ISSN: 0029-7739 $ 1.00 per copy THE BSERVER OOfficial Newspaper of the Catholic Diocese of Rockford

Volume 80 | No. 8 http://observer.rockforddiocese.org FRIDAY JANUARY 30, 2015 Inside

The on Christian Unity pg. 2 See photos of Christian Unity events (Observer photo by Amanda Hudson) pg. 5 Bishop Malloy poses with the Life and Evangelization O ce’s March for Life pilgrims after the send-o Mass, Jan. 20, at St. John Neumann Parish in St. Charles. The bishop celebrated the Mass before the group boarded busses to head for Washington, D.C., for the 42nd annual March for Life. The travelers returned safely to the diocese late Jan. 24. They were one of several groups from the Rockford Diocese who made the trip. Look for more March for Life photos on pgs. 8-9 March Shows Youth, Growth and Energy of Pro-Life Movement BY NATE MADDEN getic, bright-eyed and hopeful. ily composed of the parish’s and adults from all over the Jesus Begins Catholic News Service At a coffee and doughnuts youth. Detroit metro area. One of the Preaching, Working breakfast at St. Peter’s Church “The kids are aware of the marchers with them, Joe Jacz- Miracles WASHINGTON, D.C.—At on Capitol Hill, offered in the truth of the life issue,” said kowski of SS. Cyril and Metho- The Junior Observer, pg. 10 this year’s March for Life Jan. parish hall below and fi lled Angie Mizera, a group leader. dius Parish in Sterling Heights, 22, the things to notice about with March for Life pilgrims, “The lies created by the oppo- Mich., stated, “I’ve been com- the crowd in attendance were one group that stood out was sition have been proven false ing for the past eight years and its youth, its growth and the the one from St. Agnes Church over and over again, and thanks it’s been amazing to see how its Quick News sense that these young people in Hillsboro, Illinois. to the technology and transpar- grown. ... For every one more are bringing about a cultural According to the group’s ency resulting from it, the truth adult you see come, you see renewal. leaders, not only had the Dio- has been made apparent to this fi ve more teenagers.” Groups from all over the cese of Springfi eld, Illinois, generation.” Before the march, Ashley Ac- came in droves had to add an extra bus this Accompanied by banners, cardo, a 16-year-old from the and the majority of people in year to transport its delegation, balloons and drums, Crusad- Archdiocese of New Orleans,

(CNS photo/courtesy of Vatican Museums) those groups were young, ener- the delegation itself was heav- ers for Life brought in youth Continued on page 3 ‘Fake’ Mummy Part Of Vatican Collection This is a child-sized mummy 18 Honored for Their Inspiration from the Vatican Museums’ collection. By using imaging BY AMANDA HUDSON taurant. contributions listed specifi c ac- “She is very friendly, help- technology and other state- News Editor The annual event, spon- tivities and qualities in general. ful, and always willing to go of-the-art lab tests, Vatican sored by the Rockford Deanery Those general qualities in- the extra mile …” ROCKFORD—Cheers and experts discovered it is a Council of Catholic Women, cluded comments like: She “is that quiet, cheerful applause surrounded each of “pseudo-mummy” made up aims to recognize women who “Her love for Jesus is appar- volunteer who never seeks rec- 18 women who were honored of a few human bones from are active at their parish, often ent in all she does.” ognition.” by their parishes on Jan. 25 at the Middle Ages wrapped working behind the scenes. “She is certainly a devoted “Her hard work and dedica- a banquet at Cliffbreakers Res- in ancient bandages. Such Notes about each woman’s and willing volunteer.” Continued on page 3 fakes were often passed off to unsuspecting European collectors during the so- called “mummy-mania” of the 19th century. This Issue Bishop Malloy ...... 2 Headliners ...... 3 Nation/World ...... 4-6 March for Life ...... 8-9 The Junior Observer ...... 10

Around the Diocese ...... 11-12 (Observer photo by Amanda Hudson) Faith Forum ...... 13 With Bishop David Malloy are the 2015 Women of Inspiration in the Rockford Deanery (back, from left) Elvia Mandujano, Virginia Schmidt, Mary Viewpoints ...... 13 Kielty, Bogumila Sas, Dorothy Hand, Bishop Malloy, Mary Ellen Sankaran, Mary Cotter, Helen Fisk, Nancy Farrell, Kathleen Wilson, (front) Grace For the Record ...... 14 Kostrzewski, Rosemarie Edwards, Amy Richert, Maria Guadalupe Belmontes, Gloria Sabo, Janine Pigue, Kathleen Lawrence, and Monica Riseley. Media/Arts ...... 15 A banquet in their honor was held Jan. 25 at Cli breakers Restaurant in Rockford. 2 FRIDAY JANUARY 30, 2015 | The Observer

Synod O ers Opportunity to Join the

The Observer (ISSN 0029- Holy Father in Comment, Action and Prayer 7739), is published weekly, except fi ve times a year by the Diocese of Rockford, BY BISHOP DAVID J. MALLOY 555 Colman Center Dr., P.O. Box 7044, Rockford, IL 61125 s you may recall, this past teaching summary. It is crucial to our allow ourselves to see the Church’s Phone: 815/399-4300; Fax October, a special meeting understanding because it reminds us that response to the very real threats to 815/399-6225. called an extraordinary we do not make up on our own or change marriage and family that surround us in Periodical postage paid at synod of bishops, was held at will what we believe about marriage and an increasingly secular society as simply Rockford, Ill., and additional Ain Rome. It was called by family. an occasion for a well-crafted statement. mail offi ces. so that he could be advised by bishops Most especially, it is not this age or the Because our human nature is rooted in POSTMASTER: send address from all over the world about how to misunderstandings of the moment, such communication, words and statements of changes to The Observer, 555 strengthen the family at this time when as those about redefi ning the nature of teaching and policy are necessary. Colman Center Dr., P.O. Box 7044, Rockford, IL 61125 it is under such stress and threat. marriage, that guide our faith. Rather, our But fi rst and foremost, our response It is fair to say that the synod had some faith received from Jesus and guided by to strengthen the family starts with us. For ADVERTISING information: rocky moments. Press reports focused on a the Holy Spirit through the ages is a gift to Contact The Observer at the It begins with prayer. Prayer works, address above or call 815/399- sort of halftime statement that summed up purify, to strengthen and, when necessary and it draws us closer to Christ, even in 4300; fax 815/399-6225, the meeting to that moment in a manner to transform the world. challenging moments. So pray for your E-mail: kmccarthy@ that many delegates objected to as not That fi rst section, then, is the theological own faith, especially as it relates to the rockforddiocese.org. refl ective of what had been discussed. basis for the responses to the questions family. Send NEWS information to The For many, the work of those organizing found at the end of the document. Then we must put our prayer into action. Observer at the address or fax the synod was not up to the needs of that number above; send email to With regard to those questions, you Most especially we need to renew and gathering. can offer your comments to help with the Observer@rockforddiocese. purify our family lives. Do we go to In the end, however, the fi nal document response that I am asked to present for the org; or fi ll out a form at Mass? As a family? Do we pray together? http://observer.rockforddiocese. reaffi rmed (as it must) the Church’s diocese. Do we work at the sort of family support org/contact-us. adherence to the teaching of Christ in Those questions make up the second Subscription rate $28.00 per relation to marriage and the family. It half of the Lineamenta. They deal with and time together that is refl ective of those who see family and marriage as a calling year (48 issues); Canadian was a beautiful proclamation of what the such important topics as the indissolubility and Pan American $29; other family is and what it is called to be in of marriage, helping couples prepare for from God and a shared challenge to help foreign: surface mail $37, air God’s plan and in the modern world. marriage, walking with couples early in each other to get to heaven? mail $97; single copies $1. As I recalled in the fi rst column of this their married life and the pastoral help to Do we live out our prayer by following The Observer Online digital year, there will be another synod that be given to those with troubled or broken the Church’s moral teaching, about fi delity, subscriptions are also available. will take place in October. It was one of marriages. about openness to children and rejecting contraception and sterilization? Publisher: the regularly scheduled synods and Pope If you would like to offer your Most Reverend David J. Malloy Francis intends that it will continue the comments, rooted in our Catholic If we read the recent talks of the Holy discussion on the family. faith, the diocesan website gives you Father, especially those given on his visit Associate Publisher: In preparation for that coming meeting, the instructions for how to make such to the , these are issues that he Msgr. Eric Barr a preliminary document, the Lineamenta, a submission. I have also asked for raised on various occasions. We need to Editor: Penny Wiegert has now been issued. You can read it at comments from the Diocesan Pastoral join with him and with the Church’s faith News Editor: Amanda Hudson the webpage of the Diocese of Rockford at Council and from our gathered in about how to be and to live family life. www.rockforddiocese.org. their deanery meetings. We need to make 2015 to be a Year of Features and Multimedia Sharon Boehlefeld The fi rst part of the document is a Still, for the coming year, we cannot the Family. Editor: Circulation/Proofreading: Susan Sabrowski, Keith Ludolph The Christian Unity Accounting: Jill Bonk Pope From his homily, Basilica of St. Paul Outside-the-Walls, Jan. 25 Advertising and Marketing: on ... Kevin McCarthy BY POPE FRANCIS Production and Web (CNS photo/Claudio Peri, pool via Reuters) Administrator: Gary Haughton On his way from Judea to truth, we need to pause, to ac- through the Holy Spirit. tions: we seek truth, we thirst Contributing Writers: Bishop Galilee, Jesus passes through cept and listen to one another. Christian unity — we are con- for love, justice and freedom. Emeritus Thomas G. Doran, Samaria. He has no problem In this way, we already begin to vinced — will not be the fruit These desires can only be Father John Slampak, Father dealing with Samaritans, who experience unity. of subtle theoretical discus- partially satisfi ed, for from the Kenneth Wasilewski, Keith Ludolph, Lynne Conner, were considered by the Jews Unity grows along the way; it sions in which each party tries depths of our being we are prompted to seek “something George Weigel, Father Ronald to be heretics, schismatics, never stands still. Unity hap- to convince the other of the more,” something capable of Rolheiser, Tony Carton, others. His attitude helps us pens when we walk together. soundness of their opinions. fully quenching our thirst. Pat Szpekowski, Margarita to realize that encounter with When the Son of Man comes, those who are different than The woman of Sychar asks Je- Mendoza sus about the place where God He will fi nd us still discussing! The response to these aspira- ourselves can make us grow. tions is given by God in Jesus Publication Dates: Weekly is truly worshiped. Jesus does We need to realize that, except that in 2015 there will be Weary from his journey, Jesus Christ, in His paschal mystery. not side with the mountain or to plumb the depths of the no issues on Jan. 2, May 29, does not hesitate to ask the From the pierced side of Jesus the temple, but goes deeper. mystery of God, we need one July 31, Oct. 30 and Dec. 25. Samaritan woman for some- there fl owed blood and water He goes to the heart of the another, we need to encounter thing to drink. (see Jn 19:34). News Deadlines: Usually, 10 matter, breaking down every one another and to challenge days before publication date. His thirst, as we know, is much wall of division. one another under the guid- He is the brimming fount of the more than physical: it is also ance of the Holy Spirit, who water of the Holy Spirit, “the Ad Deadlines: Usually, 10 He speaks instead of the a thirst for encounter, a desire harmonizes diversities, over- love of God poured into our days before publication date. meaning of true worship: “God to enter into dialogue with comes confl icts, reconciles hearts (Rom 5:5) on the day Offi cial information on the poli- is spirit, and those who wor- of our baptism. By the work- cies, activities, and positions that woman and to invite her differences. of the Diocese of Rockford is ship Him must worship in spirit ing of the Holy Spirit, we have to make a journey of interior Gradually the Samaritan released only in the pages of and truth” (Jn 4:24). become one in Christ, sons in conversion. woman comes to realize that The Observer, or in state- So many past controversies the Son, true worshipers of the ments from the Diocesan Jesus is patient, respectful of the one who has asked her for between Christians can be Father. This mystery of love Offi ce of Communications and the person before Him, and a drink is able to slake her own overcome when we put aside is the deepest ground of the Publications. gradually reveals Himself to thirst. Jesus in effect tells her all polemical or apologetic unity which binds all Christians The Observer uses recycled her. His example encourages that He is the source of living approaches, and seek instead and is much greater than their paper and is recyclable. us to seek a serene encounter to grasp more fully what unites water which can satisfy her historical divisions. To the Our Mission is the mission with others. us, namely, our call to share thirst for ever (see Jn 4:13-14). extent that we humbly advance of the Church itself — to spread the Gospel through To understand one another, in the mystery of the Father’s Our human existence is towards the Lord, then, we also contemporary means of and to grow in and love revealed to us by the Son marked by boundless aspira- draw nearer to one another. communications. Don’t miss the daily refl ection weekdays (about 6:58 a.m.) on WREX-TV, Channel 13, Rockford Member of: Top o’ the Morning with Bishop Malloy Listen to archives anytime at http://observer.rockfo rddiocese.org. Click on Bishop Malloy on the top left side of the page. Brought to you by Savant Capital Management | Fitzge rald Funeral Homes | Rockford Mutual Insurance Company Diocesan Offi ce of Communications and Publications | The Observer | Offi ce of Stewardship, Diocese of Rock ford The Observer | FRIDAY JANUARY 30, 2015 3

Headliners March Shows Youth, Growth and Energy of Pro-Life Movement From page 1 E. Kurtz of Louisville, Ken- the pro-life generation.” told Catholic News Service that tucky, the president of the U.S. In an interview with CNS, pro-life youth are important bishops’ conference, told CNS: former U.S. senator and presi- because “we are the nation’s “I have come to the march for dential candidate Rick San- future ... and since we don’t years, regardless of who came torum said that “the thing to have as many in our generation or what it was like, but now I notice about this march is that as we should, we must defend come not only to march, but it’s young, it’s energetic and it (CNS photo/Leslie E. Kosso ) those who cannot defend them- also to see so many young peo- is disproportionately women, Illinois Marchers selves.” ple doing the same.” which is not something the me- She added that the pro-life In a statement from the con- dia would ever portray (about) Young people from the neighboring Archdiocese of Chicago dance movement “isn’t about hate gressional delegation issued for the pro-life movement, but it is. and sing in a group along the March for Life route to the U.S. Supreme or control, but about creating the Roe anniversary, U.S. Rep. “And that’s encouraging,” he Court building in Washington Jan. 22. Tens of thousands took part in a dialogue of compassion and Chris Smith, R-New Jersey, said. “It’s really encouraging the annual event, which this year marked the 42nd anniversary of the understanding.” said that “Tom Brokaw wrote to see this kind of dedication Supreme Court’s Roe v. Wade decision that legalized abortion across When asked about his per- about the greatest generation, every year. I think it’s grow- the nation. spective on the youth of the and the WWII generation was ing and the energy is defi nitely Look for more March for Life photos on pgs. 8-9 movement, indeed great, but yours will be palpable.”

Family and friends from 18 Honored for SS. Peter and Paul Parish in Rockford came Their Inspiration to honor Elvia Mandujano, From page 1 ROCKFORD the parish’s tion to the parish makes her Nancy Farrell, Holy Family a ‘Woman of Inspiration’ to 2015 Woman Dorothy Hand, St. Anthony of of Inspiration. many.” Padua (Observer photo by Amanda Hudson) Some extra-enthusiastic ap- Mary Ellen Sankaran, St. plause greeted “Amazing Bernadette Grace” Kostrzewski, 90, whose Kathleen Lawrence, St. program paragraph notes “Her Edward service and faithfulness is a Kathleen Wilson, St. James beautiful example of ‘servant- hood.’” Amy Richert, St. Mary Women honored at this 23rd Oratory annual event were: Maria Guadalupe Belmontes, St. Patrick BELVIDERE Virginia Schmidt, Cathedral of Gloria Sabo, St. James Parish St. Peter BYRON Elvia Mandujano, SS. Peter and Paul Rosemarie Edwards, St. Mary Janine Pigue, St. Rita Serving the Rockford Diocese! DURAND/IRISH GROVE Bogumila Sas, St. Stanislaus Call the professionals at Universal Restoration Services Helen Fisk, St. Mary/St. Kostka for clean up and repairs due to:

Patrick ROSCOE • Water Damage LOVES PARK Grace Kostrzewski, Holy Monica Riseley, St. Bridget Spirit • Fire Damage PECATONICA SOUTH BELOIT • Storm Damage Mary Kielty, St. Mary Mary Cotter, St. Peter • Mold Removal • Carpet Cleaning/Odor Removal

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Ball Fundraiser, Giovanni’s of St. Peter any emergency service call Restaurant ROCKFORD — Feb. 8, ROCKFORD — Feb. 1, 7:30 a.m., Sunday Mass, 7:30 a.m., Sunday Mass, Cathedral of St. Peter Call Toll Free: 877.496.6699 Cathedral of St. Peter ROCKFORD — Feb. 8, 1 www.4Universal.com DALLAS, Texas — Feb. p.m., Confi rmation, St. Rita 2-4, National Bioethics Center Workshop ROCKFORD — Feb. 8, 3 for Bishops p.m., Scout Sunday Award For more information contact: ROCKFORD — Feb. 5, Ceremony, Cathedral of St. 10 a.m., Diocesan Finance Peter Council Meeting, Diocesan [email protected] FONTANA, Wisconsin — Administration Center Feb. 9-11, Diocesan Winter ROCKFORD — Feb. 7, Clergy Conference 4 FRIDAY JANUARY 30, 2015 | T he Observer

Nation / World News in Brief Former senator’s daughter discusses gift of life, sister Bella’s story WASHINGTON (CNS)—For Elizabeth Santorum and her fam- ily, this year’s March for Life theme of “Every Life Is a Gift” has special significance. The oldest daughter of former senator and presidential candidate Rick Santorum is co-author with her dad and mom, Karen, of the forthcoming book “Bella’s Gift: How One Little Girl Transformed Our Family and Inspired a Nation.” The book “fits in perfectly with the theme of the march this year,” she said. It is about her youngest sister, Bella, who suffers from Trisomy 18, a rare genetic disorder that is often considered fa- tal. Elizabeth, the Santorums’ oldest daughter, spoke to Catholic News Service Jan. 22, the day of the march, about why she was there, the message of the book and what she has to offer young people about the pro-life movement. “I think at the March for Life, we’re obviously out here for the unborn children in the womb, to give them the chance for life, because every child de- serves a chance,” she said. “They deserve a chance to live out their unique dignity as a human being, but also because of the message for women, that this process is also horrific for the women involved with the process, so I’m here as well for the (CNS photo/L’Osservatore Romano via Reuters) mothers as the babies,” she added. Pope Francis meets Auschwitz concentration camp survivors Washington on road to sainthood (above) during his weekly devoted to aiding poor children general audience in Paul VI WASHINGTON (CNS)—As a boy growing up in his native Wash- hall at the Vatican Jan. 7. ington, Aloysius Schwartz dreamed of becoming a missionary Holocaust survivor Hy Abrams priest and serving the poor. As (left), 90, holds a book that a man, Msgr. Aloysius Schwartz documents all the different did just that, founding an order concentration camps he was of religious sisters, the Sisters held in during World War II. of Mary who joined him in bring- Abrams, who was taken at age ing an education, housing and 20 by German Nazi soldiers training to thousands of or- and separated from his mother, phans and street children, and father, and three sisters, hospitals for the poor in South posed Jan. 15 in the Brook- (CNS photo/courtesy Asian Relief) Korea and the Philippines, work lyn borough of New York. (CNS photo/Carlo Allegri, Reuters) Msgr. Aloysius Schwartz poses that expanded to Mexico before (in a file photo) with children at he died of Lou Gehrig’s disease one of his outreach programs in in 1992 at the age of 61. He also South Korea. founded the Brothers of Christ, who serve the poor and people Polls Show Declining with disabilities at centers in South Korea. On Jan. 22, Pope Francis signed a decree recognizing that Msgr. Schwartz lived a life of “heroic virtue,” meaning that he has been declared “vener- able,” making him the first native Washingtonian to achieve that title. The priest’s cause for has been promoted by Support forAbortion the Archdiocese of , Philippines, where the priest known as “Father Al” died and is buried. “The news that Father Aloysius By Nate Madden State of the Union address that Schwartz, one of our own who became a priest, has been de- Catholic News Service the drop is a result of actions Some of the clared as ‘venerable’ is not only a great joy and inspiration, but taken by his administration. it is a beautiful invitation to all young people to know God has WASHINGTON — A Jan. She said “the president is on numbers ... something in store for every one of us,” Washington Cardinal 21 report from the National record supporting abortion at of Donald W. Wuerl said in an interview with the Catholic Standard, Right to Life Committee and any time, for any reason; he is “want the archdiocesan newspaper. new poll results show that abor- not for any limit or restriction 84% tion is increasingly unpopular on abortion, but naturally, he is significant restrictions in the United States, but also going to put that statistic in the on abortions” that the number of abortions best light he possibly can.” — Join Us — performed in the United States In addition, results of a Pew of Americans is at its lowest point since 1975. Research Center poll released 60% say “abortion 2:00 p.m. The day after the State of the Jan. 22 showed that 51 per- is morally wrong” Feb. 15, 2015, Union Address, the right-to-life cent of U.S. adults say abortion believe the organization held a news con- The PoPe John Paul II MovIe should be legal in all or most abortion rate ference on its second annual 64% cases, compared to 43 percent in the United States is “The State of Abortion in the at the historic who say it should be illegal all higher than it should be United States” report. or most of the time. But when Arcada Theatre The report showed that the asked about the morality of support 105 E. Main St. number of abortions in the abortion only 15 percent of 78% parental St. Charles, IL 60174 United States, currently at 1.06 Americans view abortion as notification million per year, is at its low- being “morally acceptable,” The parishes of Holy Cross est point since 1975, when the while 49 percent currently be- oppose (Batavia), St. Gall (Elburn), St. number was 1.03 million and is lieve that it is morally wrong. taxpayer John Neumann (St. Charles), St. 68% down from the 1.6 million high funding Patrick (St. Charles), and St. Peter Sixty-four percent of His- (Geneva) joyfully invite you to a special screening of this epic in 1990. panic Catholics think abortion motion picture on the extraordinary life of Karol Wojtyla. You A new - is morally wrong, compared to almost 60% support wonʼt want to miss this amazing opportunity to see John Marist poll shows 84 percent 53 percent of white Catholics, legislation that would “permit Paul the Great for the first time ever on the “Big Screen”! This of Americans want significant according to the Pew results. medical professionals and movie was made in cooperation with the Vatican and received restrictions on abortion and The poll also showed a grow- organizations to refuse to the blessing of Pope Benedict XVI. would limit it to, at most, the ing regional divide. The per- provide abortions or refer Tickets: $8 at host parishes or online at www.oshows.com first three months of pregnancy. centage difference between patients for abortions,” Contact: Laura Kosmach (630) 845-1384 or At the National Right to Life people in New England (75 per- which are also known as Dianne Martin (630) 689-6218 news conference, Carol Tobias, cent) and the South (40 percent) “conscience protection laws” Suggested rating PG and released by Ignatius Press, although some scenes on the organization’s president, who think it should be illegal shooting of the Holy Father and the Nazi invasion not appropriate for small children. was asked about President in all or most cases has nearly — Knights of Columbus/Marist We thank The Arcada for their support. Barack Obama’s claim in the doubled since the mid-1990s. January poll of 2,079 adults T he Observer | FRIDAY JANUARY 30, 2015 5

Nation / World Non-Catholics Choose Catholic Schools for Values By Katie Scott kids to receive a solid educa- Catholic News Service tion and to avoid the pitfalls of public school.” The family was ARLINGTON, Va. — When home-schooled through eighth Felicia and Ethan Carr began grade, so she felt a smaller searching for a high school for school would ease the transi- their eldest son, they wanted a tion. Most importantly, though, school with a top-notch college “we wanted a Christ-centered preparatory program. school,” she added. But the Carrs, who are Bap- “The Catholic faith element tist, sought something else as has been a positive influence for well. our whole family,” Krista point- “A lot of schools focus on the ed out, noting that questions brain; we wanted a school that raised in religion class topics of- also focused on the heart,” said ten “motivate us to go back and Felicia. research what we believe.” (CNS photo/Paul Haring) The search eventually led Sam, who has considered be- Pope Francis leads ecumenical vespers at the Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls in Rome Jan. 25. The them to Bishop O’Connell High coming a minister, agrees with service marked the closing of the Week of Prayer for Christian unity as well as the feast of the Conversion School in Arlington where their his mom and said he’s been of St. Paul. See excerpts from the pope’s remarks on page 2. son Christopher is a junior and inspired by his Catholic class- his brother, Nicholas, is a fresh- mates. man. “Some (fellow students) want The Carrs are not alone. Na- to go into ministry, and whether tionally, one-fifth of Catholic it’s as a missionary or a priest or secondary school students are a , I’ve found that pretty cool not Catholic, according to the that we are different denomina- National Catholic Educational tions but all want to serve God,” Association. he said. Families from different faiths Krista Price said it was “a (CNS photo/D. Callahan, Catholic San Francisco) choose Catholic schools for little awkward at times” for Archbishop Salvatore J. Cordil- reasons “beyond class size and her son when Catholic students eone of San Francisco (center) beyond the academics,” said went to confession or the stu- and Greek Orthodox Metropoli- Virginia Colwell, principal of dents went to Mass. tan Gerasimos of San Francisco, Paul VI Catholic High School in But students and parents are pray during evening vespers Fairfax. “They are looking for quick to say they’ve felt wel- (CNS photo/Francis Wong) Jan. 18 at Immaculate Heart of something more, for a school comed. Chinese Cardinal John Tong Hon of (third from left) joins Mary Catholic Church in Bel- that has their moral values and At Catholic high schools in an ecumenical prayer Jan. 24 at Hong Kong’s St. John’s Cathedral. The mont, Calif. Prayers were offered their beliefs. They want their the Arlington Diocese, students Christian leaders issued a joint statement to mark the Week of Prayer for persecuted Christians in the children to be exposed to values are required to take religion for Christian Unity. Middle East and Africa. in the classroom every day, not courses and participate in faith- just at home.” based activities, such as school- According to the Second Vat- wide Masses and prayers. Of ican Council’s Declaration on course, non-Catholic students Christian Education, the proper don’t partake in the Eucharist function of Catholic schools “is or confession, but in every other Help Yourself and Your Parish ... to create for the school com- way “they are part of the spiri- munity a special atmosphere tual life of the school,” said Vor- with a charitable gift annuity. With your donation (cash, stocks or other assets) animated by the Gospel spirit of bach. freedom and charity.” Father Edward J. Bresnahan, to the Catholic Foundation for the People of the Diocese of Rockford, we agree It is this Gospel spirit that chaplain at Bishop Ireton High to pay you (and your parish if you choose) a fixed amount each year for the rest cultivates the value-focused en- School in Alexandria, said of your life. vironment that appeals to non- non-Catholics can “elevate the Catholic parents, said Joseph dialogue in religion classes” In addition to providing a gift to your parish or school and receiving fixed Vorbach, who is head of school because they have less knowl- at Bishop O’Connell. edge of Catholicism than cradle payments for life, you also receive these benefits: “Parents know that fundamen- Catholics and often ask more l Your initial gift is partially income tax–deductible. tally this is a program grounded questions. in a value system, and they find “Our basic premise is that all l Your charitable gift annuity payments are partially income tax–free that very appealing,” he told the are welcome,” said Sister Karl throughout your estimated life expectancy. Arlington Catholic Herald, the Ann Homberg, a Sister of St. diocesan newspaper. Joseph, who is assistant super- l Your payments are not affected by ups and downs in the economy. Krista Price, mother of Sam intendent of Arlington Catholic and Rachel Price, who attend Schools. l The gift annuity can be for one or two people, so your spouse or Bishop Ireton High School in Scott is a reporter for the Arlington Catholic another loved one can also receive payments for life. Alexandria, said her family is Herald, newspaper of the Diocese of Protestant but she “wanted the Arlington. If you use appreciated stock to make a gift, you can usually eliminate capital gains tax on a portion of the gift and spread the rest of the gain over your life expectancy.

Rates begin at 4.7% for donors age 65 and go up to 9% for those 90+.

To learn more about charitable gift annuities as a way to support yourself, parish or our Diocese, please consult www.FoundationRockford.org or (CNS photo/courtesy Saint John Paul the Great School) contact the Office of Stewardship Development Victor Alcantara, a religion teacher at St. John Paul the Great Catholic High School in Dumfries, Va., hands a test in 2014 to Myles Sherman, a at 815-399-4300. Baptist who says the Catholic high school has enriched his faith. 6 FRIDAY JANUARY 30, 2015 | The Observer

Nation / World

Msgr. John Kozar, News in Brief president of the U.S.-based Jesuits say violence continues South Catholic Near African history of xenophobia East Welfare Association, CAPE TOWN, South Africa (CNS)—A week of violence targeting and Bishop foreign nationals and their businesses in Soweto and other Johan- Lionel Gendron nesburg townships is a national disgrace and “continues South of Saint-Jean- Africa’s shameful history of xenophobia,” said The Jesuit Institute Longueuil, South Africa. The attacks and looting that left at least four people Quebec, Canada, dead started Jan. 19 when a Somali national allegedly shot and celebrate Mass killed a 14-year-boy who was among a group attempting to break at St. Charbel into his shop in Soweto. By Jan. 26, police had arrested more convent than 160 people for the attacks. in Annaya, “The savagery demonstrated Lebanon, Jan. and the failure to put a stop” to 19. They visited the violence “is deeply disturbing Lebanon and displays a failure of the state Jan. 19-23. to put an end to such behavior, (CNS photo/John Kozar, courtesy CNEWA) both by the enforcement of the law and the education of citizens in respect of the rights of foreign (CNS photo/Siphiwe Sibeko, Reuters) Locals run with items from a shop nationals,” the institute said in a in Soweto, South Africa, Jan. 22. CNEWA Officials Look Jan. 23 statement from its Johan- nesburg headquarters. With some South African officials denying that the attacks are motivated by xenophobia, The Jesuit Institute said, “An attack on and the systematic looting of a shop that hap- pens to be owned by a foreigner may not necessarily be xenopho- At Long-Range Needs bic, but a systematic series of attacks on over 80 such shops and foreign-born persons cannot simply be explained away.” Education, awe must mark approach Of Lebanon’s Refugees to other religions, pope says By Doreen Abi r AAD ing is needed for children that “We are in a posture of ex- (CNS)—Education about one’s own faith and the Catholic News Service have been through “horrible” treme gratitude to our donor faith of others is the most effective antidote to interreligious vio- circumstances. public, the wonderful, gener- lence, Pope Francis told participants in a conference on Catholic- BEIRUT—Officials of a pon- Msgr. Kozar — joined by ous people in Canada and the Muslim scholarship and dialogue. “When we meet people who tifical aid agency said they saw Carl Hetu, national direc- USA that have responded,” said profess their religion with conviction, their witness and thought much that needed to be done in tor of CNEWA Canada, and Msgr. Kozar. “And we want challenge us and lead us to question ourselves about our own Lebanon — if they could get Bishop Lionel Gendron of them to know they are making spirituality,” the pope said Jan. 24 to participants in the conference beyond crisis mode. Saint-Jean-Longueuil, Quebec, a huge difference, but please marking the 50th anniversary of the Pontifical Institute for Arabic Economically strapped Leba- and Islamic Studies in Rome. The pope and participants focused co-treasurer of the Canadian don’t stop, because there is so non is now hosting more than Catholic Conference of Bishops much more that we need to do on the importance of believers knowing the teachings of their own 1.5 million refugees — mostly faith and of learning to go beyond superficial and often prejudicial — spoke with Catholic News for all the Middle East.” Syrians — putting a strain on presentations of the faith of the other. Listening, the pope said, Service at CNEWA’s Beirut of- Founded by Pope Pius XI the country’s infrastructure “is not only a necessary condition for mutual understanding and fice about their Jan. 19-23 visit in 1926, New York City-based and resources for its existing peaceful coexistence, but it is also an educational obligation.” to Lebanon. CNEWA works for, through population of around 4 million Before arriving in Lebanon, and with the Eastern Catholic Archbishop says church in Niger will rebuild people. they visited Jordan. In both churches in the Middle East, OXFORD, England (CNS)—An archbishop in Niger said the “So much of our energy is a countries, they are helping Syr- Northeast Africa, India and church would rebuild after rioters destroyed its places of worship crisis intervention status, keep- ian and Iraqi refugees and the Eastern Europe to identify during protests over cartoons mocking depictions of Muhammad ing people from starving, from communities that support them. needs and help with solutions. by the French satirical newsweekly Charlie Hebdo. “We’re still try- freezing to death with these Iraqi families have continued “We show our solidarity at ing to understand the savagery which erupted here — but it’s cer- cold spells, keeping people to flee to Lebanon since the Is- every level with heads of the tain it was well thought-out, prepared and organized,” said Arch- from getting very sick and even lamic State purged Mosul and church, various , bishop Michel Cartateguy of Niamey, Niger. He also cited bravery dying from simple maladies the Ninevah Plain of Christians. church leaders, church provid- of local Muslims who sheltered and physical problems that can In talking about their meetings ers, the religious congrega- Christians from the violence develop into something seri- with church leaders, the del- tions that provide marvelous and imams who spoke against ous,” said Msgr. John Kozar, egation said they learned from — sometimes heroic — ser- it. “We now have to reconstruct president of Catholic Near East Armenian Nerses vice, laypeople, also and the hearts and minds deeply scarred Welfare Association. Bedros XIX Tarmouni that Ar- (CNEWA) staff here working by these events and renew the “But because of the uncer- menian families from Syria, amazingly in reaching out to friendly ties we always had with tainty of the (refugee) crises, Iraq and Turkey are also seek- the thousands of thousands of the Muslim community,” he told we have to look at what will be ing refuge in Lebanon, requir- refugees,” Msgr. Kozar said. (CNS photo/Joe Penney, Reuters) Catholic News Service. Arch- the next level of assistance .... ing the patriarchate’s help for The delegation’s itinerary in Men start reconstruction on a bishop Cartateguy said he be- There’s housing issues, educa- relief services. Lebanon included visiting a church in Niamey, Niger, Jan. 23. It lieved publication of the cartoons tional issues, longer-term health As the crisis in Syria and Iraq school run by the Good Shep- was destroyed in violent protests in Paris had only served as a pre- issues, post-traumatic issues,” lingers, more help is needed, herd Sisters for refugee children against French satirical magazine text for the riots, in which Catholic he said, adding that counsel- they said. in Deir al-Ahmar in Lebanon’s Charlie Hebdo. schools, orphanages and shops Bekaa Valley, near the Syrian were burned in Niamey, Maradi and Zinder. He said members of border, and meeting refugees Boko Haram, a Muslim militant group operating from neighboring in a nearby tent settlement Nigeria, had “certainly helped direct” the anti-Christian violence, camp. There they experienced which involved children as young as 10. firsthand the sisters’ witness of God’s love to the mostly Mus- Notre Dame theologian, dies at 78 lim refugee population. WASHINGTON (CNS)—Father Richard P. McBrien, a retired “They just have this radiance professor of theology at the University of Notre of love that’s infectious,” Msgr. Dame and who was chair of the university’s the- Kozar said of the sisters. ology department for 11 years, died Jan. 25 at Bishop Gendron credited the age 78 in his native Connecticut. A Jan. 25 an- sisters for the welcoming way nouncement by the university said Father Mc- the refugees accepted the del- Brien had died after a long illness, but did not egation and invited them into specify the cause of death. Funeral arrange- their tents. ments were incomplete. In addition to his teach- “They realized that they are (CNS photo) ing, Father McBrien wrote 25 books as well as (CNS photo/John Kozar, courtesy CNEWA) being loved,” he said of the ref- Father McBrien a weekly syndicated column, “Essays in Theol- A nun at the hospital run by the Sisters of the Cross in Deir el Kamar, ugees. “And so it opens up all ogy,” for the Catholic press for nearly 50 years. Lebanon, interacts with a child Jan. 23. doors.” The Observer | FRIDAY JANUARY 30, 2015 7 Observer Weekend is Jan. 31-Feb. 1

Rooted in Fai†h for

8Years

Subscribe Today to Your Source of Catholic Inspiration and Information. http://observer.rockforddiocese.org 815/399-4300, Ext. 383 8 FRIDAY JANUARY 30, 2015 | The Observer

March for Life Marchers Support Life from Coast to Coast In Washington, D.C.

(Photo provided) Cardinal Donald W. Wuerl of Washington speaks at the pro- life vigil Mass at National of the in Washington, D.C., Jan. 21.

(CNS photo/Gregory A. Shemitz) Cardinal Timothy M. Dolan of New York arrives to concelebrate (CNS photo/Jonathan Ernst, Reuters) Mass during a pro-life youth rally March for Life participants carry the banner past the front of the U.S. Supreme Court building in Washington Jan. 22. Tens of thousands took part at the Verizon Center in Washing- in the annual event, which this year marked the 42nd anniversary of the Supreme Court’s Roe v. Wade decision that legalized abortion across ton Jan. 22. the nation. In Chicago

(Photo provided)

Parishioners from St. Patrick, Church of Holy Apostles and St. Mary parishes in McHenry, St. John the Bap- (Photo provided) tist in Johnsburg, and St. in Crystal Lake, took a train to downtown Chicago Jan. 18 to Father David Peck (center), pastor, helps hold a Respect Life sign take part in the March for Life there. with members of St. John Neumann Parish in St. Charles.

(CNS photo/Karen Callaway, Catholic New World) Chicago Archbishop Blase J. Cu- pich speaks at Federal Plaza Jan. 18. “We can’t ... let another day go by without bringing to the attention of everyone that there are those who are (Photo provided) (Photo provided) struggling — literally Cyboran of St. Patrick Parish in McHenry is interviewed Members of St. Patrick Parish in St. Charles hoist their pro-life signs struggling — to come on WGN television during the Chicago March for Life. The march in the Federal Plaza in downtown Chicago. They were part of a four- from the Federal Plaza was the 10th annual March for Life in Chi- bus caravan that included members of St. John Neumann and St. into the world.” cago. Thousands rallied before marching through downtown to the Patrick parishes in St. Charles, Holy Cross in Batavia and St. Peter, —Chicago Archbishop Blase J. Cupich James R. Thompson Center for a closing rally. Geneva. The Observer | FRIDAY JANUARY 30, 2015 9

March for Life

(CNS photo/Jonathan Ernst, Reuters) Pro-life supporters pray in the hall- way outside U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell’s legisla- tive office on Capitol Hill in Wash- ington, D.C., Jan. 22.

(Photo provided)/Facebook Students from Church of Holy Apostles youth group hoist their signs at the March for Life rally in Washington, D.C., Jan. 22.

(CNS photo/Leslie E. Kossoff) Jeanne Monahan-Mancini, direc- tor of the March for Life, speaks at the National Mall Jan. 22

(Photo provided/Facebook) Students from Marmion Academy and High School in Aurora gather for a group shot as they prepare to head to the March for Life together. (Photo provided Bishop David Malloy joins other bishops as they process into the Ba- silica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Wash- ington, D.C., for the annual pro-life vigil Mass Jan. 21.

(CNS photo/Leslie E. Kossoff) Giovanni Francesco, 11, from the Archdiocese of Arlington, Va., listens

(Photo provided/Facebook) to speakers on the National Mall. The Newman Center at Northern Illinois University in DeKalb was represented by Austin Edmondson, Johan Hernandez, Briana Tobin, James Mikucki, Jennifer Peters, AleJandro Rivera, Courtney Wille and Rebekah Ernat at the March for Life Jan. 22.

(Photo provided/Facebook) (Photo provided) Pilgrims from SS. Peter and Paul Parish in Cary pose for a shot at a Bishop David Malloy processes into March for Life event in Washington, D.C. Marchers from the Diocese of the Mass at the Verizon Center, Jan. Rockford were assigned to the D.C. Armory to watch the annual Pro- 22, a Mass streamed live to the D.C. Life Mass and march rally Jan. 22. The Mass, which took place in the Armory, where Rockford pilgrims Verizon Center, was screened on closed-circut TV to the Armory. watched. In San Francisco

(Photo provided) Bishop David Malloy (second from left facing camera) joins marchers from the Diocese of Rockford on their walk in Washington, D.C.

(CNS photo/Jose Aguirre, Catholic San Francisco)

(CNS photo/Leslie E. Kossoff) Tens of thousands of people march down Market Street in San Francisco Jan. 24 chanting, “We are the A group of Capitol Hill lawmakers addresses crowds of supporters dur- pro-life generation” in the 11th annual Walk for Life West Coast. It is the largest pro-life demonstration in ing the March for Life rally on the National Mall in Washington Jan. 22. the western United States. 10 FRIDAY JANUARY 30, 2015 | The Observer The Junior Observer Vol. 29, No. 5 Published by The Observer, Offi cial Catholic Newspaper of the Diocese of Rockford [email protected] A Good News Story Jesus Begins Preaching, Working Miracles Catholic News Service “Quiet! Come out of him.” miracle. He went to the home of Q&A Simon’s mother-in-law and healed fter was her of a serious fever. arrested, Jesus went to What did Jesus say about Later that evening many people A Galilee to proclaim the the kingdom of God? came to Jesus asking for healing gospel of God. and deliverance. He healed people Why did Jesus want “This is the time of fulfi llment,” who were sick of many different he said. “The kingdom of God is to be alone? diseases, and He cast out many at hand. Repent, and believe in the Read more about it in Mark 1. other unclean spirits. Jesus com- Gospel.” (CNS) manded the unclean spirits not to Jesus wanted men He could who were in a boat mending a net. are — the Holy One of God!” speak because they knew who Jesus depend on to travel with Him and When Jesus called them, they, too, Jesus looked at the man and was. to help Him carry out his work. He left their work to follow Him. said: “Quiet! Come out of him.” After that Jesus would rise be- saw two fishermen casting their Jesus and His new disciples The unclean spirit drove the man fore the sun came up so He could nets into the Sea of Galilee. One went to Capernaum where Jesus into convulsions and came out of be alone to pray. Simon found Jesus was named Simon, the other was taught in the synagogue on the him with a loud scream. and told him, “Everyone is looking his brother Andrew. Sabbath day. Jesus spoke with such The people who witnessed this for you.” Jesus called out to them: “Come wisdom and authority that everyone questioned each other: “What is So Jesus answered: “Let us go after me, and I will make you fi shers who heard Him was amazed. this? A new teaching with author- on to the nearby villages that I may of men.” In the synagogue was a man ity. He commands even the unclean preach there also. For this purpose The two men immediately left who had an unclean spirit. “What spirits, and they obey Him.” have I come.” their work and went with Jesus. have you to do with us, Jesus of This story quickly spread And Jesus kept His word, Jesus continued walking and saw Nazareth?” the man said. “Have you throughout the region of Galilee. preaching, healing people and cast- two other brothers, also fi shermen, come to destroy us? I know who you But Jesus did not stop with this ing out unclean spirits. 15th Chance to Share Your Heart with Peru‛s Children n Ash Wednes- of the hearts as you’d like. nated more than $60,000 Here‛s How You Can Help day, Feb. 18, Since Heart to Heart to help school children we begin the Decorate these double hearts, cut them out and send them, with a $2 O began, children have in Peru. donation for each pair, to The Junior Observer, Heart to Heart, P.O. Box 7044, church season of Lent. decorated more than Can you help this Rockford, IL 61125. Do not mount your hearts on other paper because it adds to One important part of 26,000 hearts and do- year? mailing costs. The deadline for hearts and donations is Good Friday, April 3. Lent is almsgiving, which  is another word for giving help to the needy. Fifteen years ago, Heart to Heart ... De Corazón al Corazón Rita Prunuske, former Rockford — 2015 — Chulucanas president of the Dioc- esan Council of Catho- lic Women, and Penny Wiegert, former Junior Observer editor, heard that poor children in Peru were unable to attend school because they had no paper and pencils. They knew Rockford Diocese had sent mission- aries and helped build a church in the Diocese of Chulucanas, so they decided to ask children here to help the children of Peru. Heart to Heart was born. To take part, all you need to do is decorate the hearts on this page, collect (or earn) $2, and send your donation to The Junior Observer. (See box above, right.) Make as many copies The Observer | FRIDAY JANUARY 30, 2015 11

Around the Diocese

Going on Now McHenry Deanery AURORA Batavia Parish, Citrus orders: Feb. 9 is the last day to order tangelos, oranges, grapefruit School Raise Money and pecans, from St. Peter, 925 Sard Ave. Pick-up Feb. 14-15 at the for Babies church. Cost: varies. Info: 630/892- During October and November, 1088 or 630/896-6816. Holy Cross Parish in Batavia had a Baby Bottle Campaign to raise Save the Date funds for pro-life pregnancy centers and maternity homes Feb 10 in the area. Holy Cross School BATAVIA took part in the fundraiser as a Brotherhood banquet: 6:30 p.m.; competition to see which class Holy Cross Donovan Hall, 2300 Main St. Speaker: Al Ritter, president, could raise the most money. Ritter Consulting Group. Cost: $15. The three top classes presented Info: parish office or after Masses. checks totaling $9,043.86 on be- half of the parish. Kelly Carlson’s Feb 11 fourth-graders (right) took first ROCKFORD Valentine’s dinner: 6-8 p.m.; St. place and presented a check to Edward, 3304 11th St. Sponsors: Larry and Marge Theriault for Rockford Retrouvaille and St. the Father Michael J. McGivney Edward Ladies Guild. Dinner and Center for Hope and Healing. discussion on “The Five Love Languages.” Cost: $12 per person. Info: Mary Witt, 815/315-3847; [email protected]. Feb 13 ALGONQUIN Speaker series: 7:30-9 p.m. (third of five Friday sessions); St. Margaret Mary McDonnell Hall, 111 S. Hubbard. Topic: Praying for Baptism in the Holy Spirit. Sponsor: Life in the Spirit prayer group. Free. Info: John Morici, 847/915-0223, jamxii@aol. com; Mary Ann Watt, 708/475-3653. Feb 14 BATAVIA 29th Pancake breakfast: 7:30 a.m.- noon; Holy Cross Donovan Hall, Mary DeBlock’s second-graders finished second and presented a (Photos provided) 2300 Main St. Sponsor: Boy Scout check to Kelly Gorski, executive director of the Waterleaf Women’s Lisa Baier’s eighth-graders took third and presented a check to Jean- Troop 21. Cost: $8 per person; $30 Center. na Desideri, executive director of the Fox Valley Pregnancy Center. per family. JOHNSBURG Valentine dinner: 5 p.m. cocktails, Servers Honored 6 p.m. dinner; St. John the Baptist hall, 2304 Church St. Italian dinner; Father Max Striedl (second row, cash bar; floor show featuring Larry far right), pastor of St. Mary Briedenbach with songs of Sinatra, Parish, Huntley, Father Manny Bennett, Martin and Como. Cost: Gomez (waving in back), paro- $15 adults; $7 children 6-12. Info: chial vicar, and Deacon John 815/385-1477. McPhee (back, near tree) join LOVES PARK parish altar servers who were Parish talk: 10 a.m.-1 p.m.; St. Bridget, 600 Clifford Ave. Speaker: honored at a breakfast, Dec. 27, Scott Hahn. Cost: $20 adults; at the parish ministry center. The $10 students. Info: Scott Long, annual tradition, now more than [email protected], 815/262- 20 years old, is hosted by Knights 5007; 815/633-6311. of Columbus Council 11666. Feb 15 (Photo provided) ST. CHARLES “Pope John Paul II”: 2 p.m.; Arcada Good for You Theater, 105 E. Main St. Sponsors: Holy Cross, Batavia; St. Gall, Elburn; Student honored: Rachel Advertise in St. John Neumann and St. Patrick, Humphreys, a senior at Newman St. Charles; St. Peter, Geneva. Cost: Central Catho- Coming $8 at parishes. Info: sponsoring lic High School parishes. The Observer’s annual in Sterling, is Feb 17 the school’s April 24th BATAVIA N o v e m b e r Book club: 9-11 a.m.; Holy Cross full circulation edition! Student of the Donovan Hall, 2300 Main St. Catho- Month. She is lic Women’s Book Club selection “Crossing the Tiber” by Steven Ray. the daughter Info: Laura Kosmach, 630/845-1384; of Mark and Carol Humphreys of Reach over 90,000 Catholic homes! Ann Marie Schwartz, 630/208-8824. Sterling, and sister to Lauren. Ra- ROCKFORD chel is a member of the National Put your business in front of more than Mass and luncheon: 10 a.m.; St. Honor Society, Key Club, girls’ James, 428 N. Second St. Mass and track and volleyball teams, and readers (including “pass along” readership) Pre-Lenten reflection with Father founding president of Newman 225,000 Leonard Jacobs. Sponsor: Catholic Women’s League. Chunky soup Student Ambassadors. She won and canned fruit collection. RSVP Academic All-Conference and The place to connect with your for luncheon by Feb. 10. Cost: $10 2013-14 CEO Student of the Year members; $12 non-members. Info: awards. She started and manages Catholic audience in the Rockford Diocese! Rosie Magee, 815/633-5282. her own business called “Dainty Evening of Reflection: 7 p.m.; St. Jewelry” and works in retail sales, Contact Kevin McCarthy @ 815-399-4300 ext. 385 Bernadette, 2400 Bell Ave. Speaker: is an aide for third grade religious Carol Sullivan, spiritual director or email [email protected] and retreat leader. Topic: “Spiritual education, and volunteers at Home Toolbox … Building Our Prayer of Hope, Let’s Feed our Children Life.” Refreshments after talk. Info: and Giving Tree. She The Offi cial Newspaper of the Catholic Diocese of Rockford Reserve YOUR space by April 10 815/323-2303. plans to attend Indiana University. 12 FRIDAY JANUARY 30, 2015 | The Observer

Around the Diocese

Sterling Deanery News Save the Date

Feb. 20 ELGIN Student retreat: 7 p.m. Feb. 20-3 p.m. Feb. 21; St. School, 1625 Highland. Sponsor: STM Youth Ministry. For sixth- through eighth-grade students at Exploring the St. Thomas More School. Theme: “Earthen Vessels.” Faith, fun, History of Christmas music and activities. Space limited. Cost: $25 (includes 2 meals, Students from St. Mary School snack, t-shirt). Info: Lisa Gaston, in Sterling presented their an- 847/888-1682, ext. 19, lgaston@ nual Advent program entitled stthomasmorechurch.org. “Back to the Manger.” Students “time-traveled” through many Feb. 21 decades to attend the ac- ELGIN Bowling for babies: 11:30 a.m.; tual event of Christmas. One Bowlway Lanes, 810 Villa St. of their stops was the 1950s. Proceeds for TLC pregnancy care services. Team bowling. Cost: pledges. Info: bit.ly/ TLCBowlingForBabies. Send Lent Items (Photos provided) It is too late to submit Lent Knights of Columbus Free activities for Ashes to Ashes, but we still want to know about your Throw Contest winners of parish, school and organization the St. Mary School, Ster- plans for Lent. We’ll place late ling, contest are (from left) items in The Observer as we Madison Craft, Ainsley Reed, receive them. See box on this Griffin Moran, Kiley Sanders, page for submission information. Brett Newman, Olivia Boesen, and Rude. These Elsewhere students will compete at the district level on Feb. 8. Feb. 20-21 (Photo provided) EVANSTON Polar Plunge: 2 p.m. Feb. 20-1 p.m. Feb. 21; Northwestern University’s What’s Up North Beach. Fundraiser for Special Olympics Illinois. Plunging once an hour for 24 hours. Cost: $75 or Wed Feb 4 Fri Feb 6 Submit Online: Parish, school and organization publicists may more in pledges. Info: Matt Johnson, send news and photos using interactive forms at The Observer web- 309/888-2563; www.plungeillinois. Deadline for Feb. 13 What’s Up ALGONQUIN site http://observer.rockforddiocese.org/contact-us. Click on Submit com. (for events Feb. 16-22) Speaker series: 7:30-9 p.m. (third Events and News. (You may attach one picture per form.) Submis- Feb. 21 of five Friday sessions); St. Mar- sions will be forwarded to El Observador and to the diocesan calendar. CRYSTAL LAKE DUBUQUE, IOWA garet Mary McDonnell Hall, 111 S. Submit by Mail: Send mail submissions to The Observer, P.O. Box Women’s conference: 7 a.m.; RCIA for Catholics: 7-8:30 p.m.; Hubbard. Topic: Receiving God’s 7044, Rockford, IL 61125. Grand River Center, 500 Bell St. Thomas the Apostle Communi- Gifts. Sponsor: Life in the Spirit Deadline is 10 days before publication. St. Annual Martha and Mary ty Center, 451 W. Terra Cotta Ave. prayer group. Free. Info: John Conference. Speakers, rosary, Speaker: Father Jon Bakkelund, Morici, 847/915-0223, jamxii@ with Special Religious Education sor: Domestic Violence and Abuse closing Mass. Cost: $48 lay persons; diocesan director of Divine Wor- aol.com; Mary Ann Watt, 708/475- Development. Lunch and materi- Ministry. Child care provided. Info: $30 religious; $25 full-time students; ship. Topic: the Mass. Info: JoEllen 3653. als. Cost: $10. Info: Deborah La 630/377-8375, terryapple12@att. $5-off until Feb. 7; $10 more at Gregus, 815/455-5400; jgregus@ Porte, 630/945-7586; spred.rfd@ net. door. Info: 563/580-9373; www. springtimeofhope.org. saintthomascatholicchurch.org Sat Feb 7 gmail.com. ST. CHARLES ROCKFORD Sun Feb 8 Look for more events on AURORA New volunteer training: Preg- The Observer Catholic Bible Study: 9:15-11 a.m. Waterleaf benefit: 7 p.m.; The nancy Care Center of Rockford. ROCKFORD Newspaper Facebook page and (Wednesdays through March 25); Abbington, 3S002 Illinois 53, Glen Call for times and location. Info: Pancake breakfast: 8-11 a.m.; St. the diocesan calendar page at St. John Neumann, 2900 E. Main Ellyn. Proceeds for pregnancy Bernadette, 2400 Bell Ave. Spon- St. Sponsor: Fox Valley Women’s education and counseling. Info: 815/997-1200. www.rockforddiocese.org. sor: St. Joseph the Worker Council www.waterleafwc.org. Bible Study. Topic: Book of Job. ST. CHARLES 15530. All the pancakes you can Child care available; infants free. ELGIN “Be Empowered”: 9 a.m.-1 p.m.; eat, biscuits and gravy, sausage, Photo Tips Cost: $30 in advance; $35 at door. SPRED training: 9 a.m.-2 p.m.; St. John Neumann, 2900 E. Main egg, potato-cheese casserole. Submitted photos must be Info: Kathy Michelotti, 630/377- St. Thomas More, 215 Thomas St. Panel discussion about do- Cost: $5 adults; $3 children 5-12; in focus or we will not be able 4629. More Dr. For volunteers to help mestic violence and abuse. Spon- $15 families of four or more. to use them. Identify people in photos from left to right using McHenry Deanery News first and last names. When submitting electronic Several of the 122 members of images: Church of Holy Apostles’ prayer n Send the original .jpg format line ministry gathered for the an- from the camera with a dpi nual blessing recently. The min- of 72. For best reproduction istry has taken more than 39,400 please send uncropped, full prayer requests since it began in size photos. 1992. Among members are (from n Do not embed them in Word left) seated) Jean Lindholm, or any other word processing Heather Snyder, Margaret Mayer, program. Send separate .jpg Alyce J. Shay, Don Dziedzic, attachments. n Send scanned images at a Terri Krey and Charlene Stasko, resolution of at least 200dpi. (standing) Patti Roberts, Debbie Printed images must: Gunness, Barb Haffner, Annette n be on photographic paper. Feller, Janice DeRose, Cheryl n not be folded, taped or Hivon and Tina Schwichow. stapled. (Photo provided) The Observer | FRIDAY JANUARY 30, 2015 13

Faith Forum Know Your Stem Cells Before Supporting, Objecting to Research Legalized abortion removed any consideration for this type is of such interest is because they have not you opposed to stem cell research?” you should ask in the rights of the unborn. In vitro fertilization made it differentiated to become specifi c types of body cells return,“What kind?” before answering. possible to create life yet. Therefore, in theory one may eventually be able What about the effectiveness of each? Adult stem Ethically Speaking in a lab. Together, we to control that process and make those cells become cells have proven tremendously effective. There are have unprecedented whatever type of body by Father Kenneth dramatic examples of Wasilewski control over human cell is desired. The Catholic Church is in no way opposed the paralyzed walking Diocesan Ethicist life in its earliest In recent years sci- again, burn victims stages. entists have discovered to the use of stem cells that come from growing new skin, This has opened another way to po- adults or other sources which do no harm damaged tracheas the door to wide- tentially acquire stem being regrown, and [email protected] spread exploitation cells. Researchers have to those from whom they are taken. many others. Thou- and destruction of discovered a process by sands upon thousands innocent human life. One example is with embryonic which ordinary body have been helped and dozens upon dozens of condi- stem cell research. There is great ignorance with this cells (skin cells for example) can be “re-programmed” tions can be treated using non-embryonic stem cells, issue, a fact unscrupulous politicians and scientists of- or “induced” to act much like stem cells. The promise and the list grows each day. ten exploit. To understand this, we have to look at what with this technique is that one may be able to make So what about embryonic stem cells? To be blunt, is involved. cells which act like the “embryonic” type without any they haven’t really helped anyone yet, despite hun- “Stem cells” are simply those cells that can develop destruction of human life. That potential though is still into different types of body cells. In the human body a long way off. dreds of millions of dollars and years of research. One they are found in many places: bone marrow, fat, na- With these different sources of stem cells comes simple reason is the issue of rejection. They are from sal cells, to name a few. Cells from these sources are very important moral distinctions. The Catholic someone else’s body, and therefore face the same re- sometimes called “adult stem cells.” They are abun- Church is in no way opposed to the use of stem cells jection issues that organs from a donor may face. Oth- dant in our bodies. To extract them really does no seri- that come from adults or other sources which do no er types of stem cells are often taken from a person’s ous harm. There are no major moral concerns about harm to those from whom they are taken. However, own body. using these stem cells for therapeutic reasons. In fact, the Church is vehemently opposed to the use of em- Providentially the stem cells which have no seri- the Catholic Church strongly supports their respon- bryonic stem cells, since they always involve the de- ous moral objections are the ones that continue to do sible use if done with proper informed consent. struction of human life. unbelievable good. Those which have serious moral Another place stem cells are found are in human em- The media often lumps all “stem cells” together as problems have not, with little promise for the immedi- bryos — those human beings who are just a few days though they are all the same. But the distinction here ate future. Despite the hype and misinformation sur- to a few weeks post conception — hence the term “em- is critical — embryonic stem cells are merely one rounding this issue, the facts make it clear that when bryonic stem cells.” They are only acquired through type, and the only kind that necessarily involves the it comes to stem cells, the path that respects life also the destruction of a living human embryo. The reason destruction of a human life. If someone asks, “Are offers the greatest hope. Viewpoints Ordinary Time CNS/ Martha Campbell The Holy Family Shares Familiar Parental Foibles First, a disclaimer: I’m not a Scripture scholar. God bless her for sharing the story. God bless Full disclosure: I’m not a scholar. her for pointing out that even in a family without As someone sin, mistakes can be made. A teen can assume Your Family who has spent his parents will know where he is. A dad can part of the past assume he’s with his mom. A mom can assume by Bill Dodds 40 years writ- the child is with his father, and all of them can ing fi ction, it’s be wrong. easy for me to Apparently, even the Holy Family wasn’t “per- picture people fect” all the time, and scenes if the defi nition of I’ve had a child Catholic News Service and to “eaves- that word means drop” on what mistake-free. wander from me in they’re saying to each other. I’ve thought of the grocery store, Lately, I’ve been thinking about the that more since my Mary and St. Luke. You may know that tradi- wife, Monica, died or I’ve wandered tion says Luke and Mary were close and that’s two years ago. I re- away from him why his Gospel includes some material about her member the good or her, but it was that’s not in the other three. times, the blessed Luke mentions Joseph and Mary misplacing times, but also only a matter of a Jesus for a few days and then fi nding him in the the times when I worried minute or temple. I’ve had a child wander from me in the made mistakes. I grocery store, or I’ve wandered away from him remember the ac- so before we were or her, but it was only a matter of a worried min- tions that, unin- reunited. ute or so before we were reunited. My little one tentionally, caused wasn’t the Son of God, the Messiah, so I didn’t her concern or have that added pressure. pain. Even now, with grown children and as a It seems safe to assume that Mary told the grandparent, I still make mistakes. story to Luke or he wouldn’t have been able to Mary, in her generous humility, offers comfort record it. It appears that Mary, born without sin to every spouse, parent, grandparent, every son and sinless all her life, um, made a mistake. She or daughter, every sibling, every family member lost her child for three days. That’s a long, long and friend who has made a mistake involving the time to be searching. Years later, she told some- family. one who was going to make the story public. “We all make mistakes,” she says to each of

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 speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, P.O. Box 7044 in the subject line.) and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances. Rockford, IL 61125 Please provide your name, — The First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution Fax: 815/399-6225 address, and phone number. 14 FRIDAY JANUARY 30, 2015 | The Observer OBITUARY  Audrey L. Fixmer for The Catholic Herald, the Madison FORT ATKINSON, Wis.—Au- Diocese newspaper. It also appeared For the Record drey Lucille Mettel Fixmer, 86 of in The Observer. An avid writer, Fort Atkinson, Wis., died peacefully Audrey wrote a novel, “Song of the at her home on Jan. 22, 2015, sur- Phoenix” and published a collection Deaths mann, 91, Jan. 12; one-tenth of His money that rounded by her family. of articles entitled, “Growing Old HARMON—St. Flannon: has been entrusted to you. Born in Aurora, Jan. 25, 1928, Gracefully and other Likely Stories.” AURORA—Annunciation Charles Ribordy, 75, Jan. 9; Courtesy of Parish Publications Audrey was the daughter of Alois She taught communications, public BVM: Jerry Weiland, 52, Dec. MCHENRY—St. Patrick: “Stewardship” newsletter and Gertrude (Pattermann) Mettel. speaking and “Writing Your Life 3; Richard Cutlip, 66, Jan. 7; She married Robert (Bob) Fixmer on Story” at Madison Area Technical Clara McAndrews, 86, Jan. 13; Irene D. Dietiker, Aug. 23, 1947, in Aurora. They had College. Holy Angels: ROCKFORD—St. Anthony of Mass Meditation 11 children, 19 grandchildren and 15 She was preceded in death by her 100, Jan. 11; Padua: Joseph Dimario, 90, Sunday, Feb. 1 (4th Ordi- great-grandchildren. husband, Robert, in 2010 and an infant St. Peter: Jesse Vazquez, 51, Jan. 14; Antoinette Giovingo, told the people, She graduated from Madonna son, Gregory, in 1955. She is survived Jan. 12; 79, Jan. 19; nary): High School in Aurora, and received by her children: Rob (Lee), Scotch “The Lord will raise up for you both bachelor and master degrees Plaines, N.J.; Tom (Janet), Firestone, DEKALB—St. Mary: Claudia SOUTH BELOIT—St. Peter: a prophet like me from among L. Rebaya, 89, Jan. 14; Dennis R. Atkinson, 69, Jan. of education from the University of Colo.; Tim (Carson), Cedar Rapids, your own kinsmen” (Dt 18:15). Iowa; Elizabeth, Fort Atkinson, Wis.; 9; Helen M. Rosenberger, 91, Wisconsin-Whitewater. With degrees FREEPORT—St. Thomas God still provides among His in English and education, Audrey Kathi (Curt), Stoughton, Wis.; Kris Aquinas: Charles F. Schmelrle, Jan. 10. (Mark Dziewior), Fort Atkinson, people the gifts and talents taught English in the Fort Atkinson 86, Jan. 16; Madelon Myers, public schools for 22 years at both Wis.; Gretchen, Denver, Colo.; Patty Weddings necessary to continue the the high school and the middle school (Ernie) Gerhard, Fort Atkinson, Wis.; 92, Jan. 22; work of His Church. What gifts levels. John (Janine), Fort Atkinson, Wis.; GENOA—St. Catherine of ST. CHARLES—St. John are yours to share? Mark, Fort Atkinson, Wis. An avid patron of the arts, she Genoa: Angeline M. Madey, Neumann: Katherine Mullen Courtesy of Sharon Hueckel performed and directed numerous Visitation was at Nitardy Funeral 97, Jan. 11; and Jeffrey Perrotta, Jan. 17. plays for both the school district and Home, 1008 Madison Ave., Fort At- HAMPSHIRE—St. Charles Fort Atkinson Community Theater. kinson, Wis., on Sunday, Jan. 25, 2-6 Stewardship Moment Life Moment Some of the most well-remembered p.m. with the parish rosary at 6 p.m. Borromeo: Melvin Olson, 85, Jan. 7; Mildred “Peggy” Herr- Pray: That our national sport- productions included Annie, Sound and at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Tithing teaches: Tithing of Music, Oklahoma, Carousel, Mid- 1660 Endl Blvd., Fort Atkinson, Wis., If you or someone you know teaches that life can be lived ing events may promote char- summer Night’s Dream and The on Monday, Jan. 26, 10 a.m.-12 p.m. has been the victim of sexual by those who place God first. acter, unity, and virtue in our Blackhawk Pageant. A Mass of Christian Burial followed abuse by an employee or mem- personal and social lives. Audrey was a member of St. Jo- at noon. When you tithe, you are only ber of the clergy of the Rockford setting apart for God’s use Courtesy of www.priestsforlife.org seph Catholic Church in Fort Atkin- Memorials can be made to St. Jo- Diocese, report the matter to son and wrote a column, Grandmom, seph School or Rainbow Hospice. law enforcement in the county The Observer accepts paid obituaries from funeral homes for members of parishes in in which the conduct occurred Write to us at observer@ the Diocese of Rockford. Notices will be edited for . Parishioners may ask funeral and then please call the hot-line homes with which they work to call 815/399-4300 for information. number: 815/293-7540. rockforddiocese.org The Observer | FRIDAY JANUARY 30, 2015 15

Media/Arts Parishes to Host St. John Paul Movie ST. CHARLES—Four Fox Some scenes, such as the Valley parishes are hosting a shooting of St. John Paul II and big screen showing of the 2005 of the Nazi invasion of Poland, CBS mini-series, “Pope John may not be appropriate for small Paul II,” starring Jon Voight. children. The matinee is scheduled The parishes hosting the film Feb. 15 at 2 p.m. at the Arcada are Holy Cross, Batavia; St. Theatre, 105 E. Main St., in St. Gall, Elburn; St. John Neumann Charles. and St. Patrick, St. Charles Voight is a graduate of Arch- through the Ignatius Press Mov- (Observer screen shot/ www.ignatius.com) bishop Stepinac High School in ie Night program. Jon Voight stars in the movie Tickets are $8 and available White Plains, New York, and “Pope John Paul II.” attended Catholic University of from host parishes or at www. America in Washington, D.C. series first aired on CBS. oshows.com. There is a sur- He was nominated for a Others in the film are Cary El- charge for online purchases. Primetime Emmy award for wes, Ben Gazzara, Christopher Info: Laura Kosmach, 630/845- outstanding lead actor in a Lee and James Cromwell. It was 1384, or Dianne Martin, miniseries or a movie when the directed by John Kent Harrison. 630/689-6218. At the Movies based on Chris Kyle’s 2012 ized violence, gore, a scene of A-III Still Alice (Sony Classics) memoir (written with Scott torture, a premarital situation, PG-13 The depredations of McEwen and Jim DeFelice) sexual humor and references, Alzheimer’s disease about his service as a Navy profanity, rough and crude and its toll on the families of SEAL during the conflict in Iraq. language. The Texas native, Kyle (Bradley the afflicted are not on display Also rated: in this flawed drama about a Cooper), insists on returning to Columbia University linguistics combat through four grueling O The Boy Next professor (Julianne Moore). tours of duty, which exacts a R Door The film fails to follow through psychological toll and strains (Universal) on a number of its story lines, his relationship with his wife including the title character’s (Sienna Miller). Working from O The Wedding preparation for the taking of her a script by Jason Hall, director R Ringer own life. Clint Eastwood successfully (Screen Gems) conveys the heroic personal THIS FILM CONTAINS mature — Catholic News Service commitment that motivated themes, including suicide, ref- — Position Available — erences to body functions and Kyle to protect his fellow fight- crass language. ers. Yet the film avoids any big-picture moral assessment Aurora Deanery Director American of the specific struggle in which The Catholic Diocese of Rockford seeks to hire someone to A-III he participated or of armed serve as full time Deanery Director of Religious Education Sniper (DDRE) for the 14 parishes in the Aurora Deanery. This person R (Warner Bros.) clashes in general. Newspapers • Catalogs • Mail Service Business Cards • Magazines • Brochures must be a practicing Catholic in good standing with at least 5 Sober war drama THIS FILM CONTAINS styl- years’ experience in catechetical leadership. 815-758-5484 121 Industrial Drive • DeKalb, IL 60115 Duties include coordinating catechist formation programs, Author to Speak at Byron Library overseeing the Deanery Catechetical Center, serving as liaison with the Diocesan Office of Religious Education and ROCKFORD—Abbie Reese, author of ‘Catholic Mass’ Youth Ministry, serving as catechetical consultant to Pastors, “Dedicated to God,” will be speaking on Catechetical Leaders, Catechists, Catholic School Principals March 19, 6-7 p.m., at the Byron Public Sundays at 6:30 a.m. and Teachers. on WREX-TV, Library, 100 S. Washington St. Candidates ideally would have a Master’s degree in Religious For more information, call Jeannine Channel 13 in Education or a related field, but minimally completion of the Hedges at 815/234-5107 or email her at Rockford Diocesan Ministry Formation Program and the Catechetical [email protected]. or on the Web at Leader Certification Program. Reese will also speak at St. Bernadette http://observer. Applications can be found online at www. Parish, March 3. Watch for details in up- rockforddiocese.org. rockforddiocese.org/education. coming editions of The Observer. For questions contact John McGrath at 815-399-4300 or Brought to you by The Diocesan Office of On Jan. 29, she spoke at St. Rita Par- Communications and Publications email [email protected]. ish, 6254 Valley Knoll Dr., at 7 p.m. She talked about turning her inside view of Rockford’s Poor Clare into a full Superintendent/Chief Administrative Officer length documentary film. Free-will of- Marian Central Catholic High School in Woodstock, IL. is accepting applications for Superintendent/C.A.O. Marian is a co-educational Diocesan Catholic High School of ferings and paper products and cleaning approximately 725 students located in the heart of McHenry Co. about 45 miles Northwest of supplies for the Poor Clares were col- Chicago. All interested candidates must: lected. • Be practicing Roman Catholics; Read reviews and more at http://observer. • Have a Master’s Degree (preferably in School Administration); rockforddiocese.org/ • Hold a current Administrative License from the State of Illinois (or its equivalent from another state); book-club-blog. • Have a minimum of 5 years of school administrative experience, preferably in a Catholic School. Additional requirements for the position include, but are not limited to, the ability to: • Develop short and long range strategic plans; Emergency Services Intake Worker • Develop and implement annual budgets; Aurora Catholic Charities office • Supervise and evaluate the principal and all administrative staff; Part-time 25 hours per week • Oversee the Development and Alumni Offices; • Work closely with the Council of Administration to promote the vision and mission of the school Requirements: Strong assessment skills; good communication skills; organized/accurate data entry; working knowledge of Compensation based on experience and qualifications. word processing and spreadsheets. Bi-lingual in English/ Interested and qualified candidates should send cover letter, resume and credentials to: Spanish preferred, not required. Michael Kagan Intake worker will respond to calls from individuals seeking Superintendent of Catholic Schools financial assistance, develop working relationships with Diocese of Rockford agencies and other service providers, and provide appropriate 555 Colman Center Drive — P.O. Box 7044 responses or referrals to callers. Rockford, IL. 61125 Please e-mail resume and cover letter to Laurie Larsen e-mail: [email protected] at [email protected]. Application Deadline: March 2, 2015 16 FRIDAY JANUARY 30, 2015 | The Observer

THE 815/399-4300 OBSERVER http://[email protected] Prayer Intentions and Scripture Readings February 2015 SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 4th Ordinary World Day for Consecrated Blaise, bishop, martyr Heb 12:4-7, 11-15; Ps Agatha, virgin, martyr Paul Miki and companions, Blessed Virgin Mary Dt 18:15-20; Ps 95:1-2, Life Ansgar, bishop 103:1-2, 13-14, 17-18a; Heb 12:18-19, 21-24; Ps martyrs Heb 13:15-17, 20-21; Ps 6-9; 1 Cor 7:32-35; Mk Presentation of the Lord Heb 12:1-4; Ps 22:26b-28, Mk 6:1-6 48:2-4, 9-11; Mk 6:7-13 Heb 13:1-8; Ps 27:1, 3, 5, 23:1-6; Mk 6:30-34 1:21-28 Mal 3:1-4; Ps 24:7-10; Heb 30-32; Mk 5:21-43 † Father F. James Larson, † Msgr. Thomas S. Green, 8b-9c; Mk 6:14-29 Msgr. Thomas Dzielak † Father Martin J. 2:14-18; Lk 2:22-40 Bishop David J. Malloy 2008 1986; † Father Philip † Father William Bally, Father Lawrence McEvoy, 1926 Pope Emeritus Benedict Msgr. Everett Hiller Retired priests of the Bajo, 1996 1914; † Father Stephen K. Urbaniak Pope Francis XVI Father Steven Clarke diocese Priests of the Aurora Potter, 2005 Deanery Priests of the DeKalb Deanery 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 5th Ordinary Gn 1:1-19; Ps 104:1-2a, Scholastica, virgin World Day of the Sick Gn 2:18-25; Ps 128:1-5; Gn 3:1-8; Ps 32:1-2, 5-7; Cyril, monk World Marriage Day 5-6, 10, 12, 24, 35c; Mk Gn 1:20-2:4a; Ps 8:4-9; Mk Our Lady of Lourdes Mk 7:24-30 Mk 7:31-37 Methodius, bishop Jb 7:1-4, 6-7; Ps 147:1-6; 6:53-56 7:1-13 Gn 2:4b-9, 15-17; Ps † Father Alex S. McIsaac, Father Howard Barch Gn 3:9-24; Ps 90:2-4c, 5-6, 1 Cor 9:16-19, 22-23; Mk Priests of the Elgin † Father Norbert M. 104:1-2a, 27-28, 29bc-30; 1958 12-13; Mk 8:1-10 1:29-39 Deanery Richter, 2006 Mk 7:14-23 Conventual † Father Joseph P. Lynch, † Father F. C. Voet, 1950; Priests of the Freeport Father John A. of St. Bonaventura 1952 † Father Edward C. Deanery Slampak Province Father Keith Romke Coakley, 1966 Msgr. Martin Heinz Father Paul White 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 6th Ordinary Gn 4:1-15, 25; Ps 50:1, Founders of the Servites Ash Wednesday Dt 30:15-20; Ps 1:1-4, 6; Is 58:1-9a; Ps 51:3-6b, 18- , bishop and Lv 13:1-2, 44-46; Ps 32:1- 8, 16bc-17, 20-21; Mk Gn 6:5-8, 7:1-5, 10; Ps Jl 2:12-18; Ps 51:3-6b, 12- Lk 9:22-25 19; Mt 9:14-15 2, 5, 11; 1 Cor 10:31-11:1; 8:11-13 29:1a, 2, 3ac-4, 3b, 9c-10; 14, 17; 2 Cor 5:20-6:2; Mt Father Brian Grady † Father William V. Reedy, Is 58:9b-14; Ps 86:1-6; Lk Mk 1:40-45 Priests of the McHenry Mk 8:14-21 6:1-6, 16-18 1954 5:27-32 † Father Frederick J. Deanery † Father Charles E. (Feb. 17) Father Zbigniew Bishop Emeritus Thomas † Father Raymond A. Brummel, 1939 Sherman, 1999; † Father Zajchowski, OFM Conv G. Doran Horner, 1950; † Father Father Ryan Browning Carlos Ho ner, 2001 Louis J. Pesut, 1999 Father Timothy Draper Father Francis McDonnell

22 23 24 25 26 27 28 1st Lent , bishop, martyr Is 55:10-11; Ps 34:4-7, 16- Jon 3:1-10; Ps 51:3-4, 12- Est C:12, 14-16, 23-25; Ps Ez 18:21-28; Ps 130:1-8; Dt 26:16-19; Ps 119:1-2, Gn 9:8-15; Ps 25:4-9; 1 Pt Lv 19:1-2, 11-18; Ps 19:8- 19; Mt 6:7-15 13, 18-19; Lk 11:29-32 138:1-3, 7c-8; Mt 7:7-12 Mt 5:20-26 4-5, 7-8; Mt 5:43-48 3:18-22; Mk 1:12-15 10, 15; Mt 25:31-46 Priests of the Sterling Franciscan Sisters of † Father Leon X. DuFour, † Father Joseph F. † Father Desire D. Miller, † Father James A. Quinn, † Father Clemens Duerr, Deanery Perpetual Help 1934; † Father Robert C. Schlade, 2005 1947 1927; † Father William 1921 Troy, 1966 Women religious Father Ariel Valencia Weber, 1936 Father Thomas Father Brian Geary Priests of the Rockford Bartolomeo Father Scott DuVall Deanery

Join Pope Francis in praying for these special Daily Scripture Readings Prayer for the Year of Consecrated Life — Feb. 2, 2015-2016 intentions this month: † Pray for the priests who Prisoners: That prisoners, especially the O God, throughout the ages you have called women and men to pursue lives of perfect charity have served the Rockford young, may be able to rebuild lives of dignity. through the evangelical counsels of poverty, chastity, and obedience. During this Year of Separated spouses: That married people Diocese and who died Consecrated Life, we give you thanks for these courageous witnesses of Faith and models of who are separated may find welcome and this month on the days inspiration. Their pursuit of holy lives teaches us to make a more perfect offering of ourselves to support in the Christian community. listed. you. Continue to enrich your Church by calling forth sons and daughters who, having found the — http://www.apostleshipofprayer.org Please pray for those who pearl of great price, treasure the Kingdom of Heaven above all things. Through our Lord Jesus have a religious vocation. Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen. © 2014, United States Conference of Catholic Bishops Appolonia Seven Servite Founders died circa 249 Feast: Feb. 9 13th Century Feast: Feb. 17 A middle-aged deaconess in Alexandria, Apollonia was martyred there when mobs In 1233, seven Florentine laymen — two married, two widowed, three single, all well- roamed the streets torturing and killing Christians. Her death was described by St. Dio- known merchants and members of a Marian confraternity — abandoned homes, jobs and nysius of Alexandria in a letter to the bishop of Antioch: “Next they seized the wonder- wealth for a life of poverty, prayer and penance at Monte Senario, where they built a chapel ful old lady Apollonia, battered her till they knocked out all her teeth, built a pyre ... and and hermitage. Within a few years, they had formed the Order of Friar Servants of Mary, or threatened to burn her alive unless she repeated after them their heathen incantations.” Servites, a mendicant order that received formal papal approval in 1304. The seven founders, She refused and jumped into the fi re on her own. St. Augustine later said she must have jointly canonized in 1888, are: Bonfi lius, Bonajuncta, Amadeus, Hugh, Manettus, Sostene been directed in this by the Holy Spirit. The patron of dentists, Apollonia is also invoked and Alexis. Alexis, who out of modesty refused ordination, served the order in various ways for toothaches and gum disease. U.S. dental societies and journals have taken her name. as a lay brother; he outlived the other founders and reportedly died at age 110.

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