Have a Blessed Christmas

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

Volume 81 | No. 4 http://observer.rockforddiocese.org FRIDAY DECEMBER 18, 2015 Have a Blessed Christmas And the Word became ﬂ esh and made His dwelling among us, and we saw His glory, the glory as of the Father’s only Son, full of grace and truth.

— John 1:14 (CNS/Bridgeman Art Library)

Quick News Holy Doors Open For Year of Mercy in DAC to Mark Holidays Two Holy Days of Rockford Diocese The Diocesan Administration Obligation on Calendar Bishop David Malloy prays Center will be closed Dec. 24, Christmas Day, the feast of the Christmas Eve; Dec. 25, Christ- Nativity of Christ, on Dec. 25 before opening the holy mas Day; Dec. 31, New Year’s and the feast of the Blessed doors at the Cathedral of St. Eve; and Jan. 1, the feast of the Virgin Mary Mother of God on Peter in Rockford Dec. 13. Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of Jan. 1, are holy days of obliga- It is one of eight churches God. tion. Check your parish bulletin on the diocesan holy year for Mass times. pilgrimage route. Next Observer in 2016 ABOUT THE COVER: Mary pgs. 4-5 There will be no issues of The and the child Jesus are depicted Observer Dec. 25 or Jan. 1. The (above) in a 17th-century This Issue index on pg. 3 next issue will be Jan. 8. painting by Il Sassoferrato. (Observer photo by Amanda Hudson) 2 FRIDAY DECEMBER 18, 2015 | The Observer

Let Us Encounter Mercy and Grace

The Observer (ISSN 0029- This Christmas and in the New Year 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. ast week, as he opened the the friendship offered by God. purity of heart and told them of the birth. Box 7044, Rockford, IL 61125 Holy Door at St. Peter’s One of the failures of our modern world They urged the shepherds to go and adore Phone: 815/399-4300; Fax Basilica in Rome, Pope Francis is to lack any consciousness or intuition the child in the manger. 815/399-6225. spoke about the Jubilee Year of the consequences of sin. Before Jesus In that baby, through faith, we Periodical postage paid at Lof Mercy that we are observing. came, sin ruled. Our hearts and minds recognize precisely the grace that Pope Rockford, Ill., and additional He said, “This will be a year in which were weakened and darkened. We could Francis reminds us of. It is the grace that mail offi ces. we grow ever more convinced of God’s not pass the doors of heaven. overcomes sin and gives us the offer of POSTMASTER: send address mercy. … Let us set aside all fear and The lyrics of a famous Christmas carol forgiveness and life eternal. changes to The Observer, 555 dread, for these do not befi t men and Of course Christmas reminds us there is Colman Center Dr., P.O. Box sum up that reality when we sing, “Long 7044, Rockford, IL 61125 women who are loved. Instead, let us lay the world in sin and error pining, ’til work yet to be done. The baby Jesus must experience the joy of encountering that He appeared and the soul felt its worth.” grow up, teach us, die for us and then rise. For ADVERTISING information: grace which transforms all things.” Contact The Observer at the This basic element of the Christmas We too have work to do. God’s Mercy address above or call 815/399- Growing convinced of God’s mercy and message is at the heart of Pope Francis. is not acquired at no cost or effort on our 4300; fax 815/399-6225, encountering the grace that transforms all The coming of Jesus, that birth that we part. Like the shepherds, we must go to Email: kmccarthy@ things is a wonderful summation of our celebrate was not a given. God could have Christ. rockforddiocese.org. Christmas celebration as well. simply accepted, once and for all, the Our Catholic faith is not, as some would Send NEWS information to The Think of how often, at this time of year, sinful decision of the human race. have it, a set of rules. Rather, it is the Observer at the address or fax we pass by the nativity scene in front But His love and mercy for us moved road map of friendship. It is the way to number above; send email to yards and churches. We see the movies Him to reach out to us again. And how experience the joy of God’s grace. That is Observer@rockforddiocese. and reread the Gospels about Jesus’ birth. personally He reached out. He sent not a a lifetime task for all of us. org; or fi ll out a form at We go to Mass on Christmas Eve and http://observer.rockforddiocese. messenger or an angel. Instead, He sent Of course in this Year of Mercy we not org/contact-us. Christmas Day. His own Son. only seek God’s forgiveness. It is also our Still, the temptation for us is just to go Pope Francis said, “let us experience task to forgive others. Only by seeking Subscription rate $28.00 per year (48 issues); Canadian through the motions and not to refl ect the joy of encountering that grace which mercy and being willing to give it do we and Pan American $29; other suffi ciently on the depth and full meaning transforms all things.” The night of Jesus’ truly imitate that child whose birth we foreign: surface mail $37, air of the Son of God coming among us. Yet birth experienced exactly that joy. celebrate. mail $97; single copies $1. that is really what Pope Francis is asking. Angels who had remained faithful to In this Jubilee Year of Mercy, may all of The Observer Online digital Before Jesus came to be born of Mary in God’s love, witnessing this explosion us be truly blessed with God’s grace and subscriptions are also available. Bethlehem, the world was alienated from of God’s love are said to have rejoiced forgiveness. Publisher: God by the sin of Adam and Eve. God themselves before this mystery. They A blessed Christmas and New Year to Most Reverend David J. Malloy loved us. But the human race had broken came to the poor and the lowly who had a all! Editor: Penny Wiegert News Editor: Amanda Hudson The Let God’s Grace Lead Us to Rejoice Features and Multimedia Pope Editor: Sharon Boehlefeld on ... From the homily, Saint Peter’s Square, Dec. 8, Feast of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary Circulation/Proofreading: Susan Sabrowski, Keith BY POPE FRANCIS Ludolph (CNS photo/Claudio Peri, pool via Reuters) Accounting: Jill Bonk In a few moments I will have human heart and enable it to sin can only be understood How much wrong we do to Advertising and Marketing: the joy of opening the Holy do something so great as to in the light of God’s love and God and his grace when we Kevin McCarthy Door of Mercy. We carry out change the course of human forgiveness. ... Were sin the speak of sins being punished this act ... so simple yet so history. only thing that mattered, we by His judgment before we Production and Web Administrator: Gary Haughton highly symbolic, in the light The feast of the Immaculate would be the most desperate speak of their being forgiven of the word of God which we Conception expresses the of creatures. by His mercy! (see St. Au- Contributing Writers: Bishop have just heard. That word Emeritus Thomas G. Doran, grandeur of God’s love. But the promised triumph of gustine, De Praedestinatione highlights the primacy of Msgr. Eric Barr, Father John Christ’s love enfolds every- Sanctorum, 12, 24) But that is grace. Again and again these Not only does he forgive sin, Slampak, Father Kenneth thing in the Father’s mercy. the truth. readings make us think of the but in Mary he even averts the Wasilewski, Keith Ludolph, The word of God which we words by which the angel Ga- original sin present in every We have to put mercy before Lynne Conner, George Weigel, briel told an astonished young man and woman who comes have just heard leaves no judgment, and in any event Father Ronald Rolheiser, girl of the mystery which was into this world. This is the love doubt about this. The Immacu- God’s judgment will always be Tony Carton, Pat Szpekowski, about to enfold her: “Hail, full of God which precedes, antici- late Virgin stands before us in the light of His mercy. Margarita Mendoza pates and saves. as a privileged witness of this of grace” (Lk 1:28). In passing through the Holy Publication Dates: Weekly promise and its fulfi lment. The Virgin Mary was called to The beginning of the history Door, then, may we feel that except that in 2015 there will be rejoice above all because of of sin in the Garden of Eden This extraordinary year is we ourselves are part of this no issues on Jan. 2, May 29, what the Lord accomplished yields to a plan of saving love. itself a gift of grace. To pass mystery of love, of tender- July 31, Oct. 30 and Dec. 25. in her. God’s grace enfolded The words of Genesis refl ect through the Holy Door means ness. Let us set aside all fear News Deadlines: Usually, 10 her and made her worthy of our own daily experience: to rediscover the infi nite mercy and dread, for these do not days before publication date. of the Father who welcomes befi t men and women who are becoming the Mother of Christ. we are constantly tempted to Ad Deadlines: Usually, 10 everyone and goes out per- loved. Instead, let us experi- When Gabriel entered her disobedience, a disobedience days before publication date. sonally to encounter each of ence the joy of encountering home, even the most profound expressed in wanting to go Offi cial information on the poli- them. that grace which transforms all and impenetrable of mysteries about our lives without regard cies, activities, and positions things. ... became for her a cause for joy, for God’s will. It is He who seeks us! It is He of the Diocese of Rockford is released only in the pages of who comes to encounter us! May our passing through the a cause for faith, a cause for This is the enmity which keeps The Observer, or in state- abandonment to the message striking at people’s lives, This will be a year in which we Holy Door today commit us to ments from the Diocesan revealed to her. The fullness setting them in opposition to grow ever more convinced of making our own the mercy of Offi ce of Communications and of grace can transform the God’s plan. Yet the history of God’s mercy. the Good Samaritan. Publications. The Observer uses recycled Don’t miss the daily refl ection weekdays (about 6:58 a.m.) on WREX-TV, Channel 13, Rockford paper and is recyclable. Our Mission is the mission Top o’ the Morning with Bishop Malloy of the Church itself — to Listen to archives anytime at http://observer.rockfo rddiocese.org. Click on Bishop Malloy on the top left side of the page. spread the Gospel through Brought to you by Savant Capital Management | Fitzge rald Funeral Homes | Vineyard Books and Gifts | Illinois Bank & Trust contemporary means of Diocesan Offi ce of Communications and Publications | The Observer | Offi ce of Charitable Giving, Diocese of Rock ford communications.

And the Wednesday reﬂ ection during the Spanish newscast Listen to archives anytime on Member of: (5:30-6 p.m.) on My Network TV, Channel 17.2, Rockford Facebook at Diócesis de Rockford and Periódico El Observador, or Minuto de Meditación on Twitter, @DiocesisRockfor Brought to you by Savant Capital Management | Diocesan Ofﬁ ce of Communications and Publications | El Observador The Observer | FRIDAY DECEMBER 18, 2015 3

Headliners Diocesan Pastoral Council, Bishop Discuss Ministries, Mass Counts and Mercy BY PENNY WIEGERT which revealed a continuation of a 10- 27.1 percent of all attendees during the and others in her deanery and how it Editor year decline in the numbers of Catholics count, Oct. 18 and 25, present at a Span- has grown over the last several years. attending Mass in all deaneries of the ish Mass. She also supplied the council with sev- DIOCESE—Reports about the 2015 Rockford Diocese. Cieslak reported that “parishes are eral supporting documents including Ministry Day, the third diocesan Youth Cieslak’s research revealed although highly differentiated on Mass atten- the guidelines for the celebration of the Summit and the annual Mass count re- the decline in Mass attendance contin- dance by the presence of Hispanics Sacraments with Persons with Disabili- sults were just part of the discussion at ues, the decline was much less than in and their responses to it. Attendance at ties written by the United States Con- the Diocesan Pastoral Council Meeting, 2014. The decrease from 2014 to 2015 parishes where most attendees are at a ference of Catholic Bishops. Dec. 12. was 0.7 percent. The data show that Spanish Mass increased by 17.7 percent Youth Summit DPC Executive Secretary Dr. Michael there are now about the same number of over the last decade while parishes with Cieslak reported that the Ministry Day people attending Mass as there were in no Spanish Masses decreased 23.1 per- The 2015 Youth Summit report was held in October for pastors and their 1991. cent.” provided to the council by the Diocesan staffs was well attended and provided Cieslak reported that changes in Mass Offi ce for Educational Services. Coun- some strategies for reaching out to those attendance across deaneries refl ects Assistance for disabled cil members who attended the summit people registered in parishes but not changing secular demographics, with Bishop David Malloy and council provided some feedback on what was of regularly attending weekly Mass. western deaneries refl ecting an aging members also listened to an overview particular value at the event and offered Council members who attended the and shrinking population while eastern report by council member Nadine ways to improve the gathering for the ministry day said they appreciated the deaneries refl ect a growing population Konieczny, who represents the McHen- next year. quality of the presentations and appre- that is more Hispanic. ry Deanery, on the pastoral care of per- There was some back-and-forth dis- ciated the challenge to the status quo in And even though the numbers this sons with disabilities. cussion of whether to continue holding parish life given by speaker Rich Cur- year show a slight decrease in Mass Konieczny outlined the importance the event annually but the consensus of ran. attendance, they also show that atten- and need for serving Catholic persons the group indicated that this particular This report fed directly into a dis- dance at Spanish Masses throughout with disabilities and described the spe- outreach to youth should be maintained cussion about the Mass count numbers the diocese continues to increase, with cifi c program she leads at her parish Contined on page 7

Inside O cial Appointments Bishop Malloy’s Public Mass, Cathedral of St. Peter The Rev. J. Robert Cama- Schedule ROCKFORD — Dec. 27, 7 p.m., Mass cho — to be Parochial Vicar at for the Diocesan Vocation Offi ce Winter St. Joseph Parish, Elgin, Illinois, FULTON — Dec. 19, 10 a.m., Confi rmation Discernment Retreat, Bishop Lane Retreat effective Monday, Jan. 4, 2016. for Immaculate Conception, Fulton; St. Patrick, The Rev. Ricardo F. Hernan- Albany; St. Ambrose, Erie; and St. Catherine, Center dez — to be Parochial Vicar at Prophetstown at Immaculate Conception ROCKFORD — Jan. 3, 7:30 a.m., Sunday St. Bernadette Parish, Rock- Church ford, Illinois, and the Minister of Mass, Cathedral of St. Peter the Sick and Dying at Rockford ROCKFORD — Dec. 20, 7:30 a.m., Sunday OREGON — Jan. 9, 10 a.m., Confi rmation Memorial Hospital, Rockford, Il- Mass, Cathedral of St. Peter for St. Mary, Oregon, and St. Mary, Polo, at St. linois, effective Friday, Jan. 1, Parishes Celebrate 2016. ROCKFORD — Dec. 25, 12 a.m., Christmas Mary Church in Oregon Feast of Our Lady The Rev. Timothy J. Sei- Midnight Mass, Cathedral of St. Peter ROCKFORD — Jan. 10, 7:30 a.m., Sunday gel — to be Parochial Vicar of Guadalupe at Church of Holy Apostles, ROCKFORD — Dec. 25, 10 a.m., Christmas Mass, Cathedral of St. Peter pg. 6 McHenry, Illinois, effective Mon- Day Mass, Winnebago County Jail AURORA — Jan. 10, 1 p.m., Confi rmation, day, Jan. 18, 2016. ROCKFORD — Dec. 27, 7:30 a.m., Sunday Holy Angels Church The Rev. Diego F. Ospina — to be Coordinator for Hispanic Catholic Ministry for the Freeport Deanery effective Wednesday, January 20, 2016. Given at the Chancery, Dec. 15, 2015

Passing Through Quick News Holy Doors Get Your Year of Meaningful to Many Mercy Passport pg. 6 The Rockford Diocese is encouraging participation in the Year of Mercy through its pilgrimage to all eight holy Did you know... doors. Download your passport and learn more at http:// www.rockforddiocese.org/ Savant's Social Responsibility portfolio options allow jubileeofmercy/ investors to align their strategies with their faith?

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Diocesan Holy Doors Open for Year of On Dec. 13, around the world and in the Rockford Diocese, cathedrals and other designated parishes opened their holy doors. These actions imitated Pope Francis, who opened both the doors at St. Peter’s Ba- silica in the Vatican and the Jubilee Year of Mercy.

(Observer photo by Margarita Mendoza) Father Richard A. Rosinski, pastor of St. Thomas More Parish in Elgin, stamps the diocesan pilgrimage passport for a family who attended the opening ceremony for the holy door in the Elgin Deanery. Now that all eight doors are open, people can print the passport and carry it with them to each of the eight churches on the pilgrimage route as a remind- er of their journey during the Jubilee Year of Mercy. Visitors to the eight churches also receive a special indulgence when they walk through the holy doors (Observer photo by Amanda Hudson) in the diocese. Bishop David Malloy grasps the handles at the holy door at the Cathedral of St. Peter in Rockford before he opens them Dec. 13.

(Observer photo by Amanda Hudson) ABOVE: Sever- al people gather outside the Cathedral of St. Peter for a pro- cession before the opening of the holy door (Observer photo by Margarita Mendoza) by Bishop Da- Father Richard A. Rosinski, pastor of St. Thomas More Parish in Elgin, offers prayers. vid Malloy.

(Observer photo by Jason Akst) (Observer photos by Louise Brass) At St. Mary in DeKalb Fathers Yovanny Dorado (left), Dean Russell, pas- In Sterling, Father James Keenan (right), pastor of St. Mary Parish, prays before opening the holy door (left). tor, and Anthony Vu Khac Long (right) take part in the ceremony. The Observer | FRIDAY DECEMBER 18, 2015 5

Diocesan Mercy in Rockford Diocese

(Observer photo by Tony Carton) Father David Reese, parochial administrator, opens the holy doors at St. Michael Parish in Galena. The parish is the oldest in the Rockford Diocese, having been assigned its first pastor in 1832. LEFT: The door at Our Lady of Good Counsel in Aurora, a parish which serves both English and Spanish speaking Catho- lics, reflected its bilinguial heritage in the decorations of the doors. BELOW: Father Timothy Mulcahey, parochial administrator at the parish, prays after opening the holy doors. A group of parishioners and visitors wait behind him to process into the church for Mass. (Observer photos by Sharon Boehlefeld)

(Observer photo by Dan Szpekowski) ABOVE: Bishop Emeritus Rob- ert Kurtz, CR, of Hamilton, Ber- muda, a member of the order of the Congre- gation of the Resurrection which serves St. John the Baptist Parish, reaches to open the holy door. He was invited by the pastor, Father Jacek Junak, CR, to open the Holy

Door to begin (Observer photo by Penny Wiegert) the Jubilee Year ABOVE: Father David Vogel, chap- of Mercy at the lain for the Poor Clares of Rock- parish. The im- ford, prays before opening the age of Christ public holy door at the Corpus associated with Christ Monastery chapel. Divine Mercy LEFT: The Corpus Christi Monas- Sunday was in- tery in Rockford is the only church corporated into in the Rockford Diocese with two several of the holy doors. One of the cloistered holy doors in nuns reaches for the private holy the diocese, but door that allows members of the most notably community to enter the chapel at Johnsburg, and obtain the same indulgence where it covers as other Catholics. the entrance. (Photo provided) 6 FRIDAY DECEMBER 18, 2015 | The Observer

Diocesan Parishes Celebrate Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe DIOCESE—Among the many parishes that celebrated the feast of Our Lady of Guada- lupe Dec. 12 was St. Monica in Carpentersville. Bishop David Malloy joined other priests, including Msgr. Arquimedes Vallejo, Vicar for Hispanic Ministry; Father Josue Lara, parish administrator, and Father Carlos Monsalve. St. Laurence in Elgin held its first celebration of the feast at a (Observer photo by Margarita Mendoza) bilingual 8 a.m. Mass Dec. 12. St. Laurence in Elgin At St. Joseph in Harvard, parishioners (in photo, from left) Jose, Azucena, Karina and Isabella Martinez with Kateri, Lanie, Trinity, J. P., Michelle and Tony Villarreal decorated a side altar to honor Our Lady of (Observer photo by Margarita Mendoza) Guadalupe. St. Monica in Carpentersville At Sacred Heart in Aurora, parishioners rebuilt their ceil- ing-high mountain of flowers. At Our Lady of Good Coun- sel, a new wooden stage to sup-

(Photo provided) port the image was blessed in a St. Joseph in Harvard side chapel.

(Observer photo by Sharon Boehlefeld) At Our Lady of Good Counsel in Aurora, Father Timothy Mulcahey, pastor, blessed a new (Observer photo by Sharon Boehlefeld) home for Our Lady of Guadalupe in a side chapel Dec. 13. Supporting the image are Jose Msgr. Arquimedes Vallejo, pastor, thanks parishioners at Sacred Heart in Aurora for their Torres (right) and Candelario Rios, who were instrumental in making the new wooden beautiful tribute to Our Lady of Guadalupe. support. Also helping with the project were Joe Luis Nunez and Guadalupe Martinez. Passing Through Holy Doors Meaningful to Many DIOCESE—“This is the week to begin the extraordinary tunity close by” our homes, he Lord’s own gate: Let us enter Holy Year of Mercy. said, to make our own Jubilee Visit Churches for Indulgence through it and obtain mercy and Bishop Malloy explained pilgrimages even if we can’t Holy doors also were opened at the Cathedral of St. Peter in forgiveness,” said Bishop Da- that the cathedrals of the world travel to Rome. Rockford, six other churches in the diocese, plus a public holy vid Malloy on Gaudete Sunday, were following the pope’s re- Algonquin residents Bob and door at the Poor Clare’s Corpus Christi Monastery in Rockford. Dec. 13, as he opened the main quest to each open their own Kathy Chwedyk were in Galena An indulgence is available to those who pass through one or door of the Cathedral of St. Pe- doors of mercy this Sunday, all for the weekend and attended more of the holy doors, Bishop Malloy said, explaining the “beau- ter in Rockford, its ribbons and of them “linked and united to the holy doors rite at St. Michael ty and joy” of the Year of Mercy as including this opportunity to lock removed. that door” at St. Peter’s Basilica Parish. forgive “that need for purification” from sin “by the explicit will and “How wonderful it is for the in Rome. “We come here every year direction of Pope Francis.” Holy Father to begin this Year The bishop explained that for the luminaria,” Chwedyk Once a day, pilgrims can pass through a Holy Door and receive of Mercy so close to Christ- there is a “long standing tradi- said. “We came to St. Michael an indulgence for themselves or for someone who is deceased, mas,” he said in his homily at tion” of making a pilgrimage to for Mass last night and talked he said. Further requirements include: being in a state of grace the Mass that followed the rite, Rome during a Jubilee Year and with Father Reese. He told us he and free from attachment to sin, going to confession within a pointing out the birth of Jesus “to pass through that door is the would be doing the holy doors short time, receiving the Eucharist worthily, and praying for the as the greatest example of God’s end of that pilgrimage.” event, so we came over to be Holy Father’s intentions. mercy to a fallen humanity. With the many holy doors part of it.” Bishop Malloy also called upon all to practice works of mercy Pope Francis opened the Holy located beyond that Rome ba- She said she did not realize and encouraged his listeners to “pass through that door with the Door in Rome on Dec. 8 last silica, “we are given an oppor- that St. Michael Church was a intention of being (freed) of sin.” pilgrimage site. Year. belonged to this parish for 70 “It is pretty interesting,” she said. “I’m very interested in the “To me the Jubilee Year is an years. ... I don’t think they’ve Watch ‘Catholic Mass’ opportunity to renew our faith ever had a Holy Door before,” Year of Jubilee. I got my Year of and give more time to prayer he said. Sundays at 6:30 a.m. on WREX-TV, Mercy book and I’ve been reading it. I think there is time for and keep God in our hearts,” “I read something about Channel 13 in Rockford mercy and this is certainly that Hilby said. what the pope said in The Ob- or you can watch on the Web at time. I think it is our only hope.” Robert Bradley, a parishioner server,” said Teresa Gingrich, a http://observer.rockforddiocese.org. Becky Hilby attended the ser- at St. Mary in Sterling, was tak- third grade teacher at St. Mary vice Sunday morning. She said ing a wait-and-see approach to School in Dixon, who attended Brought to you by The Diocesan Office of Communications and Publications the congregation was there to the Holy Door’s affect. the blessing ceremony. open the door to a new Jubilee “I don’t really know. I’ve Continued on page 9 The Observer | FRIDAY DECEMBER 18, 2015 7

D iocesan Lay Men and Women ‘Missioned’ at MSC Ceremony By Amanda Hudson dall County in the Diocese of News Editor Joliet. Before he was married, Adamsick says, he had consid- AURORA—The Missionar- ered joining a religious order. ies of the Sacred Heart held He adds that he finds the MSC a ‘missioning’ for just over a priests to be “awesome,” and dozen men and women at the akin to Pope Francis. MSC headquarters on Dec. 8 The new lay missionaries next – the feast of the Immaculate will discern what their mission- Conception, which is the date ary calling is, says Richard the MSC was founded by Fa- Salazar. As a recipient of the ther Jules Chevalier in France benefits of the MSC’s Life’s in 1854. Healing Journey retreats, Rich- A total of 15 laity recently ard says he is grateful that he completed a two-year formation J. Gabriel Martinez Romero reads has been invited to begin train- program, meeting monthly in aloud his commitment statement ing to assist the MSC with those separate classes for English and before signing it. retreats. for Spanish speakers. was missioned at the evening However, the MSC laity “cov- The classes “focused a lot on Mass. She notes that she once ers all apostolates,” including spirituality of the heart,” says had prayed to marry a mission- parish work, feeding the hun- Richard Salazar of St. Mary ary man. Now her prayer is be- gry, building homes and the Parish in DeKalb. Other topics ing answered, she says, along like, “all under the umbrella explored included what it means with her own calling. of bringing God’s love to the to be the heart of Christ for oth- The third person to round out world,” he says. ers, solidarity with the poor and the new English-speaking lay Grace Delgado has been a lay service to the poor, along with missionaries is Christopher Ad- MSC since 2008 and is execu- surrendering and doing God’s amsick of Our Lady of Mercy tive director of the LHJ retreats. will, he says. Parish, located in the part of Speaking of the LHJ retreats, Salazar’s wife, Marlene, also Aurora that crosses into Ken- she notes that for some lay missionaries, “that’s a very specific way, a very concrete way of being involved.” Lay LHJ leaders use their own The new lay Missionaries of the Sacred Heart each received a candle, “a funds to join MSC priests in sign of our Lord’s love of you and of all people.” They also each received bringing the retreat and parish a medal to wear. missions to various places in the United States and Mexico, she are Missionaries of the Sacred for the past eight years, and their says, and “live that experience of Heart and I feel welcome,” she presence “enriches our commu- spreading God’s love and Father says, noting that the lay mis- nity as well.” Peter’s work.” (Now deceased, sionaries started more than 25 All the lay missionaries are Father Peter Campbell, MSC, years ago in the Aurora area, invited to pray daily prayers and was instrumental in developing and more than 75 are currently to attend daily Mass and prayers and founding the Life’s Healing active. Other LMSC commu- at MSC headquarters when they Journey retreats, which began nities are located in Texas and can, she says. some 40 years ago.) California — all connected to The Mass booklet for the Delgado considers the larger MSC priests in those areas. missioning shared the common (Observer photos by Amanda Hudson) MSC community to be her ex- “We try to meet every month,” thread among all the members: Maria Guadalupe Hernández signs her commitment statement as MSC tended family. Delgado says, adding that His- “May the Sacred Heart of Jesus Father Raymond Diesbourg, provincial superior, looks on. “I can travel anywhere there panic laity have been joining in be loved everywhere!” Holy Land Group Gathers for Annual Mass at Cathedral By Amanda Hudson straits” in that part of the world. Bishop Malloy were Father Da- members of the Equestrian Or- awarded the order’s Bronze News Editor The goal is, he added, “to vid Peck, Father Richard Kram- der of the Holy Sepulchre of Palm of Jerusalem for meritori- support, assist, strengthen the er and Father Leroy Wickowski Jerusalem. ous service. It is the third high- ROCKFORD—On Dec. 11, presence of the Church (and of River Forest. All three are Father Kramer was recently est honor in the order. Bishop David Malloy celebrat- its) faithful” in the land where ed Mass for several members the eyes of visitors and resi- of the Equestrian Order of the dents “look upon the same out- Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem. lines of geography that Christ’s The annual Mass was fol- eyes” saw, perhaps standing in lowed by dinner and fellowship. the same spot where He once Calling the Holy Land “the stood. obscure place where Christ “I hope by means of this lived and talked and died for Mass (of Advent) that our faith, us,” Bishop Malloy spoke of our resolve, our conviction the work of the order to support will be deepened … we need that Holy Land with “prayers, especially to be in solidarity funding, lobbying, witnessing.” with our suffering and dying (Observer photo by Amanda Hudson) He noted how “so many of our brothers and sisters in the Holy Several members of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem gathered for an annual fellow believers are being driv- Land,” the bishop said. Mass with Bishop Malloy on Dec. 11 at the Cathedral of St. Peter. The priests who joined them are en away (or) are in dangerous Priests concelebrating with Father Leroy Wickowski of River Forest, Father Richard Kramer and Father David Peck. A Brief History Order of Canons of the Holy der the command of the King of In 1847 Pope Pius IX re- triarchate of Jerusalem, while Sepulchre. Some of those were Jerusalem. founded and modernized the preserving the spiritual duty of of the Order armed knights chosen from the Only rarely did the Knights of Order, issuing a new Constitu- propagating the Faith. crusader troops for their quali- the Holy Sepulchre take part in tion which placed it under the There are 70 members in the The origins of the Equestrian ties of valour and dedication. military action to defend Christi- direct protection of the Holy Rockford Diocese, part of a to- Order of the Holy Sepulchre of They vowed to obey the Au- anity. And, in the 14th century, See and assigned its govern- tal of around 30,000 members Jerusalem are generally dated gustinian Rule of poverty and the Holy See arranged that the ment to the Latin Patriarch. throughout the world. back to the First Crusade, when obedience and undertook spe- right to protect the Christian The Order’s fundamental Joining the Order is a lifetime the Crusade’s leader liberated cifically to defend the Holy Sep- sanctuaries be given to the role was also redefined: to up- commitment in support of the Jerusalem and founded the ulchre and the Holy Places, un- Franciscan Friars Minor. hold the works of the Latin Pa- Holy Land and its peoples. 8 FRIDAY DECEMBER 18, 2015 | The Observer

Diocesan Year of Consecrated Life

For a religious, to advance on the path of obedience means to abase oneself in service, that is, to take the same path as Jesus, who “did not deem equality with God a thing to be grasped” (Phil 2:6). By emptying Himself, He made Himself a servant in order to serve. — Pope Francis Sisters of Loretto many places in between … of vows and co-members who some live in Europe, Canada, affiliate with the spirit and (SL) South America, and Africa. mission of the community. In Motherhouse: Nerinx, Our spirit and mission are recent years, the community Kentucky grounded in the Gospel. The began a volunteer program Represented in the Diocese name Loretto Community for short-term service of Rockford at St. Mary opportunities.” (Photos provided) incorporates the two types of School, Dixon membership in Loretto: sisters Source: www.lorettocommunity. Marmion Moves Tons of Clothing Who they are: The Sisters who make public profession org/ of Loretto and co-members Marmion Academy’s Theology classes and Campus Ministry collect- comprise the Loretto ed more than 2 tons — 3,600 pounds Community. The Loretto — of clothing in their co-sponsored Community exists to praise winter clothing drive. With help God and minister to people. from Marmion Moms and Dads, they They are people of faith and sorted and delivered the clothes to service bound together by Hesed House, Lazarus House, Way- their love of God and love of side Cross Ministries and the Kane one another. County Advocacy Center. Sopho- History: Loretto’s founders, more Zachary Dietz (left) of Geneva Mary Rhodes, Ann Havern not only persuaded participants of and Christina Stuart, began by the clothing sale at Western Avenue teaching the children on the Elementary School in Geneva to do- Kentucky frontier. When they nate items, but he also convinced his decided to form a religious family to go through their closets community, they turned to and donate more than 400 pounds Father Charles Nerinckx, the of clothing to Marmion. Belgian missionary priest who served the area, for his advice and help in writing their rule Diocesan Pastoral Council, and receiving approval for their new community. Founded in 1812 as Bishop Discuss Ministries, Friends of Mary at the Foot of the Cross, the first sisters Mass Counts and Mercy dedicated their lives to God as religious women and educated From page 3 The DPC consists of people poor children of the area. on a diocesan level. from each of the seven deaner- They derived strength from Year of Mercy ies from the Rockford Diocese communal living and prayer. representing laity, religious, They later took the name The final report was on the deacons and priests, various Year of Mercy from the Office Sisters of Loretto at the Foot of cultures and age groups. Just as the Cross. of Communication. Council a parish council assists an indi- “We live in the members got a virtual tour of In service: vidual pastor, the DPC provides desert Southwest, the hills of the new web pages added to Bishop Malloy with advice and Kentucky, cities dotting the (Photo provided) the diocesan website at www. guidance in his pastoral care East and West coasts, and Sister Ann Skeffington, SL, helps preschoolers at St. Mary School, Dixon. rockforddiocese.org for the for the diocese. Year of Mercy which began The Catholic Church has had Families Inivited to Join Diocesan Prayer for Vocations worldwide Dec. 8 and contin- a long tradition of co-operative CRYSTAL LAKE—Join Father Keith Romke at 7 Called to Pray opens with a talk and ends with a ues to November 2016. Besides action to help the bishop care p.m. on Dec. 21 at St. Thomas the Apostle Parish, holy hour and prayer for vocations to the priesthood, an overview of what the Year for God’s people in his dio- 451 W. Terra Cotta Ave., here, for a family evening consecrated life and marriage. of Mercy is and why, the web cese. Specifically, the Fathers of prayer. Info: http://www.rockforddiocese.org/vocations/ pages include opportunities for of the Second Vatican Council Catholics of all ages to engage urged every diocese to estab- Missionaries of reaching phenomenon in the Year of Mercy and help lish a pastoral council “whose whose importance Bishop the wider world encounter the responsibility is to investi- St. Charles — Scalabrini was able to grasp works of Mercy through them. gate under the authority of the Scalabrinians (CS) in both its social and religious The web pages contain a way Bishop all those things which Provincial House: Province dimensions. to share “moments of Mercy” pertain to pastoral works, to The Province of St. John in an online submission form ponder them, and to propose of St. John the Baptist — Oak Park the Baptist is located in four and a “Pilgrimage Passport” practical conclusions about countries (USA, Canada, for those wishing to visit the them.” (Decree on the Pastoral Represented in the Diocese of Rockford at St. Joseph Mexico and Guatemala). eight designated Holy Doors in Office of Bishops, no.27). Parish in Harvard The provincial office is in the diocese thus gaining a holy The DPC meets four times Who they are: The Oak Park. Membership comes year indulgence. each year to discuss topics rel- Scalabrinians are an from 13 countries. “The Year of Mercy is so evant to the pastoral care of the international community of Missionary focus: For the important because it is a very Rockford Diocese as needed by religious serving migrants and last 25 years, it has been “to real opportunity for all of us to Bishop Malloy. refugees of different cultures, be migrants with the migrants For more information on the DPC, practice and share God’s for- religions and ethnicities in and to be in mission with (Observer photo by Margarita Mendoza) giveness,” Bishop Malloy told contact Dr. Cieslak at mcieslak@ people on the move along 32 countries and on five Father Jorge Bravo, CS, serves as the DPC. rockforddiocese.org with a special priority for continents. parochial vicar at St. Joseph Par- the poorest migrants. What Submit Online: Parish, school and organization publicists may The congregation was ish in Harvard. send news and photos, including Year of Mercy events, using inter- founded on Nov. 28, 1887, has become very obvious is active forms at The Observer website http://observer.rockforddiocese. by Blessed John Baptist that as we have taken more that we are currently receiving org/contact-us. Click on Submit Events and News. (You may attach Scalabrini (1839-1905), bishop missionary risks and made an the vocations that match our one picture per form.) Information from this form also is submitted to El of Piacenza (Italy). It was the effort to clarify our Charism present need.” Observador and to the diocesan calendar. period of massive emigration we have been blessed with Submit by Mail: Send mail submissions to The Observer, P.O. Box from Italy and Europe toward more and more vocations. The Source: www.scalabrinians.org/ 7044, Rockford, IL 61125. the Americas. It was a far- blessing is doubled by the fact website/ The Observer | FRIDAY DECEMBER 18, 2015 9

Diocesan Passing Through Holy Doors Meaningful to Many From page 6 to, whether we know them or of the Divine Mercy at night Schaeffer were early settlers of the McHenry Deanery.” “I like the analogy of opening not?” she said. with the lights lit up around Johnsburg and helped build this ‘When we drove up to the the door, opening our hearts,” Parishioner Craig Pepper said it,” said Kelly Frischmann. Her church; this is so meaningful to church and saw the large Divine she said. “You can think in your that the Holy Door of mercy is husband, Ron, and daughter, me, I have no additional words.” Mercy on the door,” said Judy, “I own heart, to whom do I have a welcome return to traditional Debbie, agreed. Joe and Judy Schneider and was surprised and astounded.” to be more merciful? Are there symbols of the faith. “I am a Kathleen Moehling, a fourth their daughters Emily and Col- Parishioners created an infor- particular people in my life I real traditional type Catholic. generation parishioner, visited leen felt compelled to come to mational Divine Mercy display need to have mercy toward? If I remember when they used to Rome in the last Holy Year in St. John the Baptist Church for in the narthex. you’re a parent you might be a do this years ago. It’s just kind 2000 and walked through the the opening of the Holy Door. “We are ready to welcome little bit more merciful to your of a neat feeling to get the more Holy Door at the Vatican. “We are parishioners of St. pilgrims, individuals and husband or children. If I’m a traditional Catholic beliefs and “It is so surreal to me that in Thomas the Apostle Church in groups to our parish,” said Ted teacher I might ask: Do I need blessings,” Pepper said. my lifetime I would have the Crystal Lake,” said Joe. “We Hoeh. “It is going to be a beau- to show a little bit more mercy People at St. John the Bap- opportunity to go through a read about the Holy Door in tiful year.” toward a child? tist in Johnsburg expressed hu- Holy Door twice and one would The Observer and were going “Whom do I need to be more mility and awe at having their actually be in my own parish,” to drive to Rockford to St. Pe- Amanda Hudson, news editor; merciful to? Is there some- parish chosen to represent the she said. ter Cathedral. But we chose in- Tony Carton, Louise Brass and Pat one we meet in our everyday McHenry Deanery. “My two great great great stead to attend here, as this par- Szpekowski, Observer correspon- lives, we need to show mercy “I can’t wait to see the image grandfathers Freund and ish represents our Holy Door in dents, contributed to this story Good for You Bishop O’Neill Scholarships: attended, meeting and talking with On Dec. 10, seven families of each student. Michael Kagan, di- Catholic elementary school stu- ocesan superintendent of schools, dents received $600 Bishop assisted by Margo Shifo, assistant O’Neill scholarship awards at a superintendent, distributed gifts mid-morning gathering at the Di- to students and the awards to their ocesan Administration Center in principals. Several parents and Rockford. grandparents also attended. The tuition awards are made The award recipients in 2015 possible each year through a fund are Abby, Charlotte and Evelyn established in 1993 by the late Regis of St. Peter School, Auro- Bishop Arthur J. O’Neill, begun ra; Grace and Nathanael Schoen (Observer photo by Amanda Hudson) with what was collected by school of St. Mary School in Sycamore; Bishop O’Neill Scholarship winners pose with Michael Kagan (back, left), superintendant of diocesan Cath- children for him upon his retire- Alyssa Baugus, Alejandras and olic schools, and Bishop David Malloy. ment as the seventh bishop of the Natalie Arambula of St. Laurence Diocese of Rockford. Others have School in Elgin; Shirley Hounnou Emily Miller of St. Mary Parish, since contributed. The Catholic of Aquin Junior High School in Byron, and Romeo Aguilera of Foundation for the People of the Freeport; Connor Donaldson of St. St. Rita Parish, Rockford, each re- Diocese of Rockford administers Joseph School in Harvard; Mary ceived a $400 tuition award from the fund. Jane Arias of St. Edward School Knights of Columbus Bishop Mul- Up until about a year before his in Rockford; and Luis Xique, doon Assembly 190. Presenting death, Bishop O’Neill attended the Jonathan and Steven Ahuatl of St. their awards is Greg Wurzer, past annual award gathering held close Anne School in Dixon. commander of the Fourth Degree to, or on, his birthday. KC scholars: Boylan Central Honor Guard and Boylan Principal (Photo provided) This year, Bishop David Malloy Catholic High School students Jerry Kerrigan. Miller, Wurzer, Aguilera, Kerrigan

(Photo provided) (Photo provided) Fourteen students at Marian Central Catholic High School in Woodstock who were in- Fourteen students at St. Edward Central Catholic High School in Elgin have been named ducted as new members into the Tri-M (Modern Music Masters) Music Honor Society Illinois State Scholars. They are (from left) Melanie Christian, Melanie Schmidt, Allison on Nov. 12 are (front, from left) Sarah Wilson, Catherine O’Neill, Regina Antonetti, Katrina Stratman, Trine Jensen, Gwynneth Schaefer, Leslikarina Patino, Sean Phelan, Kimberly Dionela, Joanna Gutshall, Alyssa Consolo, (back) Johnalie Almaria, Michael Cronin, Joseph Grant, Michael Chammany, Maxine Scotty, Karl Bibler, Tess Schuck, Eric Parks, and Noah Paffrath, Nicholas Caliendo, Matt Snell, Landon Martin, John Hintz, Alexandra Krak Enright. LEFT: Students from Marian Central Catholic High School from Woodstock named Illinois State Scholars this year are (front, from left) Alexandra Ball, Megan Wells, Julianna Ignacio, Johnalie Almaria, Justin Wiener, Nicholas Teteak, Payson Wilde, Lucas Dowell, Carter Strode, Jake Higgins, (middle) Monica Juarez, Sheila Sagear, Emily Minneci, Shannon Hoople, Diana Slater, Hannah Gillespie, Benjamin Taylor, Grif- fin Martin, Shane Redman, Justin Santopadre, Andrew Payton, Max- well Hufman, (back) Nora Tucker, Allison Paprocki, Rachel Giustino, Lydia Herbst, Alexandra Kaufmann, Lauren Caselton, Nickolas Riedel, Lucas Morrissey, Cole Johnson, Daniel Matousek, Liam Skrzypczak, Derek O’Neill and (not pictured) Allison Royer. (Photo provided) RIGHT: Seniors from Rosary High School in Aurora who are Illinois State Scholars are (front, from left) Kate Jar- ecki, Hannah Eng, Kellie Buckley, Amy Iwatsuki, Neeth- ara Abraham, Rachel Loy, Taylor Drozdowski, Ellie Davis, Emily Laughead, (back) Emma Molenhouse, Mackenzie Malley, Gretchen Klug, Christina Koranda, Victoria Pyle, Kara Wong, Katherine Rentz, Meera Vyas, Grace Wehner, Isabella Duarte, Lauryn Streid, Madison Ronzone, Sonja Popovich, Ries McCue, Emma Leuer, Alissa Brankey, and

(not pictured) Shea Vero. (Photo provided) 10 FRIDAY DECEMBER 18, 2015 | The Observer

Nation / World News in Brief Our Lady of Guadalupe Enthusiasm Report: Sisters’ numbers shrinking but growing more diverse Overpowers Devotion to St. Juan Diego WASHINGTON (CNS)—A new report on U.S. women religious MEXICO CITY (CNS)— said that religious life is becoming not only more multiethnic but For the Dec. 9 feast of St. Juan more international as well. The report, “Understanding U.S. Cath- Diego, traditional indigenous olic Sisters Today,” said that of all women who entered religious dancers known as “concheros” life in the past 10 years, only 57 percent were white, while 17 per- and “chinelos” danced outside cent were Hispanic, 16 percent were Asian, and 8 percent were the Old Chapel of the Indians black — including both African-American women and those born on the grounds of the Basilica in Africa. Because of the growing numbers of foreign-born women of Our Lady of Guadalupe. religious, the report noted, Trinity Washington University recently Mexico City Cardinal Nor- received a grant to study and map the presence of international berto Rivera Carrera celebrated women religious in the United States and their evolving ministries Mass at the site. Some in atten- in response to church and societal needs. The report, released dance clutched small St. Juan Dec. 9, was commissioned by FADICA, Foundations and Donors Diego statues. A few spoke of Interested in Catholic Activities. his importance in evangelizing indigenous populations after Alaska priest who visited parishes Mary appeared before him at by plane and by kayak dies at 46 Tepeyac Hill — now site of the PHOENIX (CNS)—The Diocese of Juneau, Alaska, is mourning Basilica of Our Lady of Guada- the loss of a young priest, an outdoorsman who spread the Gos- lupe, the world’s most-visited (CNS photo/David Agren) pel in tiny Alaskan communities as well as online. Father Thomas Marian shrine. Jose Alfredo Robles, a “conchero” dancer, attends the Dec. 9 feast day L. Weise Jr. died Dec. 6 in San “(Guadalupe) chose him,” for St. Juan Diego at the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Mexico Luis Obispo, California, after suf- said Rosario Ledesma, a retired City. fering cardiac arrest while on a physics professor and conchera Prior to becoming a saint, identity. family visit. He was 46. One of dancer. “He is important as a Juan Diego was revered for St. Juan Diego was beatified 10 priests in the diocese, Father servant of the virgin (and) is playing an invaluable part in Weise served as pastor of two of her intercessor for all Mexi- by St. John Paul II in 2002, a great act of evangelization, southeast Alaska’s small island cans.” becoming the first indigenous parishes, St. Catherine of Siena Ledesma showed an infec- which converted many indig- saint from the Americas. enous Mexicans to Catholi- in Petersburg and St. Rose of (CNS photo/Nancy Wiechec) tious enthusiasm for St. Juan Mexico is still 83 percent Lima in Wrangell. Referring to Outdoor enthusiast Father Thom- Diego, but it is rare. Even at his cism. But his more recent role Catholic, but indigenous popu- as a saint has been met with himself as a missionary priest, as L. Weise stands with his kayak feast day festivities, images of lations in the country and Cen- tepid enthusiasm as Mexicans Father Weise often traveled by on a shoreline of Lynn Canal out- Our Lady of Guadalupe were tral America have been falling side of Juneau, Alaska, in 2014. struggle to see the reasons for small plane between Petersburg more commonly spotted, and away faster from the church and Wrangell to celebrate Mass pilgrims poured into the basili- sainting a secondary figure in than any other ethnic group, each weekend. On occasion, he would paddle three to four hours ca grounds by the thousands — the story of Our Lady of Gua- by kayak to reach the parishes. In a statement about his death with almost all ignoring the St. dalupe, the county’s patroness said Andrew Chesnut, reli- on St. Rose’s website, the parish expressed its sorrow. “We join Juan Diego celebrations. and a figure whose relevance gious studies professor at Vir- our hearts and prayers with his family in California, and friends In the 13 years since he was surpasses the spiritual for ginia Commonwealth Univer- worldwide, in thanking the Lord for the gift of Father Thomas’ life,” made a saint, a sizable devotion many in Mexico and forms an sity who studies Catholicism in it said, “and for the many ways that he touched our lives and enthu- has not developed. important part of the national Latin America. siastically shared the good news to all of God’s people.” Prayers Offered Bankruptcy allows diocese to Rabbi Hillel Cohn from Congrega- assist victims, ‘protect church’s mission’ tion Emanu El in Redlands, Calif., DULUTH, Minn. (CNS)—The Diocese of Duluth said Dec. 7 it embraces a government official has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection because efforts to during an interfaith service at Our reach a settlement “that would assist all abuse victims and pro- Lady of the Rosary Cathedral in San tect the church’s mission” have been unsuccessful. In Novem- Bernardino. More than 400 gath- ber, a Ramsey County jury in St. Paul awarded $8.1 million to a ered in the Diocese of San Bernardi- 52-year-old man, known only as “Doe 30,” who said that in the no’s mother church for the evening 1970s, when he was 13, he was abused by the late Father James vigil Dec. 7. Bishop Gerald R. Barnes Vincent Fitzpatrick. An Oblate of Mary Immaculate, the priest was of San Bernardino said he and serving a parish assignment in the Duluth Diocese at the time. his fellow religious leaders were The jury ordered the diocese to pay $4.9 million, or 60 percent, of there to “walk with” the families the amount it awarded to the abuse victim. “There is sadness in and friends of the victims in their having to proceed in this fashion,” Father James Bissonette, vicar pain, anger, sorrow and confusion. general, said in a statement about the diocese’s decision to file (CNS photyo/Dima Otervertchenko, The Tidings) bankruptcy. “After the recent trial, the diocese again attempted to reach a mutually agreeable resolution. Up to this point, the diocese has not been able to reach such a settlement, and given the magnitude of the verdict, the diocese was left with no choice but to Pope Advances Sainthood file for reorganization,” he said. Causes for Two With U.S. Ties Massachusetts highest court denies VATICAN CITY (CNS)— Born in Sweden in 1870 deemer in the 18th century. review of parish protesters’ case Pope Francis advanced the saint- and baptized into the Reform — Sister Mary of Jesus San- BOSTON (CNS)—The Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court, hood causes of a Lutheran con- Church, she immigrated to the tocanale, an Italian nun born in the state’s highest court, has denied a request for further appel- vert who established a branch United States in 1886. After 1852, who founded the Congre- late review of a case brought by a group fighting the closure of its of the Bridgettine order in her working as a nurse, she con- gation of the Capuchin Sisters Catholic parish church in the Boston Archdiocese. The Friends of country and a U.S. missionary verted to Catholicism in 1902. of the Immaculate of Lourdes. St. Frances X. Cabrini Inc. of Scituate confirmed the denial in a who died while ministering to Moving to Rome, she dedicated — Itala Mela, an Italian lay- Dec. 4 statement and said that “at this juncture (they) are taking the wounded in Vietnam. her life and religious order to woman and Benedictine Oblate this decision under advisement with their attorney and reviewing During a Dec. 14 meeting prayer and work for the attain- who died in 1957. as a community potential options and next steps.” St. Frances X. with Cardinal Angelo Amato, ment of Christian unity. The pope also recognized the Cabrini Parish was closed — suppressed in canon law terms — prefect of the Congregation for The pope also signed decrees heroic virtues of four women under the archdiocese’s broad restructuring plan. It was one of 70 Saints’ Causes, the pope signed recognizing the miracles need- and eight men, including New churches that closed beginning in 2004 in a downsizing plan car- a decree recognizing a miracle ed for the beatifications of: Hampshire native Brother Wil- ried out under Cardinal Sean P. O’Malley. Archdiocesan officials attributed to the intercession of — Father Ladislao Bukow- liam Gagnon — a member of the cited declining attendance, aging priests and rising maintenance Blessed Mary Elizabeth Hes- inski, a Ukrainian priest who Hospitaller Order of Saint John costs as reasons for closing dozens of parishes. Since October selblad, who refounded the Or- died in Kazakhstan in 1974. of God. He tended to the sick and 2004, St. Frances X. Cabrini parishioners have kept an around- der of the Most Holy Savior of — Sister Maria Celeste Crosta- wounded during the Vietnam the-clock presence in the church in the hope that various appeals St. Bridget, better known as the rosa, an Italian nun who founded War, before falling ill and dying based on canon law would be successful. Bridgettines. the Order of the Most Holy Re- in Ho Chi Minh City in 1972. T he Observer | FRIDAY DECEMBER 18, 2015 11

Nation / World News in Brief Pope Francis will venerate Mary at Mexico shrine next year VATICAN CITY (CNS) —On the feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe, Pope Francis announced that he would travel to the Marian shrine in Mexico City and pray to Mary so that Christian communities “may become oases and rivers of mercy. To ask her this, in a strong way, I will travel to venerate her at her shrine on Feb.13. There, I will ask this for all of America, of whom she is especially a (CNS photo/J.L. Gonzalez, Reuters) mother,” the pope said. The pope made the an- A pilgrim holds nouncement during a Dec. 12 Mass in St. Peter’s image of Our Basilica honoring Our Lady of Guadalupe, who Lady of Guada- appeared to St. Juan Diego in 1531. lupe.

(CNS file photo/Jim West) Activists, pope say more work needed Franciscan Brother Juan Turios of Action Network prays with immigration reform advocates in Washington. after climate change pact The Vatican released a 50-page reflection on the importance of the life and mission of brothers. PARIS (CNS)—German Msgr. Josef Sayer prayed over a crowd of environmental activists at Saint-Merry Catho- lic Church, where they had gathered Vatican Releases Guide for Mass after two weeks of lobbying at the U.N. climate change conference. “We have to start and struggle (CNS photo-Mal Langsdon, Reuters For Religious Brothers again, and it is a harsh way in front Environmentalists protest of us,” Msgr. Sayer said minutes after near the Eiffel Tower in Paris. By Carol Glatz taled more than 55,250 at the secular realities and of hu- the Mass at the 16th-century church Catholic News Service end of 2013, according to re- man life itself, bear witness to Dec. 13, the day after the climate conference produced its final cent Vatican statistics. How- knowing and loving the God of agreement. He and other Catholic groups varied as to which of VATICAN CITY — To help ever, the total number of priests life.” their summit ambitions had been met and which had not, but all of appreciate and better promote — diocesan and religious order The document said religious them contended that their struggle to save the environment was the vocation of religious broth- — around the world was nearly brothers can be the “prophets just beginning, and they called for further mobilization. The same ers, the Vatican released a 50- 415,350, with a steady increase for our time” which is witness- day, after reciting the Angelus at the Vatican, Pope Francis said page reflection on the impor- in diocesan priests in Africa, ing “great social change.” the agreement required a “concerted commitment” to continue for- tance of their life and mission Asia and the Americas, and a What is needed, it said, is ward. “In the hopes that it guarantees particular attention to the most vulnerable populations, I urge the entire international commu- of evangelization, fraternity continued decline in Europe. “the prophesy of hospitality,” in nity to continue the path undertaken with care, in a sign of solidarity and sacrifice. Archbishop Rodriguez said which all people are welcomed; that becomes ever more constructive,” Pope Francis said. The Congregation for Insti- the document is meant to high- a “prophesy of the meaning of tutes of Consecrated Life and light “the richness and neces- life” that helps people discover Societies of Apostolic Life re- sity of all the vocations in the the essential; a “prophesy of leased “Identity and Mission church, especially the vocation the affirmation of feminine of the Religious Brother in the of lay religious life for men and values,” which supports and Church” in five languages Dec. women.” appreciates the presence and 14 as a guide for the whole He said it was hoped the re- vision of women; “the proph- church. flection would help all mem- esy of the care and protection Pope Benedict XVI asked the bers of the church become more of life” and creation; and “the congregation in 2008 to draft aware and better appreciate the prophesy of the wise use of new an instruction in order to un- service and gifts of religious technologies,” which is atten- derline the importance of the brothers, and help encourage tive to letting information and vocation of lay brothers, es- and guide them in living their communication benefit those pecially given “the challenges vocation “with authenticity and who are disadvantaged. they must face” in today’s joy.” The document called for world, said Archbishop Jose improving relationships and Rodriguez Carballo, secretary The instruction underlines Become a Catholic Order of Foresters the importance of serving like a sense of “equal dignity” in of the congregation. He spoke so-called “mixed” religious (COF) field representative and, at a Vatican news conference the Good Shepherd in order to make Christ present in the institutes whose members in- presenting the document Dec. clude lay brothers and religious • Be a leader in your Catholic community 14. world and to enlighten, bless, raise up, heal and free human- priests. It said priests and the At the time, the former pre- church hierarchy should pro- • Strive for personal and professional growth fect of the congregation, Car- ity. So many people are expe- mote and better appreciate the • Work for yourself but not by yourself dinal Franc Rode, had said the vocation of lay brothers and riencing a “thirst for spiritu- steep decline in the numbers of sisters, ensuring they can “par- • Receive customized training ality,” it said, and religious religious brothers was a clear ticipate actively in the organs brothers, especially those liv- Experience not required. sign “something must be done.” of consultation, decision-making in monastic or contempla- “We think one of the reasons ing and implementation within tive communities, should offer for the decline in these voca- the local church.” As a COF agent you will help fellow Catholics themselves as guides for those tions is due to a certain lack Archbishop Rodriguez said realize their financial goals and need for of attention on the part of the seeking deeper meaning, invit- his congregation will ask Pope security, utilizing top-quality life insurance church” to brothers, who are ing people to prayer, reading Francis to establish an ad hoc mentioned only in passing in Scripture and bridging faith commission to look into the and annuity products. the documents of the Second and culture. role of religious brothers in Vatican Council and Vatican The text urged religious mixed or clerical institutes and Is Catholic Order of Foresters the right fit for you? documents published later, he brothers to see no human situ- their “participation in local, told Vatican Radio in 2010. ation as “alien” to their pres- provincial and general gover- (Cutline -credit) While the numbers of reli- ence. Whether they engage in Call Tom Adamson replace nance” and administration. gious in every category have manual labor, defend human Toll-free: 800-552-0145 dropped in the past 50 years, rights, teach, work in health the number of religious broth- care or serve in other ways, [email protected]

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RFO 0614.indd 1 5/29/2014 11:26:47 AM 12 FRIDAY DECEMBER 18, 2015 | The Observer

Worth the Wait The Christ Child is Very Near to Us Now hese past Advent Reflection year can tempt us with. Joy is the word to reflect on. When the s e v e r a l The birth of Jesus is now very message of Jesus’ birth comes to our ears weeks of by Father John McNamara T Parochial Vicar proximate, it is literally five days away at Christmas Mass, will we find joy in Advent have been St. Mary, Huntley and the Gospel this Sunday tells us the this? filled with remote proper disposition someone should have When the Lord visits our bodies and preparation for John the Baptist as he cries out that we when the Lord is near. souls in holy Communion, do we find joy the coming of the What happens in this Gospel? Simply should “prepare the way of the Lord,” in this? Messiah. one mightier than he is coming. put, Mary visits her cousin Elizabeth and We heard in the they are both filled with joy! When our brothers and sisters come to Here’s where the rubber hits the road first week of Advent; Elizabeth cries out, “Blessed are you visit and encounter us as Mary did with “Be vigilant at all times.” In other words, in this fourth Sunday of Advent. We among women, and blessed is the fruit of Elizabeth, do we find joy in this? be prepared, your redemption is at hand. have prepared for Jesus’ coming, we your womb! For at the moment the sound Jesus is very near to us. May we never In the second and third Sundays of hope well, not totally distracted by the of your greeting reached my ears, the lose sight of how close God is and how Advent, we hear specifically from St. consumeristic mentality that this time of infant in my womb leaped for joy!” much joy this should bring to our lives.

Copyright © 2015, United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, Washington, DC. All rights reserved. Find interactive calendar at www.usccb.org/prayer-and-worship/liturgical-year/advent/index.cfm 4th Week of Advent

Knights of Columbus Help Refugees Prepare for Winter The Knights of Columbus The extra coats will be dis- Holy Family Council 13123 in tributed by the Catholic Chari- Rockford, and its Ladies Aux- ties Refugee Resettlement Of- iliary, donated and distributed fice to other refugee families in three boxes of children’s winter need who were unable to be at coats on Dec. 2. the Dec. 2 event. Refugee children and a few Many of the refugee families small-sized adults from Iraq, who come to be resettled in Syria, Burma and Congo re- Rockford arrive without suffi- ceived the coats that day. cient winter clothing.

Everyone poses with new winter gear after picking winter coats donated to Catholic Charities.

Members of the Holy Family Council 13123 and its Ladies Auxiliary at Holy Family Parish donated, delivered and distributed the coats to several families, with additional coats provided for future distribution.

An adult (above) helps a child find a coat thats fit. Youngsters (neear right) also receive handmade scarves for their new winter wardrobes. Refugees (Observer photos by Amanda Hudson) who could not attend the Dec. 2 distribution re- Janet Biljeskovic (left), director of the Catholic Charities Refugee Re- ceived coats later. settlement Program smiles as youngsters try on new coats. The Observer | FRIDAY DECEMBER 18, 2015 13 The Junior Observer Vol. 30, No. 4 Published by The Observer, Official Catholic Newspaper of the Diocese of Rockford [email protected]

A Good News Story An Angel Comes to Joseph in a Dream Catholic News Service “Joseph ... do not be afraid” that this child has been conceived oseph was a very devout in her. She will bear a son and you and righteous man who Q&A are to name him Jesus, because always obeyed God’s laws. J What famous person he will save his people from their He worked as a carpenter and was was Joseph related sins.” not very wealthy, but he did come to? What the angel said to Joseph from a very famous family. fulfilled a prophesy that God, King David, the shepherd boy To whom was Joseph betrothed? through one of his prophets, had whom God made king of the Isra- revealed to his people in the Old elites during Old Testament times, Read more in Testament: “Behold, the virgin was one of Joseph’s relatives. Matthew 1 (CNS) shall be with child and bear a son, Joseph was betrothed to a and they shall name him Em- woman, a virgin named Mary. to the law, he should no longer be Then, one night, Joseph had a manuel.” Emmanuel means “God “Betrothed” means that Joseph and married to Mary. He also did not dream. An angel of God came to is with us.” Mary were married, but they were want to get Mary in any trouble or him and spoke: When Joseph woke up, he did not yet living together as husband cause her to be shamed or harmed, “Joseph, son of David, do not exactly as the angel had told him and wife in the same house. so he decided that he would divorce be afraid to take Mary your wife to do. He did not divorce Mary, but One day, Joseph learned that her without making a big deal into your home,” the angel said. instead took her into his home and Mary was going to have a baby. about it. “For it is through the Holy Spirit waited for Jesus to be born. He did not realize that the angel Gabriel had told Mary that the God Speaks to Joseph and the new parents were visited to be killed. Holy Spirit would come upon her by the Magi, who had followed After Herod died, Joseph had and that “you will conceive in your There were several times when a star to where Jesus had been another dream in which an angel womb and bear a son, and you shall God spoke to Joseph, the earthly born. said, “Rise, take the child and his father of Jesus, through dreams. Not long after the Magi left, mother and go to the land of Israel, name him Jesus. He will be great Three of those dreams were meant Joseph had a dream. An angel for those who sought the child’s life and will be called Son of the Most to help protect the newborn Mes- warned him that King Herod are dead.” High, and the Lord God will give siah from harm. wanted to kill Jesus and told him Joseph did so, but he was him the throne of David his father, Just before Jesus was born, to flee to Egypt with Mary and the warned in another dream not to and he will rule over the house of Joseph took Mary to his family’s baby. After the Holy Family left for return to Judea, because it might Jacob forever, and of his kingdom home city, Bethlehem, the city of Egypt in the night, Herod ordered not be safe. Instead, Joseph there will be no end.” David, to be counted in a census. all male children up to 2 years old brought his family to Galilee to live Joseph decided that, according Mary gave birth to Jesus there, who lived in or around Bethlehem in Nazareth. Bible Matching

Below are some events surrounding the early life of Jesus. Label them 1-5 in the order in which they happened. Most of the events can be found in Luke 2, except for C, which can be found in Matthew 2:10-11.

__ A) Joseph and Mary lose Jesus after

a festival.

__ B) Jesus is born in Bethlehem.

__ C) The Magi visit Jesus and give him Color the picture and tell the story in your own words. gifts. ______D) Jesus is presented at the temple. ______E) Joseph and Mary name their baby ______

Jesus. ______See answers on page 23. 14 FRIDAY DECEMBER 18, 2015 | The Observer

Christmas Season

(Observer photo by Penny Wiegert) This is one of Jody Deery’s hundreds of nativities that are on display 4-8 p.m., Dec. 18 and 1-6 p.m. Dec. 19 and 20 at her home, 1030 N. Second St., Rockford. Donations collected by the Catholic Women’s League during the annual display help the Poor Clares of Rockford. May the Joy of Christmas Fill Our Hearts

arental Christmas Reflection signs. It’s a custom in our communities come from your hearts.” love is to venerate the image of the newborn St. Paul said “… that at the name of by Father Oscar Cortés P expressed Parochial Administrator, St. Rita of Cas- child on Christmas Day. Jesus every knee should bend, of those in thousands of cia, Aurora Like Mary and Joseph, with a kiss in heaven and on earth and under the kisses and endless we express our joy and happiness in earth, and every tongue confess that caresses. That was real in our lives, so much so that we can knowing that this child has brought us Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the joy and happiness experience the same joy and the same salvation. Men and women of good will the Father?” (Phi 2, 10-11) of Mary and Joseph happiness of Mary and Joseph in the prostrate themselves before his image as Merry Christmas to all! when the God of life stable in Bethlehem. It doesn’t matter a sign of respect and adoration for the May this Year of Mercy bring us even became a child in their arms. that we celebrate this event every year; God in heaven. closer to the Savior of the world as we With faith we glimpse into the eyes of for the person of faith this is always In fact, when we profess the creed live the Christmas joy in the experience Mary and Joseph filled with the peace something new. during the Mass of the birth of Jesus, of sacramental life, reconciliation and and joy that can only come from God. Christmas has the magic that allows the liturgy tells us to pause and bow at community. This is the same joy that spreads us to feel the joy of the angels singing the words “and by the Holy Spirit was May the Lord bless our families, our among Christians when we celebrate the around the child, and the admiration of incarnate.” communities and our ministries. mystery of Christmas, the mystery of the kneeling shepherds who worshipped Pope St. John Paull II once said, “Look May the joy and happiness that Mary God Emmanuel. Christmas has its magic the King of heaven. upon the baby born in Bethlehem who and Joseph and the angels and shepherds and mystery! “Glory to God in the highest and on is beside his mother Mary. Draw near in Bethlehem be always our joy. By the grace of God the mystery of Earth peace to people of good will.” to him, prostrate yourselves before Him May the magic of Christmas transform the birth of Jesus becomes alive and Our liturgy is full of rites and beautiful in adoration and offer Him the gifts that our hearts. The Christmas Season is Just Beginning Dec. 25 hen Santa appears on n Feast of the Holy Family, Dec. 27 Jesus follows the Law and becomes a part of the Holy Family store shelves before Jesus condescends to be subject to His n Feast of the Epiphany, Jan. 3 n Twelfth Night, Jan. 6 W Halloween, it’s easy to parents Jesus reveals His divinity to the three The Twelve Days of Christmas as a forget that the Christmas season only n Feast of the Holy Innocents, Dec. 28 Magi, and during His Baptism, and at Feast come to an end begins Dec. 25. Herod slaughters the baby boys in the wedding at Cana n Baptism of Our Lord/Octave of the Traditionally, the season includes order to kill the Christ Child n Feast of the Holy Name of Jesus, Epiphany, Jan. 10 n Christmas Day, Dec. 25 n The Circumcision (the Octave of Jan. 3 Christmas liturgically ends with the Christ is born Christmas), Jan. 1 After He is circumcised, He is named Octave of the Epiphany. Wreaths, Rosemary and Roses among Symbols of Christmas ost Catholics be used starting on with their lovely weeping, an angel came and are familiar Christmas morning. fragrance. swept the snow away from M with Christmas But fewer know The Christmas around her feet, and lovely cup- symbols, such as the wreath. rosemary is a very, rose (Helleborus shaped white blooms sprang up. In Roman times wreaths very old Christmas niger) is a Christmas The angel said to her, “Nor (made of laurel) were used as symbol. tradition that springs myrrh, nor frankincense, nor symbols of victory. Christians adopted Legend has it that on the flight to from Germany. gold is offering more meet (appropriate) the practice, using wreaths (usually of Egypt after the Magis’ visit and St. A legend surrounds it that is similar for the Christ Child than these pure pine nowadays) to represent the victory Joseph’s dream, Our Lady washed to that of the poinsettia: a humble Christmas roses.” This lovely flower of the newborn King. Baby Jesus’ clothes out and laid shepherdess felt that anything she Some families turn their Advent them across some rosemary bushes gave to Baby Jesus couldn’t compare can bloom all winter long. wreaths into Christmas wreaths to to dry. Since then, God blessed them with what the Magi gave. As she sat Source: www.fisheaters.com

Dec. 25-Jan. 10 The Observer | FRIDAY DECEMBER 18, 2015 15

Around the Diocese Students and Parishes Celebrate the Christmas Season

(Photo provided) Second graders hoist their signs for the kindergarten through second-grade students at St. ”Let’s Have Christmas Here Tonight” was the third through fifth grade Christmas program, Patrick School in St. Charles performed ”Sing-A-Glad Noel,” a Christmas program, Dec. 3. Dec. 10. Both shows combined music and pageantry to celebrate the magic of this season.

(Photo provided) Children of Blessed Sacrament Parish in North Aurora perform the Nativity story after Mass Dec. 6. The performance was followed by the annual parish Christmas party. (Photo provided) Third- and fourth-graders from St. Mary School in East Dubuque carol at Bell Tower Se- Submit Online: Parish, school and organization publicists may send Christmas photos using nior Living Center. The students participate regularly in activities with the residents, in- interactive forms at The Observer website http://observer.rockforddiocese.org/contact-us. Click on cluding playing games, doing crafts, skits and reader’s theater, singing songs and prepar- Submit Events and News. (You may attach one picture or document per form.) ing snacks. We Wish You a Blessed Christmas!

(Observer photos by Margarita Mendoza) Candlelight Night is an annual tradition at St. Thomas More Par- ish in Elgin. Women gather at the church to share tea and sweets and talk about the significance of Advent and Christmas in their lives. Among the women gathered are Lillian Mendoza, Grace Stu- art, Judy Wright, Mariana Malony, Suzette Fernández, Nancy Pérez, Blanca Kubiuk and María Lozano.

The Staff and Parishioners of Church of the Holy Spirit 5637 Broad Street — Roscoe The youngest group at the event was Giovanna Gutierrez, Ashley Tiu, Mia Kubiuk, Cecelia Fragakis, Katie Maloney, Madison Watwood, 815-623-6930 Mary McKay and Olivia Snow. 16 FRIDAY DECEMBER 18, 2015 | The Observer

Around the Diocese DeKalb Deanery Aurora Deanery

(Photo provided) St. Peter School Geneva had a standing ovation as its production of “The Wizard of Oz” concluded. Directors were Emily Mueller and Lina Mikuloinis.

(Photo provided) First graders at St. Mary School in DeKalb have been busy the past few weeks building and constructing their own true-to-size bald eagle nest. They compared the size of a bald eagle nest to a hummingbird nest. This year they are learning about the bald eagle and watching a pair of bald eagles at Berry College in Georgia via a live webcam. As the Georgia bald eagles have their nest ready for egg laying in a couple of weeks, the rst graders have their nest ready, too. Rockford Deanery

(Photo provided) School Sister of St. Francis Rita Mary Phalen facilitates retreats for the children at Our Lady of Good Counsel School in Aurora. During Oc- tober, she worked with rst- through eighth-graders on meditating on the rosary and had kindergarten and preschool children meditate on thanking God. After she guided students through a decade of the rosary, she sought their responses, which included these from fourth (Photo provided) graders: For the Resurrection: “I felt in peace, not ghting. I said ‘Jesus St. Rita School choir from Rockford performs Christmas songs for residents of the Alden Debes Retirement you are alive’. And then I ran and gave him a hug,’ ” and for the Ascen- home on Mulford Road. sion: “Well no time to lose. Let’s go out into the world.” McHenry Deanery

(Photo provided) (Photo provided) Sixth-grade students at St. Margaret Mary School in Algonquin have Keeping a two-decade old tradition, the Christ Renews His Parish retreat group men’s choir from SS. Peter been learning about Ancient Greece. They made posters, brochures, and Paul in Cary sang Christmas carols at St. Joseph’s Home for the elderly in Palatine Dec. 12. and songs comparing the city-states of Athens and Sparta. The Observer | FRIDAY DECEMBER 18, 2015 17

Around the Diocese

Save the Date Deaf Ministry Brings Goodies Jan 5 ST. CHARLES Volunteers from the Rockford Healing after divorce: 7-8:30 Diocese Deaf Apostolate Office p.m. (first of 10 weekly sessions); portray Mr. and Mrs. Claus, a St. Patrick, 6N491 Crane Road. snowman, elves, a Christmas Catholic peer ministry, “Divorce and tree, a shepherd and rein- Beyond,” for men and women. Cost: deers for the residents of Jack $10. Info: Lois Mielke, loismielke@ Mabley Center in Dixon at sbcglobal.net, 847-863-1268 their annual Christmas party. This year they delivered 105 Jan 8-10 presents to residents of seven ROCKFORD homes at the facility for devel- Women’s retreat: 5 p.m. (through opmentally disabled adults. 10 a.m. Jan. 10); Bishop Lane Some of the gifts are donated Retreat Center, 7708 E. McGregor by employees of the Diocesan Road. Theme: Called to be a Administration Center in Rock- Daughter of God. Leaders: Kay ford. Msgr. Glenn Nelson is the Ethington and Jill Kapala. Prayer,

(Photo provided) (Photo director of the deaf ministry. talks, reflection, Mass, praise and worship music; fellowship with other adult women – married or single. Register by Dec. 18. Cost: $130-190 What’s Up private room; $95-155 shared room; $70 commuter. Info: 815/965-5011 Mon Dec 21 Sun Dec 27 Submit Online: Parish, school and organization publicists may or [email protected] send news and photos, including Year of Mercy events, using inter- CRYSTAL LAKE Discernment retreat: 7 p.m. active forms at The Observer website http://observer.rockforddiocese. Jan 9 Called to Pray: 7 p.m.; St. (through 3 p.m. Dec. 28); Bishop org/contact-us. Click on Submit Events and News. (You may attach HUNTLEY Thomas the Apostle, 451 W. Terra Lane Retreat Center, 7708 E. one picture per form.) Information from this form also is submitted to El Free throw contest: 9-11:45 a.m., Cotta Ave. Sponsor: Rockford McGregor Road. Opening Mass Observador and to the diocesan calendar. Centegra Health Bridge Fitness Diocese Vocations Office. with Bishop David Malloy. Retreat Submit by Mail: Send mail submissions to The Observer, P.O. Box Center, 10450 Algonquin Road. For Vocations talk and holy hour with leader: Father Keith Romke, 7044, Rockford, IL 61125. boys and girls, 9-14. Sponsor: St. Father Keith Romke, vocations diocesan vocations director. Mary Knights of Columbus Council director. For anyone interested in Cost: $50. Info: 815/399-4300 or Diocesan Administration Center the priesthood, consecrated life 11666.Free. Info: Matt Adam, [email protected] Fri Jan 1 closed or marriage. Families welcome. 847/946-6911 or pr@huntleyknights. Info: www.rockforddiocese.org/ Feast of the Blessed Virgin Find more events on The Observer org. vocations/ Mon Dec 28 Mary, Mother of God Catholic Newspaper Facebook WOODSTOCK page and the diocesan calendar AURORA Holy Day of Obligation Placement test: 8 a.m.; Marian Tue Dec 22 Central Catholic High School, Baseball bootcamps: 10-11:30 1001 McHenry Ave. Report with AURORA a.m. and noon-1:30 p.m. (through registration form. Cost: $15. Holiday hoops camp: 1-4 p.m. Dec. 30); Marmion Academy, Info: www.marian.com or Mike (also 8-11 a.m. Dec 23); Rosary 1000 Butterfield Road. First Maloney, 815/338-4220, ext. 108 or High School, 901 N. Edgelawn Dr. session: fifth-sixth grade boys; Keep Christ [email protected] Sponsors: Rosary coaching staff second session: seventh-eighth and players. Cost: $35 in advance; grade boys. Sponsors: Marmion Jan 18 $45 at the door. Info: http:// coaching staff. Cost: $50 per rosaryhs.com/holiday_hoops ST. CHARLES child. Info: www.marmion.org/ baseballbootcamp Called to Pray: 7 p.m.; St. Patrick, in Christmas 6N491 Crane Road. Sponsor: Thu Dec 24 Rockford Diocese Vocations Office. Christmas Eve Wed Dec 30 On behalf of the Vocations talk and holy hour with Diocesan Administration Center Father Keith Romke, vocations closed Deadline for Jan. 8 What’s Up 73,000 members and director. For anyone interested in (for events Jan. 11-17) the priesthood, consecrated life or Fri Dec 25 their families of the marriage. Families welcome. Info: Thu Dec 31 www.rockforddiocese.org/vocations/ Christmas Day Illinois State Council Holy Day of Obligation New Year’s Eve Jan 22 of the Diocesan Administration Center Diocesan Administration Center ALGONQUIN closed closed Knights of Columbus Life in the Spirit: 7:30-9:30 p.m. (first of five sessions); St. Margaret we wish you all a very Mary, 111 S. Hubbard St. Sponsor: In Spirit and In Truth prayer group. Merry Christmas and Speaker: Father Peter Sarnicki, Michael Walschot “Your Personal CFO” a Happy and Healthy pastor. Topic: God’s Love and • Retirement and Financial Planning Services Salvation. Free. Info: John Morici, • Small Company Retirement Plans New Year! 847/915-0223 or Mary Ann Watt, 847/854-3178 • Alternative Investments • Tax Planning • 401(k)/403(b)/457 Rollovers • Estate Planning Jan 27 At Christmas, more than ever, may GENEVA • Independent Investment Advice Women’s Bible study: 9:15- • Healthcare, LTC, and Life Insurance your home be a happy place where 11 a.m. (continues Wednesdays • Catholic Portfolios through March 16); St. Peter, 1891 608 Washington, Suite 304 — Naperville, IL 60540 God grants you and those you love Kaneville Road. Sponsor: Fox Valley Women’s Bible Study. Topic: 2 630-778-6260 His very special grace; and, where Corinthians with New Collegeville [email protected] — web: michaelwalschot.com Bible Commentary and Little Rock “Serving all the many blessings this Christmas Scripture Study Guide. Child care the entire available; also group for mothers Rockford Diocese” holds for you reflect the peace and and infants. Registration required. U.S. Army Veteran Cost: $30/$35 for new members; Registered Representative offering securities through Cetera Advisor Networks LLC, member $25 for fall participants; $10 per child FINRA/SIPC. Advisory services offered through Total Clarity Wealth Management, Inc. Total joyfulness the Holy Family knew. for care. Info: 630/377-4629 Clarity and American Capital Management are not afﬂ iated with Cetera Advisor Networks. 18 FRIDAY DECEMBER 18, 2015 | The Observer

Vocation Corner Guys: Is God calling you? Join me and listen

ell, we’ve all finally made it to the time of This is going to be a more focused event than the to cover a portion of the expenses of lodging and year where things get busier than we could summer camps, with more opportunity to allow the breakfast and lunch on Monday. ever think possible! Work parties, family Lord to speak through prayer. W I’m looking forward to seeing what the Lord has in gatherings, shopping events, and so much more! If you fit the description of a high school or college store for this weekend, and I hope that many young Of course the most important thing is to keep God guy who is open to a call to the priesthood, then men from our diocese will experience what God has right in the middle of all of our plans. you have nothing to lose. And if you don’t fit this been planning for them, so please help me to get the description, but know someone who does, maybe word out. In light of this important task, I’m pleased to you could give them a great Christmas gift of an announce that over Christmas break the Vocation invitation to attend the retreat. So if you are interested, e-mail me at kromke@ rockforddiocese.org for more information Office is going to be offering a retreat for young The event is going to be held at Bishop Lane men in high school and college who are open to Retreat Center in the main building. It will run from — Father Keith Romke, Diocesan Director of Vocations discerning a call to the priesthood. 7 p.m. Dec. 27 to 3 p.m. Dec. 28, and costs $50 Write to him at [email protected]. Huntley scout earns Eagle honors HUNTLEY—Ryan O’Sullivan of Boy The renovated fire pit was Scout Troop 157 was awarded Eagle dedicated Aug. 22, 2014, and honors Oct. 11 at a Court of Honor held at has seen plenty of use since St. Mary Parish, here. then. O’Sullivan is the son of Ryan and Marie The St. Mary Knights of O’Sullivan. Columbus Council, along with O’Sullivan’s Eagle project was the businesses in the local community, creation of the Msgr. Steve Knox Flame of supported the project with both money O’Sullivan the Holy Spirit Fire Pit. and labor.

What: Date or Danger, a workshop about understanding YO Calendar teen dating violence, for seventh- through 12th-grade students Feb. 6, 8:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Where: St. John Neumann, 2900 E. Main St., St. Charles Info: Jim Kintz, 630/338-9772 YO on YO t h e record By CHARLIE MARTIN | CNS he time between Christmas Day and before aside expectations of how God the start of the New Year is an important should answer, and then open T time. It invites us to consider our lives and your heart to receive what He You raise envision how we want to enter 2016. gives you. Each year is a gift. But when we are prompted As disciples of Jesus, we me up to evaluate whether we are living well, we can also also know that our focus must Sung by Josh Groban take the time to evaluate our role as a disciple of go beyond ourselves. Ask how © 2004, Reprise Records/Warner Bros. Records/143 Jesus. you can help others. Records To help us with this process, I chose Josh In fact, look around at When I am down and, oh Each restless Groban’s acclaimed 2004 hit “You Raise Me Up.” members of your immediate my soul, so weary heart beats so The song is a testament to the power of God in our family, at school, and When troubles come and imperfectly lives. elsewhere in your community. my heart burdened be But when you The song’s character speaks eloquently about Assess how you can help Then I am still and wait come and I here in the silence am filled with how life can be hard as “when I am down,” and others. Determine who can Until you come and sit wonder “oh my soul, so weary” and “my heart burdened.” use your understanding, compassion, and awhile with me Sometimes, I He also knows that “each restless heart beats so think I glimpse encouragement. (Photo/www.joshgroban.com imperfectly,” and yet, in the presence of God, “I am You raise me up so I can eternity You raise me up so I can filled with wonder.” None of us can “fix” the stand on mountains stand on mountains lives or problems of others, You raise me up to walk You raise me up so I can Thus, he can strongly affirm: “You raise me up so on stormy seas stand on mountains You raise me up to walk I can stand on mountains, you raise me up to walk but God works through you I am strong when I am on You raise me up to walk on stormy seas on stormy seas, I am strong when I am on your to bring hope to others. your shoulders on stormy seas I am strong when I am on your shoulders shoulders, you raise me up to more than I can be.” It may be a hope that can You raise me up to more I am strong when I am on than I can be your shoulders You raise me up to more help individuals improve their Looking back on 2015, you might see that during You raise me up to more than I can be this year you encountered “stormy seas” or a lives. Make a commitment to be There is no life, no life than I can be You raise me up to more “burdened heart.” the type of person who helps without its hunger than I can be others find their inner strength. But as you envision 2016, I encourage you to tell God how you need Him to “raise” you up. No There is much suffering on parish, or school, or maybe as a project to support matter what challenges arise as you begin the this planet. And yet, who does God send to “raise” our brothers and sisters in some other part of the upcoming year, make God your ally and most up His family to a new way of being, a new way world. Regardless of what you choose, be sure to trusted friend. of healing? You. None of us can solve humanity’s answer this question: What will I do in 2016 that problems but all of us can do something. Tell Jesus what you need. God’s miracles of raises up God’s family, with my talent, my time, or healing and opportunity are given freely. I encourage you to set one goal or plan an my financial support? action that will help others in God’s family in Consequently, seek God’s help and then be We are fortunate to have a new year, a new open to surprise. As the creator of the universe, 2016. chance to raise up ourselves and others. May each our God is quite inventive in how He helps us. Put Make a commitment in your local community, of you be blessed during 2016. Send comments to Charlie Martin at [email protected] or at 7125W 200S, Rockport, IN 47635.

Like Young Observer on Follow @young0bserver on The Observer | FRIDAY DECEMBER 18, 2015 19 Batavia Girl wins rst Stars and Stripes award in Illinois, Project Aids Parish Madison Goodwin of Batavia is the badges and investing more than 350 “This was a big project, but fi rst in Illinois to receive American hours of service into her community. (Goodwin’s) leadership and Heritage Girls highest recognition: Goodwin has attended AHG’s organizational skills allowed the The Stars and Stripes Award. local and regional camps as well as project to be completed very She is the daughter of Frank and national conventions. professionally,” said Deacon Larry Motyka. Julie Goodwin and a member of Holy She has received the religious Cross Parish in Batavia. recognitions: I Live My Faith, Marian, He was a direct contact for A senior in high school, she is a and Spirit Alive. Goodwin during planning and completing her project. member of American Heritage Girls Her Stars and Stripes project Troop IL-0224, chartered by her consisted of documenting, As she enters college in the fall parish. photographing, and recording the of 2016, Goodwin plans to pursue Goodwin began her scouting valuables within Holy Cross Parish. an English major and a minor in journey in 2009 and has held many The document will benefi t the parish journalism. leadership positions within her troop in case of a disaster such as fi re, A Court of Awards ceremony along with earning more than 40 tornado, or theft. honoring her will be held on Jan. 16. About AHG this year. Membership has averaged confi dence building, and character, 30 percent growth annually since social and spiritual development. American Heritage Girls, a Christ- 2010 and has more than 40,000 centered character-development members and more than 900 Troops About Stars and Stripes organization for girls, 5-18, is in 49 states. The Stars and Stripes award is dedicated to building women of (Photo provided) a multi-faceted award that honors integrity through service to God, AHG focuses on six program Madison Goodwin of Batavia is the rst in Illinois girls who develop servant leadership emphases: life skill enhancement, to receive the American Heritage Girls Stars and family, community and country. AHG skills that are needed to lead with Stripes award. is celebrating its 20th anniversary girl leadership, teamwork and integrity.

Marmion Students Certi ed to Begin Engineering and Design Careers

Students in Marmion Academy’s engineering design course have been certi ed in SolidWorks, a computer aided design program. Students become a Certi ed SolidWorks Associate (CSWA) by passing the rst level of the program, which gives them the abil- ity to do 3D modeling in engineering and design careers. This rst group of CSWAs is helping companies with engineering problems. Twenty-six were certi ed in the rst group and 50 additional Marmion students are on track to be certi ed this school year. Af- ter becoming a CSWA, students begin to work with Dr. Victor Pinks II ‘72, who directs Marmion’s CPARC Engineering Center. Dr. Pinks coordinates internship activities of students with the research and development needs of businesses. The Marmion course is taught by Jeanne McLean.

(Photo provided)

guy wants to protect you and keep you safe, both from convictions. dangers in the world, as well as from his own desires. Of course it’s important that we don’t judge others O This may be harsh for me to say, but any guy who but at the same time we have to be prudent! Father sleeps with a girlfriend before marriage is not keeping Y So I would recommend that you don’t put yourself her safe, because through this action both of them are in a situation that will most likely cause a lot of tension hurt spiritually. and most likely even put you in a very uncomfortable A guy I like just broke up with a girl from True love seeks the good of the other, and it situation where you might be tempted to go against another high school and I think he’s going is willing to sacri ce in order to see that good your beliefs and morals. It’s just not worth it. to ask me out. He’s really nice and I know upheld. Q There will be other guys, better guys, and you’ll he could go out with any girl he wanted. But I’ve I would say that the only way that you should give be glad that you waited for one who truly respects heard he’s had sex with some girls already. If any guy a chance to date you is if he makes it very women and who will love you for who you are as a he does ask me out, do you think he would be clear that he is going to respect your desire for purity. person and not just for any benefi ts that he thinks he different with me? How can I tell him I’m not ready Regarding how you could tell a guy that you’re could achieve from a relationship with you. for sex with anybody yet? waiting until marriage, I would say that you can simply As a fi nal litmus test on whether or not you should This is a great question, and I’m glad that tell him that you care about him enough not to want date a certain boy, especially if you know about some you asked it, because I have a feeling that to put his soul in danger by acting in a way that would past behavior that you don’t really care for, I’d ask you A you’re not the only person who struggles with pull both of you away from God. to consider this: If you had a daughter, knowing what knowing whether or not to date someone based upon If he just laughs at you, or if he doesn’t understand, you know, would you feel comfortable with her dating certain things that have happened in their past. or if he disagrees, then walk away and know that this guy? I think when it comes to dating that it is important you’ve dodged a huge bullet because in that very If you think that as a mom you would even be that we be very selective and prudent! action he would be revealing that he wouldn’t respect the slightest bit hesitant to have your daughter you in a relationship. The whole point of dating, believe it or not, is not date the guy, then don’t date him yourself! about having fun, or being able to be seen with the If a guy says that he understands and that he most attractive or most popular guy, or wanting to be respects and agrees with your stance, then I’d say Finally, I’ll close by saying this: All of us want to be accepted. that you could consider dating him, but be true to loved, cherished, and accepted, and that is why we yourself and your convictions. Then, if at any point in seek out certain relationships. The best source of The point of dating is to see if someone is future your relationship he begins to act differently than he love, whether you are single or married, will always marriage material. said he would, get out of the relationship as soon as come from God. And this means that anyone who you’d even possible! So whenever you feel alone or lonely remember consider dating should be someone that you would Regarding your specifi c situation, with this guy who this: That loneliness is an invitation to intimacy with be comfortable having as the father of your future has slept with other girls before, although I don’t know God. Spend time with Him and know that He will children. This means that you should want to date him, it sounds like this has happened multiple times never let you down. guys that truly respect women! before. This would not give me a lot of confi dence This month’s YO Father question is answered by Father Keith Romke. A huge part of this would be making sure that the that he is mature enough to respect your beliefs and Send your questions to [email protected].

If you are a high school in about 250 words. Write means to you. to youngobserver@ sure to include your age, Share your or college student who about how you live your rockforddiocese.org. phone number (not for ‘Catholic life’ is interested in sharing faith in the world. Talk Send your essay and Put “My Catholic Life” publication), school, parish your faith journey, tell us about what being Catholic a photo of yourself in the subject line. Be and town. 20 FRIDAY DECEMBER 18, 2015 | The Observer

Faith Forum Sensitive to Community, Beyond Ourselves

Some years ago I was challenged by a bishop In Exile because, after my 15, 1) That can come across as patronizing, as if regarding an article I’d written. We were talking in initial feelings had Paul were telling a certain elite to tone down some his office and the tone eventually got a little testy: by Father Ronald subsided and I’d had of their enlightened views and actions for the sake of “How can you write something like that?” he asked. Rolheiser, OMI a more sober and those who are less enlightened, but that’s not what’s President of the Oblate “Because it’s true,” was my blunt reply. School of Theology, prayerful reflection at stake here. He already knew it was true, but now, realizing San Antonio, Texas on our conversation, Undergirding this kind of admonition is a that, he became more aware of his real agenda: “Yes, I realized he was fundamental distinction that’s critically important I know it’s true, but that doesn’t mean it should be www.ronrolheiser.com right. in our teaching, preaching, and pastoral practice, said in that way in a Catholic newspaper like ours. Having the truth namely, the distinction between catechesis and This isn’t a university classroom or the New York is one thing, speaking it in a place and a manner theology, the distinction between nurturing and Times. It’s a diocesan newspaper and that’s not the that’s helpful is quite another. It’s not for nothing that shoring-up someone’s faith as opposed to stretching best context within which to say something like that. Jesus challenged us to speak our truth in parables someone’s faith so as to make it more universally It will confuse a lot of readers.” because truth, as T.S. Eliot once quipped, cannot compassionate. I’m not immune to pride and arrogance and so my always be swallowed whole, and the context and tone Catechesis is meant to teach doctrine, teach spontaneous reaction was defensive. Immediately within which it is spoken generally dictate whether prayers, teach creeds, clarify biblical and church there were certain voices in me saying: “I am only it’s helpful or not to speak it at a given time or to a teachings, and give people a solid, orthodox saying what’s true. The truth needs to be spoken. given person. framework within which to understand their Why are you afraid to hear the truth? Are we really Simply put, it isn’t always helpful, or charitable, or Christian faith. doing people a favor by shielding them from things mature, to throw a truth into someone’s face. Theology, on the other hand, presupposes that they’d rather not hear?” St. Paul says as much in his epistle to the Romans those studying it are already catechized, that they But I’m glad I swallowed my pride, bit my tongue, in words to this effect: We who are strong must be already know their creeds and prayers and have a muttered a half-sincere apology, and walked out of considerate of those who are sensitive about things solid, orthodox foundation. Theology’s function, his office without saying any of those things out loud like this. We must not just please ourselves. (Rom Continued on page 22 In a Nutshell Am I a consecrated Christian? Are you? “Consecrated life” is a term commonly used to describe religious orders. In earlier times, walls of one kind or another tended to divide the church’s laypeople from those in consecrated life. Sister Maria Josepha (left) prepares food in the kitchen at the Abbey of St. Walburga on a ranch in Virginia Dale, Colorado. There, a community of 24 Benedictine nuns maintain a retreat house for individuals and groups who wish to spend one or more days in prayer and contemplation. After all, simplicity, hospitality, prayer and communal living are not unique to the consecrated life. Don’t families everywhere work to ensure that their communal home life remains vibrant and strong? CNS photo/Jim West

Word to Life: Dec. 20, 4th Sunday of Advent Some Promises Must be Believed a Long Time Before They are Kept

By Jeff Hedglen In our human life there are many promises. Catholic News Service Parents promise to be there for their children, and In May of 1986 I started work as the youth there is an implicit promise that the children will minister of my parish. Later that year when plans grow up and leave some day. Siblings and friends were drawn up for a new parish hall, I was promised have an inherent promise to have each other’s backs a youth room with all the bells and whistles of and to love each other through good and bad times. modern design. I was excited but, as often happens In our life of faith the church promises to be in a growing parish, the plans were put on hold until faithful and provide the sacraments, and the the church could raise the necessary funding. Scriptures are full of promises. In addition to the Along the way, other priorities intervened and promise mentioned in the Gospel, the prophet the planned facility with the promised youth room Micah offers background for the promise that was delayed. Finally, 20 years later, the new hall later is fulfilled in Mary when he states that from including a state-of-the-art youth room was opened. Bethlehem there shall come a ruler whose origin is © 2015 Diocese of Fort Worth That experience came to mind as I was reading from of old. “Blessed are you who believed that this week’s Gospel when Elizabeth says to her Micah lived around the year 700 B.C. That means cousin Mary, “Blessed are you who believed that that through him God made a promise that took 700 what was spoken to you by the Lord what was spoken to you by the Lord would be years to be fulfilled. This makes my 20-year wait would be fulfilled.” fulfilled.” for a dedicated youth space seem like nothing. To be sure, the promise of a room dedicated to Sometimes it may seem that God is slow in — Luke 1:45 youth ministry pales in comparison to the promise keeping his promises, but as sure as a youth room of the coming of the savior of the world, but it would come to fruition at my parish, ever surer What promises have you made that have yet to be reminds me that promises made and promises kept is the hope that God will fulfill all that he has fulfilled? How have God’s promises been fulfilled in are a huge part of our life and faith. promised. your life? The Observer | FRIDAY DECEMBER 18, 2015 21

Viewpoints Different View CNS/H.L. Schwadron Our Year-long Gift of Mercy What follows is Pope Francis’ prayer for the Year of Mercy. Lord Jesus Christ, you have taught us to be merciful like the heavenly Father, and have told us that whoever sees you sees Him. Show us your face and we From the Editor will be saved. Your loving gaze freed by Penny Wiegert Editor Zacchaeus and Matthew from The Observer being enslaved by money; the adulteress and Magdalene from seeking happiness only in created [email protected] things; made Peter weep after his betrayal, and assured Paradise to the repentant thief. Let us hear, as if addressed to each one of us, the words that you spoke to the Samaritan woman: “If you knew the gift of God!” You are the visible face of the invisible Father, of the God who manifests His power above all by forgiveness and mercy: let the Church be your visible face in the world, its Lord risen and g l o r i fi e d . You willed that your ministers would also be clothed in At Catholic Charities, the Giving weakness in order that they may feel compassion for those in ignorance and error: let everyone who approaches them feel sought after, loved, and forgiven by God. Is Year Round, Thanks to You Send your Spirit and consecrate every one of us with its anointing, so that the Jubilee of Mercy may be a year of grace It’s tough to reconcile John Donne and “No man is an Island.” from the Lord, and your Church, with renewed enthusiasm, may Thomas Merton’s view that we live for others, bring good news to the poor, proclaim liberty to captives and with Simon and Garfunkel’s musical preference John Donne, Thomas Merton the oppressed, and restore sight to the blind. for uninvolved isolation. (Listen to the words; “I We ask this through the intercession of Mary, Mother of am a Rock” is not about monastic or cloistered “I am a rock. I am an Island.” Mercy, you who live and reign with the Father and the Holy Charitably Speaking life.) Spirit for ever and ever. The variety Paul Simon/Art Garfunkel Amen. by Patrick Winn of social That’s a big prayer. But let’s focus on just a few words in this Director, Rockford service “O Holy Night” prayer, especially during this Christmas season when the world Diocese Catholic agencies across is very focused on the exchange of gifts. The same line of the Charities the Rockford De Roquemaure prayer can also be used when everyone starts contemplating the annual resolutions and hopes and prayers for the new year. Diocese “If you knew the gift of God!” [email protected] highlights the attending midnight Mass, singing carols, or serving dinner at home or a shelter, Christ is Those words spoken by God can be our refl ection about real fact we all have limitations. Because not every gifts, given and received. I think this whole Year of Mercy is agency can be good at everything, cooperative there with us and has not left Christmas. Catholic Charities is the grateful benefi ciary that very two-fold gift from our God and our church that is efforts arise as the various churches, United sorely needed in this world right here, right now. of many holiday gifts. Generous hearts open Way agencies and others that coordinate and We can use the gift of Mercy to help salve the wounds of unify rather than duplicate and divide. up to us and the people we serve all year. But hatred in the world, so a gift of healing can begin. And we St. Vincent de Paul Societies, Lutheran at Christmas, the giving and the receiving are know, there is plenty of hatred and hurt around us whether it is Social Services, Home of the Sparrow, special. in political rheteroic, in the threads of social media, in our cities, Jewish Federation, and many more operate High school students step up to deliver food, on the battlefi elds around the world, and worst of all, in the independently and yet cooperatively. meet families, wrap gifts, load and unload hearts of our fellow men and women. Christmas, too, is a unifying force, whether trucks. They learn about hidden communities Mercy is that gift of light which can be opened in our own in the faith-fi lled reverence that focuses on that have regular needs, but who also want, hearts to shine forth and shatter the dark hate that hangs heavy the birth of Our Lord, or the 10-week long indeed need, to give something to others. around us. And the gifts we are privileged to give and receive commercial season whose messages tell us what Parishes hold giving-tree events; donors are so very simple. They are the Corporal Works of Mercy of we and others don’t know we need but still must deliver gift cards and cash; shopping malls and feeding the hungry; giving drink to the thirsty; clothing the buy. (Before we gripe about Christmas ads too family-owned stores trust that their generosity naked; sheltering the homeless; visiting the sick; visiting the much, remember they keep the political ads at will place the material side of the Christmas imprisoned; and burying the dead. And they are the Spiritual bay until after the holiday season is over.) spirit in the hands of those who need it. Works of Mercy that call us to instruct the ignorant; counsel the To those who say “Put Christ back in It is the community, coalescing around doubtful; admonish sinners; bear wrongs patiently; forgive all Christmas,” we say, “He never left.” In fact, Christmas with the poor and the marginalized, inujries; comfort the sorrowful; and, pray for the living and the dead. He is here all year. At Christmas, He is the the prosperous and altruistic, that reminds us So as we rush around to fi nd just the right gift and fi gure out unifying force, even when only represented by that no man is an island. just what our new year resolve should be, perhaps we can use That’s why we sing “O Holy Night,” “Hark, his surrogate, Santa Claus. the prayer of Pope Francis and the works of Mercy to give a Faith-based social service agencies also the Herald Angels Sing,” and “Joy to the small gift to the people and world around us and resolve to make neatly coalesce around the Christmas story to World.” No islands here, only people standing a difference that will last long after Christmas and 2016 have heighten awareness about those in need. Can united to bring the fullness of giving to become a memory. anyone really imagine celebrating an arbitrarily everyone who has a need to give or receive. May God Bless you and your family at Christmas and into the selected day in the fourth week of December For us, every day is a chance to celebrate new year and may you always know and share the mercy of God without the joy and meaning of Christmas? Christmas. and strive to be the “visible face of the invisible Father” to all Whether it’s collecting and distributing Merry Christmas to all, and thank you, from you encounter and who encounter you. toys or clothes, ringing a bell at a red kettle, your Catholic Charities. For more on the Year of Mercy visit www.rockforddiocese.org

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. 22 FRIDAY DECEMBER 18, 2015 | The Observer

Media/Arts Win ‘The Vatican Prophecies’ The Observer will be giving On TV away a copy of our One Diocese, One Book selection, “The Vatican Broadcast times may vary; check (EWTN): Live from Washing- and the world. Rerun 8-8:30 Prophecies.” Author John Thavis local listings. ton's Basilica of the National p.m. (TV-G) is an award-winning journalist who “Solemn Mass of Christmas Shrine of the Immaculate Con- recently spoke at The Observer’s “Solemn Mass of Christmas Eve in Rome” — Dec. 24, ception (TV-G) 80th anniversary dinner. Day” — Dec. 25, 11 a.m.- (Observer photo) 2:30-4:30 p.m. (EWTN): Live “Urbi et Orbi: Message And 12:30 p.m. (EWTN): Live from Win ‘The Vatican with Pope Francis from St. Pe- Blessing” — Dec. 25, 5-5:30 the Basilica of the National ter's Basilica (TV-G) a.m. (EWTN): Live broadcast Shrine of the Immaculate Con- Prophecies’ “Solemn Mass of Christmas of Pope Francis' Christmas ception in Washington, D.C. Eve” — Dec. 24, 9:30-11 p.m. blessing to the city of Rome (TV-G) Fill out this form and mail it to The Observer — Prophecies, PO Box 7044, Rockford, IL 61125. Mailed At the Movies entries must be postmarked by Jan. 14, 2016. (Note the extended deadline.) In the Heart of the Sea sworth). While falling short of its own sublime A-III (Warner Bros.) ambitions, Howard’s film is visually striking and Name ______PG-13 The real-life events that helped inspire generally absorbing. He maintains a light touch is Address ______Herman Melville’s classic 1851 novel in its incidental treatment of religious and envi- “Moby-Dick” become the basis for a polished and ronmental topics. Despite some grim plot devel- ______exciting adventure directed by Ron Howard. As opments, this adaptation of Nathaniel Philbrick’s Town, State, Zip ______the novelist (Ben Whishaw) interviews the last history text, published in 2000, will make fit and Parish and Town ______survivor (Brendan Gleeson) of an ill-fated 1820 even valuable fare for most mature adolescents. whaling expedition out of Nantucket, Massachu- THIS FILM CONTAINS stylized seafaring Email ______setts, the old salt (played in youth by Tom Hol- violence with brief gore, mature themes, includ- Phone ______land) reluctantly reveals the tragic consequences ing cannibalism and suicide, a bawdy image, that resulted from the rivalry between his vessel’s profanity, crude and crass terms. You may enter online by going to http://observer.rockforddiocese. aristocratic but inexperienced captain (Benjamin — Catholic News Service; for the latest reviews, org/prophecies. Walker) and its veteran first mate (Chris Hem- visit www.catholicnews.com/movies.cfm Sensitive to Community, Beyond Ourselves From page 20 inside all the environmental challenges “silenced” by the Vatican in that he any apparent evidence to the contrary, among other things, is then to stretch in which they find themselves. was forbidden to publish his theological I am resolved to remain a child of its students in the function of giving Thus the challenge coming to me thoughts. But, rather than reacting with obedience. them the symbolic tools with which from the bishop was, in effect, to be anger and arrogance, he reacted with “Obviously,” he continued, “I cannot to understand their faith in a way that more careful with my audience so as charity and humility. abandon my own personal search — leaves no dark, hidden corners into to distinguish theology classrooms Writing to his Jesuit provincial, that would involve me in an interior which they are afraid to venture for and academic periodicals from he acknowledged needs beyond his catastrophe and in disloyalty to my fear of shaking their faith. catechetical situations and church own: “I fully recognize that Rome most cherished vocation; but I have Catechesis and theology have newspapers. may have its own reasons for judging ceased to propagate my ideas and am different functions and must respect It carried too a special challenge that, in its present form, my concept confining myself to achieving a deeper each other since both are needed: to humility and charity, such as of Christianity may be premature or personal insight into them.” Young seedling plants need to be was, for example, shown by the incomplete and that at the present Recognizing the importance of protected and gently nurtured; just as scientist-philosopher, Pierre Teilhard moment its wider diffusion may sensitivity as to where and how we older, mature plants have to be given de Chardin. Elderly, retired, and in therefore be inopportune. … (This speak the truth, Jesus advises: “Speak the wherewithal to live and thrive declining health, he still found himself letter) is to assure you that, in spite of your truth in parables.” The Observer | FRIDAY DECEMBER 18, 2015 23

For the Record

Deaths Parish offices may forward death and wedding information using forms at http://observer.rockforddiocese.org/contact-us. You may also request AMBOY—St. Patrick: Alice H. announcement postcards by calling 815/399-4300, ext. 383. We encourage Donnelly, 97, Nov. 29; you to send the information as soon as you receive it. Thank you. AURORA—St. Mary: Ignacia of Padua: Peter Saladino, 65, your church. Ourselves, our Rodriguez, 84, Nov. 30; Rich- Dec. 5; souls and bodies. What do we ard D. Cobb, Sr., 82, Dec. 6; St. Rita: Patrick Wise, 53, Nov. have that we did not receive? CRYSTAL LAKE—St. Thom- 26; Patricia Whitmore, 68, Nov. Courtesy of Parish Publications as the Apostle: Ryan Free- 27; Arlene Meini, 84, Dec. 1; man, 31, Oct. 3; Frances “Stewardship” newsletter ST. CHARLES—St. John Schultz, 85, Oct. 8; Bryan Neumann: James Janet, 69, Mass Meditation Malek, Sr., 57, Oct. 13; Paul Nov. 29; Terrence Kloss, 79, Przyborski, 86, Oct. 23; Cheryl Dec. 1; Thomas J. Zambreno, Sunday, Dec. 20th (4th Sun- Szadlenka, 68, Oct. 27; Vin- 63, Dec. 5; day of Advent): The Gospel cent Mottola, 85, Nov. 1; Mary today tells of the Virgin Mary, Ann Lupa, 81, Nov. 10; Caro- STOCKTON—Holy Cross: pregnant herself, hurrying off to lyn Witek, 75, Nov. 17; Gabri- Robert Arand, 80, Oct. 11; help her cousin Elizabeth. The ela Salas, 36, Nov. 22; Thomas Wild, 70, Nov. 24. model of good stewardship, she DEKALB—St. Mary: Eugene Weddings who had given herself to bear A. Grosch, 96, Nov. 30; the Savior gave her time and DIXON—St. Patrick: Barbara CRYSTAL LAKE—St. Thom- love to others as well. Boos, 79, Nov. 8; Paul Nus- as the Apostle: Elena Gonza- Courtesy of Sharon Hueckel baum, 88, Nov. 21; Regina Lig- lez-Mujica and Jose Hernan- man, 98, Nov. 24; dez Martinez, Oct. 24; Claire Life Moment DURAND/IRISH GROVE—St. Maureen Pollasky and Nathan James Peters, Oct. 24; Mary/St. Patrick: Emmett Cal- Pray: That Christ, the shep- lahan, 78, Dec. 6; DEKALB—St. Mary: Pamela herd of all nations, will guide GENEVA—St. Peter: John Sue Schmid and Steven Leon- world leaders and their peo- Dittrich, 82, Dec. 8; ard Hart, Oct. 17; Julie Ann ples in the ways of peace and Vassilogambros and Patrrick HARMON—St. Flannen: Dan- justice. Jon Hamilton, Dec. 5; Jessica iel Haley, 69, Dec. 5; Karmen Buck and David An- Courtesy of www.priestsforlife.org HUNTLEY—St. Mary: Wayne thony Reo, Dec. 5; Donahue, 88, Nov. 17; Edward GENEVA—St. Peter: Sarah The Junior Observer Solger, 88, Nov. 20; Joseph Rachael Lance and Bryce Jar- Tangorra, 57, Nov. 25; Frank From page 13 ett Skriba, Dec. 12; Heabler, 81, Nov. 23; Aurora Bible Matching: 1) B, 2) C, Corpuz, 65, Dec. 1; Eric Litter- HUNTLEY—St. Mary: Regina 3) E, 4) D, 5) A er, 50, Dec. 1; George Russ, Velazco and Harry Arsoniadis, Dec. 15. 87, Dec. 4; (Experienced) MCHENRY—Church of Holy School and Church Custodian Jobs Apostles: Louise M. Morris, Stewardship Moment Cleaning and maintaining facilities throughout the Chicago-land area since 1988, Buck Services is a Christian based, family owned and operated company dedicated to provide quality service. 98, Oct. 26; Bernard Wanagas, Giving and Receiving: Let the We treat everyone in our organization with trust, dignity, and respect. We specialize in cleaning 94, Nov. 10; Alfonso Madedo, theme of this Christmas be giv- schools and churches. Buck Services is an equal opportunity employer. 96, Nov.19; Mary Ann Becker, ing and receiving. Receiving 91, Nov. 27; Joan A. Althoff, Buck Services Inc. specializes in in school and church maintenance. We have immediate positions first, the amazing grace of God available for experienced individuals with good communications skills, valid driver’s license, and 85, Nov. 30; in the gift of Jesus Christ. Then experience in the school environment. ROCK FALLS—St. Andrew: to give. A gift for someone in Jason W. Griffis, 37, Dec. 1; need. A thank you-offering of FULL TIME & PART TIME CUSTODIANS: ($10.00/$10.50 hr) Duties include cleaning of classrooms, bathrooms, cafeteria, gymnasium, floors, windows, dusting, and trash removal. ROCKFORD—St. Anthony money for the Lord’s work at WEEKEND CUSTODIAN: ($10.00/$10.50 hr) Duties include assisting staff with cleaning after NOVENAS events. Saturday and Sunday various shifts available. Prayer to the relying on God’s will, as a novena, nine If interested, please call Bill Buchholz @ (630) 876-8184, Blessed Virgin Mary times a day for nine days. This published O most beautiful flower of Mount Carmel, in gratitude. Thank you St. Jude and Fax Resume to (630) 876-8320 or fruitful vine, Splendor of Heaven, Blessed Sacred Heart of Jesus. B.P. M.C. Email Resume to [email protected] Mother of the Son of God, Immaculate Virgin, assist me in my necessity. O Thanksgiving Novena to St. Jude Star of the Sea, help me and show me O Holy St. Jude, Apostle and Martyr, that you are my mother. O Holy Mother great in virtue and rich in miracles, of God, Queen of Heaven and Earth, I near kinsman of Jesus Christ, faithful GALENA ~ FREEPORT ~ STERLING ~ ROCKFORD ~ DEKALB ~ CRYSTAL LAKE ~ ELGIN ~ AURORA humbly beseech you from the bottom of intercessor of all whom invoke your my heart to secure me in my necessity special patronage in time of need. To (make request). There are none that can you I have recourse from the depth of withstand your power. O Mary conceived my heart and humbly beg to who God without sin pray for us who have recourse has given such great powers to come to to thee (3 times). I place this prayer in your my assistance, help me in my present hands (3 times). Amen. Say this prayer for and urgent petition, in return I promise The Observer, 3 consecutive days. Novena is published to make your name known and cause in gratitude. E.D. you to be invoked, say three Our Fa- thers, three Hail Marys and Glory Be’s is your source for local Powerful Prayer for nine consecutive days. Publications to the Holy Spirit must be promised, St. Jude pray for us Holy Spirit, you who solve all problems, all who invoke your aid. AMEN. I have & regional advertising! who lights all roads so that I can attain had my request granted. Publication my goals, you who give me the divine promised. J.A.J. th gift to forgive and forget all evil against me, and that in all instances of my life ~ Beginning Feb. 5 ~ you are with me, I want in this short To have a Novena printed: Send a Advertise your The Observer’s NEW Guide to Lenten Dining! prayer to thank you for all things and to $10 check for each Novena along with (Throughout the Lenten Season) confirm once again that I never want to the name of the Novena you want and be separated from you even and in spite the initials you wish us to use to: of all material illusion. I wish to be with Reserve ad space now! you in eternal glory. Thank you for your The Observer “famous” Fish Fry Let your Parish, favorite Restaurant, Club mercy toward me and mine. Amen. Say P.O. Box 7044 this prayer for three consecutive days Rockford, IL 61125 or Organization know about advertising without asking a favor. Then on the third their Fish Fry, Vegetarian or other day make your request. Published in in the Observer! gratitude of grace attained and for many If you or someone you know Lenten Specials in The Observer! requests granted. M.H. has been the victim of sexual Thanks to Sacred Website ~ Newspaper ~ Television Heart of Jesus abuse by an employee or mem- Thanks to St. Jude and the Sacred ber of the clergy of the Rockford Heart of Jesus for several prayers Diocese, report the matter to — Contact — answered. May the Sacred Heart of Jesus be adored, glorified, loved and law enforcement in the county Kevin McCarthy 815-399-4300 ext. 385 preserved throughout the world, now in which the conduct occurred or email and forever. Sacred Heart of Jesus pray and then please call the hot-line The Ofﬁ cial Newspaper of the Catholic Diocese of Rockford for us. Holy Mary, Mother of Jesus, pray [email protected] for us. Amen. Pray this prayer with faith, number: 815/293-7540. ad, dates moved, vocations, necrology, saints, aofp, readings

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Prayer Intentions and Scripture Readings January 2016 SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY Daily Scripture Readings 1 2 1845 - 1937 Feast: Jan. 6 Andre Bessette Blessed Virgin Mary, Basil the Great and Born in Canada, Andre worked for three years in the United States † Pray for the priests who Mother of God Gregory Nazianzen, as a weaver and manual laborer. After returning to Canada in 1870, he have served the Rockford Holy Day of Obligation bishops, doctors of the joined the Congregation of Holy Cross and took fi nal vows in 1874. For Diocese and who died Church decades, Brother Andre humbly served his community near Montreal as Nm 6:22-27; Ps 67:2-3, this month on the days 1 Jn 2:22-28; Ps 98:1-4; Jn doorman, janitor, barber, gardener and infi rmarian. With St. Joseph as his 5-6, 8; Gal 4:4-7; Lk 2:16- model and intercessor, he developed a healing ministry and huge following. In 1904, he moved listed. 21 1:19-28 (Epiphany vigil readings in bottom row) into Montreal to help build the Oratory of the Holy Cross, and remained there for the rest of his Pray for those with a † Father Bernard life. When this “Miracle Man of Montreal” was canonized in Pope Emeritus Benedict religious vocation. Ratazak, 2015 2010, Pope Benedict XVI said he “lived the beatitude of the XVI pure of heart.” Pope Francis 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 Epiphany Elizabeth Ann Seton, John Neumann, bishop Andre Bessette, religious Raymond of Penyafort, 1 Jn 5:5-13; Ps 147:12-15, 1 Jn 5:14-21; Ps 149:1-6a, Is 60:1-6; Ps 72:1-2, 7-8, religious 1 Jn 4:7-10; Ps 72:1-4, 7-8; 1 Jn 4:11-18; Ps 72:1-2, priest 19-20; Lk 5:12-16 9b; Jn 3:22-30 10-13; Eph 3:2-3a, 5-6; 1 Jn 3:22-4:6; Ps 2:7bc-8, Mk 6:34-44 10, 12-13; Mk 6:45-52 1 Jn 4:19-5:4; Ps 72:1-2, † Father Thomas Smith, † Father Casper J. Huth, Mt 2:1-12 10-12a; Mt 4:12-17, 23-25 Father Brian Bovee Msgr. John Fritz 14, 15bc, 17; Lk 4:14-22a 1938; † Msgr. Louis J. 1913 † Father Frederick H. Bishop Emeritus † Father Anthony Buetter, Franey, 1989 Father Daniel Zdebik, O’Rourke, 1951; Rgt. Rev. Thomas G. Doran 1914 Missionaries OFM Conv. Donald M. Carroll, 2002 Priests of the Aurora Bishop David Malloy Deanery Father J. Robert Camacho 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 Baptism of the Lord 1 Sm 1:1-8; Ps 116:12-19; 1 Sm 1:9-20; (Ps) 1 Sm 2:1, Hilary, bishop, doctor of 1 Sm 4:1-11; Ps 44:10-11, 1 Sm 8:4-7, 10-22a; Ps 89: Blessed Virgin Mary Is 42:1-4, 6-7; Ps 29:1-4, Mk 1:14-20 4-8; Mk 1:21-28 the Church 14-15, 24-25; Mk 1:40-45 16-19; Mk 2:1-12 1 Sm 9:1-4, 17-19, 10:1a; 9-10; Acts 10:34-38; Lk † Father Charles K. † Msgr. James J. Bennett, 1 Sm 3:1-10, 19-20; Ps † Father Edward J. † Msgr. John L. La ey, Ps 21:2-7; Mk 2:13-17 3:15-16, 21-22 McCarren, 2002 1922 40:2, 5, 7-10; Mk 1:29-39 Lehman, 1977 1966 Father Dariusz Barna, † Father Henry L. Father George Birungyi Priests and Religious † Father Thomas M. Father Joseph Lutz † Father Anthony J. OFM Conv. Weckerle, 1986 Moore, 1940 Becker,, 2015 Father Matthew Benedictine Monks Father Kenneth Anderson Msgr. William McDonnell Bergschneider — Swiss-America Msgr. Michael Tierney Congregation 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 2nd Ordinary Time Martin Luther King, Jr., Day 1 Sm 16:1-13; Ps 89:20-22, Fabian, pope, martyr Agnes, virgin, martyr Day of Prayer for the Legal Vincent, deacon, martyr Week of Prayer for 1 Sm 15:16-23; Ps 50:8-9, 27-28; Mk 2:23-28 Sebastian, martyr 1 Sm 18:6-9, 19:1-7; Ps Protection of Unborn Marianne Cope, virgin Christian Unity 16b-17, 21, 23; Mk 2:18- † Father Bernard 1 Sm 17:32-33, 37, 40-51; 56:2-3, 9-13; Mk 3:7-12 Children 2 Sm 1:1-4, 11-12, 19, Is 62:1-5; Ps 96:1-3, 7-10; 22 Harezlak, 1983 Ps 144:1b, 2, 9-10; Mk † Father Thomas Kearney, 1 Sm 24:3-21; Ps 57:2-4, 6, 23-27; Ps 80:2-3, 5-7; Mk 1 Cor 12:4-11; Jn 2:1-11 † Father William P. Sta , Father Matthew DeBlock 3:1-6 1932; † Father Raymond M. 11; Mk 3:13-19 3:20-21 Priests of the DeKalb 1962 Father Edward Hughes † Father L. Dudley Day, Hettermann, 1990; † Father L. Thomas Risley, † Father Anthony Renne, Deanery † Father Brian Olsen, Father Timothy 1983 † Father Leo J. Bartel, 2005 2000 1920; † Msgr. Thomas P. Jan. 19, 2013 Mulcahey, LC Priests of the Elgin Msgr. Glenn Nelson Priests of the Freeport Bermingham, 1973 Permanent Deacons Deanery Deanery Vocations 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 3rd Ordinary Time Conversion of Paul, Apostle Timothy and Titus, bishops Angela Merici, virgin Thomas Aquinas, priest, 2 Sm 11:1-4a, 5-10a, 13- Blessed Virgin Mary Neh 8:2-4a, 5-6, 8-10; Ps Acts 22:3-16; Ps 117:1bc, 2 Tm 1:1-8 (or Ti 1:1-5); 2 Sm 7:4-17; Ps 89:4-5, doctor of the Church 17; Ps 51:3-7, 10-11; Mk 2 Sm 12:1-7a, 10-17; Ps 19:8-10, 15; 1 Cor 12:12- 2; Mk 16:15-18 Ps 96:1-3, 7-8a, 10; Mk 27-30; Mk 4:1-20 2 Sm 7:18-19, 24-29; 4:26-34 51:12-17; Mk 4:35-41 30; Lk 1:1-4, 4:14-21 Father Christopher Kuhn 3:31-35 † Father John L. Daleiden, Ps 132:1-5, 11-14; Mk † Father Daniel J. Father Andres Salinas Father Stephen Glab, CR Priests of the McHenry 1976; † Father Theodore 4:21-25 Considine, 1920 Deanery B. McCormick, (Jan. 28) † Father Bernard L. Father Joseph Kulak 1953 He ernan, 1928; † Father Priests of the Rockford Patrick J. Quinn, 1949 Deanery Women religious Join Pope Francis in praying for these special Readings for Epiphany 31 intentions this month: vigil, Jan. 2 Marguerite Bourgeoys 1620 - 1700 Feast: Jan. 11 4th Ordinary Time Interreligious Dialogue — That sincere dialogue Is 60:1-6; Ps 72:1-2, 7-8, Growing up in Troyes, France, Marguerite formed a special relation- Jer 1:4-5, 17-19; Ps 71:1-6, among men and women of different faiths may 10-13; Eph 3:2-3a, 5-6; Mt ship with Our Lady. She was turned away by two religious communities, 15, 17; 1 Cor 12:31-13:13; but met the founder of Montreal, Canada, when he returned to France to produce the fruits of peace and justice. 2:1-12 Lk 4:21-30 visit his sister. He invited Marguerite to open a school in the New World; † Msgr. Raymond J. Wahl, Christian Unity — That by means of dialogue and she went, despite misgivings, after praying to Mary. From that fi rst school in an abandoned stable, her ministry grew to include teaching women 2015 fraternal charity and with the grace of the Holy crafts and founding the Sisters of the Congregation of Notre Dame. She Priests of the Sterling Spirit, Christians may overcome divisions. managed to keep her sisters uncloistered, despite opposition from the bishop, and served as Deanery — http://www.apostleshipofprayer.org superior for many years. When Pope John Paul II canonized her in 1982, she became Canada’s fi rst woman saint.

Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son,

and they shall name him Emmanuel ... — Matthew 1:23 We wish you all the blessings of Christmas ... (CNS photo/Paul Haring) (CNS photo/Paul