS peril and mild scatological humor. to the bottom and click on Movie Reviews. (age limit may vary) graphic premarital sexual activity, mature references, a Unforgettable suicide theme, a rough term, (Warner Bros.) crude and crass language. L Feverish domestic Going in Style R drama in which an (Warner Bros.) obsessive ex-wife A-III Leaden comedy (Katherine Heigl) conspires PG-13 about a trio of retir- against her former husband’s ees (Morgan Free- (Geoff Stults) fiancee (Rosario man, Michael Caine and Alan Dawson), eventually framing Arkin) driven to desperation her rival for murder. Director by financial woes. They cook Denise Di Novi keeps the pot up an unlikely scheme to rob boiling but, together with a branch of the bank they screenwriter Christina Hod- blame for the cancellation son, throws in some unsavory of their pensions. Director and gratuitous ingredients Zach Braff’s remake of Martin that limit the appeal of her Brest’s 1979 film amounts to film. a complete waste of its cast’s THIS FILM CONTAINS vio- considerable gifts. lence with gore, cohabitation, THIS FILM CONTAINS a strong sexual content includ- frivolous treatment of crime, ing graphic scenes of casual drug use, premarital bedroom scenes, a scatological sight sexual activity, nudity, rough gag, profanity, vulgar sexual language, crude terms and a references, rough language, mild oath. crude and crass talk. — Catholic News Service Nation/World The Observer | FRIDAY APRIL 28 2017 | 31 Chicago Cardinal Praises Governor News in Brief For Pledging to Veto Abortion Bill Pope in Egypt: Strengthening weary Christians, reaching out to all CHICAGO (CNS)—Chicago stage of pregnancy. concentrate on the many diffi- VATICAN CITY (CNS)—Pope Francis’ visit to Egypt, a land in- Cardinal Blase J. Cupich said “Abortion is a controversial cult challenges facing Illinois,” creasingly marked by terrorist-led bloodshed, stands as part of Illinois Gov. Bruce Rauner has issue in this country, but using he said. his mission to inspire and en- taken a “principled stand” by public money to provide abor- “Most importantly, our po- courage today’s actors in the- promising to veto a bill to al- tions should not be,” Cardinal litical leaders must find a way aters of violence to change the low taxpayer money to pay for Cupich said in an April 19 to cooperate and craft a budget script and set a new stage. Just elective abortions for Medicaid statement. that serves all our people. It is as the pope did when he raised recipients and state employees. “The federal government essential that we unite in this Under the bill pending in the prohibits the practice, and polls effort, and I stand ready to help the curtain of the Year of Mercy state General Assembly, the show a substantial segment of in any way.” in war-torn Central African Re- public money will come from the American public reject it. The state of Illinois has been public, he goes to strengthen and “confirm his brothers of the Illinois’ Medicaid and employ- I pray that this divisive issue without a budget for about 22 (CNS photo/courtesy of Holy See Press Office) ee health insurance programs will be put behind us and our months. It has a budget deficit This is the logo for Pope Francis’ Coptic Catholic Church and oth- to pay for the abortions at any government officials will now of $9.6 billion. April 28-29 visit to Egypt. er churches present in Egypt,” said Cardinal Leonardo Sandri, prefect of the Congregation for Eastern Churches. He will be able to show, in person, his support and solidarity for the be- Persecuted Christians Often Choose leaguered Christian minorities who continue to be targeted by terrorist fanatics and increasingly feel vulnerable and unsafe in Strategy of Survival, says Study their own land, said Maryknoll Father Douglas May, who worked in Egypt for two decades. Even though Christianity there traces WASHINGTON (CNS)— and rarely involved acts of ter- its roots to the times of the Apostles, being a Christian in Egypt A new study categorizes what rorism. today “is like being black in the United States before civil rights kinds of responses emerge “Protestant evangelical and or being a Jew in Germany before Hitler. You’re tolerated,” Fa- when Christians around the Pentecostal Christians are ther May said. world are persecuted, noting more likely to be persecuted that, most often, Christians than mainline Protestants, Bishops back bill to let agencies opt out choose a strategy of survival. Catholics, Orthodox Chris- of adoption for same-sex couples However, the findings also tians, or other Christians asso- show Christians might choose a ciated with ancient churches,” WASHINGTON (CNS)—Three bishops, in a joint letter to the mea- strategy of association — seek- the report said. sure’s sponsor, voiced their support of the Child Welfare Provider ing to secure their religious “In response to persecution, Inclusion Act, which would permit social service agencies to re- freedom by developing ties evangelical and Pentecostal fuse on religious grounds to provide adoption or foster services with other Christian commu- Christians are more likely to for households headed by same-sex couples. “The Inclusion Act nities, non-Christian religions, engage in strategies of survival is needed because child welfare service providers are being sub- and secular figures — and, on (CNS photos/Bob Roller) or, on rare occasions, confron- jected to discrimination because of their sincerely held religious occasion, they use strategies of Archbishop Sebastian Shaw of tation. They are less likely, beliefs and moral convictions,” said a USCCB fact sheet on the bill. confrontation. Lahore, Pakistan, speaks during however, to engage in strate- The report, “In Response to an April 20 forum. gies of association,” the report Persecution, Findings of the continued. Under Caesar’s Sword Project “Mainline Protestant, Catho- Redemptorist Retreat Center on Global Christian Commu- lic and Orthodox Christians, on Oconomowoc, Wisconsin 53066 nities,” also offers recommen- the other hand, are more likely dations for businesses, non- to respond through strategies Retreat Schedule 2017 governmental organizations, of association,” it said. 13th Annual Spring Retreat for Members of governments and scholars to In the West, Christians face Alcoholics Anonymous and Al-Anon help keep situations from get- a subtle form of persecution May 19 – 21, 2017 ting worse. associated with secularism, The study was conducted by “particularly with respect to This is not a silent retreat. The program consists of 17 scholars under the auspices their convictions about sexual- discussion meetings covering some of the twelve steps and of Under Caesar’s Sword, a ity, marriage and the sanctity of corresponding topics. There will be plenty of time to enjoy partnership of the Notre Dame A Buddhist monk listens to a life,” the report said. the area and the fellowship of other recovering individuals. speaker during an April 20 forum. Center for Ethics and Culture, “Pope Francis has called these Contact: Br Gerry Patin, C.Ss.R. the Religious Freedom Insti- restrictions ‘polite persecution,’ forms of religious nationalism Celtic Spirituality Retreat tute, and Georgetown Uni- promote a fusion of state, faith implying that they are similar in June 2 - 4, 2017 versity’s Religious Freedom and national identity to the det- kind, if not in degree, to overt Research Project, with the riment of Christian minorities. persecution,” the study said. Theme: “Eternal Echoes: Walking with John O’Donohue support of the Templeton Re- A fourth category comprises The reported recommended Through Celtic Spirituality” ligion Trust. Its findings were regimes that impose a harsh that, when possible, persecuted Presenter: Mrs. Julianne Stanz released April 20 in a forum at secular ideology.” churches should “be a vibrant part of their society, rather than Preached Retreat for Women Religious and Associates the National Press Club. It also noted that extrem- The study looked at 25 coun- isolated islands that refuse con- June 5 - 10, 2017 ist groups such as the Taliban, tries and the West. The report tact with other faiths, involve- Boko Haram, al-Shabab in So- Theme: “A Time to do Nothing for as Long as you Can” noted that “North Korea, argu- ment in local societal issues, or malia and Kenya or Hindu fa- Presenter: Fr. Allan Weinert, C.Ss.R. ably the country where Chris- social outreach. Churches can natics in India also persecuted tians are persecuted most se- demonstrate to the authorities Preached Retreat for Women Religious and Associates Christians. verely,” was inaccessible to by their presence and actions June 19 – 24, 2017 l July 11 – 16, 2017 l July 24 – 31, 2017 The study found that Chris- research. Eritrea, Somalia and that they promote harmony Theme: “The Way of the Disciple” tian responses to persecution Yemen, also countries where and the common good. In do- Presenter: Fr. Gregory Schmitt C.Ss.R. Christians are persecuted, “fell were almost always nonviolent ing so, they can counter false outside of the project’s logisti- stereotypes of being ‘fifth col- Private Together for Men – Religious and Lay cal capabilities.” umns’ or agents of the West.” It July 10 – 15, 2017 It noted that while Western also recommended Christians A private retreat, while at the same time share community commentary normally blamed establish on-the-ground early with other men at Eucharist and Evening Prayer. Islam for persecuting Chris- warning systems in places Presenter: Br Gerry Patin, C.Ss.R. tians, “the regimes that re- where they face attacks. press Christians vary widely. It also urged businesses and Contact the Retreat Center to register

Islamist regimes like Saudi (CNS photo/Paul Jeffrey) governments to avoiding the or for more information. Arabia and Iran certainly con- A member of an Assyrian mili- temptation of ignoring the per- stitute one type of persecuting tia group trains at a base near secution to promote good rela- Redemptorist Retreat Center state. Communist regimes ... Alqosh, Iraq. Formed by Chris- tions or economic interests. Oconomowoc, WI are a second type. India, Sri tians displaced by the Islamic The report is online at http:// 262-567-6900 Lanka and Russia exemplify State group, the militia represents ucs.nd.edu/assets/233538/ucs_ www.redemptoristretreat.org a third type, in which various a rare response to persecution. report_2017_web.pdf. 32 | FRIDAY APRIL 28, 2017 | The Observer

THE Prayer Intentions and Scripture Readings OBSERVER http://observer.rockforddiocese.org 815/399-4300 May 2017 SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY Key to listings 1 2 3 4 5 6 Daily Scripture Readings Joseph, the worker Athanasius, bishop, doctor of Philip and James, Apostles Acts 8:26-40; Ps 66:8-9, Acts 9:1-20; Ps 117:1-2; Jn Acts 9:31-42; Ps 116:12- † Pray for the priests who Acts 6:8-15; Ps 119:23-24, the Church 1 Cor 15:1-8; Ps 19:2-5; Jn 16-17, 20; Jn 6:44-51 6:52-59 17; Jn 6:60-69 have served the Rockford 26-27, 29-30; Jn 6:22-29 Acts 7:51-8:1a; Ps 31:3cd- 14:6-14 † Father Albert J. Neidert, Father Joseph Naill Priests of the Aurora Diocese and who died this Pope Francis 4, 6-7b, 8a, 17, 21ab; Jn † Father Sylvester J. 1949 Deanery month on the days listed. Father Dean Russell 6:30-35 O’Hara, 1922 Father Salvatore Bishop David J. Malloy Please pray for these men Father Alejandro del Toro Father Alexander Guagliardo Father Max Lasrado and women who have a Matabajoy religious vocation. Pray for these intentions. 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 4th Easter / World Day of Acts 11:1-18; Pss 42:2-3, Acts 11:19-26; Ps 87:1-7; Damien de Veuster, priest Acts 13:13-25; Ps 89:2-3, Nereus and Achilleus, martyrs; Our Lady of Fatima Prayer for Vocations 43:3-4; Jn 10:11-18 Jn 10:22-30 Acts 12:24-13:5a; Ps 67:2- 21-22, 25, 27; Jn 13:16-20 Pancras, martyr Acts 13:44-52; Ps 98:1-4, Acts 2:14a, 36-41; Ps † Father Francis J. Antl, † Father Adolph H. 3, 5-6, 8; Jn 12:44-50 Father Richard Russo Acts 13:26-33; Ps 2:6-11; Jn 14:7-14 23:1-6; 1 Pt 2:20b-25; Jn 1926 Weideman, 1976 Priests of the DeKalb Jn 14:1-6 Priests of the Elgin 10:1-10 Father William Budden Deanery Father Arturo Mallari Deanery † Father James F. Father Nicholas McGuire, 1992; † Father Federspiel Dorrance E. Tranel, 2007 Father Jerome Koutnik

14 15 16 17 18 19 20 5th Easter / Mother’s Day St. Isidore Acts 14:19-28; Ps 145:10- Acts 15:1-6; Ps 122:1-5; Jn John I, pope, martyr Acts 15:22-31; Ps 57:8-10, Bernardine of Siena, priest Acts 6:1-7; Ps 33:1-2, Acts 14:5-18; Ps 115:1-5, 13ab, 21; Jn 14:27-31a 15:1-8 Acts 15:7-21; Ps 96:1-3, 12; Jn 15:12-17 Acts: 16:1-10; Ps 100:1-3, 4-5, 18-19; 1 Pt 2:4-9; Jn 15-16; Jn 14:21-26 Priests of the Freeport † Father Anton 10; Jn 15:9-11 † Father Joseph J. 5; Jn 15:18-21 14:1-12 † Father Raymond P. Deanery Baumgarten, 1919 Msgr. William Schwartz Weitekamp, 1963 Father Anthony VuKhac Father Joseph Jaskierny Gordon, 1996 Father Michael Fuller Father Patrick Gillmeyer, Priests of the McHenry Long Mothers Transitional deacons OSB Deanery

21 22 23 24 25 26 27 6th Easter Rita of Cascia, religious Acts 16:22-34; Ps 138:1-3, Acts 17:15, 22-18:1; Ps Bede the Venerable, priest, Philip Neri, priest Augustine of Canterbury, Acts 8:5-8, 14-17; Ps 66:1- Acts 16:11-15; Ps 149:1- 7c-8; Jn 16:5-11 148:1-2, 11-14; Jn 16:12- doctor of the church; Gregory Acts 18:9-18; Ps 47:2-7; Jn bishop VII, pope; Mary Magdalene Acts 18:23-28; Ps 47:2-3, 7, 16, 20; 1 Pt 3:15-18; Jn 6a, 9b; Jn 15:26-16:4a † Father William H. 15 de’ Pazzi, virgin 16:20-23 14:15-21 Father Bernard Sehr Regnier, 2003 † Father Nicholas J. † Father John T. Smith, 8-10; Jn 16:23b-28 Acts 18:1-8; Ps 98:1-4; Jn Priests of the Rockford Priests of the Sterling Schwarz, 1921; † Father 1957 †Father Henry Bangen, 16:16-20 Deanery Deanery Thomas P. Lynam, 1982 Franciscan Sisters of the 1921 Father Josue Lara Missionaries of the Sacred Heart Father Robert Garrity Father Andrew Mulcahey Sacred Heart

28 29 30 31 Ascension of the Lord Memorial Day Acts 20:17-27; Ps 68:10- Visitation of the Blessed Join the Holy Father in praying for this special Fly the Flag Acts 1:1-11; Ps 47:2-3, 6-9; Acts 19:1-8; Ps 68:2-7; Jn 11, 20-21; Jn 17:1-11a Virgin Mary intention this month: May 4 — International Fire ghters Day Eph 1:17-23; Mt 28:16-20 16:29-33 † Father Henry J. Hauser, Zep 3:14-18a (or Rom Christians in Africa: That Christians in Africa, in May 14 — Mother’s Day † Father Patrick D. Father Jared Twenty 1929 12:9-16); (Ps) Is 12:2-3, imitation of the Merciful Jesus, may give prophetic May 15 —Peace O cer’s Corbally, 1995 Msgr. Robert Willhite 4bcd, 5-6; Lk 1:39-56 witness to reconciliation, justice, and peace. Memorial Day (half-sta ) Retired religious Father Zdzislaw † Father Alphonsus L. May 21 — Armed Forces Day Wawryszuk Fitzgibbons, 2002 — Look for additional intentions at http://www. May 29 — Memorial Day (half-sta ) Religious women serving apostleshipofprayer.org in the diocese

Antoninus of Florence Domitian of Maastricht 1389-1459 — feast day May 2 died about 560 — feast day May 7 Antony Pierozzi, son of a Florentine notary, joined the Dominicans at 16 and French by birth, Domitian became the bishop of Maastricht, in the Nether- studied with Fra Angelico. A scholar, he served as superior and prior of nu- lands, and had a prominent role at the synod of Orleans, France, which refuted merous Dominican houses around Italy and led the order’s Roman province. In heretical errors. He evangelized in the Meuse River area of Europe’s Low 1436, he founded San Marco Convent in Florence, where Fra Angelico and his Countries, converting people and founding churches and hospitals. He proph- disciples famously painted frescoes in each cell and a staircase “Annunciation.” esied a plentiful harvest to spur almsgiving, and one legend has him slaying As archbishop of Florence from 1446 until his death, Antoninus was known as a dragon that had poisoned the water supply of Huy, Belgium. His relics are a reformer, canon law expert, and savior of the poor during a series of natural still venerated in a church there, and he is remembered in a procession to a disasters in the 1450s. Cosimo de’ Medici said the Republic of Florence had been local spring. preserved by his example and prayers.

We Specialize In 815-758-5484 Newspapers • Catalogs • Magazines • Publications email [email protected] Business Stationery • Booklets • Newsletters Brochures • Bindery Services • Direct Mail 121 Industrial Drive • DeKalb, IL Nation/World The Observer | FRIDAY APRIL 28, 2017 | 33 Newly Named Iowa Bishop Says He’s News in Brief ‘A Little Anxious, But a Lot Excited’ How the church determines a true Marian apparition By barbara arland-fye fessed during Catholic Church in Bettendorf. Catholic News Service a chancery Bishop-designate Zinkula VATICAN CITY (CNS)—When it comes to Marian apparitions, staff meeting has roots in the Davenport Dio- the Catholic Church takes a prudent approach that focuses more DAVENPORT, Iowa (CNS)— that preced- cese. His great-great grandpar- on the message than the miracle. Supernatural phenomena, like Msgr. Thomas R. Zinkula won- ed the news ents emigrated from Bohemia the alleged miracle of the sun in Fatima, Portugal, nearly 100 dered whether a phone message conference and settled in the Iowa City years ago, are not the primary from the apostolic nuncio April at St. Vincent area. His great-grandparents factors in determining an ap- 8 might be a prank. (CNS photo/Lindsay Steele, Center, head- were married at St. Mary Cath- parition is worthy of belief. In The Catholic Messenger) The rector of St. Pius X Semi- quarters for olic Church in Iowa City. He that particular case, the bishop nary in Dubuque was on retreat Msgr. Thomas R. Zinkula the Daven- was baptized in the Davenport of Leiria — where Fatima is lo- with seminarians and knows port Diocese. Diocese at a mission church cated — deemed the appari- that they can be pranksters. “I’m a little anxious, but a lot near Mount Vernon. tions, but not the miracle of the It wasn’t a prank, he learned excited.” One reporter asked whether sun, were worthy of belief. His after returning the call. The nun- (CNS photo/Paulo Cunha, EPA) A standout athlete and stu- he was liberal or conservative. ruling came in 1930, more than cio asked Msgr. Zinkula if he A statue of Mary is carried dent in high school and college, He responded that he sees ev- a dozen years after Mary’s final would serve as ninth bishop of through the crowd in 2013 at the he went on to become an actu- erything from the eyes of the apparition to Lucia dos Santos the Diocese of Davenport. ary and a lawyer before entering Catholic Church and its teach- Marian shrine of Fatima in central Portugal. and her cousins, Jacinta and On April 19, his 60th birth- the seminary. Bishop-designate ings, which straddle the po- Francisco Marto. More than day, was the date for the official Zinkula was ordained a priest litical divide. He described his 1,500 visions of Mary have been reported around the world, but announcement of his response for the Archdiocese of Dubuque management style as collabora- in the past century, fewer than 20 cases have received church ap- to the nuncio: “Yes.” in 1990, serving in parish, tribu- tive and consultative. “Thank you for coming to nal and leadership roles. One area he endeavors to proval as worthy of belief. The Vatican’s “Norms regarding the help me celebrate my 60th He admitted to feeling hum- learn more about is ministering manner of proceedings in the discernment of presumed appari- birthday today,” Bishop-desig- bled at being selected to follow to Spanish-speaking Catholics. tions or revelations” were approved by Pope Paul VI in 1978. An nate Zinkula quipped. He then in the footsteps of the apostles He does not speak Spanish. official English translation was released in 2011. Like with Fatima, explained how to pronounce and of retiring Bishop Martin J. During a prayer service with responsibility for determining an apparition’s veracity lies with his last name: “Think of Dra- Amos. Bishop Amos will serve the diocesan priests, he was the local bishop, according to the norms established by the Vati- cu-la and Zinku-la. He wears as apostolic administrator until asked about his episcopal mot- can Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith. The process is black and I wear black.” Bishop-designate Zinkula is to. never brief, with some cases taking hundreds of years. Visionar- “I’m not one who likes to ordained and installed as the He said he’s leaning toward ies and witnesses must be questioned and the fruits of the ap- be the center of attention,” Davenport Diocese’s bishop “Thy will be done,” from the paritions, such as conversions, miracles and healings, must be Bishop-designate Zinkula con- June 22 at St. John Vianney Lord’s Prayer. examined.

www.GOLDEN FRONTIER.org Sponsored by Catholic Shrine Pilgrimage — Featured Trip — England: In the Footsteps of St Thomas More with Msgr. John Myler, Belleville, Ill. From the time over 1,400 years ago when Pope Gregory commissioned Augustine to initiate the Catholic Faith in England to the time of Henry VIII, the faith was deeply entrenched in this island kingdom. As pilgrims have made their way to England for centuries, we will retrace their steps in a pilgrimage never to be forgotten. The 9-day trip (CNS photo/L’Osservatore Romano) includes London sites important to St. Thomas More, St. Paul, Franciscan Superiors Meet with Pope Windsor, Hampton Court, Tower of London, Chelsea, Oxford, Msgr. John Myler Pope Francis meets with the superiors of the four main men’s Canterbury, Parliament, Westminster. September 18 to 26, branches of the Franciscan family at the Vatican April 10. From left are Marco Tasca, minister general of the Conventual Franciscans; CLIP AND MAIL FOR MORE INFORMATION Mauro Johri, minister general of the Capuchins; Fathers Michael Perry, minister general of the Order of Friars Minor; and Nicholas Ask us for more information about these 2017 trips! Polichnowski, minister general of the Third Order Regulars. The su-  Alaskan Cruise — 8 days in August, 2017...... from $2,463 periors formally asked Pope Francis for permission for a dispensa-  England-in the Footsteps of St Thomas More – 9 days in Sept., 2017 ...... $3,428 tion to allow their communities to elect brothers to positions of leadership in their communities. Canon law requirements are that  Germany & Austria — 10 days in October, 2017 ...... $3,248 in most religious orders with both priests and brothers only a priest  Poland – 10 days in October, 2017 ...... $3,244 can be elected to the top leadership offices.  Switzerland – 10 days in October, 2017 ...... $3,438  France – 11 days in October, 2017 ...... $3,523 New Assisi Shrine Reminds Us to Shed  Greece – 9 days in November, 2017 ...... $3,083  Holy Lands – 10 days in November, 2017 ...... $3,588 Attachment to Money, Pope Says  Rome and Assisi — 9 days in November 2017 ...... $3,048  Rome, Florence, Assisi - 11 days in November, 2017 ...... $3,538 VATICAN CITY (CNS)— blessings and support for the  Like St. Francis of Assisi did, decision of the Diocese of As- Mexico City — 8 days in February, 2018 ...... $2,588 the Catholic Church and indi- sisi to establish a shrine in  PLEASE SEND BROCHURE ABOUT THE TRIP(S) I HAVE MARKED ABOVE vidual Christians must follow memory of the “divestiture” of Trips are fully escorted and accompanied by priest chaplain. All trips include round trip air Christ by imitating his willing- St. Francis. from St. Louis, Chicago, Indianapolis or Kansas City. Other airports available, please ask us. ness to give up everything for The shrine, which will be Name ______the sake of others, Pope Francis inaugurated May 20, will be said. housed in the town’s Church of Address ______“Unfortunately, 2,000 years St. Mary Major, but also will City ______State ______Zip ______after the proclamation of the include public access to the Gospel and eight centuries af- “Sala della Spogliazione,” liter- Phone (optional) ( ______) ______ter the witness of Francis, we ally the Room of the Divesting. R face a phenomenon of global The room in the bishop’s Call Toll Free 1-888-284-6725, Fax (618) 234-9861 or mail to: O C inequity and an economy that residence is where a young St. K GOLDEN FRONTIER TOURS F kills,” the pope said in an April Francis — in the presence of O 4100 N. Illinois St. • Swansea, Illinois 62226 R 16 letter to the archbishop of his father and of the bishop — D Assisi, Italy. stripped naked and renounced Email: [email protected]  www.goldenfrontier.org The pope’s letter offered his all wealth. 34 | FRIDAY APRIL 28, 2017 | The Observer Nation/World News in Brief CNEWA head: Next few months will decide Christians’ fate in scarred Iraq WASHINGTON (CNS)—The next few months will determine whether Iraqi Christians can return to their homes in areas where Islamic State had been routed, according to Msgr. John E. Kozar, international president of the Catholic Near East Welfare As- sociation. Msgr. Kozar, who was in Iraq March 31-April 5, cited several daunting challenges for Iraqi Christians who return to their country: infrastructure

(CNS photo/courtesy John E. Kozar, CNEWA) woes, burned- and bombed-out Mannequins that were used by buildings, desecrated churches Islamic State militants for target and security issues. “Three liber- practice are seen April 3 in the ated villages outside of Dahuk courtyard of the destroyed Im- (in northern Iraq) are being re- maculate Conception Church in settled as we speak,” Msgr. Ko- Qaraqosh, Iraq. zar told Catholic News Service (CNS photo/L’Osservatore Romano) in an April 7 telephone interview from CNEWA headquarters in A Toast to Benedict New York. “The reason people are very hesitant to go back there Retired Pope Benedict XVI and Archbishop Georg Ganswein, prefect of the papal household, left, toast is the reason of security. They hold very close to them the reign men in traditional clothing with a beer during the German pontiff’s 90th birthday celebration April 17 of terror ISIS had produced. They’re looking for some reassurance at the Vatican. The pope’s birthday was the previous day. from the Iraqi government and the Kurdish Peshmerga govern- ment,” the military force that has liberated areas previously un- der Islamic State control, Msgr. Kozar said. “The second reason would be there’s no infrastructure. There’s no water, no electric- Pedaling Priests to Bike Across Peoria ity, no sewage,” he said. “Those would be the single most dif- ficult challenges that need to be overcome. The next two, three months will tell the tale.” Diocese Seeking Vocation Prayers PEORIA (CNS)—Being a is the absolute best thing that Portuguese businessman sends free priest has made Father Mi- has happened to us in our lives Fatima statues throughout world chael Pica, Father Adam Ce- and cycling is just sort of the CAPE TOWN, South Africa (CNS) — Every time Jose Camara sarek and Father Tom Otto so vehicle that’s going to get us to thinks his ministry is completed, somebody else needs a statue happy that they are preparing these schools and these parish- of Our Lady of Fatima to spread the devotion. Camara, a retired to share their joy with people es to share that with people,” Portuguese businessman, has donated more than 1,000 of the from Rock Island to Danville. said Father Otto, who was or- statues, handmade in Fatima, to parishes around the world since From April 24 to 28, the dained in 2013. January 2013. He even covers the cost of trans- three priests will ride their The idea came from Father port, including to South Africa, Madagascar, bikes 350 miles across the Di- Pica, who was ordained last ocese of Peoria — the width of May. The three priests like to Australia and the United States. “I started out Illinois — to raise awareness ride and as they were cycling just over four years ago with the idea of offer- for vocations and show people during an event for young cler- ing 12 handmade statues of Our Lady of Fatima that priesthood is a wonder- gy last summer, he asked the — one for each Apostle — to parishes in South ful life. They plan to stop at others if they would be willing Africa, where I lived for many years,” Camara (CNS photo/courtesy Diocese of Peoria’s Office of schools and parishes to en- Priestly Vocations to use their hobby to benefit said. In the first week after his offer was pub- (CNS photo/Gunther Sim- mermacher) courage prayers for vocations Three priests from the Diocese of vocations. licized in South Africa’s Catholic weekly, The Retired Portu- and tell the story of their own Peoria are all set to ride their bicy- Instead of a fundraiser, they Southern Cross, he received 63 applications. He guese business- call to priestly service. cles across the diocese to inspire decided to make it a prayer- has sent statues to more than 30 countries: Af- man Jose Camara A passage from Matthew’s prayers for vocations. raiser for vocations. rica, the Holy Land, India, the Philippines, Aus- sent this statue Gospel provides the theme for Info: Peoria Diocese Office tralia, Great Britain, Germany, Guatemala, the to Cape Town, the journey: “Ask the Master borers for His harvest!” of Priestly Vocations, http:// United States — even to parishes in Portugal. South Africa. of the harvest to send out la- “We love being priests. This comeandfollowme.org.

Join us as we celebrate Pope to Canonize Bishop David J. Malloy’s 5th Anniversary. Fatima Seers May 13 VATICAN CITY (CNS)— Reserve your ad space in The Observer’s Pope Francis will declare the sainthood of Blessed Jacinta anniversary edition (May 12) Marto and Blessed Francisco Marto, two of the shepherd chil- honoring Bishop David J. Malloy dren who saw Mary in Fatima, Portugal, during his visit to the (CNS photo/L’Osservatore Romano) on his five years as shepherd site of the apparitions May 13. Cardinals are seen during an April The May 13 date was an- 20 “ordinary public consistory.” nounced April 20 during an of the Diocese of Rockford. “ordinary public consistory,” a pope set Oct. 15 as the date For more details and special rates contact meeting of the pope, cardinals for the canonizations of two priests and two groups of mar- Kevin J. McCarthy at and promoters of sainthood causes that formally ends the tyrs, including Blessed Cris- [email protected] sainthood process. tobal, Blessed Antonio and or 815-399-4300 ext. 385 Cardinal Angelo Amato, Blessed Juan — also known prefect of the Congregation as the “Child Martyrs of Tlax- Reserve your ad space by May 2nd! for Saints’ Causes, addressing cala” — who were among the the assembly noted that of the first native converts in Mexico. future saints considered at the They were killed between consistory, five were children 1527 and 1529 for refusing to The Offi cial Newspaper of the Catholic Diocese of Rockford or young teenagers. renounce the faith and return to At the same consistory, the their people’s ancient traditions. Nation/World The Observer | FRIDAY APRIL 28, 2017 | 35 ‘Sister Listeners’ Help Rwandans News in Brief Supreme Court seems to lean toward Move Beyond 1990s Genocide church in Lutheran playground case KIGALI, Rwanda (CNS) — WASHINGTON (CNS)—Supreme Court justices seemed to The Benebikira Sisters, the old- side with the church in a separation of church and state case est indigenous congregation in argued April 19 about a Missouri Lutheran preschool barred Rwanda, have sisters who are from receiving state funds for playground resurfacing using teachers, nurses, pharmacists, recycled tires because it is a church property. In his first min- formators and administrators. utes before the court, David Cortman, arguing for the church But they also have religious with in Trinity Lutheran v. Comer, said: “The question is why would a unique title: Sister Listeners. someone’s religious status matter in the first place to receiving “The genocide created many a government benefit?” The justices seemed to settle on that problems; some people don’t point, questioning the state’s decision to exclude the church want to live because of what from a grant program when there are federal programs in place happened,” said Sister Marie that provide funding that could benefit religious institutions Venantie Nyirabaganwa, supe- (CNS photos/Melanie Lidman, Global Sisters) including a Department of Homeland Security program to im- Children play at the Bernardine Sisters’ school in Kamonyi, Rwanda. rior of the southern province of When the village observes the anniversary of the Rwandan genocide, prove security near synagogues or mosques and a program to the Benebikira Sisters and the the schoolchildren walk together to the local memorial, where they repair buildings damaged by the bombing at the federal build- women’s head of the Associa- have a ceremony and read the names of local victims. ing in Oklahoma City. James Layton, arguing for the state, said tion des Superieurs Majeurs du Missouri also would be against such programs because they Rwanda. an example to villagers still similarly grant funds to religious institutions. Layton, former The 1994 Rwandan genocide, struggling with reconciliation. solicitor general of Missouri, said the state would not block when up to a million people “The sisters are joined togeth- police and fire protection to churches because public safety is were killed during 100 days of er, we didn’t separate ourselves different since it is a service. fighting and in the chaos be- (into the Hutu and Tutsi tribes fore and afterward, lurks under during the genocide),” she said. the surface of every interac- “We talked together, we lived Arizona governor lauded for signing tion, even though 23 years have together, we ate together with- bill to expand school choice in state passed since the killers laid out any problem. If we weren’t down their machetes. PHOENIX (CNS)—The Arizona Catholic Conference hailed the together, more sisters would expansion of an Arizona school choice program that will allow The country has success- have died. When people came fully emerged from some of the any kindergarten through 12th-grade student to use state and tried to kill sisters from one funds to pay for private school or other educational expenses. physical devastation after the tribe, the sisters protected them genocide, and the economy is “Yesterday was a historic day for school choice in Arizona as and refused to give them up.” we furthered our reputation as the national leader in school growing at impressive rates. But This also meant that, in some the country is perched in a deli- choice!” said the conference in an April 7 statement after Gov. places, entire communities of Doug Ducey signed S.B. 1431. The legislation will make the Em- cate balance, as the people try sisters were murdered because to honor the memory of those powerment Scholarship Account program, or ESA, open to all Benebikira Sisters greet each they refused to give up Tutsi killed while firmly looking to- Arizona students by the 2020-2021 school year. other under the shade of an avo- sisters to the Hutu killers. The ward the future. cado tree at their motherhouse in Benebikira congregation lost 22 This balancing act comes into Save, Rwanda. sisters, both Hutu and Tutsi. focus each year April 7, the an- The church played a com- niversary of the day the geno- positive men was one of the cide started. It marks the begin- tools used to brutalize during plicated role in the genocide. Diocese of Rockford ning of a three-month period the genocide. In many instances, priests and when the country turns inward Six Benebikira Sisters are sisters actively supported the Ministry Formation Program to remember. dedicated to listening full killers, especially when victims “There are many problems in time. Some of the sisters run fled to the churches for refuge For lay men and women interested in deepening Rwanda, and many people have group therapy sessions, oth- and were handed over to the their knowledge of faith and sharpening their skills mental problems because of the ers do individual counseling killers. International courts in- for serving God’s people. genocide,” Sister Nyirabaganwa as needed. They have different dicted four priests and two sis- said. “Those who killed have backgrounds, including pastoral ters for war crimes in connec- APPLICATIONS are now being accepted for the their own problems, and those work or counseling, and go for tion with the genocide. next Ministry Formation class to begin with who lost people due to the geno- continuing education on a regu- The Catholic Church in Orientation, August 26th, 2017. cide have their own problems.” lar basis, Sister Nyirabaganwa Rwanda officially apologized “Especially mothers who lost said. for the church’s role in the geno- CLASSES: It is a two year program, meeting from all of their children and hus- The role of listener is less for- cide Nov. 20, 2016, the last Sun- late August through May, averaging one bands, or the young ones who mal than therapist but fits better day of the Year of Mercy. Tuesday evening and one Saturday a month. lost all the members of their with Rwandan culture. In Rwanda, activists believe family,” Sister Nyirabaganwa Sister Laurentine Musomay- that the Catholic Church has an Curriculum includes: added. “Many people just need ire, the assistant project manag- important part to play in recon- someone to listen. Some have er for the Benebikira congrega- ciliation, despite its checkered • Faith Development • Theology of Church HIV,” because rape by HIV- tion, said the nuns try to provide past. • Communication Skills • Sacraments • Social Media in Ministry • Leadership Skills Pope Francis Donates to Project • Prayer • Theology of Ministry • Old Testament & Stewardship Making Beach Easier for Handicapped • New Testament • Morality VATICAN CITY (CNS)— cino, located 17 miles south- blessing to the volunteers and • Christology • Social Justice An Italian association that runs west of Rome, that is specially in a special way to the disabled and maintains a Roman beach designed for disabled people people and their families” who • Church History • Evangelization for disabled people received and equipped with walkways visit the beach. • Specialization Days • Retreat Days an unexpected donation from for easy access in and around “The idea behind (this proj- Pope Francis. the area. ect) is not of creating a ‘ghetto’ In an April 25 statement, the According to the associa- settlement, but rather a beach 29Questions? “Work of Love,” a charitable tion’s website, volunteers and without architectural and men- Visit www.rockforddiocese.org/Education/AdultFaithFormation association dedicated to St. medical personnel from the tal barriers, where everyone Aloysius Gonzaga, expressed Italian Paralympic Swimming can enjoy the sea together with Call or Email their “enthusiasm and aston- Federation are on hand to en- its many benefits,” the associa- 815/399-4300 Ext. 389 ishment” upon receiving a con- sure a “safe and enjoyable” ex- tion said. tribution made in the pope’s perience for visitors. The undisclosed amount [email protected] name by Archbishop Konrad The “Work of Love” associa- donated by Pope Francis, the John McGrath, Director Krajewski, the papal almoner. tion said the donation was ac- statement added, “covers the The association runs “La companied by a message from rent costs for the year for ‘La Ministry Formation Program Madonnina” beach near Fiumi- the pope who “imparted his Madonnina’ beach.” 36 | FRIDAY APRIL 28, 2017 | The Observer Our Catholic View Sports and Spirituality ... Can We Mix Them? Caring for our physical bodies often includes some sports are such an While participating in sports can help build virtue, form of exercise. While that may be carried out Ethically Speaking omnipresent and sports cannot give grace, certainly nowhere near the way the Eucharist does. And while one may feel alone, for many it comes by way of participating in by Father dominant fixture sports. of American life. committed to a team, no commitment is to be greater There are multiple ways in which these can Kenneth Again, there than to Christ. positively impact not only our physical health, but our Wasilewski are many, many If we freely skip Sunday Mass due to a sporting mental, emotional and even spiritual health as well. Diocesan Ethicist potential positives event, then clearly that sport has become not only Christianity has long recognized this and has seen [email protected] from participating an obstacle to our growth in holiness, but truly an parallels between athletic and spiritual endeavors. in such activities, so long as they remain a means to attachment that needs immediate correction. In Just ask St. Paul who uses such metaphors himself an end, and not an end in and of themselves. This is fact, it is a sign that the keeping of not one, but two (1 Cor 9:24-27, 1 Tim 4:7-8, et. al). In fact, several what the catechism is reminding us of. Namely, that Commandments, has been jeopardized. weeks ago, Sister Miriam Heidland and Father Chase athletics should be approached in such a way that Playing sports on a Sunday is not in itself Hilgenbrinck, both accomplished athletes, were in the they help us to be better, or otherwise add positively problematic, but missing Mass to play most definitely Diocese of Rockford speaking to young people about to our lives, without becoming the goal or too high a is. This is an area where we as Christians must take some of these very things. priority. a step back and ask Whose day Sunday really is, and There really is no question that athletics can be a There are some easy ways to evaluate if their to make it a day which reflects that. Fortunately, with positive and healthy thing in our lives and can not importance has become misplaced. To use Jesus’ modern means of transportation and technology at only help us care for the gift of our bodies, but can image from Matthew 7:17-18, we can simply look at our disposal, fulfilling a commitment to a team or also be a very real means through which we learn and the fruits being borne in our lives because of them. a sport doesn’t necessarily preclude fulfilling our develop virtue. There may well be a moral problem if we recognize commitment to our Lord, even if it may mean a little And yet, as we saw with other areas of our physical for example, that we’re failing to live up to other extra effort on our part. health, an overemphasis of any good thing can responsibilities or if our pursuit of sports keeps us At the end of the day, while sports can be a become morally problematic. The Catechism of from acting charitably to others in the process. tremendously good gift in our lives, they cannot the Catholic Church (2289) points this out when it One such problem that has unfortunately become promise us the gift of eternal life — only God does notes that like other pursuits, “success at sports” can increasingly common is when we miss Sunday Mass that. become an idol unto itself. because of an athletic event — either as a participant Keeping this basic truth in mind will help guide This is an especially prevalent temptation given or a spectator. Unless one’s livelihood is dependent the relationship we have with athletics to ensure it is the cultural context we find ourselves in where upon participation, this is very morally problematic. fitting, proper and most importantly, Christian.

Word to Life: April 30, 3rd Sunday of Easter Church Reminds Us of What Jesus Means

By Jean DentoN Catholic News Service ere not our hearts burning within us while He spoke to us I once served on a parish committee that was ‘W developing a comprehensive design for the interior on the way and opened the Scriptures of our new sanctuary. The idea was to plan the entire decor so that all the artistic elements combined — to us?’ stained glass, statuary, wall decoration, crucifix — would create a meaningful space to enhance worship. — Luke 24:32 During our discussions, some committee members observed how the atmosphere in certain churches seemed to enliven the presence of God. Our design Our worship at Mass effectively mirrors the consultant, an accomplished artist in a variety of disciples’ experience on the road to Emmaus. media, also reminded us about the quality of art to Imagine yourself on the road with them that day as both teach and transport. you enter the sanctuary for Sunday worship. Needing Our task turned out to be arduous, partly because a boost to your faith, you listen to the Scripture of members’ differing tastes in art. But mostly we interpreting the teachings of the prophets, reminding labored over what images to include that would best you of Jesus’ life and ministry and what it meant to speak to our worship and enrich the formation of our you. faith community. Just as your heart begins burning with renewed I wish I had paid more attention at the time to understanding and inspiration, the Liturgy of the the Gospel story of the disciples on the road to Eucharist begins. You recall the disciples seated at Emmaus, because it reveals all the elements of God’s table with Jesus, remember His paschal sacrifice and comprehensive design for our life with Him. at the moment of consecration you recognize Him in In this passage from today’s readings, the disciples the breaking of the bread. are confused and having doubts about Jesus after his Our daily lives can easily pull us away from our death. faith. That’s why we are drawn back into church each As their faith appears to be wavering, Jesus week, so our hearts will burn again in an atmosphere © 2015 Diocese of Fort Worth explains in detail who he was, why he came and where we can walk with Jesus and be reassured of how his resurrection now confirms their beliefs His promise. doubts in your faith would you want to discuss with and, moreover, signifies the reality of the world’s him? What in your worship environment enhances salvation. Ask yourself: If you met Jesus on the road, what your communication with God? What Have We Learned Four Years into a Latino Papacy?

Four years have passed since the Holy Spirit Guest Column During the past honed by directly engaging the socio-cultural inspired the election of the first Latino pope, Pope four years, Pope realities of the communities he accompanied for most Francis. Wait. Did you say Latino or Latin American? by Hosffman Francis has shared of his life as a priest and bishop. Well, it depends on where you draw the line. I would Ospino with the entire Pope Francis does not hesitate to speak in Spanish Professor of theology argue that it is fine to speak of Pope Francis as a and religious education, world a way of when addressing large audiences, regardless of where Latino pope. Boston College being Catholic in the world he is. This, however, is much more than Though born in Latin America, Pope Francis rooted in the best making a convenient decision about language. In has much in common with the more than 30 Catholic News Service of the Latino or doing so, he reveals that he thinks and theologizes million Catholics in our country who self-identify Latin American experience. The sensibilities that he “in Spanish,” as do almost half a billion Catholics in as Hispanic or Latino, both immigrant and U.S.- has brought to inform his pontificate echo in many the world. born. When the pope speaks and acts, his message ways the sensibilities of Catholics practicing, sharing Sometimes this means using expressions that resonates strongly with most Latino Catholics insofar and celebrating our faith with a Latino outlook. convey powerful meanings requiring careful as the religious and cultural connotations. We should not forget that those sensibilities were Continued on page 39 Our Catholic View The Observer | FRIDAY APRIL 28, 2017 | 37

Di erent View CNS/Harley Schwadron Mystagogy Calls Us to Encounter The Risen Lord

At the conclusion of the Mass I attended on Easter while visiting in New Jersey, the pastor repeated what appeared to be his annual Easter joke. Many people applauded when he asked if they wanted to hear it, and many smiled knowingly, already in on the punchline. For the Journey So, the Easter Bunny is crossing the street on Easter by E e Sunday, distracted by his day’s Caldarola enormous duties, when a car fails to stop, hits the bunny and kills him. Catholic News Service What? The congregation listened appreciatively while my jaw dropped. I looked around at all the kids in their Easter fi nery, little plaid suspenders and bow ties, fl oppy fl owered hats. Did they hear what he just said about the Easter Bunny dying? Apparently either overstimulated or nearly comatose from the morning’s chocolate overload, no one under 10 seemed concerned. HIRE-ing Goes On the Road But wait. Why am I talking about Easter? Isn’t it over and shouldn’t we be moving on? Haven’t those Easter baskets and Catholic Charities recently hosted a ll knowledge is vain save that fake green grass been stored away days ago? hiring event at St. Elizabeth Catholic Before his joke (and yes, there will be a punchline) the pastor Community Center in Rockford. We picked when there is work, and had reminded us in his homily of something important. Lent, a day close to St. Joseph’s Day since Jesus’ ‘A he said, lasts 40 days. The Easter season lasts 50, and we should foster father is the patron of workers. We all work is empty save when spend it rejoicing. hoped In the church, the period between Easter and Pentecost Charitably Speaking his quiet there is love; and when you is a glorious time. Sometimes it is referred to as a time of devotion “mystagogy” — a fancy word with roots in the Greek language by Patrick Winn to family work with love you bind — that basically means we Christians are being initiated into Director, Rockford Diocese and work Catholic Charities mystery. would yourself to yourself, and to We’ve moved from the human sorrow and pain of the Lenten subtly one another, and to God.’ journey into the overpowering mystery of the resurrection. We [email protected] inspire should be basking in Easter hope. those who — Kahlil Gibran were hiring and those who were looking. That word “mystagogy” is most often associated with the entrance of new Christians into the church. At the Easter Vigil He did. As we have developed and are now Seventeen employers participated and — our premier liturgy of the year — catechumens are baptized, launching the Project HIRE — Helping confi rmed and receive their fi rst Eucharist. 80-plus prospective employees turned out Individuals Regain Employment — to learn what opportunities are available During the period of mystagogy, before Pentecost, they program through St. Elizabeth’s, we see continue to attend classes and delve more deeply into the in Rockford’s still troubled economy. how many unemployed are eager to provide Businesses, governments and agencies mystery of Christ, the church and the sacramental life of the for their families, and give back once church as lived through liturgy. We are a liturgical church. participated and people actually got hired. employed. One individual burst out the front door and At the parish where I formerly worked, we would use the They know the importance of eff orts to period of mystagogy to explain to our newest Catholics how shouted, “I got a job; I got hired.” Others feed the hungry, shelter the homeless and were referred to the participants’ hiring they could serve as active Catholics. Those of us who headed perform other acts of mercy. They have ministries would explain the tasks and needs of our work. departments. Still others enrolled in our job experienced the discomfort of asking for search, interviewing and resume-writing Service is a wonderful way to encounter Christ, but mystagogy help from others. Individuals who have skills program. goes far beyond the practicalities of service. accepted assistance from strangers in the Ignoring the unemployment statistics Mystagogy calls all Christians, new and old, into an encounter Church often display an almost urgent need and generalized data, for the man who with the risen Lord. We renewed our baptismal promises to help someone else. shouted to the world and the others who on Easter Sunday, rejecting Satan and his empty promises, Illinois continues to experience a soft have connected and been hired, there is professing belief in Jesus. now full employment. There is a return economy with high unemployment. But Now, during this happy season, we deepen our relationship to the dignity of work, of supporting self for every problem there is an opportunity. with Christ. Like Mary of Magdala, who encountered Jesus in or family; of positively aff ecting a home, Businesses who can identify a job opening the garden but initially failed to recognize Him, we begin to a neighborhood, a community. There is a and are willing to consider a non-traditional search for the Lord to whom we want to cling. We seek God in renewed enthusiasm for life. hiring of someone who is motivated to the moments of each day and yearn to hear Him call our name, So we need to take this on the road. work and support self and family, and as He did Mary’s. Too many are unemployed across the 11 participate in the community, please When Pentecost arrives, the Spirit comes and the church is counties of the diocese and we need to contact us. empowered. We the church are called to rejoice in the wonderful organize and deliver hiring events in other The unemployment tracks of this area’s spiritual benefi ts provided by the Easter season as we await the communities. economy run parallel with eff orts to place Spirit. Too many people who want to work don’t people in diffi cult, sometimes entry-level And the Easter Bunny? Immediately following his untimely know where to go, what skills they need, jobs that off er distant hope along with demise, a woman in a car pulls up, grabs a can and sprays the or whether they lack the “right” kind of an immediate pay check. Surviving and bunny all over. He is immediately revitalized. He comes back to education in a changing economy. We need thriving in a capitalist economy means life and begins to bounce dramatically back on his mission. to partner with other faiths, Chambers of identifying and using human capital, too. The can? Hare spray, of course. Energizes dead hare, adds Commerce and United Ways to help others Everyone wins when people can work. bounce. back to meaningful employment. St. Joseph, patron of workers, pray for us. Maybe you had to be there?

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 38 | FRIDAY APRIL 28, 2017 | The Observer For the Record

Death Parish offices may forward death and wedding information using forms at http://observer.rockforddiocese.org/contact-us. You may also AURORA—St. Therese of Je- request death and wedding postcards by calling 815/399-4300, ext. 383. sus: Elias Espino, 81, April 5; We encourage you to send the information as soon as you receive it. DEKALB—St. Mary: Marie Thank you. Massier, 93, March 28; ELGIN—St. Thomas More: She received a Bachelor of Arts March 25. Francis Golbeck, 76, Feb. 22; John degree in English from St. Fran- J. Cullian, Sr., 85, March 3; Kath- cis College in Joliet; a Bachelor Stewardship Moment ryn Frazier, 93, March 4; Ronald of Arts degree in English from Wright, 68, March 6; Macario Siena Heights College (Univer- Turn budget upside down: A Tovar, 85, March 22; Jason Van sity) in Adrian, Mich.; a Master of carefully worked out plan of giving Kampen, 34, March 26; Arts degree in English from John means turning your entire budget Carroll University in Cleveland, upside down and beginning with HAMPSHIRE—St. Charles Ohio; and a Doctor of Philosophy Borromeo: David R. Smith, 93, the fact that it’s all God’s. If you’ve degree in English from Loyola never looked at your budget this April 6; University in Chicago. way, you’ll be amazed at how much HUNTLEY—St. Mary: Richard Sister Dorothy spent 41 years Curylo, 82, April 3; Tyler Gardner, ministering in education in Mich- less you really need and how much 16, April 7; igan, Illinois and Florida. In the you can use for God’s work. And this also applies to a reordering of POLO—St. Mary: Kenneth Imel, Rockford Diocese, she was assis- the time we give for God’s work. 82, March 29; Charles Weller, 89, tant principal for six years at St. March 31; Edward Central Catholic High Courtesy of Parish Publications School in Elgin, 1961-1967. “Stewardship” newsletter ROCKFORD—Holy Family: She ministered at two Congrega- Alfonso Graceffa, 98, April 3; tion institutions, Dominican High St. Rita: Donald Liebgott, 84, School in Detroit, Mich., and 40 Mass Meditation April 9; years at Barry College (Univer- Sunday, April 30 (3rd Easter): sity) in Miami Shores, Fla., where SANDWICH—St. Paul the The disciples on the road to Em- Apostle: Louise Dorothy Glover, she was a professor for 20 years maus walked and talked with Je- 74, April 9; and the archivist for 20 years. She became a resident of the Do- sus all day long, but it was not until Ann STERLING—St. Mary: minican Life Center in Adrian in they offered Him hospitality and Kane, 90, April 13. 2011. He blessed and broke the bread Sister Dorothy Jehle, OP Sister Dorothy is survived by lov- that they recognized Him. Simple ing nieces and nephews. acts of loving kindness still reveal ADRIAN, Mich.—Sister Doro- The wake and vigil prayer were the presence of God in our midst. thy Jehle, formerly known as Sis- April 20, 2017, at the Dominican ter Norbert Mary Jehle, died on Life Center. The Funeral Mass Courtesy of Sharon Hueckel April 18, 2017, at the Dominican was offered in St. Catherine Cha- If you or someone you know Life Center here. pel on Friday, April 21, 2017. She Life Moment has been the victim of sexual She was 96 years old and in the was buried in the Congregation abuse by an employee or mem- 71st year of her religious profes- cemetery. Pray: That as we recognize Jesus ber of the clergy of the Rockford sion in the Adrian Dominican in the breaking of the Bread, we Diocese, report the matter to Congregation. Weddings may also see Him in the poor, the Newspapers • Catalogs • Mail Service law enforcement in the county Sister Dorothy was born in Chi- sick, the marginalized, and the un- Business Cards • Magazines • Brochures in which the conduct occurred cago, to Herman and Dorothy HUNTLEY—St. Mary: Brianna born. 815-758-5484 and then please call the hot-line (Elvin) Jehle. She graduated from Lamp and Drew Wessel, March 121 Industrial Drive • DeKalb, IL 60115 number: 815/293-7540. St. Francis Academy in Joliet. 18; Erika Seija and Jonathan Kittl, Courtesy of www.priestsforlife.org

The Observer accepts paid obituaries from funeral homes for members of parishes in the Diocese of Rockford. The Observer accepts paid engagement, wedding, anniversary and other congratulatory notices from members Notices will be edited for style. Parishioners may ask funeral homes with which they work to call 815/399-4300 for of parishes in the Diocese of Rockford. Notices will be edited for style. Parishioners may call 815/399-4300 for information. information. The Observer | FRIDAY APRIL 28, 2017 | 39 Charities Refugee Program Can Always Use Help ROCKFORD—Since most n Introduce them to their refugees arrive in the U.S. with new neighboorhood or com- only the clothes on their backs, munity; they need lots to start house- n Find jobs for employable keeping in their new homes. refugees; Catholic Charities Refugee n Teach them English; Resettlement Services keeps a n Provide transportation; or list of needs on their website. n Be a friend. Because the service has no Each year, Refugee Resettl- storage space, the requests often come up on short notice. ment celebrates World Refugee Call before planning to drop Day. This year the celebration off large items. But items every will be June 27. new family needs include: (Observer photo/Sharon Boehlefeld) Donations are needed to help n Household items (sheets, Refugee Resettlement program director Janet Biljeskovic (standing, center) introduces refugee workers pay for foods for the event. Ref- towels, dishes, cookware, tele- to members of the American Association of University Women — Rockford Branch who visited March 31. ugees prepare ethnic dishes to Biljeskovic talked about the ways the Catholic Charities service helps refugees in the Rockford area. visions), share with others on that day. n Furniture, Info: http://catholiccharities. n partment stores; they can be portunities, most with no spe- n Find appropriate housing Bicycles (often the only rockforddiocese.org/refugee- used for coats and shoes, as cial qualifications, listed on the for refugees; transportation they will have to resettlement-program or 815/399- get to work). well as other items); and website. Volunteer may help: n Collect needed household 1709. n Gift cards (for dollar n Pre-paid gas cards. n Greet refugees upon their goods and furnishings; amounts or from bargain de- There are also volunteer op- arrival; n Assist them in budgeting; — Sharon Boehlefeld

What Have We Learned Four Years ... Accounting Assistant Catholic Charities Administration Office From page 36 Catholics in the United States since the middle of the 20th Part-time 25-29 hours per week discernment because of their to experience the freshness century. Requirements: Associates degree in Accounting or equivalent origin. Other times this means with which God has gifted When the pope speaks combination of education and experience. Successful understanding reality from a the Catholic world in recent and acts, his message finds candidate will be detail-oriented and have a working knowledge of QuickBooks, Excel and Word. Accurate data Latino perspective. The pope years is through the process of fertile ground in the hearts is introducing Catholics to the Fifth National Encuentro entry skills are necessary along with the ability to multi-task of millions of U.S. Catholics, and meet deadlines. incredibly rich and beautiful of Hispanic/Latino Ministry, particularly Latinos, who share Duties include review of AP invoices for proper coding and ways of articulating our faith a priority initiative of the with him important religious that are relevant to all. Catholic bishops in the country documentation, processing of checks, preparation and and cultural roots. processing of payroll, preparation of monthly reimbursement When Pope Francis speaks (see www.vencuentro.org). In four years, Pope Francis, requests and invoices, updating of spreadsheets and of “a poor church for the poor,” The V Encuentro embodies the first Latino pope, has miscellaneous reports and various other tasks to provide he is not asking Catholics many aspects of Pope brought to the fore much of support services for the programs of Catholic Charities. to imagine poverty or to do Francis’ prophetic vision the energy, language and Interested candidates should send a resume and cover letter to: something that the Church — for evangelization, a vision the people of God — cannot deeply informed by his Latin initiatives that Latinos share Catholic Charities Attn: Lori Graber accomplish. American experience. The with the rest of the church in the United States. Let us P.O. Box 7044 He comes from a part of the V Encuentro is a moment to Rockford, IL 61125 allow ourselves to share in this American continent where speak and think “in Spanish” E-mail: [email protected]. hundreds of millions live in — literally and metaphorically. moment of grace. poverty and many church It is an invitation to be a poor organizations and leaders, church for the poor, a true inspired by the Gospel, have moment of Catholic renewal. championed efforts to confront Many speak of the “Francis “The church’s charitable activity must avoid the risk of this social ill. He knows that effect.” Yes, there is one in our becoming just another form of organized social assistance.” the work is unfinished. In country. However, I think that ~ Benedict XVI his present role as the bishop much of that “effect” actually of Rome, he challenges all started several decades before Catholic Charities works to improve the lives of Christians to do likewise Pope Francis, thanks to the everywhere poverty exists. exponential growth of the families experiencing diffi culties. One opportunity for Latino Catholic population ~ Catholic Charities Long Term Care Ombudsman Program ~ Working to preserve and protect the dignity of individuals who reside in long-term care facilities in our communities. Ombudsman Job Posting ~ St. Elizabeth Catholic Community Center ~ Catholic Charities – Diocese of Rockford seeks a part-time Supported by Diocesan Stewardship, Caritas, United Way and generous donors who make our work possible. (25 hours per week) employee for the Long Term Care St. Elizabeth Catholic Community Center, serving over 1300 individuals every week. Ombudsman Program in the nine county service area of ~ Refugee Resettlement Program ~ northwestern Illinois. The person selected will serve as an advocate for residents of the licensed long-term care facilities. Our goal is to provide a compassionate response to ongoing crisis by assisting refugee families begin new lives in America. Community, emergency, pregnancy, Hispanic outreach. The successful candidate will be highly motivated, caring, compassionate, and have excellent communication skills. ~ Community counseling, adoptions, emergencies, pregnancies, and outreach services ~ Knowledge of or the ability to learn the long-term care system and available community resources is necessary. Minimum qualifications include a Bachelor degree from an Your support is valued and important. accredited college or university, and adherence to the norms of the Catholic Church and its principles of charity and justice. Be part of excepti onal assistance and Mercy Computer skills, travel within the Diocese and occasional travel for training or meetings are required. Bi-lingual Spanish speaking is preferred. Contact us to provide help! Interested candidates should send a cover letter and

resume to: Cou Catholic Charities Ombudsman Program Catholic Charities Diocese of Rockford Attn: Cathy Weightman-Moore catholicchari� es.rockforddiocese.org 6116 Mulford Village Drive Suite 9 Rockford, IL 61107 Catholic Chariti es is a non-profi t special service agency. Working together within Email: [email protected] Creati ng hope for people of all faiths. the Rockford Diocese! 40 | FRIDAY APRIL 28, 2017 | The Observer

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