ISSN: 0029-7739 $ 1.00 per copy THE OBSERVER Official Newspaper of the Diocese of Rockford

Volume 79 | No. 10 http://observer.rockforddiocese.org FRIDAY FEBRUARY 14, 2014

Inside What a Sweet Guy! Francis looks at a life- sized replica of himself made entirely out of chocolate in Paul VI Hall at the Vatican Feb. 5. Made of 1.5 tons of cocoa, the chocolate image was given to the pontiff during his Beyond Valentine’s Day Forever Family, pgs. 6-7 general audience, according to Vatican newspaper L’Osservatore Romano. Quick News Be sweet, too. Take part in the annual Heart to Heart campaign to help children in Peru. See details at http:// observer.rockforddiocese. org/junior-observer. (CNS photo courtesy St. John’s Lodge No. 1) (CNS photo/L’Osservatore Romano via Reuters) This is the 1767 King James Bible used by George Washington at his fi rst inauguration. DAC to Close Feb. 17 Diocese Honors Four Outstanding Teachers The Diocesan Administra- tion Center in Rockford will DIOCESE—Maureen Ed- credit to our profession. We are be closed Feb. 17 in honor of wards returned to teaching full blessed to have her here at St. President’s Day. time for the 2013-2014 school John the Baptist.” year. Museum to Honor Bishop She was one of four diocesan Her fresh enthusiasm for her A new Irish Gallery exhibit, teachers to receive Outstand- vocation was evident in the ing Catholic Educator Awards “Irish Heritage of Rockford many letters that the diocese Diocese Bishop David J. as part of this year’s Catholic received to nominate her for the Schools Week celebrations, Jan Malloy and the Irish Roots McHenry Deanery Outstand- of Diocese Bishops,” 26-Feb. 1. ing Catholic Educator Award. Others were Mikki Yates of is open at Rockford’s Ethnic “Mrs. Edwards is the best St. James School in Rockford; Heritage Museum, 1129 teacher ever, we love her!” William Marlin, St. Cath- S. Main St. Info: http:// wrote Paige Curry, eighth- ethnicheritagemuseum.org/. grader at St. John the Baptist erine of Siena School in West School in Johnsburg. Dundee; and Marcia Feltes of “She not only makes learning St. Peter School in Geneva. fun but also helps us have other Though snow delayed some opportunities, like helping our award presentations, and can- larger community,” wrote Ser- celed some events entirely, (Photos provided) ena Etcheson, president of Stu- schools throughout the dio- Maureen Edwards (right), of St. John the Baptist School in Johnsburg, dent Council. cese found ways to honor their received the McHenry Deanery Outstanding Catholic Educator Award Co-workers called Edwards teachers and celebrate their for 2014. The awards presentations were part of Catholic Schools Week “a phenomenal educator and a Catholic education. celebrations throughout the diocese. RIGHT: Marcia Feltes (left), technology coordinator at Olympics Schedule Moves St. Peter School Weekly Sunday TV Mass in Geneva, was As happens when the honored, by Olympics are scheduled, the Michael Kagan, weekly Catholic Mass on superintendent WREX-TV in Rockford gets of diocesan moved, but only once this schools and year. On Feb. 23, it will not be associate seen on broadcast channel director of 13, but will be aired at 11 a.m. the diocesan on cable channels Comcast education offi ce, William Marlin, middle school math teacher for St. 14, Charter 14 and Mediacom and Marie Neis, Catherine of Siena School in West Dundee, receives 11 (except in German Val- principal at St. his Outstanding Educator award from Principal ley, where it is 7). Be sure to Peter School. check your local listings for Renee Link. other cable variations. RIGHT: Mikki Yates (center back) recieved This Issue one of the year’s diocesan education awards. She Bishop Malloy ...... 2 poses with her class at St. Headliners ...... 3 James School, Rockford, Nation/World ...... 4 and with Margo Shifo, Around the Diocese ...... 5 assistant superintendant, Forever Family ...... 6-7 and Michael Kagan, Faith Forum ...... 8 superintendent of diocesan Viewpoints ...... 9 schools and associate For the Record ...... 10 director of the diocesan Media/Arts ...... 11 education offi ce. 2 FRIDAY FEBRUARY 14, 2014 | The Observer

We Must Support Marriage As a Sacrament

The Observer (ISSN 0029- While Aiding Those Whose Vows Were Not Valid 7739), is published weekly, except five times a year by the Diocese of Rockford, by Bishop David J. Malloy 555 Colman Center Dr., P.O. Box 7044, Rockford, IL 61125 t’s no secret that one of the greatest on several important points. their spouse and to their marriage vows Phone: 815/399-4300; Fax challenges to contemporary First, divorce does not separate one take on a greater importance. So does the 815/399-6225. life centers on marriage. from the love of God or the Church. The faithful example of every married couple Periodical postage paid at Rockford, Ill., and additional commented on the Church, and we as faithful members, do as an encouragement to others. Ichallenges of marriage last week when not abandon, shun or reject those who have mail offices. Finally, faithful to Christ’s instruction, speaking to visiting Polish bishops. experienced the tragedy of divorce. it is the Church’s understanding that POSTMASTER: send address He noted that the family should be Second, divorce can have many reasons changes to The Observer, 555 the fundamental cell of society where and motivations. Of course there are a truly valid marriage can never later Colman Center Dr., P.O. Box we learn to live together through our cases of couples who were cavalier about become invalid. However, sometimes, 7044, Rockford, IL 61125 differences, to belong to each other and entering into marriage and living their as part of pastoral care, the Church finds For ADVERTISING information: where the faith is transmitted from parents vows. But don’t we all know family that marriages were not entered into with Contact The Observer at the to children. members or friends or neighbors who a full understanding and appreciation address above or call 815/399- Instead, Pope Francis decried, the 4300; fax 815/399-6225, struggled mightily to keep their marriages of its conditions and nature. In such E-mail: rbergman@ modern secular vision of marriage is an together, only to see that effort fail? Don’t cases, an annulment can be granted. rockforddiocese.org. arrangement for affective gratification that we also know many single parents, fathers One consequence is that the parties who Send NEWS information to The can be established or modified as anyone and mothers, who have sacrificed greatly receive an annulment are free to enter into or as individuals may desire. In short, to live the faith of the Church and to Observer at the address or fax marriage. number above; send email to marriage is increasingly being promoted teach their children to live and love their What all of this comes down to is this: Observer@rockforddiocese. as being separate both from God and from Catholic faith? org; or fill out a form at http:// the realities of nature that are foundational By Christ’s action, the human reality all couples need to live the sacrament observer.rockforddiocese.org/ for human existence. of natural marriage was raised to being a of marriage authentically and joyfully contact-us. before the Church and before the world. With such pressures, it is not a surprise sacrament when entered into by those who Subscription rate $28.00 per that the number of marriages that end are baptized. And he told us that we must If, however, your marriage has ended in year (48 issues); Canadian in divorce is so high. According to 2012 not divide what God has joined. divorce, stay close to the Church. Come to and Pan American $29; other government figures, nearly 50 percent of For this reason, the Church has a role Mass. As a Church we need to be close to foreign: surface mail $37, air mail $97; single copies $1. first marriages in the United States end in to play in the marriage of the faithful. As you as well. divorce. with all sacraments, the Church’s love But do make a point to speak to your The Observer Online digital Such a statistic is not only tragic in for the faithful means that we come to priest or call the Tribunal Office subscriptions are also available. its implications for society, but as a the Church for marriage and the Church at the Chancery. If an annulment can be Staff — Church, we cannot be surprised that many oversees how marriage is celebrated. granted, it often is a spiritual consolation marriages involving Catholics also end Given the challenges to marriage in our Publisher: to the parties involved. in divorce. In fact, Pope Francis has, on day, reflection, prayer and preparation of Most Reverend David J. Malloy several occasions, highlighted the need for a couple for marriage are more important Of course family life and marriage can greater care and outreach to those whose than ever. Likewise, on-going gatherings be challenging. But grace and Christ’s Associate Publisher: marriages have ended in divorce. and opportunities for married couples to teaching shows how important a part of Msgr. Eric Barr We need to base that care and outreach renew and deepen their commitment to God’s plan marriage is. Editor: Penny Wiegert News Editor: Amanda Hudson The The Joy of Meeting Christ in Youth, Age and Features and Multimedia Pope Editor: Sharon Boehlefeld From the homily, Feb. 2, Vatican Basilica on ... Circulation/Proofreading: Susan Sabrowski, Keith (CNS photo/Claudio Peri, pool via Reuters) Ludolph, Ronald Bergman The Feast of the Presentation describes them. He says four And what does St. Luke say obedient to his action, sensitive Accounting: Jill Bonk of Jesus at the Temple is also times that Our Lady and St. of the elderly? He underlines, to his calls. ... Client Services: Ronald known as the Feast of the En- Joseph wanted to do what was more than once, that they were And now there is the encounter Bergman counter: the Liturgy says at the required by the Law of the Lord guided by the Holy Spirit. between the and beginning that Jesus goes to Production and Web (see Lk 2:22, 23, 24, 27). He says Simeon was a righ- the two representatives of the meet his people. Thus, this is Administrator: Gary Haughton One almost feels and per- teous and devout man, await- holy . Jesus is at the encounter between Jesus ceives that Jesus’ parents ing the consolation of Israel, the center. It is he who moves Contributing Writers: Bishop and his people, when Mary Emeritus Thomas G. Doran, have the joy of observing the and that “the Holy Spirit was everything, who draws all of and Joseph brought their child Father John Slampak, Msgr. upon him” (2:25). He says that them to the Temple, the house to the Temple in Jerusalem; precepts of God, yes, the joy of Aaron Brodeski, Father Kenneth “it had been revealed to him by of his Father. the first encounter between walking according to the law of Wasilewski, Keith Ludolph, the Holy Spirit” that he should Lynne Conner, George Weigel, Jesus and his people — rep- the Lord! It is a meeting between the not see death before he had Father Ronald Rolheiser, Tony resented by Simeon and Anna They are two newlyweds, young, who are full of joy in seen the Lord’s Christ” (v. 26); observing the Law of the Lord, Carton, Thomas Craughwell, — took place. they have just had their baby, Pat Szpekowski, Margarita and finally that he went to the and the elderly who are full of and they are motivated by the Mendoza It was also the first encounter Temple “inspired by the Spirit” joy in the action of the Holy desire to do what is prescribed. within the history of the people, (v. 27). He says Anna was a Spirit. It is a unique encoun- Publication Dates: Weekly This is not an external fact; it a meeting between the young “prophetess” (v. 36); that is she ter between observance and except that in 2014 there will be is not just to feel right, no! It’s and the old: the young were was inspired by God and that prophecy, where young people no issues on Jan. 3, May 30, a strong desire, a deep desire, Aug. 29, Oct. 31 and Dec. 26. Mary and Joseph with their she was always “worshipping are the observers and the full of joy. infant son and the old were with fasting and prayer” in the elderly are prophets! In fact, if News Deadlines: Usually, 10 Simeon and Anna, two people That’s what the Psalm says: Temple (v. 37). In short, these we think carefully, observance days before publication date. who often went to the Temple. of the Law is animated by the “In the way of thy testimonies two elders are full of life! They Ad Deadlines: Usually, 10 Let’s observe what the evange- I delight…. For thy law is my are full of life because they are Spirit and the prophecy moves days before publication date. list Luke tells us of them, as he delight” (119 (118):14, 77). enlivened by the Holy Spirit, Continued on page 10 Official information on the poli- cies, activities, and positions Bishop Malloy’s ROCKFORD — Feb. 17, 7:30 a.m., Sunday Mass, Church of the Diocese of Rockford is 10:05 a.m., Catholic Forum, Cathedral of St. Peter released only in the pages of MUNDELEIN — Feb. Public Schedule WROK 1440AM The Observer, or in state- LOVES PARK — Feb. 23, 26, Visit with Rockford ments from the Diocesan ST. CHARLES — Feb. 15, AURORA — Feb. 18, 5:30 1:30 p.m., Confirmation for St. Seminarians, Mundelein Office of Communications and 9 a.m., Mass, Illinois Youth Publications. Center p.m., Confirmation, St. Mary James Church, Belvidere, at Seminary Church St. Bridget Church The Observer uses recycled ROCKFORD — Feb. 16, paper and is recyclable. 7:30 a.m., Sunday Mass, ROCKFORD — Feb. 22, ROCKFORD — Feb. 24, Bishop Doran’s Cathedral of St. Peter 8:30 a.m., Mass for 10:05 a.m., Catholic Forum, Public Schedule Our Mission is the mission Assembly Day, Cathedral of WROK 1440AM of the Church itself — to AURORA — Feb. 16, VIRGIL — Feb. 23, 2 p.m., spread the Gospel through St. Peter 1 p.m., Confirmation, St. MCHENRY — Feb. 25, 5:30 Confirmation, SS. Peter and contemporary means of Nicholas Church ROCKFORD — Feb. 23, p.m., Confirmation, St. Patrick Paul Church communications. The Observer | FRIDAY FEBRUARY 14, 2014 3

Headliners

On Feb. 2, the feast of the Presentation and World Day for Consecrated Life, nine members of religious orders renewed their vows of poverty, chastity and obedience during Mass at Presence St. Anne Center nursing home in Rockford. They are (from left) School Sister of St. Francis Jeannine Weidner; Servants of the Holy Heart of Mary Sister Marie-Ange Marcotte, Sister Marie-Therese Netme and Sister June Hoff- man; Augustinian Bishop John McNabb; School Sister of St. Francis Pat McCarthy; Franciscan Sisters of the Sacred Heart Sister Margaret Ann Floto and Sister Lois Ann Cline; and Servants of the Holy Heart of Mary Sister Mary Kay Moran. The USCCB ex- plains this celebration: “In 1997, Pope John Paul II instituted a day of prayer for women and men in consecrated life. ... This Feast is also known as Candlemas Day; the day on which candles are blessed, symbolizing Christ who is the light of the world. So too, those in consecrated life are called to re- flect the light of Jesus Christ to all peoples.” (Observer photo by Amanda Hudson) DCCW Biennial Convention Coming April 5 ROCHELLE—Nine women hall is a member of the Cathe- gathered early in February to dral of the Immaculate Con- firm up plans for the biennial ception Parish in Springfield, Diocesan Council of Catholic is married and has six grown Women convention. children and 16 grandchil- The convention will be held dren. this year on April 5 at St. Pat- She has served the Council rick Parish, 244 Kelly Drive in of Catholic Women at both Rochelle. parish and diocesan levels in The theme is “Moving For- many roles including as presi- (Observer photo by Amanda Hudson) ward in Confidence, Hope dent. From 2008-2010, she Meeting recently at the Diocesan Administration Center in Rockford to plan the April conference are (from and Joy,” served on the NCCW Board left) Mary Glosson, Sherry Spinelli, Josie Whaley, Pat Wightman, Jeanette Gawronski, Rita Prunuske, Jean and keynote of Directors representing the Nosek, Sharon Schindler and Cathy Vendemia. speaker will Chicago Province. be Dr. Rebec- Woodhall is retired from In her role as NCCW presi- Registration is from 8-9 will end around 3:30 p.m. ca Woodhull, Southern Illinois University dent, she says, “We must re- a.m., and the day will include Cost is $25 per person. president of where she directed the Illinois mind people of the tremendous Mass, installation of officers, Reservations can be made the Nation- Office of Educational Servic- work Catholic women do, why lunch, Woodhull’s talk, and with Cathy Vendemia, 107 al Council es. She taught curriculum de- we take a moral stand on is- chances to socialize and net- Wenatchee Way, Poplar Grove, of Catholic velopment and other courses sues for the good of all — and work. IL 61065; call 815/765-3384; Women. to teachers, and has given pre- make our voice heard where it Raffles and a purse auction email: cathyvendemia@gmail. Dr. Woodhull Dr. Wood- sentations to many groups. is most effective.” will round out the day, which com. Catholic Women’s League to Host Lent Reflection, Luncheon March 4 ROCKFORD—The Catho- lowed immediately by a Lent- accessible by elevator. underwear, socks and t-shirts to Project Undershare. lic Women’s League is hosting en Reflection. Mass celebrant Tickets are $10 for CWL for Project Undershare that For reservations, send its annual Pre-Lenten Morn- and speaker will be Father Ed- members and $12 for non- morning. Clothing is for chil- a check payable to Catho- ing of Reflection and Fat Tues- ward Seisser, pastor of Holy members. Reservations are re- dren 2 to 18, sizes 2T to XXL. lic Women’s League to Sue day luncheon March 4 at Holy Family Parish. quired by Feb. 25. Checks to help buy children’s Custer, 9313 Baldwin Dr., Ma- Family Parish, 4401 Highcrest The luncheon will follow the CWL also will collect new underwear should be made out chesney Park, IL 61115. Road, here. reflection in the parish’s lower Mass will be at 10 a.m., fol- level Family Room, which is March At the annual Catholic Press Annual 7 - 12, Month breakfast sponsored by Attention: The Observer for employees of Young 2014 the Diocesan Administration Center, Penny Wiegert (top, Women!! RUN standing) reviewed projects begun recently: El Observador This trip focuses on young women who have been considering a reli- HURRY! Spanish-language paper that gious vocation. It will offer opportuni- moved to the communica- ties to see how different communities SPACE FILLS QUICKLY! tions office with the February live and time to speak with the sisters. issue, and the annual diocesan We invite young women 18 years and We will be visiting older to join us on this trip. directory. Wiegert, director convents in Illinois and (Observer photos by Margarita Mendoza) There will be time to visit with the sis- Indiana. of the Office of Communica- ters and share their daily lives. tions and Publications, asked This trip is designed to assist in your Only a limited number of those gathered to continue vocation discernment, offer time for young women will be able supporting and raising aware- refl ection, conversation and retreat. to accompany us on this ness of Catholic publications We will be visiting Sisters of different journey. “where you get the true orders and with different charisms. story” of what Pope Francis and Bishop David Malloy say. The trip will be chaperoned by two Diocesan employees. “Look for good things (this) next year coming from The Vocations Offi ce 815-399-4300 ext. 375 Observer on her 80th anni- CONTACT: versary,” Wiegert concluded. Diocese of Rockford [email protected] 4 FRIDAY FEBRUARY 14, 2014 | The Observer

Nation / World News in Brief USCCB Initiative Fosters Young Chinese Catholics open new year by celebrating family, faith, culture CHICAGO (CNS)—Outside the wooden doors of St. Therese Chi- Leaders for Social Justice Work nese in Chicago, the piercing crackle of hundreds WASHINGTON (CNS)— teaching education coordinator lic University of America and of firecrackers ushered in the Nearly 70 students from Catho- for the USCCB, said that con- a USCCB intern, helped with lunar new year. Then a bright lic colleges worldwide came to necting youth with seasoned event administration. red lion moved up and down the Washington for the Catholic advocates was a goal of the Maloney was impressed by aisles in the church, dancing Social Ministry Gathering’s initiative. “This is not a college “how passionate” attendees to the staccato pulse of drums Youth Leaders Initiative. gathering, this is a professional were about social justice. Meet- and cymbals. After, elementary Both the annual gathering, gathering,” he said. ing with other student leaders, school girls twirled around hold- held this year Feb. 2-5, and the In addition to serving youth he discovered untapped oppor- ing big paper fans in a dance in initiative are projects of the leaders, the Catholic Social tunities at his own university. front of the altar. Then the Mass (CNS photo/Karen Callaway/Catholic New World) U.S. Conference of Catholic Ministry Gathering benefits “It is great to see how people started. Reading in Chinese A young woman performs the Bishops. Six agencies of the from their presence. Mitchell implement the resources from from two big scrolls hanging on fan dance prior to Mass celebrat- USCCB sponsor the gathering said that “youth add energy, but the Catholic Campaign for either side of the altar draped in ed Feb. 2 at St. Therese Chinese with 15 other Catholic organi- also great wisdom and perspec- Human Development on their festive red cloth with a golden Church in Chicago’s Chinatown. zations. tive” to the event. Their activism campuses,” he said, referring dragon and festooned with yel- The youth event provided a inspires other attendees, said to the U.S. bishops’ domestic low chrysanthemums, Father Francis Li proclaimed in his hom- fresh perspective for students, Mitchell, because “they bring anti-poverty campaign. ily: “Whoever reveres one’s parents prolongs one’s life. Whoever even those already familiar from their campuses a spirit of After attending a series of obeys the Lord brings comfort to one’s parents,” said Father Li, with . being disciples in action.” workshops, many students pastor at St. Therese. “Life is important in our and Kaitlyn Kennedy, a sopho- The Youth Leadership Initia- went to Capitol Hill to speak faith. This is true for the Chinese culture too.” For the past two more at the University of Notre tive is two years old. Though with their representatives in decades, St. Therese has combined elements of the Chinese new Dame, works with the Indiana Pope Francis has been an in- Congress. Among the topics year with elements of Catholicism during the first Sunday Mass university’s Center for Social spiration to organizers — his discussed were fair wages, fed- after the new year begins. Concerns and has a minor in quest for a “Church of the Poor eral safety-net programs, and Catholic social tradition. Still, and By the Poor” was this comprehensive immigration Scotland passes same-sex marriage law, attending the event in Wash- year’s theme — the initiative reform. with opt-in for religious groups ington showed her “how to ap- was in the works during Pope Chris McClead, director of EDINBURGH, Scotland (CNS)—The Scottish Parliament has ply it to my own life.” Benedict’s papacy. campus ministry at St. Mary’s passed a bill that will allow same-sex marriages to be performed “I’ve come away with a sense “Before Pope Francis, we University of Minnesota in Wi- later this year, but religious organizations have the right not to per- of awe about the people who wanted to make this open to nona, was excited to bring his form them. Members of the Scottish Parliament supported the leg- gave so much to this ... their young leaders,” Mitchell said. students to Washington. The islation, 105-18, at the end of a Feb. 4 debate and applauded when effort and hope is rooted in The Youth Leadership Initia- political activity of their minis- the result was announced. Lawmakers had rejected pleas from faith,” she told Catholic News tive was partly coordinated by try is usually confined to letter- the Catholic Church to oppose the Marriage and Civil Partnership Service. student volunteers. Conor Ma- writing, so “it is a privilege to (Scotland) Bill and also resisted attempts to amend it. The bill will Ian Mitchell, Catholic social loney, a senior at The Catho- be in this arena,” he said. be sent to Queen Elizabeth II for the formality of royal assent be- fore it will become law, with the first same-sex marriages expected in Scotland at the earliest at the end of July. The Catholic Bish- Vatican Determined to Adhere ops’ Conference of Scotland said in a Feb. 5 statement emailed to Catholic News Service that the bishops were “disappointed” by the outcome of the vote. The bill offers some protection by not com- To Treaty Despite Criticism pelling religious organizations to perform marriage ceremonies for (CNS)— adding that the committee’s responses — both written and same-sex couples but instead allows them to “opt in” to the legis- The Vatican said it would con- suggestions reveal an “ideolog- oral — given by representa- lation. Clerics whose religious organizations have not opted into tinue to adhere to the Conven- ical vision of sexuality.” tives of the ” before the law will not be able to perform same-sex wedding ceremonies. tion on the Rights of the Child “Certainly, while the Holy and during a Jan. 16 hearing in and give an attentive response See was the object of an initia- Geneva, he said. Pope to : to the U.N. committee moni- tive and media attention that, The recommendations, he Work for unity, respect local cultures toring adherence to the treaty, in our view, was unjustly per- said, demonstrated a lack of VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Thanking members of the Neocatechu- despite what it views as unfair nicious, it must be recognized understanding about how the menal Way for their generous missionary efforts, Pope Francis criticism and suggestions from that the committee itself has Holy See is different from also encouraged them to build church unity, learn about local cul- the committee that would vio- attracted serious and well- other states that signed the con- tures and respect any member’s late church teaching. founded criticisms” for its Feb. vention. decision to leave the movement. Jesuit Father Federico Lom- 5 report, Father Lombardi said. The Vatican, Father Lom- “I thank the Lord for the joy of bardi, the Vatican spokesman, In 1990, the Vatican became bardi said, has repeatedly ex- your faith and for the passion of issued a statement Feb. 7, two one of the first countries to rat- plained in detail to the commit- your Christian witness,” he said days after the U.N. Committee ify the children’s rights treaty. tee and to other U.N. agencies during a special audience in the on the Rights of the Child in- Not recognizing all the church that it has direct legal jurisdic- Vatican’s Paul VI audience hall sisted the Vatican was not do- has done for centuries through tion over those who live and Feb. 1 with thousands of mem- ing enough to prevent clerical its schools, hospitals and chari- work in the small territory of bers of the parish-based faith (CNS photo/Tony Gentile, Reuters) sexual abuse of children and table agencies is to ignore real- Vatican City State. While it has formation program. The papal A child holds a crucifix as Pope even suggested that, for the ity. canonical and spiritual juris- audience was an annual event in Francis meets with members of good of children, the Catholic While the Vatican “will con- diction over Catholics around which the pope blesses families the Neocatechumenal Way in Church change its teaching on tinue its commitment” to ful- the world, priests and bishops who, responding to the request of Paul VI hall at the Vatican Feb. 1. abortion, contraception and ho- filling the requirements of the are subject to the laws of their a local bishop, agree to go off as mosexuality. treaty, he said, it cannot pre- own nations. missionaries to assist with evangelization efforts. Kiko Arguello, Committee members went tend that the committee’s ob- “Is this impossible to under- co-founder of the Neocatechumenal Way, told Pope Francis that “beyond their competence and servations did not present “se- stand or do they not want to while the majority of the 40 groups being sent as missionaries interfered in the doctrinal and rious limits.” understand it,” he asked. “In were heading to European cities, two families were going to Phila- moral positions of the Catholic The committee “did not ad- both cases, one has a right to be delphia and 15 were going to Asia. Church,” the spokesman said, equately take into account the surprised.” Father Lombardi said the tone of the criticism and the

Weekdaysabout mention of specific cases, in- Top o’ the Morning with Bishop Malloy cluding the treatment of young 6:58 a.m. Live on WREX-TV, Channel 13 in Rockford. Irish women in the so-called on WREX-TV Listen anytime to archived broadcasts at http://observer.rockforddiocese.org. Click on Bishop Malloy. Magdalen laundries and of Programs brought to you by Savant Capital Management | Presence Cor Mariae Center and St. Anne Center | Fitzgerald Funeral Homes young men by the Legionaries Diocesan Office of Communications and Publications | The Observer | Office of Stewardship, Diocese of Rockford of Christ, seems to indicate the committee “gave much greater

Mondaysabout attention to well-known orga- Catholic Forum with Bishop Malloy nizations” representing victims 10:05 a.m. Live on WROK Radio, 1440 AM in Rockford and on the Web. For live streaming audio on the Web, go to than to the testimony of Vati- http://observer.rockforddiocese.org, click on Bishop Malloy and then click on Catholic Forum. on WROK-AM can representatives. The Observer | FRIDAY FEBRUARY 14, 2014 5

Around the Diocese

Keep Sending Lent Events What’s Up For more events, visit the calendar page at www.rockforddiocese.org. The Observer wants to help you publicize your parish, school and organization Tue Feb 18 Submit Online: Parish, school and organization publicists may plans for the season of Lent. send news and photos using interactive forms at http://observer. While the Feb. 12 deadline for our Feb. 28 Ashes to Ashes section has passed, CARY rockforddiocese.org/contact-us. Click on Submit Events and News. we will continue to list the dates, times, locations, and costs (if any) for your Divorce and Beyond: 7-8:30 p.m. (You may attach one picture per form.) fish fries, soup suppers and other Lent meals. (first of eight Tuesday sessions); Submit by Mail: Send mail submissions to The Observer, P.O. Box We will also run later parish missions and other special events. Please use the SS. Peter and Paul Parish, 414 7044, Rockford, IL 61125. Submit Events and News form at http://observer.rockforddiocese.org/contact-us First St. Self-help, peer support Plan to submit dated material two to three weeks before publication. or send by mail. (See box at right.) group. Info: Sister Margaret Mary Deadline is 10 days before publication. Byrnes, 847/516-2636. 375, [email protected]; adults; $5 students and senior HUNTLEY Going on Now www.rockforddiocese.org/vocations. Wed Feb 19 citizens. Info: 815/338-4220, ext. Blood drive: 7:30 a.m.-1:30 100. p.m.; St. Mary Parish, 10307 FREEPORT March 8 Deadline for Feb. 28 What’s Up Dundee Road. Sponsor: Knights “Grow the Green”: Tickets are on ROCKFORD (For events March 3-9) of Columbus. Info: 630/584-1458. sale for more than $30,000 in prizes Day of Reflection: 8:30 a.m.-2:30 Sat Feb 22 in the Aquin Catholic Schools raffle. p.m.; St. Rita Parish, 6254 Valley LOVES PARK Grand prize drawing April 5; early bird Knoll Dr. Sponsor: Secular Discalced Gift of Self: 10:30 a.m.-8:45 p.m.; drawings Feb. 18, March 12. Cost: Carmelite Community of the diocese. Thu Feb 20 ELBURN $25 per ticket. Info: Aquin families, 8:30 a.m. registration; 9 a.m. Mass; Mardi Gras party: 4:30 p.m. St. Bridget Parish, 600 Clifford Ave. high school or elementary campuses; three conferences. Speaker: Discalced AURORA Mass, then party; St. Gall Church, Marriage preparation for engaged 815/235-3154, ext. 224; www. Carmelite Father Daniel Chowning. Fundraiser: 4-10 p.m., Colonial 120 W. Shannon St. Bring dish to couples, including Church aquinschools.org/growthegreen.cfm. Topic: St. Teresa of Avila. Breakfast, Cafe and Ice Cream, West Plaza. pass; dress in Mardi Gras garb teaching on sexuality and family ROCKFORD lunch provided. Free; offerings Proceeds for Holy Angels Parish and masks (costumes optional). planning. Sponsor: Diocesan Life “Afterglo ’14”: Tickets are on sale for accepted. Info: 815/962-0546. Knights of Columbus Council Registration required. Cost: $5 per and Family Evangelization Office. the March 29 annual Boylan Central ST. CHARLES 4849. Must present flyer or person; free children under 12. Info: Cost: $150. Info: 815/399-4300, Catholic High School fundraiser at “St. Catherine of Siena”: 8 p.m., coupon. Info: KC members. Donna Doherty, donnastgallym@ ext. 377; www.rockforddiocese. Prairie Street Brewhouse. Dinner St. Patrick Parish, 6N491 Crane gmail.com, 630/365-0980. org/familylife/. and dancing. Cost: $80 per person. Road. One-woman performance by Info: Michele Brown, 815/316-2422, Sister Nancy Murray (comedian Bill ELGIN MCHENRY [email protected]; www.boylan.org. Fri Feb 21 Murray’s sister). Part of the annual Trek Gala: 6 p.m.-midnight; St. Mary Day of Renewal: 9 a.m.-3 p.m.; Here I Am Lord vocations conference. School Gym, 103 S. Gifford St. Church of Holy Apostles, 5211 Free; donations accepted. Info: WOODSTOCK Save the Date hereiamlord.net. “Guys and Dolls”: 7 p.m. (7 p.m. Proceeds for school technology. W. Bull Valley Road. Sponsor: Feb. 22, 28 and March 1; 2 p.m. Cost: before Feb. 17 — $30 per Magnificat. Speaker: Father WOODSTOCK Feb 23) Marian Central Catholic person, $50 per couple; after Feb. Steven Clarke, pastor of St. Feb. 27 “A Day at the Race”: 6-11:30 p.m.; STERLING Marian Central Catholic High School, High School, 1001 McHenry Ave. 17 — $35 per person, $60 per Joseph Parish in Harvard. Info: Info night: 7 p.m.; St. Mary Parish 1001 McHenry Ave. Buffet dinner, Student performance. Cost: $10 couple. Info: 847/695-6609. Annette Baber, 815/943-4395. Center, 600 Avenue B. “Life in the auctions and entertainment to benefit Spirit” seminars Thursdays March the high school. Cost: $30 general Elgin Deanery 6-April 16. Speakers: Dan Duet, Mark admission; $400 reserved table for Tschosik. Topic: “Come Holy Spirit — 10. Info: 815/338-4220, ext. 125. Lead Me Into Your Presence — Bring Me to New Life.” Info: 815/625-0736. March 9 JOHNSBURG Feb. 28 SPRING GROVE Evangelization discussion: 2-4 FAT Friday: 7:30 p.m.; St. Peter p.m.; St. John Parish Hall (in the Church, 2118 Main St. Praise and school); 2302 W. Church St. Featuring worship, then “gutter sundae” and “Catholicism: The New Evangelization” fellowship. by Father Robert Barron. Free. Info: Pattie Hoeh, 815/385-1477; March 1 [email protected]. LEE 4th Pancake breakfast: 7 a.m.- March 12 noon; St. James Parish Hall, 221 MCHENRY W. Kirke Gate Road. Sponsor: St. Intro to Theology of the Body: 6-7 James Knights of Columbus Council p.m. (Wednesdays through April 16); 15153. Whole-hog sausage prepared St. Patrick Parish, 3500 Washington and seasoned by the Knights, plus St. Sponsor: parish marriage ministry. biscuits and gravy; 50/50 raffle, door Free. Info: parish office, 815/385- prizes. Cost: $6 per person; $18 per 0025. family. Info: Steven Voris, 815/761- (Photo provided) 6222, [email protected]. March 15 At St. Thomas More Parish in Elgin, for Masses celebrating Epiphany, volunteers from the parish portrayed SOUTH BELOIT MCHENRY Medical benefit: 6-11 p.m.; St. the Magi in robes of fine silk and turbans of elegant royal fabric, all sewn by women of the parish. During Couples Mardi Gras: 6:30 p.m.; Peter Church, 301 Oak Grove Ave. the offertory of each Mass, three parishioners processed down the aisle to bring gifts of bread and wine. Church of Holy Apostles, 5211 W. Bull Proceeds for Michaela Ambrose, 17, After Mass, the trios went to the gathering space where the crib was set up. Fellow parishioners had an Valley Road. Sponsor: parish couples’ of Roscoe. Corned beef, cabbage opportunity to mingle and pose for pictures with the “visitors from the East.” ministry. New Orleans-style dinner, and more; desserts; beer and wine. drink tickets, dancing. Cost: $40 per Entertainment: Scratch n Dent couple. Info: hamarriageministry.com band, Romeo Castaneda DJ, Irish McHenry Deanery or Holy Apostles Bookstore. Dancers, bag pipes. Cost: $25 per SOUTH BELOIT person; $200 for table for eight. Info: Knights Invite St. Mardi Gras: 5:30 p.m.-midnight; Jennifer Ambrose, Staci Ambrose La Casa Grande Restaurant, 618 or CJ Newburn, 978-482-7283; Fourth St., Beloit, Wis. Proceeds for [email protected]. Nick to Breakfast St. Peter Parish St. Vincent de Paul Society. Dinner, dance, live and silent Elsewhere St. Nicholas (a.k.a., Deacon Lou auctions. Reservations required. Farinella) visits with Knight Cost: $25 per person. Info: after weekend Masses; Carolyn Matson, Feb. 22 Kevin Gudeth, a member of the 608/361-1783. LISLE Open house: 9 a.m.-noon; Bene- St. Mary of Huntley Knights of March 4 dictine University, 5700 College Columbus Council 11666 kitchen ROCKFORD Road. Registration requested. Info: CWL pre-Lent reflection: 10 a.m. www.ben.edu/augoh, 630/829-6300 crew, and his children, 2-year- Mass and luncheon; Holy Family or [email protected]. Church, 4407 Highcrest Road. old Natalie (in Dad’s arms), Sponsor: Catholic Women’s League. March 2 5-year-old Andrew (front left) Cost: $10 CWL members; $12 non- SINSINAWA, WIS. members. Info: 815/399-0151. “Pioneer Priest”: 3 p.m.; Sinsinawa and 7-year-old Kate. They at- Mound, County Road Z, off Wisconsin March 7-12 Rte. 11. Sinsinawa Singing Seniors tended the Dec. 8 breakfast DIOCESE share the story of Father Samuel Spring ‘Nun Run’: convents in Mazzuchelli, OP, in honor of his 150th with St. Nicholas, which was Illinois and Indiana. Sponsor: birthday. Father Mazzuchelli served held after the 9 and 10:30 a.m. Rockford Diocese Vocations Office. parishes in Galena and what would For women 18-40 interested in become the Rockford Diocese. Cost: Masses in the Parish Center religious life. Reservations needed. $5 per person. Info: 608/748-4411, Cost: $85. Info: 815/399-4300, ext. ext. 124.; www.sinsinawa.org. of St. Mary Church, Huntley. (Photo provided) 6 FRIDAY FEBRUARY 14, 2014 | The Observer FOREVER FAMILY Beyond Valentine’s Day Marriage Work Important Year Round

BY AMANDA HUDSON “But for some reason, people think that once they are knowledge helped them appreciate and be patient News Editor married, they are there” and don’t have to do any- with each other’s communication styles. thing extra unless something goes wrong. “Disagreements result from spouses not under- t. Bridget parishioners Mark and Barb Pe- “Marriage is so much like faith — the things you standing” each other, Barb says. terson believe in marriage. can learn are endless,” Mark adds. “If we’re not go- Mark agrees, saying, “We have to be somewhat on The Petersons, of the parish in, yes, Loves ing forward, we’re going backward.” the same wavelength.” Park, seem typical in many ways. They met Over their years together, the Petersons have come The Petersons also recommend the book, “The in college through mutual friends. They to realize that communication is essential to keeping Five Love Languages,” as fi lled with helpful wis- Shave two adult children, a son in town and a married their relationship healthy. They laugh as they share dom. And they are proponents of a practice they fi rst daughter who resides in another state. a bit of what they learned from a book with a funny learned at a Marriage Encounter weekend — writing What makes them different from title, “Men are Like Waffl es — Women are Like each other a short love note each day. Those daily many couples is that they take Spaghetti,” notes have kept communication fl owing between concrete steps to build up their and them on a consistent basis “every day for the last 12 own marriage each day, and how years,” Barb says. they serve other couples that Mark calls the notes “a great element to use on a through their parish’s Mar- daily basis to keep in touch with each other.” riage Building Initiative and When asked about Valentine’s Day, Barb says that through Worldwide Marriage “it might jog people’s memories (that) it’s been a Encounter. while (and) to do something special.” They consider ongoing work “What’s special to Valentine’s Day, is it causes to improve their marriage as couples to make a date night,” Mark adds. “It’s a completely logical, rejecting the great way for couples to focus on their relation- notion that marriage enhance- ship, but the big thing is to focus on it all year ment programs are only for round.” couples whose marriages are in “Love is an interesting word,” Barb says. trouble. “It describes an emotion, and it is also a “Most people are decision you can make, and it is also always doing an action.” something to “The gift of a Mar- improve their riage Encounter career Weekend could be skills,” the best Valentine’s Barb gift out there,” a says. grinning Mark concludes. The WWME website for this area, he adds, is: http://www. a l i f e t i m e o fl o v e . o r g / .

Mark and Barb Peterson What Are the Social Benefi ts of Marriage?

Marriage, the union of one man and one woman, is a with similar education and job histories. ♥ Married women are signifi cantly less likely to be personal, but not private, relationship with great public ♥ Married women are economically better off than the victims of violent crime than single or divorced signifi cance. Marriage is good for the couple; it also divorced, cohabiting or never-married women. women. Married men are less likely to perpetrate vio- provides the optimal conditions for bearing and raising Marriage and Children lent crimes than unmarried men. children. Marriage makes an essential contribution to Marriage and Society the common good. Some specifi c benefi ts are identi- Children raised by their own married mother and fa- fi ed below. ther are: ♥ The institution of marriage reliably creates the so- ♥ Less likely to be poor or to experience persistent cial, economic and affective conditions for effective Marriage and Health economic insecurity, parenting. ♥ On average, husbands and wives are healthier, ♥ More likely to stay in school, have fewer behavioral ♥ Being married changes people’s lifestyles and happier and enjoy longer lives than those who are not and attendance problems, and earn four-year college habits in ways that are personally and socially ben- married. degrees, efi cial. Marriage is a “seedbed” of prosocial behavior. ♥ Men appear to reap the most physical health ben- ♥ Less vulnerable to serious emotional illness, de- ♥ Marriage generates social capital. The social efi ts from marriage and suffer the greatest health con- pression and suicide, bonds created through marriage yield benefi ts not only sequences if they divorce. ♥ More likely to have positive attitudes towards mar- for the family but for others as well, including the larger ♥ Married mothers have lower rates of depression riage and greater success in forming lasting marriag- society. than single or cohabiting mothers, probably because es. Sources: Why Marriage Matters: Twenty-Six Conclusions from the they are more likely to receive practical and emotional Marriage and Crime, Domestic Violence support from their child’s father and his family. Social Sciences (Institute for American Values); Healthy Marriages, ♥ Married women are at lower risk for domestic vio- Healthy Lives: Research on the Alignment of Health, Marital Marriage and Wealth lence than women in cohabiting or dating relationships. Outcomes and Marriage Education (California Healthy Marriages ♥ Married couples build more wealth on average ♥ Boys raised in single-parent homes are more likely Coalition); Testimony of Dr. Barbara Dafoe Whitehead, National than singles or cohabiting couples. to engage in criminal and delinquent behavior than Marriage Project, before the U.S. Senate Subcommittee on Children ♥ Married men earn more money than do single men those raised by two married biological parents. and Families. Info from: http://www.foryourmarriage.org/. The Observer | FRIDAY FEBRUARY 14, 2014 7

FAMILY CORNER

The fi rst setting in which faith enlightens the human city is the family. I think fi rst and foremost Prayer for an Anniversay of the stable union of man and woman in marriage. This union is born of their love, as a sign Lord God and Creator, and presence of God’s own love, and of the acknowledgment and acceptance of the goodness of we bless and praise your name. sexual differentiation, whereby spouses can become one fl esh (see Gen 2:24) and are enabled In the beginning you made man and woman, so that they to give birth to a new life, a manifestation of the Creator’s goodness, wisdom and loving plan. might enter a communion of life and love. Grounded in this love, a man and a woman can promise each other mutual love in a gesture You likewise blessed the union of (name) and (name), which engages their entire lives and mirrors many features of faith. Promising love for ever is so that they might refl ect the union of Christ with his Church: possible when we perceive a plan bigger than our own ideas and undertakings, a plan which Look with kindness on them today. sustains us and enables us to surrender our future entirely to the one we love. Faith also helps us Amid the joys and struggles of their life you have to grasp in all its depth and richness the begetting of children, as a sign of the love of the Creator preserved the union between them; ‘who entrusts us with the mystery of a new person. renew their marriage covenant, — Pope Francis increase your love in them, and strengthen their bond of peace, Feb. 7-14 National so that (surrounded by their children) they may always rejoice in the gift of your blessing. Marriage Week USA We ask this through Christ our Lord. The goal of this annual event is to promote the benefi ts Amen. of marriage for men, women, children and society, and — From “Catholic Household Blessings and Prayers”, USCCB to connect people with marriage resources around the country. www.nationalmarriageweekusa.org. Service Idea  Virtual Marriage Retreat for National Marriage’ Week http://www.foryourmarriage.org/everymarriage/enrichment/ Create a Blessing Basket of seven-day-virtual-marriage-retreat/ goodies and little prayer notes  Enter the giveaway on the For Your Marriage Facebook for an older neighbor. It can page! be for Valentine’s Day or just https://www.facebook.com/foryourmarriage (CNS photo/Paul Haring) because there’s not a lot of sunshine this month.

USCCB Marriage Resources World) New Catholic way, (CNS photo/Karen Calla National Pastoral Initiative for Marriage http://www.usccb.org/issues-and-action/marriage-and-family/ national-pastoral-intitiative-for-marriage.cfm Couples’ ON THE FAMILY CALENDAR (This link includes hyphens which must be typed into the address when you  put them in your browser.) Table for Two Feb. 8, 6-8:30 p.m.; St. Rita Parish, 6254 Valley Knoll Dr. Rockford Websites What: Three-course meal and Marriage Ministry presentation. Por tu matrimonio Cost: $25 per couple. http://www.portumatrimonio. Info: 815/398-3466; [email protected] org/ Vow renewal For your marriage Feb. 8, 6 p.m.; Holy Family Parish, 4401 Highcrest Road, http://www.foryourmarriage.org/ Rockford What: Parish couples renew marriage vows at World Marriage Day (Observer photos courtesy USCCB) Mass. Info: 815/398-4280 Pastoral letter: “Marriage: Love and Life in the Divine Couple’s study Plan” Feb. 15, 6 p.m.; St. Rita Parish, 6254 Valley Knoll Dr. http://www.usccb.org/issues-and-action/marriage-and-family/marriage/ love-and-life/ What: First of six sessions for couples on “The Beatitudes: A Couple’s Path to Greater Joy.” Childcare provided for video and date night. Info: Sue Knuth, 815/398-0853, schooloffi [email protected]; www. Marriage: Unique for a stritarockford.org Reason Gift of Self Seminar http://www. Feb. 22, 10:30 a.m.; St. Bridget Parish, 600 Cli ord Ave., Loves Park marriageuniqueforareason.org/ What: Marriage preparation for engaged couples, including Church teaching on sexuality and family planning. Cost: $150. Info: Diocesan Life and Evangelization Offi ce, 815/399-4300, ext. 377; www.rockforddiocese.org/familylife/ We Care every Day In every Way® Nationally Known Locally Owned l Bathing Assistance l Light Housekeeping l Dressing Assistance l Meal Preparations — Call Us — 3600 E. State St. l Grooming l Friendly Companionship Suite 201 l Assistance with Walking l Flexible Hourly Care Rockford, IL 61108 l Medication Reminders l Respite Care for Families 815-977-3452 www.visitingangels.com/rockford l Shopping l Errands l Live-in Care 8 FRIDAY FEBRUARY 14, 2014 | The Observer

Faith Forum

Teaching Moment If I Come Back, How Much of the Church Must I Embrace? by Bishop Emeritus Thomas G. Doran The “Pope Francis Effect” is Consider This just hear some positive things? Our faith should be joyful.” starting to be felt in our country Along comes Francis who is truly a breath of fresh air, and yet he now. Don’t get me wrong. People by Msgr. Eric Barr refuses to change “that good ol’ time religion.” are not filling up church pews in Vicar General The Church seems to be the only institution that gets examined new numbers like they seem to first to find out what we can and cannot do. Who joins a health [email protected] be doing in Europe. But folks in club and reads the regulations first? Who becomes a citizen of the the USA seem to be thinking a United States by first asking and then studying all the bad things Was it a lot more about the pope and the [email protected] America has done? Who starts a love relationship or begets a child Catholic Church, and it’s gotten thinking first of all the things that can go wrong in love or in raising them wondering. a baby? No one. Blessing or a They are wondering about how much of the “Catholic stuff” they We join a group, claim citizenship, decide to marry and raise a have to buy into if they want to be a part of the Church. They are family because of the joy and meaning those things give us. We wondering if it is “an all or nothing” deal. They love the warmth know things will go wrong, but the happiness in what we do, our Sacrament? and forgiveness in Pope Francis’ voice and in his talks. They just firm conviction that the organization we join or the person we love Before my wife’s sur- can’t understand why that love and compassion doesn’t translate far outweighs anything bad ought to be a wake up call when it Qgery, we asked that she into changing Catholic beliefs. Particularly in the area of sexuality. comes to the Church. receive the sacrament of Warmth, forgiveness and compassion — to these people who are We love what Francis is doing because he is recovering the joy the sick. She was anointed taking a new look at the Catholic Church — ought to translate into of what it means to be a Christian. True Christians always struggle before surgery and again acceptance of behaviors and life styles frowned upon by Catholic with faith but they say to themselves, “This is too cool of a com- while in critical recovery. Christianity. munity not to be a part of. I may not understand all the morality; I Both times the priests re- These Church samplers actually like the liturgy, the sacraments, may not be able to explain the , there might even be priests ferred to it as a “special the community — it’s just the rules and regs — even coming from and religious leaders I don’t like, but my experience of Jesus Christ blessing.” The Catechism of God — that pull on their chain. They don’t want to be hypocrites, and the Church he gave us gives me the joy and strength I need to the Catholic Church distin- but they are not really sure they are believers — maybe they are figure out stuff along the journey!” guishes between blessing just Church experiencers. In point of fact, most hard core Catholics In this uncertain and perilous age, can’t we just take a breath and and sacrament. Did she not seem to like the surface stuff of the faith — the “smells and bells” catch a glimpse of what Pope Francis is trying to do? The faith stuff receive the full effect of the so to speak — much more than the teachings of the Church founded that we have trouble with tends to clear itself up when we practice sacrament? P.L., Rockford upon Christ our savior. the faith. The love we experience from God and one another in- If your wife was anointed The old canard was that the Church was only into saying “NO!” structs us through experience as to why marriage is holy and from with oil she definitely on everything human and fun. People, even today, really complain God (not subject to redefinition by our weak and flawed intelligence. A about “outdated beliefs” and a focus on what not to do. “Can’t we Continued on page 10 received the Sacrament of the Sick. There is no special bless- ing in the anointing. The words recited during The Changes You Want in Your Life Will Not Just Happen the anointing of the sick are It is estimated that 95 per- matic display of anger — murder — into a category that can easily the same for all anointings: cent of the VCRs in the world Liturgy of the Church apply to anyone at any given time. Getting angry, hurling insults, “Through this holy anointing have 12:00 blinking because by Father John cussing out someone, violence, vulgarity, cynicism, incivility. may the Lord in his love and the instructions are too difficult Slampak, STL It seems incredible that Jesus should equate such seemingly mercy help you with the grace to follow, unlike “Wet-Naps,” Member of the trivial behaviors with a crime as vile as murder. But in both cases, of the Holy Spirit. May the Lord whose instructions for use are, Diocesan who frees you from sin save Liturgical Commission Jesus insists that you are liable to judgment. He expects honoring “Open and use.” the law to be part of all you do every day, in whatever dealings or you and raise you up.” Perhaps That’s the way people want to [email protected] relationships you may be involved. those words are what the priest travel on the so-called Informa- We all know there is a flippant use of God’s name in casual meant by “special blessing.” tion Superhighway: keep it simple. speech and Jesus does refer to this, but there is more. The central We use holy oil at , All too often our “moral VCRs” are blinking because morality is issue here is fidelity to one’s word (being true to self) and to one’s confirmation, holy orders and viewed as one big gray area. On the contrary, the Ten Command- commitment to God. It is possible to stop bad, destructive behav- extreme unction (the sacrement ments and other Biblical precepts and regulations are straightfor- ior, but it is not easy. The cornerstone of Alcoholics Anonymous of the sick). It is not involved in ward and understandable. One’s life can be programmed by them has long been that alcoholics must practice complete abstinence marriage, communion or pen- very simply, yet we complicate moral standards and principles if they are to control their addiction. Yet it takes a tremendous ance. with excuses, rationalizations, cultural and psychological “expla- amount of energy to renew that dedication to stop that destructive The anointing of the sick is nations” that muddy the issues of right and wrong. We live in a behavior each and every day. a gift of the Holy Spirit which throwaway culture. That is why AA and other 12 step programs rely heavily on puts us in union with the pas- Things are designed to be disposable, very little is fixed or re- creating supportive communities of their peers: others who have sion of Christ and is an ecclesi- paired. But for all those things we are happy to toss away and “stopped it” (cut it off) and will stand by each other on those in- al grace. From the information replace, there is one thing we all have trouble getting rid of — our evitable bad days. You can have a new marriage ... a new body ... you provided in your question, own old habits. a new attitude ... a new career ... a new community ... a new world, and provided she was anointed Jesus preaches some very harsh-sounding warnings about the but only by stopping the old destructive, hurtful behaviors you with oil, I would say your good consequences we face should we fail to practice holiness within have recycled for so many years. The changes you want to come wife received the sacrament of every aspect of our lives. Jesus’ directives are violently vivid met- about in your life will not happen just by wishing them to be so. the sick twice. aphors that tell you that you must simply stop doing the things that You must cut yourself off from your old attitudes and habits and Send your topics or questions for harm others or yourself before these old behaviors destroy you. throw them away. Bishop Doran’s Teaching Moment For instance, the offense of anger: Jesus broadens the most dra- For good. For yourself. For God. to [email protected]. Moral Principles are Principles that Come from Love This time of the year we find Ethically Speaking “old fashioned” basic Christian morality, misunderstands times mean saying “no” to something we ourselves bombarded by images or “outdated” what love is altogether. might much rather say “yes” to. For the of hearts and flowers and other by Father Kenneth moral values We know all too well that a more Christian it will certainly mean sacrifice reminders of the celebration of Wasilewski or conduct. Or “modern” concept of love primarily in- — including sacrificing at times even the St. Valentine’s day. Somehow all Diocesan Ethicist that we should volves feelings of affection, of romance. fulfillment of our own personal desires. of these things are supposed to “expand” our This relegates a central virtue, motiva- Jesus’ total gift of self on the cross be expressions of our love. concept of love tion and goal of the Christian to a mere remains the surest sign of his total and Expressing that love is a very [email protected] to include be- emotion instead of a deeply held inner undying love for us. His love is insepa- good and necessary thing. While havior which conviction. However, as any long-mar- rable from his sacrifice. His love leads to there is nothing wrong with expressing Scripture and have al- ried couple, faithful priest or martyr his sacrifice and makes it possible. His it in some of the more typical ways like ways seen as seriously wrong. knows, love is far more about choosing sacrifice teaches us what true love is and sending flowers and candy, I wonder if at We know that entire industries and what is truly and ultimately good (for the kind of love we are called to imitate times we lose sight of the everyday and movements exist which have as their others and ourselves) than it is about each day. sometimes less exciting ways that we are primary commodity and message, an trying to be true to our feelings at the No ever found great holiness called to demonstrate our love. image of love which has nothing to do present moment. without great sacrifice. Likewise, no There are certainly those cultural voic- with Christian morality. But I dare say Love will often mean choosing what saint ever saw the expression of love and es who tell us, directly or indirectly, that that any message which seeks to market we know to be right when it would be morality as unconnected or mutually love might at times involve setting aside love, or attempts to redefine it apart from easier to choose otherwise. It will some- Continued on page 10 The Observer | FRIDAY FEBRUARY 14, 2014 9

Viewpoints

Ordinary Time CNS/ Martha Campbell A ’s Friendly Advice Voices Over the Christmas holiday, a wise friar friend suggested that in the News my birthday gift to Jesus could be the “gift” of all my fears and he biggest thing anxieties. for me is having It sounded rather bizarre, but lots of pondering has me thinking that faith. It he’s right. If we would give God all our fears and anxieties, then ‘T God could work through us with great impact. Think of all we just helps knowing that could do if we were not afraid. there is always someone Now that it is nearly Lent, we with you and watching Person in the Pew could put “fears and anxieties” on the list of things we can give you. For me that is just by Amanda a huge thing, and it can Hudson up! Observer News Editor Embracing such an endeavor also be very comforting will be a challenge. It’s much in sport.” easier to give up those pieces of pie — or even do the no-ketchup — Danielle [email protected] Wotherspoon-Gregg, Lenten penance I did last year. Catholic Canadian Food things are nicely concrete and measurable. Most actions Olympic speedskater — deciding to do a specifi c something positive each day or each week of Lent — also can be “checked off” our Lenten lists. We know exactly what we’ve decided to do and how to do it. We speak a wisdom to Giving up a fear is less tangible, and emotional attachments those who are mature, tend to be sticky. Anxieties seem especially rooted in our very being, with some that go back for years. Perhaps we have already not a wisdom of this tackled debilitating anxieties with professional help. Or perhaps age, nor of the rulers we should be tackling them — and then our Lenten penance could be to take the steps necessary to get that help. of this age who are But fears and anxieties don’t have to be at a paralyzing point to passing away. impede our spiritual growth. Many times, we experience fear be- “You’d think a big greeting card company like that would cause we are not well-practiced in the act of trusting in God. We — 1 Corinthians 2:6-8 have spell check.” don’t quite believe in His love, for us personally. But we can get past that lack of trust. Lent is all about those kinds of deeper changes. Lent is a time when God gives extra graces. His assistance helps The Gifts Left to Us by Giants us keep our Lenten commitments when our given-up pleasures We have just gone through another season of as a whole, was a certain kind of leadership, tempt us. So instead of picturing Lent as a time of sacrifi cial loss, giving, some of it easy because it is sharing with “unique on the world stage today,” as Thomas L. let’s turn our view around this year and see this holy season as a friends and family, and some of it hard because Friedman, a columnist at The New York Times, time when God provides extra-abundant graces. we have responded to the cry of the poor near put it. What better time can we fi nd to identify some fear we have and and far. Mandela was lauded for his extraordinary take steps to hand it over to God’s care? To give, to empathize, to “get down in the mud moral authority, for his restraint and generosity, I’m always glad after Lent when I realize that candy (or what- ever) has less of a hold on me. How awesome it would be to dis- with people,” as New Yorker Dr. Kevin Cahill put for avoiding vengeance, for his ability to inspire cover that with God’s help the grip of a bothersome fear loosened it in one of my hope in others so they could do the hard work of up during the Lenten season of grace! Seeking Life recent columns reconciliation. The yardstick by which he mea- when speaking Sounds terrifi c, but for it to happen we have to set a plan of pre- by Moises sured every initiative was, “Will this serve the about his guid- determined action when the fear swoops in. What to do? Sandoval nation?” not just his people. ing principle in First, decide which one, spiritually-unhealthy fear you would responding to One can easily imagine what wonders Man- like to give up for Lent (and beyond). Let’s defi ne such a fear medical need dela’s leadership model would work in our frac- as fear that keeps us from welcoming God in the circumstances, w o r l d w i d e , tured legislative halls, state and federal. Cer- good and bad, in our life. Catholic News Service is certainly a tainly, we would fi nd a way to avoid cutting off For example, we might become overwhelmed by a fear of death most precious human quality. unemployment benefi ts to people who cannot if we learned that we had a terminal illness. Our fear would be It is essential to our survival as a species on fi nd work, to increase rather than reduce food legitimate and logical — but it also would be unhealthy because the planet. We survive and thrive only if we do stamps to those in need, to welcome immigrants it could hamper our efforts to trust God at a time when He could it together. who have been here a long time and facilitate be of wonderful help. Whenever I refl ect on giving and receiving and their integration into society. Perhaps ours is a fear of looking foolish, or smart, or holy, or the what they mean, I think of the Mayan peasant I Friedman recounts that Dov Seidman, whose fear of a lack of social graces, or beauty, or wealth. Maybe we fear met many years ago in Yucatan, Mexico, where company advises CEOs, argues in the book, a particular truth. Or fear being a witness to the faith. Perhaps we I was visiting Maryknoll missioners. He lived “How,” that another source of Mandela’s moral fear our job is in jeopardy, or fear some suffering we think we can with his wife and several children in a one-room authority is that “he trusted his people with the see on the horizon. mud hut with a dirt fl oor and thatched roof. They truth” rather than just telling them what they Even if what we fear is likely to happen, giving that fear to slept in hammocks hung from the walls and had wanted to hear. God, in bits and pieces as best we can, will help us if what we fear comes about. no furniture or appliances. “Leaders who trust people with the truth, Once we have identifi ed a fear, the action of handing it to God For some reason, he took a liking to me, and, hard truths, are trusted back,” Seidman wrote. and entrusting Him to take care of us may need a prop or two. when the missioner and I said our goodbyes, that “He accomplished big things by making himself humble man offered me a gift: a big bottle of Co- It helps to recall things that once concerned us that did not hap- smaller than the moment.” ca-Cola. In vain I tried to dissuade him, telling pen. It is good to remember and soak up the moments when we The question the “developed world” leaders him that his children needed it more than I did. noticed that God was at work, making something better than we But the missioner told me it would be an affront face is the same one I faced when offered a bottle expected. to his dignity to refuse it. of Coca-Cola by the Mayan peasant: Do I accept A second helpful tool is to choose a Bible verse that tells us how Often it is as diffi cult to accept a gift — in- the gift of someone deprived in so many ways? much God loves us. There are plenty in the Bible. One that twice deed, perhaps more so — than it is to give it. In the case of Mandela, it involved a representa- recently was recommended to me is Jeremiah 29, verses 11-13: In late 2013, dignitaries worldwide, including tive of a race long seen as inferior, one who spent “For I know well the plan I have in mind for you, says the Lord, several United States presidents, paid tribute to the prime years of his life in prison. plans for your welfare, not for woe! Plans to give you a future full Nelson Mandela, who died at 95 after liberating The hope a new year brings, of course, is that of hope. When you call me, when you go to pray to me, I will lis- his people and leading his country on the path of we will be able to overcome our arrogance and ten to you. When you look for me, you will fi nd me ... .” constructive reconciliation. learn from Mandela’s example. We will be poor- Let’s give God our fears. Trusting God can be a great Lenten His gift, not just to his people but to the world er if we don’t. grace for us in 2014.

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. 10 FRIDAY FEBRUARY 14, 2014 | The Observer

For the Record

Deaths Parish offices may forward death and wedding information using forms at http://observer.rockforddiocese.org/contact-us. AURORA—St. Mary: Joan You may also request announcement postcards by calling Seitzinger, 82, Jan. 11; 815/399-4300, ext. 383. We encourage you to send the DEKALB—St. Mary: Terry information as soon as you receive it. Thank you. Gile, 67, Jan. 26; Stanley L. Bozdech, 92, Jan. 30; Jan. 23; and to the Church that repre- sents Him. DIXON—St. Patrick: Helen St. Anthony of Padua: Frank Grygiel, 95, Jan. 18; C. Ciaramita, 95, Jan. 26; Dell Courtesy of Parish Publications Musso, 81, Jan. 28; Grace Ci- “Stewardship” newsletter EAST DUBUQUE—St. Mary: Kimberly Muntz, 47, Jan. 30; cero, 85, Jan. 31; St. Stanislaus Kostka: Hen- ELGIN—St. Thomas More: Mass Meditation ryka Buszke, 82, Jan. 23; Winifred Meyer, 74, Jan. 19; Sunday, Feb. 16 (6th Ordi- SPRING GROVE—St. Peter: MCHENRY—St. Patrick: Wal- Stewardship involves Nicholas Kowalewski, 21, Jan. nary): ter “Wally” Schultz, 69, Jan. more than just the gift we bring 9; 27; Robert Tobiaski, 89, Jan. to the altar. Sunday’s readings 28; WONDER LAKE—Christ the say clearly that it is fidelity to King: Eugene Svoboda, 84, MOUNT CARROLL—SS. John God’s law that makes our of- Jan. 27. and Catherine: Barbara F. fering acceptable. Schnitzler, 80, Jan. 26; Courtesy of Sharon Hueckel Stewardship Moment ROCKFORD—Cathedral of St. Peter: Stanley M. Spehar, God is the owner: Giving Life Moment 90, Jan. 22; Sherry A. Brock, money to the Church is giving 40, Jan. 26; it back to God. It is the recogni- Pray: That those preparing Holy Family: Ralph Rothstein, tion that the goods and prop- for marriage may find strength 96, Jan. 3; Frances Fiorello, erty we have come from Him, and joy in the will of God for 92, Jan. 3; Robert Justice, 59, and thus a part of these should them and their families. Jan. 21; Thomas Littrell, 68, be given to the worship of God Courtesy of www.priestsforlife.org The Pope on... The Joy of Meeting Christ in Youth, Age and Consecrated Life From page 2 it is nice to think of our voca- speaks, that opens, that leads forward along the path traced tion in this way! Our encounter us and invites us to go towards by the law. Who, more than with Christ took shape in the the horizon. Mary, is full of the Holy Spirit? Church through the charism It’s good for the elderly to Who more than she is docile to of one of her witnesses. This communicate their wisdom to its action? always amazes us and makes us give thanks. the young; and it’s good for the In the light of this Gospel young people to gather this scene, let us look at conse- And in the consecrated life we If you or someone you know wealth of experience and wis- Daily Scripture readings crated life as an encounter with live the encounter between the has been the victim of sexual dom, and to carry it forward, are published in the Prayer Christ: it is he who comes to young and the old, between abuse by an employee or mem- Request and Scripture Reading not so as to safeguard it in a us, led by Mary and Joseph, observation and prophecy. ber of the clergy of the Rockford Calendar in The Observer in museum, but to carry it forward and we go towards him guided Let’s not see these as two op- Diocese, report the matter to the last issue of the month, and addressing the challenges that by the Holy Spirit. He is at the posing realities! law enforcement in the county are available on line at http:// life brings, to carry it forward in which the conduct occurred observer.rockforddiocese.org center. He moves everything, Let us rather allow the Holy for the sake of the respective and then please call the hot-line by clicking on Daily Scripture he draws us to the Temple, Spirit to animate both of them, religious orders and of the number: 815/293-7540. Readings for lists and podcasts. to the Church, where we can and a sign of this is joy: the joy whole Church. meet him, recognize him, wel- of observing, of walking within come him, embrace him. a rule of life; the joy of being May the grace of this mystery, Jesus comes to us in the led by the Spirit, never un- the mystery of the encounter, Church through the founda- yielding, never closed, always enlighten us and comfort us on tional charism of an institute: open to the voice of God that our journey. Amen. Newspapers • Catalogs • Mail Service Business Cards • Magazines • Brochures If I Come Back, How Much of the Church Must I Embrace? 815-758-5484 From page 8 faith. tice mercy, experience joy, and 121 Industrial Drive • DeKalb, IL 60115 Our experience of Christ as The challenge Pope Francis the rest of our Catholic faith savior, , friend lets us throws at us is that experience will become more clear. So know in our hearts, if not our leads to truth. The truth vali- don’t worry if you can’t put minds, that Jesus is God with dates the experience. your arms completely around the human face. The rules and What is difficult for us to ac- Mother Church. That will come regs of our faith are meant as cept about this pope is that he in time. signposts on the journey, to doesn’t throw away our heri- Meanwhile, smile and laugh keep us focused on . tage or our beliefs. Got to have with Francis our Shepherd — In themselves, they are neither them, says he. And he shows us it’s time we Catholics lift our salvation nor the sum of our the way. Imitate Christ, prac- hearts in joy once more. Moral Principles are Principles that Come from Love From page 8 son? Wouldn’t telling a lie actu- to act? In contrast, isn’t every exclusive. Rather, each one ally show a lack of love toward sin somehow a failure to love — would undoubtedly speak of the that other person? a failure to love God or neighbor Watch intrinsic connection between If I choose to be faithful to or myself? the two. my spouse, am I not choosing The more we live in a moral ‘Catholic Mass’ To live morally is itself an to love them in that moment? manner, the more we are show- Sundays at 6:30 a.m. on expression of love. Living in If I choose to obey God’s com- ing love at an ever deeper and WREX-TV, Channel 13 an immoral or sinful way not mandments, am I not in some Christ-like level. Christ’s per- only inhibits our ability to grow sense expressing my love to fect love is only possible be- in Rockford in holiness, it is in some way Him? In fact, doesn’t morality cause of the complete absence or watch on the Web at a failure to love. Every moral really serve as a guide that helps of sin in his life. http://observer.rockforddiocese.org. choice that we make can be said me know the most loving way to The more I choose to do good Brought to you by The Diocesan Office of Communications and Publications to be a choice to express love. If act in any given situation, since and avoid sin in my life, the I choose to tell the truth instead it is really a guide as to how more loving I have the potential of a lie, am I not in some way God (who is love) would want to become and the more love I Pray for Vocations showing love to the other per- me to act, or how He made me am showing along the way. The Observer | FRIDAY FEBRUARY 14, 2014 11

Media/Arts At the Movies honorable intentions and a cast crude and crass terms. friends, longs for near-daily of heavy hitters, Clooney’s pic- sexual encounters but fl ees at That Awkward ture, adapted from the book by O the fi rst sign of stability. They Robert M. Edsel (written with Moment eventually arrive at some form R Bret Witter), falls well short of (Focus) of maturity and wisdom, but the the monumental. Though the Though it presents fi lm takes an ugly approach be- script’s comic byplay is amus- itself as a quip-fi lled romantic fore getting them there. ing enough, a fi rm foundation is comedy, writer-director Tom THIS FILM CONTAINS non- never laid for its more solemn Gormican’s fi lm is, sad to say, marital sexual encounters, moments. Possibly acceptable not much more than a collec- nudity, sexual sight gags and (CNS photo/Warner Bros.) for mature teens. tion of smutty moments. Zac banter, references to body THIS FILM CONTAINS combat Efron stars as a commitment- functions, rough and crude lan- The Lego Movie another asset. violence, brief gore, profanity, phobe who, together with his guage. A-I (Warner Bros.) THIS FILM CONTAINS car- PG This lively 3-D ani- toon mayhem, some peril, mild mated adventure, scatological humor. BOYLAN CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL populated by the toys of the The Monuments Position Announcement title, centers on an ordinary con- A-III Men Job Title: President struction worker (voice of Chris PG-13 Pratt) who fi nds himself taken (Columbia) Reports to: Superintendent, Catholic Schools of the Diocese of Rockford for a prophesied hero and pro- George Clooney co- Supervises: Principal, Advancement Director, Business Director Office Location: Boylan Catholic High School, 4000 St. Francis Drive, Rockford, IL 61103 pelled on a crusade to thwart wrote, directed and stars in this an evil CEO’s (voice of Will fact-based World War II drama CALL FOR CANDIDATES: Ferrell) scheme to control the in which his character, a lead- Boylan Catholic High School, located in Rockford, IL, seeks a dynamic leader to serve as the world. He’s aided in the struggle ing art historian-turned-Army- school’s first president. Boylan, founded in 1960, is a co-educational institution serving the greater Rockford area for grades 9 – 12. by, among others, a tough but offi cer, assembles an eccentric fetching underground activist team of similar experts (most QUALIFICATIONS: (voice of Elizabeth Banks), her prominently Matt Damon, Bill The successful candidate will be a practicing Catholic who displays a record of leadership and self-centered boyfriend, Bat- Mur- accomplishment in the education or non-profit sector. He or she must have a proven record man (voice of Will Arnett), and ray and For the latest as a successful individual with strong organizational, supervisory, and leadership capabilities. Exemplary interpersonal skills are essential, as is the ability to develop relationships with the the pixilated mystic who pre- John Catholic News Good- school’s constituents. The candidate must also demonstrate fundraising success, especially dicted the champion’s arrival in Service reviews, with major gift solicitations. He or she must have significant experience with operating budgets. the fi rst place (voice of Morgan man) visit www. Freeman). Opposing them is to trace catholicnews. A master’s degree or equivalent is required and a doctorate preferred. A minimum of 10 years of progressively responsible experience in a leadership position is required with a preference the would-be dictator’s principal and com/movies.htm. for school administration. minion (voice of Liam Neeson), rescue TO APPLY: a police offi cer torn between the the vast good and bad sides of his own store of cultural treasures sto- Salary and benefits commensurate with experience – negotiable. personality. Colorful, fast-paced len by the Nazis during their Submit cover letter, resume and references by April 1, 2014 to: and diverting for both young occupation of most of Europe. Diocese of Rockford and old, directors and co-writ- As these over-the-hill soldiers Michael M. Kagan ers Phil Lord and Christopher adjust to life in uniform and the Superintendent of Schools Miller’s fi lm is also surprisingly perils of the Western Front, their 555 Colman Center Drive pointed in its satire of conform- attention focuses on a Paris mu- P.O. Box 7044 ist consumerism. A format-shift- seum curator (Cate Blanchett), Rockford, IL 61125 ing conclusion showing family who witnessed the Teutonic For additional information about Boylan Catholic High School, bonds trumping selfi shness is looting fi rsthand. Despite its please visit our website at www.boylan.org.

Evelyn Dubbs Broker, REALTOR® Marketing Homes For The Sale Business Spotlight (847) 658-5000 (office) (847) 913-5079 (cell) [email protected] EQUAL HOUSING OPPORTUNITY Each office is independently owned and operated. SUBSCRIBE TO A family owned Cindy Nicolosi Travel funeral home ... specializing in faith-based journeys THE OBSERVER since 1949. Rome — April 2014 Serving the Rockford Diocese NEW!! Canonization of John Paul II & John XXIII with faith-fi lled news for 75 Years. 401 River Lane  Loves Park, IL 61111 (815) 248-3106 [email protected] 815-399-4300, ext. 383 (815) 633-6010 www.delehantyfh.com The Catholic Gift Store Perryville Pet Hospital Gifts for any occasion. 770 N. Peace Rd. z DeKalb z 815-787-0802 Hours: M-F 10 a.m.-6 p.m. z Sat. 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. Susan Verace, DVM WWW.THECATHOLICGIFTSTORE.COM Nicholas Guedet, DVM Catholic Books Your Ad HERE! Mary’s Mantle & Gifts For only $9.50 a week your Business 815 l 229 l 1234 Monday thru Friday 10-5 — Saturday 10-2 can reach over 60,000 readers. 815-801-6279 — Fax: 815-801-7643 For details contact 1917 Daimler Rd. l Rockford, IL 61112 16 S. Chicago Ave. — Freeport, IL 61032 Ron Bergman, 815-399-4300, ext. 385 www.perryvillepet.com [email protected] — www.marysmantlefreeportil.com ALL-AMERICAN TAXIDERMY by Matt Kapraun Double Your “InnovatIve taxIdermy of QualIty In a im eggy avurek wners Guaranteed tIme frame” T & P J — O “We treat your car as if it were our own!!” 90-Day and 120-Day Rush Guarantee Available Visibility!!  Complete Auto Repair  Lightning Lube African and Big Game Trophies For $19.00 a week you can double Birds, Fish, Deer, Mammals, Rugs, Tanning Make Your Appointment Today — All Work Guaranteed — your Business Spotlight promotional 19111 Altenburg Rd. l Harvard, IL 60033 space to over 60,000 readers. Showroom 815-399-2886 at: Tel: 815-943-0300 l Cell: 815-245-6043 3427 East State @ Fairview - Rockford For details contact E www.all-americantaxidermy.com www.tjsautocenter.com Ron Bergman, 815-399-4300, ext. 385 12 FRIDAY FEBRUARY 14, 2014 | The Observer February is Catholic Press Month THE OBSERVER The Official Newspaper of the Catholic Diocese of Rockford Linking the faithful in the Rockford Diocese. Subscribe Today To Your Source of Catholic Inspiration and Information. Print, digital or both editions are still only $28 a year. Online http://observer.rockforddiocese.org By phone 815/399-4300, Ext. 383 Or use the envelope you received in church or in the mail.