ISSN: 0029-7739 $ 1.00 per copy THE BSERVER OOfficial Newspaper of the Catholic Diocese of Rockford Volume 82 | No. 5 http://observer.rockforddiocese.org FRIDAY DECEMBER 23, 2016

... the wickedness of the earth will be destroyed: the Savior of the world will reign over us. Alleluia! Alleluia! — From a Vigil Mass reading, Dec. 24

(Observer photo/Diocesan Archives)

ABOVE: The This Issue Inside Quick News image of Bishop Malloy ...... 2 shepherds Headliners...... 3 DAC Closing Dates visiting the The Junior Observer ...... 4 Simbang Gabi Begins The Diocesan Administration Nation/World ...... 6 Center in Rockford is closed at the first Filipinos in the Rockford Diocese Around the Diocese ...... 7-9 Dec. 23 and will be closed Christmas began this year’s Simbang Gabi’s Diocesan ...... 10 Dec. 26, Dec. 30 and Jan. 2. is part of a Christmas Season ...... 11 with a Mass in St. Charles. After stained glass Our Catholic View ...... 12-13 the Mass, a reception featured Next Observer window at For the Record ...... 14 fellowship and traditional Filipino The next issue of The St. Mary Parish Media/Arts...... 15 fare. page 3 Observer will be Jan. 13. in Elgin. 2 | FRIDAY DECEMBER 23, 2016 | The Observer

Don’t Miss Christmas: Bishop The Observer (ISSN 0029- 7739), is published weekly, Malloy’s except fi ve times a year by Time to Get the Diocese of Rockford, TV Messages BY BISHOP 555 Colman Center Dr., P.O. Box 7044, Rockford, IL 61125 DAVID J. Weekday Refl ection Phone: 815/399-4300; Fax MALLOY Back to Basics 815/399-6225. (about 6:58 a.m.) Periodical postage paid at on WREX-TV, Channel 13, Our yearly celebration of the birth of lives as we ponder God’s plan for Mary and Rockford, Ill., and additional Rockford is, for most people, an occasion for reliving Joseph to be so inconveniently on the road and mail offi ces. or revisiting memories or images that are then unable to fi nd worthy shelter on the day of POSTMASTER: send address Top o’ the important in nearly everyone’s life. Jesus’ coming among us. changes to The Observer, 555 Those images might be of families coming Perhaps most especially, in our time and Colman Center Dr., P.O. Box Morning through a front door, visiting relatives with society where the meaning and the love of 7044, Rockford, IL 61125 arms full of packages, Christmas dinner with family is so challenged and even distorted, For ADVERTISING information: with a table appropriately full of family and friends, we are given the model for God’s plan for the Contact The Observer at the or Christmas trees and snow covered houses family. address above or call 815/399- Bishop decorated with colored lighting. Mary and Joseph are fi rst united in their 4300; fax 815/399-6225, At least these are the kinds of images most shared loved for God. To read the Gospel stories Email: kmccarthy@ Malloy captured in our advertising and our current of the Holy Family is to realize that for both of rockforddiocese.org. Listen to archives anytime at culture. them, God comes fi rst. Then from that love of Send NEWS information to The http://observer.rockfo rddiocese.org. Still, how often these wonderful and evocative God fl ows their love for each other in the sacred Observer at the address or fax Click on Bishop Malloy on the top left signs miss the central point. The very reason task of being a family. number above; send email to side of the page. Observer@rockforddiocese. for Christmas is the birth of our Savior. Without We can only imagine, and then try to org; or fi ll out a form at Brought to you by some reference to Jesus, Mary, Joseph and incorporate into our own spiritual lives, the  Savant Capital Management Bethlehem, these decorations are hollow. http://observer.rockforddiocese.  Fitzge rald Funeral Homes fi rst moment when Mary held her newborn son, org/contact-us.  Rooted in the events that changed the world Illinois Bank & Trust sinlessness embracing sinlessness. Here now Subscription rate $28.00 per  Rick Wang Financial forever, those images move our minds and was the fi rst time that human eyes beheld the year (48 issues); Canadian  Diocesan Offi ce of hearts to goodness, joy and reconciliation that Son of God. Communications and Publications we constantly need. and Pan American $29; other Joseph, perhaps nearby, like every father, foreign: surface mail $37, air  The Observer Each year, then, Christmas serves as a  Offi ce of Charitable Giving, must have felt his love for them, but also his mail $97; single copies $1. joyful reminder for us to “get back to basics” Diocese of Rock ford responsibility to provide for them and protect about ourselves, about the world and about the The Observer Online digital them. subscriptions are also available. meaning of existence. The reminder brings us Through the fl ight into Egypt and the joy, but it helps to keep away our tendency to Publisher: search for the lost child, the family’s love and Most Reverend David J. Malloy get wrapped up in day-to-day life and so lose commitment is tested and confi rmed. sight of why we are here. Editor: Penny Wiegert It is good for us at this Christmas time, not The story of Christmas is, of course, not that News Editor: Amanda Hudson the Son of God came to visit us because we only to give thanks for the knowledge of God’s love that we have been given. We do well Features and Multimedia were good. Rather, it was to redeem the world Editor: Sharon Boehlefeld made good by God but fallen under the power of to recall those for whom this time of year is sin leading us all to death. challenging. Circulation/Proofreading: Susan Sabrowski, Keith We need to remind ourselves over and over With Pope Francis, we think of the poor, Ludolph that sin had separated us from God. The human especially those struggling to get by. Please race, and therefore we, were not simply waiting join me in prayers for all of those in prison, for Accounting: Jill Bonk Wednesday Refl ection for the door to heaven to be reopened as if it whatever reason as I celebrate Mass again for Advertising and Marketing: during the Spanish were inevitable, only a matter of time. Our sins inmates on Christmas morning. Kevin McCarthy Let us be reminded of all of those, especially newscast (5:30-6 p.m.) had merited eternal separation from God. Production and Web our fellow Christians from the Middle East, on My Network TV, However, because of His love, God would Administrator: Gary Haughton not simply let us go. He came Himself, in Jesus who have been forced to fl ee as refugees this Channel 17.2, Rockford Contributing Writers: Father Christ born in that stable, to off er us again the year. That tragedy continues and deepens, especially with the horrifi c events taking place Kenneth Wasilewski, Father Minuto de chance to be with Him forever. Keith Romke, Keith Ludolph, in Syria. How remarkable, then, is the Christmas story Lynne Conner, Father Ronald Meditación itself. God could have sent His Son in power Back to basics means, above all, giving time Rolheiser, Tony Carton, to Jesus. Attend Mass. Pray, thanking Him for Listen to archives anytime on and glory fi tting to His divine majesty as He Pat Szpekowski, Margarita His love not just for the world but for each of us. Facebook at Diócesis de Rockford came to rescue the human race. Mendoza, Louise Brass, Patrick and Periódico El Observador, or on But each Christmas we remember again the “For God so loved the world that he gave His Winn Twitter, @DiocesisRockfor poverty of the Holy Family. We refl ect upon the only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him Publication Dates: Weekly challenges to faith that it recounts such as the might not perish but might have eternal life.” except that in 2016 there will be Brought to you by uncertainty of Joseph when discovering that (Jn 3:16). no issues on Jan. 1, April 29,  Savant Capital Management  Diocesan Offi ce of Mary was with child. May you and your family have a Blessed July 29, Sept. 30 and Dec. 30. Communications and Publications We seek to understand God’s will in our own Christmas. News Deadlines: Usually, 10  El Observador days before publication date. Or His Column Ad Deadlines: Usually, 10 Prepare for Christmas days before publication date. Weekly in Offi cial information on the poli- cies, activities, and positions of the Diocese of Rockford is THE With Moments of released only in the pages of (CNS photo/C. Peri via Reuters) Peri photo/C. (CNS The Observer, or in state- OBSERVER BY POPE ments from the Diocesan FR ANCIS Quiet Anticipation Offi ce of Communications and Publications. Subscribe The Observer uses recycled From the Angelus, St. Peter’s Square, Dec. 18 us of the way in which God entered the world: paper and is recyclable. Today! born of the Virgin Mary and, like all children, This week let’s make sure we try to fi nd some Our Mission is the mission He was wrapped in swaddling clothes, picked of the Church itself — to Select print, digital or time to stop, be quiet and imagine Our Lady up and nursed. Not only that, He, His mother spread the Gospel through both for just and St. Joseph who are going to Bethlehem ... . and Joseph had to come to terms with the fact contemporary means of communications. $28 per year. Let us try to enter into the real Christmas — that there was no room for them in the inn. ... that of Jesus, who drew near to us, God with Call 815/399-4300, The good news, the announcement of the Member of: ext. 383 or go online at us, near us — in order to receive the grace of birth was not delivered to a king and princes this holiday, which is a grace of closeness, love, but to shepherds, men poorly or ill-treated, http://observer. humility and tenderness. ... hardened sinners, (so) we could say, “This is rockforddiocese.org Christmas, which is almost upon us, reminds our God.” Headliners T he Observer | FRIDAY DECEMBER 23, 2016 | 3 Simbang Gabi Begins at St. Charles Mass By Pat Szpekowski knowledge the richness of his Observer Correspondent service to the church.” Although Simbang Gabi has ST. CHARLES—The Fox existed since the 1600s, Arch- Valley Filipino American Cath- bishop Auza said this novena olic Community and Greater has slowly become part of the Rockford Filipino American American scene in the church Catholic Community joined within the last 30 years. together to celebrate the first “We give thanks to the gen- diocesan Mass of the Sim- erations before us who intro- bang Gabi Christmas novena duced it to us,” he said, “ as we at St. John Neumann Catholic have come to appreciate this Church, here, Dec. 15. deep devotion, which is a wit- Philippine native Archbishop ness to our faith. Bernardito C. Auza, Apostolic “Simbang Gabi is in honor of Nuncio and permanent observ- the Blessed Virgin Mary, the er of the Holy See to the Unit- protagonist for the coming of ed Nations, and Bishop David the Savior,” he continued. “Be- Malloy celebrated Mass with cause Mary said yes, Christ- Father David Peck, pastor, and mas is possible for us. Father Carlos Saligumba, of “Jesus Christ fulfilled a total St. John Neumann, along with loving commitment to us. We (Observer photos/Dan Szpekowski) Father Perfecto Vasquez, di- must love Him with our mind Archbishop Bernardito C. Auza accepts gifts which will be given to the poor during the Rockford Diocese’s opening Simbang Gabi Mass, Dec. 15, at St. John Neumann Parish in St. Charles. ocesan director of the Filipino and heart in order to straighten Ministry, Father Moises Apos- our crooked paths and lives to “When he was asked, ‘Who ings in English and the Filipino tol, spiritual director of the reconcile ourselves with the are you?’ when he became language, including seven dia- Fox Valley Filipino American Lord. Pope, he didn’t say his name as lects. Catholic Ministry, and a num- “Let us pray for the diocese we would do,” the archbishop The Filipino Grand Choir of ber of diocesan priests. for a greater and deeper faith said. “His reply was, ‘I am a the Rockford Diocese led by Bishop Malloy welcomed and evangelization to announce sinner who the Lord looks at Joven Castillo and Olivia Mar- the Filipino community and the joy of God’s greater mercy tinez Sturges. with mercy and love and choos- said, “It is a great privilege and love,” said Archbishop Representatives from all 18 es me to be a missionary.’ ” that Archbishop Auza cleared Auza. parishes hosting the Simbang his busy schedule to be with us He referred to Pope Francis’ During Mass the beauty of Gabi Mass carried colorful at the opening of the Simbang 80th birthday, which was Dec. the Simbang Gabi tradition was “stained glass” colored flowers Gabi in our diocese. We ac- 17. expressed with songs and read- and ribbons designating each church name. More than 15 couples and Archbishop Auza and individuals from the local Fili- Bishop Malloy pino Good Samaratin of the Far West Suburbs presented Gabi celebrates the whole spirit food gift baskets for the poor of Advent. The Filipino culture to Archbishop Auza at the of- and camaraderie here is very fering. Christ-like.” Following Mass, hundreds After the opening Mass, the of people enjoyed traditional Simbang Gabi novena contin- Filipino foods and fellowship. ued at 10 churches in the Rock- Tables were filled with a vari- ford and Fox Valley areas for ety of popular Filipino Asian nine days. delicacies, including pancit (a The final celebrations are noodle dish with vegetables Dec. 23. and meat). The Rockford Mass will be- “The Mass was beautiful and gin at 6:30 p.m. at St. Bridget it was an honor to have Arch- Parish, 600 Clifford Ave. in bishop Auza with us,” said Joy Jorda, of St. Mary Parish in Loves Park. A potluck dinner Huntley. “I will try my best to follows, bring a Filipino dish go to all nine Masses in the Fox and dessert to share. Valley as this is a very impor- The Fox Valley Mass will (Observer photos/Dan Szpekowski) tant novena to me.” start at 7 p.m. at St. Thomas Representatives of Rockford Diocese parishes taking part in the Fox Valley and Rockford area Simbang Gabi Glenn Bork, a member of the More Parish, 215 Thomas More novenas prepare to begin the Dec. 15 Mass procession at St. John Neumann Parish in St. Charles. choir, said, “ To me, Simbang Dr. in Elgin.

Bishop Malloy’s ROCKFORD — Jan. 8, 7:30 a.m., Former Sandwich Pastor Dismissed from Clerical State Public Schedule Sunday Mass, Cathedral of St. Peter ROCKFORD — Jan. 8, 1 p.m., SANDWICH—An announcement regard- After investigation, review and canonical ROCKFORD — Dec. 25, 12 a.m., Confirmation, St. Rita Church ing the status of the former pastor of St. Paul processes were completed, on Dec. 15, 2016, Christmas Midnight Mass, Cathedral the Apostle Parish was read at weekday the Congregation notified me as Bishop of of St. Peter FREEPORT — Jan. 9, 9 a.m., Visit, Masses here just before Christmas. Rockford, that in keeping with its author- ROCKFORD — Dec. 25, 10 a.m., Aquin Central Catholic High School Parochial Vicar Father Louis Tosto read a ity, it has confirmed Mr. Hougan’s dismissal Christmas Mass, Winnebago County SAVANNA — Jan. 11, 5:30 letter from Bishop David Malloy to the pa- from the clerical state effective on that date. Jail p.m., Confirmation for SS. John & rishioners there. “Dismissal from the clerical state, also ROCKFORD — Dec. 27, 7:15 p.m., Catherine Parish, Mount Carroll, and The letter stated: “Today, we have news known as laicization, renders the person, for Mass for Diocesan Vocation Office’s St. John the Baptist Parish, Savana, to share with you in regard to your former ecclesiastical purposes, the equivalent of a Winter Discernment Retreat, Bishop at St. John the Baptist Church pastor, Father Andrew Hougan. layman.” “As you may recall, in May of 2015, it Andrew Hougan was ordained to the Lane Retreat Center ROCKFORD — Jan. 15, 7:30 a.m., was announced to you that Father Hougan priesthood by Bishop Thomas G. Doran in ROCKFORD — Jan. 1, 7:30 a.m., Sunday Mass, Cathedral of St. Peter was being removed from ministry here at 2001. During his priesthood he served as Sunday Mass, Cathedral of St. Peter ROCKFORD — Jan. 15, 1 p.m., St. Paul the Apostle Parish because of seri- parochial vicar at St. Thomas More Parish, SPRING GROVE — Jan. 4, 5:30 Confirmation, St. Patrick Church ous allegations regarding the fidelity of his Elgin; St. John Neumann Parish, St. Charles p.m., Confirmation, St. Peter Church NORTH AURORA — Jan. 17, priesthood. and Holy Family Parish, Rockford. He be- “Following Church protocol for such cas- came parochial administrator at St. Paul the DIXON — Jan. 7, 10 a.m., 5:30 p.m., Confirmation, Blessed es, the matter was turned over to the Vatican Apostle in 2009 and was appointed pastor Confirmation, St. Patrick Church Sacrament Church Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith. in 2010. 4 | FRIDAY DECEMBER 23, 2016 | The Observer The Junior Observer Vol. 31, No. 4 Published by The Observer, Official Catholic Newspaper of the Diocese of Rockford [email protected]

A Good News Story Q Shepherds Hear of Jesus’ Birth

Catholic News Service angel had told her. Mary wrapped him in & ne day, an angel visited a young swaddling clothes and laid him in a manger, woman named Mary, who was because there was no room at any of the O betrothed to a man named Joseph. city’s inns. A The angel told Mary that the Holy Spirit There were fields around Bethlehem would come upon her, and she would con- in which some shepherds were living and Where ceive and give birth to a son. She was told did working. When the baby was born, the to name the baby Jesus. shepherds were keeping night watch over Joseph “Therefore the child to be born will be their flocks. called holy, the Son of God,” the angel said. and Mary Suddenly, an angel appeared to them. Several months later, Caesar Augustus, “Do not be afraid” travel? They were very frightened by what they emperor of the Roman Empire, decided that (CNS) saw. everyone living in the empire had to be To whom “Do not be afraid; for behold, I proclaim did the counted in a census. He sent out a decree, vid — to be ordering people to go to their ancestral enrolled in Bible Trivia to you good news of great joy that will be What is a manger? angel hometowns to be enrolled. the census. for all the people,” the angel said. “For to- (See answer below) announce Since the Romans were in control of the Mary was day in the city of David a savior has been Jesus’ lands in which the Jewish people lived, they at the end of born for you who is Christ and Lord. And this will be a sign for you: You will find an birth? had to take part in the census, too. her pregnancy and was very close to giv- Joseph and Mary lived in Nazareth, ing birth. Even so, she and Joseph made infant wrapped in swaddling clothes and Read more which was in Galilee. Joseph was of the the long trip from Nazareth to Bethlehem. lying in a manger.” about it in house and family of King David, so he and While Joseph and Mary were in Beth- So the shepherds hurried to Bethlehem, Luke 2 Mary had to travel to Judea to the city of lehem, it came time for Mary to have her where they found Joseph, Mary and Jesus, Bethlehem — also known as the city of Da- baby. She gave birth to a son, just as the just as the angel had said.

Who Were the Puzzle Shepherds? Unscramble each Being a shepherd was a common oc- cupation in biblical times. word, and then place Shepherds oversaw flocks of sheep the words in the and goats, either for their families or as employees of other people. Sheep and correct order to goats were important sources of meat and reveal a sentence milk, and their wool or skins were used for clothing. from the Good News During warm weather, shepherds Story. worked and lived in the fields taking care of their flocks. They led the animals to different grazing areas and made sure they had enough to eat and drink. The enbe sheep and goats even learned the sounds of their shepherds’ voices and responded yadto orf to their calls. At night, the shepherds would count het avdid the animals to make sure none were missing and looked them over to make sure they were healthy. Since the animals ivsaro ni fo slept outdoors at night, the shepherds kept careful watch over them. If a wild animal a sha ronb tried to attack the sheep and goats, the shepherds used slings and stones or their tyci rods — which were similar to clubs — to

scare the wild animal away.

When the weather grew cold, the animals. A feeding trough for for trough feeding A Trivia:

Bible Bible flocks were moved indoors for the winter. born. been has savior a

When the spring came, the sheep were David of city the in today For

shorn, and the entire process of leading — Sentence city. born; has; a; for; the; David; savior; in; of; of; in; savior; David; the; for;

Words — been; today; today; been; — Words the flocks to different grazing areas for the Puzzle: spring and summer began again. The Observer | FRIDAY DECEMBER 23, 2016 | 5

THIS IS THE SEASON OF WONDER. THIS IS PRESENCE.

From the entire Presence Health family to yours, we wish you peace, joy and good health during this sacred holiday season. As we celebrate the birth of Christ, let his spirit ­ll and guide you into the new year and beyond. PresenceHealth.org

Sponsored by Presence Health Ministries 6 | FRIDAY DECEMBER 23, 2016 | The Observer Nation/World News in Brief Ohio governor signs 20-week abortion ban, vetoes ‘heartbeat’ measure COLUMBUS, Ohio (CNS)—Ohio Gov. John Kasich signed a bill that bans abortion in the state after 20 weeks of pregnancy, but also vetoed a bill that would have made abortion illegal when a fetal heartbeat can be detected, usually at about the sixth week of pregnancy. The Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act, or SB 127, becomes law 90 days after the Dec. 13 signing. It is the 18th anti-abortion measure Kasich has signed since becoming governor in 2011. Current Ohio law bans abortions after a fetus has begun its 20th week of gestation, unless a doctor determines that the fetus is not viable outside the womb. The new law elimi- nates the viability test and simply bans abortions past 20 weeks. Youths raise money, invest in loan to help poor people start businesses

BUTLER, Minn. (CNS)—Many years ago, a woman in Nicaragua (CNS photo/Max Rossi, Reuters) was poor, but she had a sewing Pope Francis blesses a sick child as he leads a special audience in Paul VI hall at the Vatican Dec. 15 for pa- machine. A customer gave her tients and workers of Rome’s Bambino Gesu children’s hospital. $5 to make a shirt, but she had to travel by bus an entire day to get the material and thread Promote Culture of Respect for Life, she needed to complete the project. The customer felt bad that she had to spend so much Health, Environment, Pope Says (CNS photo/Dianne Towalski, The Visitor) time and money, so he gave her Father Tony Kroll, a longtime in- VATICAN CITY (CNS)—In he said, and may the day “also Lourdes. The Vatican released five more dollars so she could vestor in micro-loans, poses with a message for the 2017 World inspire renewed efforts to de- the text of the papal message make a profit. Father Tony Kroll youth at Holy Cross Parish in But- Day of the Sick, Pope Francis fend the integrity and dignity Dec. 15. recalled that story — wearing ler, Minn., Nov. 20. called for renewed efforts in of persons, not least through Thanking those who care for the shirt the woman had made facing today’s challenges in a correct approach to bioethi- the sick, the elderly and those for him — during an annual potluck and raffle fundraiser orga- health care and in promoting cal issues, the protection of the who suffer or are in need, the nized by middle-school faith formation students at Holy Cross respect for life. vulnerable and the protection pope underlined the impor- Church in Butler, in the St. Cloud Diocese. He attended the event “May we find new incen- of the environment.” tance of treating everyone to help the youth raise money to invest in micro-loans that will tive to work for the growth of The World Day of the Sick with respect and care because help people in developing countries start their own businesses. a culture of respect for life, is celebrated annually Feb. “every person is, and always A micro-loan is a small, short-term loan with a low interest rate health and the environment,” 11, the feast of Our Lady of remains, a human being.” usually granted to start a business. Loans are administered by a nonprofit organization, in this case, Working Capital for Commu- nity Needs, based in Madison. Pope remembers Opus Dei head as Texas Looks ‘paternal and generous’ witness VATICAN CITY (CNS)—Pope Francis expressed condolences to At Burial the members of Opus Dei following the death of Bishop Javier Echevarria, who led the prelature for over 20 years. The 84-year-old bishop, who once served For Aborted as secretary to the personal prelature’s found- er, St. Josemaria Escriva, died Dec. 12. Express- Children ing his condolences, Pope Francis said Bishop (CNS photo/SANA news agency) Echevarria, like his predecessors, “gave his life AUSTIN, Texas (CNS)— in a constant service of love to the church and Texas Catholic bishops and Pope Sends Letter to Syrian Dictator (CNS photo/Paul Haring) to souls. I join you in your prayers of thanksgiv- Bishop Javier Catholic cemeteries are work- Cardinal Mario Zenari, apostolic nuncio to Syria, looks on as Syria’s ing to God for his paternal and generous wit- Echevarria ing to provide a proper burial President Bashar Assad reads a letter from Pope Francis, Dec. 12, in ness of priestly and episcopal life,” the pope for children lost to abortion. Damascus. In the letter, the pope urged Assad to do everything pos- told Opus Dei members. The Spanish bishop’s death came one Effective Dec. 19, new state sible to end the war in his country, to protect civilians and to ensure humanitarian agencies can deliver emergency aid to the people. week after he was admitted to Rome’s Campus Biomedico hospi- regulations from the Depart- tal for a pulmonary infection, according to the Opus Dei website. ment of State Health Services “Bishop Echevarria was receiving an antibiotic to fight the infec- require the interment of the re- tion.Alaska The clinical outlook was complicated Show in his last hours when mains of all children who are Organizers Announce Theme difficulty breathing resulted in his death,” the website said. lost through abortion or mis- carriage at a health care facility or abortion clinic. For 2017 March for Life Learn more about Monsignor Kobbeman’s According to a Dec. 12 news WASHINGTON (CNS)— Life as well,” she said. release from the Texas Catho- Organizers of the March for The annual march, which has Spain and Italy Pilgrimage Tour. lic Conference of Bishops, the Life made it clear Dec. 13 that drawn as many as 100,000 par- Austin-based public policy arm although they’re “cautiously ticipants and always including Sept.18th to Oct. 1, 2017 of the state’s Catholic bishops, optimistic” about eventu- busloads of teens from Catho- Three opportunities to learn about many hospitals already work ally overturning the Supreme lic schools from across the with families, funeral homes Court’s Roe v. Wade decision United States, is scheduled for the excitement surrounding our and cemeteries to provide a with a Donald Trump admin- Jan. 27, one week after Trump’s 14-day pilgrimage. proper burial for children who istration and a Republican-con- inauguration and five days af- die in utero. trolled House and Senate, they ter the 44th anniversary of the January 8th, 2017, 2:00 pm The conference said Catho- don’t expect to be in lockstep Supreme Court’s Roe v. Wade Holy Family — Rockford IL lic cemeteries in many of the with other aspects of the new decision which legalized abor- January 15th, 2017, 2:00 pm state’s dioceses have provided president’s agenda. tion virtually on demand. St. Rita’s — Rockford, IL such burials for years and said “We’re nonpartisan,” said The march theme this year is: it will continue to work with Jeanne Mancini, president of “The Power of One.” It refer- January 22nd, 2017, 2:00 pm Catholic cemeteries and funer- March for Life, adding, “We ences both the impact of a sin- Holy Angels — Aurora, IL al homes “to further develop always advocate that people gle vote and a quote from J.R.R. Contact Tony Caruana at this ministry to provide the vote pro-life” without regard to Tolkien, who wrote in “The Fel- 815-398-8888 or same service throughout the party label. “Difficult as it is, lowship of the Ring”: “Even the state (at no charge) to children we always try to have a Demo- smallest person can change the [email protected] who die by abortion.” cratic speaker at the March for course of the future.” Around the Diocese The Observer | FRIDAY DECEMBER 23, 2016 | 7

(Photo provided) Johnsburg Student Council Leads Advent Prayer

Student council leaders at St. John the Baptist School in Johnsburg lead students and (Photo provided) teachers in an Advent prayer service. Lighting two purple and one pink candle for the third week of Advent were President Delaney Hopp, and members Kaitlyn Mullen, St. Nicholas Visits Elgin Daniel Hubbard, Jordan Orlos, Tyler Orlos, Simon Freund and Charlotte Bis. St. Nicholas visited St. Mary School children on St. Nicholas Day, Dec. 6.

Elgin Hospital Nativity Blessed Father George Birungyi (left), chaplain at St. Joseph Hospital in Elgin, blesses the hospital nativ-

(Photo provided) (Photo ity scene.

(Photo provided) Algonquin Students Share Season First graders at St. Margaret Mary sing for seniors (above) and then visit with Santa on Dec. 5.

(Photo provided) Aurora KC Hosts Santa Breakfast The St. Rita of Cascia Knights of Columbus council in Aurora held their sixth annual “Breakfast with Santa.” Posing with Santa are many of the Knights who helped at the event. The council’s breakfasts support home- less shelters, food pantries, Catholic women’s centers, prison outreach and other worthy causes. Father David Peck invites you to join in this inspiring pilgrimage during the 100th Anniversary of the Apparitions of Fatima Spiritual Leader Plus visit Lourdes And a ‘Taste’ of the El Camino Father David Peck Pastor, St. John Neumann June 11 - 22, 2017 St. Charles, Illinois Pilgrimage Includes: All fl ights included in itinerary, $ Deluxe motor-coach per itinerary, Ten nights fi rst class 4,469 accommodations, All breakfasts and seven dinners- Per person, double occupancy including farewell dinner, All entry fees per itinerary, (with credit card $4,603) Masses in shrines and special sites. Highlights France — Lourdes — St. Jean de Pied Port — Spain — Loyola Burgos — Santiago De Compostela — Portugal — Fatima Santarem Miracle of the Eucharist — Lisbon Call for information regarding future pilgrimages that we are planning!

(Photo provided) — Specializing in faith-based journeys Cary Celebrates Our Lady of Guadalupe CINDY NICOLOSI TRAVEL — Serving all your travel needs A young parishioner dresses as Our Lady of Guadalupe for the celebra- Cindy Nicolosi, CTC  [email protected] tion at SS. Peter and Paul Parish in Cary. The festivities also included prayers, , traditional Mexican dancing and costumes. 849 Breckenboro Road  Davis IL 61019  home - offi ce (815) 248-3106 8 | FRIDAY DECEMBER 23, 2016 | The Observer Around the Diocese

(Photo provided) Harvard Parishioners Give for Christmas St Joseph parishioners in Harvard — (from left) Maria Dollman, Lucas Morris, Mary Ann Nolen, Diana Jenkins, Charlie Dollman, Susan Gutt and Gregg Hafeman — stand by the giving tree that holds ornament (Photo provided) stickers listing the age and size needed for an adult or child. Gift cost Cary School Float Awes Judges is limited to $25-$30. Items were returned by Dec. 4 to give to needy families before Christmas. Last year more than 350 gifts were collect- SS. Peter and Paul School in Cary entered a float in the Merry Cary Parade on Dec. 4. The float featured a live ed and distributed. nativity scene and music by the school’s intermediate and advanced bands. Although it was the school’s first parade float, it tied for best overall.

(Photo provided) Thanksgiving Meals Blessed Many who attended Thanksgiving Mass at Church of Holy Apostles in McHenry brought food for their Thanksgiving meal to be blessed by Father Ruben Herrera, parochial vicar. Parishioners also donated to the St. Vincent de Paul Society food pantry. (Photo provided) St. Joseph Team Helps with Display The eighth-grade basketball team at St. Joseph School in Aurora joined residents of Lehnertz Avenue to help put up the life-size na- tivity that is part of street-long Christmas displays. For 65 years each home along the street decorates with lights, figures, and scripture pas- sages proclaiming the birth of Our Savior.

Stewardship Moment

Stewardship of Christmas: We need to be good stewards of Christmas in our own homes, in our own families, and in our own churches. We need to be good stewards by reaching out to bring Christmas to the unfor- tunate, the needy and aged. In all the hustle and bustle of the season, we need to take time to meditate on the significance of the holy day. We need to make sure that we are exchanging love more than exchanging gifts. Courtesy of Parish Publications “Stewardship” newsletter Life Moment

Pray: For those who are alone or abandoned, for the oppressed and the hungry, the homeless, and the unborn. Courtesy of www.priestsforlife.org

Guadalupe Mass Watch ‘Catholic Mass’ at St. Edward Father William E. Vallejo, pastor of Celebrating Sundays at 6:30 a.m. on WREX-TV, St. Edward Parish in Rockford (in Channel 13 in Rockford gold vestments), celebrates Mass 50 Years or you can watch on the Web at in honor of Our Lady of Guada- 1966-2016 http://observer.rockforddiocese.org. lupe. A re-telling of the story of St. Juan Diego was part of the Brought to you by The Diocesan Office of Communications and Publications event. (Photo provided) Around the Diocese The Observer | FRIDAY DECEMBER 23, 2016 | 9

Going on Now AURORA Ticket sale: Tickets for Super Saturday Night (April 1) are on sale. Proceeds help Aurora Central Catholic High School. Info: Katie Reynolds, kreynolds@ auroracentral.com, 630/907-0095, ext. 110 BATAVIA Volunteers needed: Anyone willing to help prepare for Holy Cross Parish’s annual gala, March 18, is invited to learn more. Info: Maria Remillard, 630/659-5554, [email protected]

(Photo provided) Save the Date McHenry Knights Mark 10 Years of Giving Jan 15 McHenry Knights of Columbus Council 1288 and volunteers of all holiday meals drive. Money raised at the parishes, through a part- AURORA ages from four area parishes — Church of Holy Apostles, St. Mary, nership with Meijer Stores, contribues toward a full holiday meal for Golf fundraiser: 5-8 p.m.; St. Patrick in McHenry and Christ the King in Woodstock — prepare hundreds of needy families in the area. Packing of 375 Thanksgiving Top Golf, 3211 Odyssey Court, Thanksgiving meals and distribute coats and winter accessories to meals and 460 Christmas meals was completed assembly-line style. Naperville. Proceeds for Aurora needy area families on Nov. 19. This was the Knights’ 10th annual The Christmas distribution was scheduled for Dec. 17. Central Catholic High School. Food, drinks, buffet, clubs and heated bay. Cost: $60. Info: Luke What’s Up Brauweiler, 630/907-0095, ext. 111, lbrauweiler@auroracentral. Submit News com Mon Dec 26 Mon Jan 2 Parish, school and organization publicists may send news and photos about their upcoming and recent activities. Jan 18 Diocesan Administration Diocesan Administration Submissions will be forwarded to El Observador and to the diocesan BATAVIA Center closed Spanish day of prayer: session Center closed calendar. The deadline is 10 days before publication. 9 a.m.-noon and 6:30-8:30 p.m.; Online: Use the interactive form at The Observer website at Nazareth Spirituality Center, 717 N. Tue Dec 27 Wed Jan 4 http://observer.rockforddiocese.org/contact-us. Click on Submit Events Batavia Ave. For married couples. and News. (You may attach one picture per form.) Speakers: morning—Francisco and AURORA Deadline for Jan. 13 What’s Up By Mail: Send submissions to The Observer, P.O. Box 7044, Juana Zapata; evening—Abelina Holiday hoops: 8-11 a.m. (also (for events Jan. 16-22) Rockford, IL 61125. and Gumersindo Hernandez. Dec. 28); Rosary High School, Topic: World Wide Marriage Entrance exam: 9 a.m.; Marmion 901 N. Edgelawn Dr. Basketball Encounter. Free babysitting and Thu Jan 5 Academy, 1000 ButterfieldSun Jan 8 snacks. Registration requested. shooting camp with coaching Road. For eighth graders. Parent Info: Linda Isleib, lindai220@ staff and players for girls in fifth- ST. CHARLES Q&A with drawing for $500 HUNTLEY sbcglobal.net, 630/879-1296 through eighth-grade; t-shirt. Divorce recovery: 7-8:30 p.m. tuition deposit voucher and Catholic comedy show: 1:45 Cost: $35 in advance; $45 at (first of 11 Thursdays); St. Patrick, Jan 20-21 refreshments during test. Info: and 6:30 p.m. shows; St. Mary, ROCKFORD door. Info: http://rosaryhs.com/ 6N491 Crane Road. Peer ministry www.marmion.org/admissions 10307 Dundee Road. Guest: Women’s retreat: 5 p.m. Jan. 20- holiday_hoops. for men and women going Judy McDonald, evangelist 4:30 p.m. Jan. 21 (or 9 a.m.-4:30 through divorce. Cost: $10. Entrance exam: 8 a.m.; Rosary Baseball bootcamp: times vary and comedian. Info: Shirley p.m. Jan. 21); Bishop Lane Retreat Info: Lois Mielke, 847/863-1268, High School, 901 N. Edgelawn Dr. (through Dec. 30); Marmion Allen, 224/654-8596, sallen@ Center, 7708 E. McGregor Road. [email protected] Register online. Submit seventh Focus on women’s unique gifts. Academy, 1000 Butterfield Road. grade report card, standardized stmaryhuntley.org; www. Sponsors: ENDOW and diocesan Hitting camp: 8 a.m., fifth- and test results. Cost: $35. Info: stmaryhuntley.org LiFE office. Register by Jan. 6. Cost: sixth-graders; 10:30 a.m. seventh- Sat Jan 7 www.rosaryhs.com/admissions, overnight $144 for a private room; and eighth-graders; Pitching/ 630/896-0831 $119 per person for a shared room; catching camp: 9 a.m., fifth- AURORA Saturday-only $55 per person. and sixth-graders; 11:30 a.m. Placement exam: 8 a.m.; ELGIN Info: www.rockforddiocese.org/ Aurora Central Catholic High seventh- and eighth-graders. Placement test: 8:30 a.m.; St. life/ School, 1255 N. Edgelawn Dr. Edward Central Catholic High Cost: hitting $100, pitching/ Test for student placement and School, 335 Locust St. For eighth Jan 21 catching $75 through Dec. 22; BATAVIA scholarship eligibility. Parents graders interested in attending hitting $105, pitching/catching (Photo provided) Day of renewal: 7:45 a.m.-5:15 Q&A at 8:30 a.m. with coffee St. Edward. Bring completed $80 through Dec. 27. Info: Frank Judy McDonald p.m.; Holy Cross, 2300 Main and donuts. Info: Mackenzie registration form. Cost: $15. Info: Chapman, 630/897-6936, ext. St. Program: God Is! Breakfast Livingston, 630/907-0095, www.stedhs.org; Angi Cholewa, Find more events on the diocesan 237; http://www.marmion.org and lunch provided. Cost: $20 ext.109; www.auroracentral. [email protected], 847/741- calendar page at http://www. (scholarships available). Info: (search for baseball bootcamp) com/index.jsp 7536; www.stedhs.org rockforddiocese.org/calendar.php Karen McQuillan, kmcquillan@ holycross; www.holycross-batavia. ROCKFORD org/ Winter vocations retreat: 7 p.m. Dec. 27-3 p.m. Dec. 28; DIXON Knight of Tasting: Dixon Knights Bishop Lane Retreat Center, of Columbus Council 690 Hall, 506 7708 E. McGregor Road. W. Third St. Proceeds for St. Anne Sponsor: Diocesan Vocations and St. Mary schools. Wine and Office. For high school and beer tasting; dessert auction; light college men to consider the dinner buffet. Cost: $15 Info: www. priesthood. Meet with Bishop kofc690.com, 815/288-1821 (leave David Malloy and Father Keith a message) Romke, vocations director and diocesan seminarians; Mass, Elsewhere prayer, reflection. Cost: $50. Info: [email protected], Until Jan 2 815/399-4300 SINSINAWA, WIS. Nativity display: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. (excluding Sundays); Sinsinawa Fri Dec 30 Mound, County Road Z, off Wisconsin Rte. 11. Handcrafted Diocesan Administration nativities from the U.S., Haiti, Center closed Germany, India, Venezuela, Ecuador, Jerusalem, Peru, Russia, Kenya, and more countries. Info: Sun Jan 1 608/748-4411, ext. 849; www. sinsinawa.org Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God 10 | FRIDAY DECEMBER 23, 2016 | The Observer Diocesan School Hosts Refugees’ Party ROCKFORD—St. Bernadette School students did the decora- tions and planning and created all the games for a Dec. 17 Christ- mas party for families served by the Refugee Resettlement Office, says teacher Kevin Rilott. He noted that the students had volunteered at the refugee Christ- mas party for the last couple of years before deciding to host it themselves in the parish hall. St. Bernadette students, joined by some from Boylan Central Catholic High School, were everywhere at the party, many of them dressed with Santa hats or other holiday gear. They encour- aged children to toss balls and blocks, putt (Observer photos/Amanda Hudson) golf balls and create Making gingerbread houses was one of the activities at the jail ministry family Christmas party on Dec. 17. pictures with crayons and stickers. They also helped when Santa Catholic Ministry Serves came and later brought pizzas to every table before enjoying the Inmate Families at Party food themselves. Language differ- LOVES PARK—The Catholic Life in Christ adding that the women’s weekly class helps ad- ences were overcome jail ministry group hosted several families of in- dress the deep hurt and trauma that many of the in a variety of ways, mates at a Christmas Party at St. Bridget Parish female inmates have experienced in their lives. including a translator hall on Dec. 17. Regarding the Christmas party, Ortiz notes to give the crowd di- St. Bridget Parish member Laura Padron has that, “incarceration affects the whole family. We rections and student arranged for the party to be held at her parish want it to be a fun time, to show them they are demonstrations of how for the past three years. For the 13 years prior cared about, and to let the children be children.” to play the games. to the annual parties, Padron organized a collec- Her own St. Rita Parish, as well as St. Anthony Bishop David Mal- (Observer photos/Amanda Hudson) St. Bernadette School sixth-grade volun- tion of gifts for inmates’ children with an An- of Padua Parish and the Knights of Columbus, loy stopped by as teer, Vivian Campa, peeks through signs gel Tree Ministry that recruited nurses from the the party began and contributed to the festivities, she says, adding welcoming guests to the party. three area hospitals to donate gifts. Again this that the colorful placemats on the tables were made good use of his year those nurses came through — 65 of them made by St. Rita School students and the par- k n o w l e d g e purchased gifts for the 65 children at the party. ish’s sewing group made hats and scarves for the of French Other donations, including a beautifully- families. Donations, she said, were making it with some of illustrated cake from By the Dozen Bakery, possible for them to provide boxes of food for 18 the families, helped make the party a joyful event again this families as well as the chicken luncheon served chatting with year. Volunteers included St. Bridget School at the party by volunteers. adults as their students and men and women who minister in A few of the families at the party included past y o u n g s t e r s the Winnebago County Jail with Life in Christ, inmates served by Life in Christ, but most of the enjoyed meet- which is part of the larger, ecumenical Rockford ing and play- families were referred by their still-incarcerated Reachout Jail Ministry. The Catholic ministry ing with other family member. includes a monthly Mass for male inmates and kids. “We know these families by name,” Ortiz weekly studies for men and women at the jail. And at one says. “We want them to feel a part of the larger St. Rita Church, Rockford, parishioner Laura end of the col- Ortiz has served at the jail for a number of years. community.” oring/stickers She describes the current work of Life in Christ Those whom they serve in jail, she adds, re- table, Boylan as both building a strong Christian foundation ferred their loved ones because they worry about junior Jose for inmates as well as encouraging them toward their families and “want to know that they are Lavin chat- discipleship. The studies are a combination of attended to for Christmas.” ted with two teaching, reflection and discussion, she says, — By Amanda Hudson Syrian chil- dren by using his phone to translate his Spanish into their Arabic. Santa posed for pictures, shook hands, One of Santa’s helpers supervises a game for chil- and his elves dren at the refugees’ Christmas party. made sure that all the kids received age-ap- propriate presents. A few of the gift soccer balls were quickly put into use, bringing refu- gee youths and volun- teers together for an informal game. A group of refugees overcame their shy- ness, gathered together and in careful English told the big, white- bearded guy, “Thank Volunteers, including organizer Laura Padron (center in Santa hat), fill and serve dinner plates for families you, Santa,” in unison. attending the gathering at St. Bridget Parish. — By Amanda Hudson Youngsters share sweets. Christmas Season The Observer | FRIDAY DECENBER 23,, 2016 | 11

In the beginning Christmas Reflection was the Word, What Gift Can I Give? by Father John and the Word was McNamara St. Mary, Huntley, parochial vicar with God, and the erry Christmas to all! we have a natural inclination within us Word was God. A few weeks ago I had the to return a gift to the person who gave us M opportunity to hear a priest something in the first place. encountered the infant Jesus lying in the And the Word speak to youth about not storing away The neat observation he made was that manger; a gift that stirs us to ponder this became flesh the gifts we receive from God. For some the gift is always returned in a unique great mystery as Mary did; and a gift and made His reason my mind immediately went to the way. It is never exactly the same. In other that sparks within us that joyful desire to many gifts I still have in my closet from words, if someone gives me a restaurant glorify and praise Emmanuel always. dwelling among last Christmas. It wasn’t intentional to card, I don’t give them a restaurant card As we celebrate the Nativity of the Lord stash these thoughtful gifts from people back. I give something else. us, and we saw this year, may we welcome the gift of God away, but nonetheless, I have learned a Christmas is such a beautiful time becoming man, and not forget about it and His glory, the valuable lesson from this experience; we because we are invited to open our whole glory as of the can set gifts to the side. being to the gift of all gifts, God becoming stash it in the closet or put it on the back burner, but welcome this gift of love. Father’s only Son, St. John Paul II had a close Jewish friend, man, a free gift uniquely given by God a philosopher named Emmanuel Levinas, alone. The mystery of the Incarnation invites full of grace and and he spoke so beautifully on what He God becoming man and making his us to practice the “Law of Gift;” what we truth. called, the “Law of Gift.” Basically what presence felt among us is the true gift have received urges us to return a gift. he believed was that when we receive of Christmas; a gift which urges us to What can we give Jesus this year? something — any gift — from another, be amazed like the shepherds when they Merry Christmas!

(Observer file photo/Creche from the Jody Deery collection) Bless Your Home for the New Year on

he traditional date of manifest your love to each other and When he reached the place, Jesus R/. Stay with us, Lord. Epiphany is Jan. 6, but in the to all whose lives we touch. May we looked up and said to him, Leader: Lord Jesus Christ, the three T United States it is celebrated grow in grace and in the knowledge “Zacchaeus, come down quickly, for kings presented their gifts to you in on the Sunday between Jan. 2 and Jan. and love of you; guide, comfort, today I must stay at your house.” And praise and adoration: grant that those 8. In 2017, it will be the last possible and strengthen us in peace, O Jesus he came down quickly and received living in this house may use their day, Jan. 8. Christ, now and forever. Amen him with joy. When they all saw this, talents and abilities to your greater Some parishes provide blessed chalk To bless the house, gather the family they began to grumble, saying, “He glory. We pray: to mark the door lintels on this day and offer this prayer: has gone to stay at the house of a R/. Stay with us, Lord. with 20 + C + M + B + 17. The leader makes the sign of the cross, and sinner.” But Zacchaeus stood there The letters C, M, B have two and said to the Lord, “Behold, half After the intercessions the leader invites all all reply, “Amen.” present to say the Lord’s Prayer. meanings. They are the initials of the Leader: Let us praise God, who fills of my possessions, Lord, I shall give traditional names of the three : to the poor, and if I have extorted The leader says the prayer of with our hearts and homes with peace. hands joined: , , and . anything from anyone I shall repay Blessed be God forever. Lord God of heaven and earth, They also abbreviate the Latin words R/. Blessed be God forever. it four times over.” And Jesus said to “ mansionem benedicat,” him, “Today salvation has come to you revealed your only-begotten Son Leader: The Word became flesh and which means “May Christ bless the this house because this man too is a to every nation by the guidance of a made his dwelling place among us. house.” The “+” signs represent the descendant of Abraham.” star. It is Christ who enlightens our hearts cross and 2017 is the year. Intercessions: Bless this house and all who inhabit it. and homes with His love. May all Fill them (us) with the light of Christ, The Carmelite Pre-novitiate Com- Leader: The Son of God made His who enter this home find Christ’s that their (our) concern for others may munity at Carith House in Chicago home among us. With thanks and light and love. reflect your love. shared this prayer in the news section praise let us call upon Him. One of those present or the leader reads We ask this through Christ our Lord. of their website at www.carmelites.net: R/. Stay with us, Lord. a text of sacred Scripture, for example, R/. Amen. When chalking the door, say: Luke 19:1-9: Leader: Lord Jesus Christ, with Mary The leader makes the sign of the cross and The three Wise Men, Caspar, Melchior, and Joseph you formed the Holy Listen to the words of the holy Gospel says: and Balthazar followed the star of according to Luke: Family: remain in our home, that May Christ Jesus dwell with us, God’s Son who became human two Jesus came to Jericho and intended to we may know you as our guest and keep us from all harm, thousand and fifteen years ago. May pass through the town. Now a man honor you as our Head. and make us one in mind and heart, Christ bless our home and remain there named Zacchaeus, who was a We pray: now and forever. with us throughout the new year. chief tax collector and also a wealthy R/. Stay with us, Lord. R/. Amen. Amen. man, was seeking to see who Jesus Leader: Lord Jesus Christ, you had no Then offer the following prayer: was; but he could not see him because place to lay your head, but in the spirit It is preferable to end the celebration with Visit, O blessed Lord, this home with of the crowd, for he was short in of poverty accepted the hospitality of a suitable song, for example, “O Come, the gladness of your presence. Bless stature. So he ran ahead and climbed your friends: grant that through our All Ye Faithful” or “.” all who live or visit here with the gift a sycamore tree in order to see Jesus, help the homeless may obtain proper —From Catholic Household Blessings and of your love; and grant that we may who was about to pass that way. housing. We pray: Prayers 12 | FRIDAY DECEMBER 23, 2016 | The Observer Our Catholic View Conscience Works through Our Past to Help Us Now As we’ve seen in recent columns, our conscience is that wrong and take responsibility for it, we can repent But conscience can work in our pasts in another way at work before, during and after moral choices. While and be forgiven. If we never felt guilt, there would be too — perhaps even in a way we might overlook. each may present struggles for us, a conscience no compunction to seek forgiveness or avoid the same As we grow spiritually, our conscience may not looking back on a poor choice can be particularly behavior in the future. only become better formed, but it may begin to notice difficult. Guilt to a conscience can almost be likened to a wrongs in our pasts that we never noticed before. It The reason is fever in the body. It is a natural reaction to something might even begin to recognize the fact that there were Ethically Speaking simple: we can’t go that is wrong within us — something that needs to be things we were ignorant of at the time we made a back and change set right again or returned to a healthier state. choice. by Father it — something However, while our body is equipped to do Or perhaps, in some cases, something from long Kenneth especially difficult this without our necessarily having to will it, our ago in our lives suddenly comes back to us, even if we Wasilewski for many of us. conscience requires an act of will on our part to begin hadn’t thought of it for years. We may regret it all over Diocesan Ethicist This highlights the healing process. again, or maybe for the first time. [email protected] the importance of Seen this way we see its spiritual benefit. It can If this happens it might well be God’s providence. conscience being lead us to seek the healing we need to be in proper Sometimes God seems to reveal things to us from fully engaged before and during a choice as it may relationship with God. our pasts, not to shame us or make us feel bad, but help prevent future regret. Not listening, or not having Guilt is really a topic unto itself though because it simply so that we might now seek healing for it. It done the work of forming our conscience well, can can come in many forms — some good, some not so could be that we are only much later able to fully take cause in us those feelings of guilt or regret. But in good. But a deeper discussion on guilt will have to responsibility for something and seek the necessary God’s providence He can use all things for our benefit. wait for another time. For now, it suffices to say that forgiveness. As much as guilt may get a bad rap, it can serve a a sense of guilt can be the mechanism the conscience If we find ourselves experiencing something like useful purpose and be a great spiritual blessing. If our employs to try and bring about a return to what is this, it may be God trying to nudge our conscience to conscience is working properly, choosing something good. finally seek the healing we need. evil or bad should cause us to regret that choice. We can probably all think of times when we’ve done It may be a good idea to even mention these things That moral regret, coming from the awareness that something wrong, feel guilty afterwards and then seek in our next confession. God wants us to be in proper we chose something wrong, is what we typically mean healing and forgiveness right away. That is a typical relationship with Him, and our conscience looking when we use the term “guilt.” experience of conscience working with something that at our past, can be one gift He’s given to bring that The blessing of this is that once we acknowledge is now in our past. about.

In a Nutshell The utterly charming story of Christmas is treasured by Christians for much more than its charm. It stirs thoughts of the incarnation of the Son of God and stimulates a conversation about incarnate faith. Part of the charm of Christmas is family holiday traditions. These traditions remind us of God’s loving hand in our lives. Christmas lights, often thought of as a metaphor for the light of Christ, are strung throughout homes every- where, as in this New River, Ariz., home (left) on Dec. 24, 2015. The Christmas celebration centers around Mass and calls to mind lights, too. The first reading for midnight Mass on Christmas Eve (Is 9:1-6) is one of the prophet Isaiah’s most beautiful and consoling. “The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; upon those who dwelt in the land of gloom a light has shone.” (CNS photo/Nancy Wiechec)

Word to Life: Dec. 25, Nativity of the Lord From Terror to Peace, the Power of Christmas

By Deacon Mike Ellerbrock war in the brutal, filthy trenches — J.R.R. Tolkien Catholic News Service and C.S. Lewis — later bonded into lifelong friends. Despite the devastation of World War I, Tolkien held Why does Christmas bring out the best in us? Powerful enough to induce a 24-hour cease-fire with onto his Catholic faith, and he played a large role in music among combatants in World War I, the image Lewis converting from atheism to Christianity. of an innocent infant in a barnyard manger offering Leaping the existential abyss, Tolkien and Lewis peace and hope to a broken world causes hearts to chose Christ and His Gospel message. Soul mates pause and consider the possibility. and literary colleagues, they inspired each other Beginning at home, could we be so moved as to for decades to put their faith in print to explore the rewrite the rules of life? essential goodness of humanity redeemed by God’s Who was this special child born to a virgin? If he grace. was indeed the long-awaited Messiah (“Anointed One”) revealed by angels, a star and a dove, what Using mythology to spark the Christian was His mission? imagination of generations, their legacy includes When the guns of war fell quiet that silent night “The Hobbit,” “The Lord of the Rings,” “The along a 460-mile front in Belgium and France, Chronicles of Narnia” and “The Screwtape Letters.” Allied and German troops spontaneously broke into Similarly, John’s Gospel invites us into the Holy a volley of Christmas carols. Reverberating voices Family’s sacred home “full of grace and truth” displaced the deafening roar of artillery fire. For a where light dispels darkness and believers become glorious moment, peace reigned instead of terror. children of God. Giving is receiving. Unmerited © 2015 Diocese of Fort Worth World War I altered history by unleashing dramatic advancements in the technology of warfare gifts call forth our best instincts. that killed 17 million and wounded another 20 Salvation arrives in a lowly infant under our care rom his fullness we have all million in only four years. Evil was raw. The human and trust. Goodwill and joy beckon all nations. ‘Freceived, grace in place of toll and utter devastation of the land drove many Alleluia! grace.’ survivors into deep pessimism about the human condition. Ask yourself: How does the Incarnation bring us — John 1:16 Two young British soldiers who experienced that “grace in place of grace”? Our Catholic View The Observer | FRIDAY DECEMBER 23, 2016 | 13

Inwheli Nziza Wesołych Świąt Noeli Ya Esengo X’mas Lung Dam Bawl Sretan Boži Joyeux Noël Joyeux Hari Za Krismasi Hari Merry Christmas

(Observer illustration/Sharon Boehlefeld) Thanks to Catholic Charities Refugee Resettlement and Pat Szpekowski for the translations. Noheli Nziza Noheli Feliz Navidad Help Us with Our Mission of Making Real Justice

As Christmas gets extended further each year we Thankfully, that leaves room for us ordinary folks to injustice of a lost job or family member may confl ict see Santa appear before Halloween. Or maybe that’s join their caravan of wisdom to appreciate the sudden with how others defi ne the word “justice.” the newest costume, one that can cover two holidays but steady manifestation of the Savior. “Justice” is not only prison time for a criminal. sandwiched around Without diminishing our direct service programs It may Charitably Speaking Thanksgiving. that “assist people in achieving a degree of also be Christmas also independence consonant with their human dignity,” ction indeed is the by Patrick Winn gets extended Catholic Charities is going to examine the array of releasing A sole medium of Director, Rockford Diocese by celebrating injustices that impact the individuals and groups with a victim Catholic Charities expression for ethics. the Feast of the whom we work and from whom we learn. We want to of crime Epiphany, the address the actions, programs, economic conditions or abuse — Jane Addams [email protected] manifestation and various pressures that distract from individuals’ from the of Christ to the ability to achieve dignifi ed independence. jail of fear. gentiles. We get a sense of the extended season of Catholic Charities’ programs involve direct work Hunger and homelessness may be injustices caused Christmas by reserving Jan. 6 to commemorate the with individuals and groups, sometimes struggling to arrival of the Magi at the stable of Jesus’ birth. survive, and other times trying to fi nd new direction by economic downturns. But where is the “justice” in More messages of Epiphany come throughout the in their lives, or just to be acknowledged. deciding who lives where and how? How can human Gospels from miracles and teachings of Jesus, and As important as those direct services are, and traffi cking ever be justifi ed? What kind of epiphany later in the letters of St. Paul, dubbed “The Apostle to sometimes they are literally life-saving, our mission will it take to knock most of us from our horses ... or the Gentiles.” statement also calls for us to work with the Church our comfort? Signifi cantly, the word Epiphany has come to and “other people of good will in advocating for Please join us in those eff orts with your thoughts, mean any kind of sudden manifestation of a truth or justice.” For the Apostle to the Gentiles, it took observations, criticisms and advice. Our New Year’s realization of an event. The Gospels don’t tell us how him being knocked from his horse. Talk about an many magi actually arrived, only that they brought epiphany! resolutions will involve being true to our faith and three precious and symbolic gifts. Sometimes it’s easy to identify those in need of ready to be knocked from our own saddles. The Gospels, unlike traditional carols, don’t immediate assistance and those situations may help Merry Christmas and Happy Epiphany from Your identify them as kings who came to pay homage. us defi ne “justice.” For others, the subtle, personal Catholic Charities

To send letters to us please use one of the following: Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, Mail: The Observer, Email: or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of The Diocese of Rockford [email protected] 555 Colman Center Drive (Please put Letter to the Editor in speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, P.O. Box 7044 the subject line.) and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances. Rockford, IL 61125 Please provide your name, address, Fax: 815/399-6225 and phone number. — The First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution 14 | FRIDAY DECEMBER 23, 2016 | The Observer For the Record

Deaths Parish offices may forward death and wedding information using forms at http://observer.rockforddiocese.org/contact-us. You AURORA—Our Lady of Good may also request death and wedding postcards by calling 815/399- Counsel: Gary E. Fox, 54, Dec. 4; 4300, ext. 383. We encourage you to send the information as soon as CRYSTAL LAKE—St. Thomas you receive it. Thank you. the Apostle: Louis Link, 93, Nov. 2; Lawrence Kensick, 79, Nov. 7; petual Help: Marcella “Marcy” 88 and in her 70th year as a Sis- Emily Baker, 95, Nov. 12; Vivian Bednar, 84, Dec. 10. ter of Loretto at the Foot of the Ann Hosmer, 74, Nov. 13; Timothy Rita Camacho Cross. Swanson, 76, Nov. 13; Jill Wyatt, ELGIN—Rita Camacho, 98, of The daughter of Mary Louise 53, Nov. 14; Rebekah Burns, 35, Elgin, died Sunday, Dec. 11, 2016, (Legris) and Eugene Jerome La- Nov. 20; Hubert Schlosser, 78, in her home surrounded by her Marre, Sister Anne Michelle was Nov. 28; loving family. born Nov. 24, 1928, in Kankakee, DEKALB—St. Mary: Gertrude She was born on Dec. 15, 1917, in and baptized Monica Margaret La- A. “Trudy” Cochrane, 80, Dec. 10; Mexico, the daughter of Rosalio Marre. DIXON—St. Patrick: Donald and Pascuala (Avina) Pompa. She made her first vows April 25, Finch, 78, Dec. 7; Alice Finn, 97, Survivors include: her daughters 1949, and her final vows Aug. 15, Dec. 9; Mary Camcacho and Doloris 1952. (Salvador) Camacho; two sons, She is survived by her sister and FREEPORT—St. Mary: Mi- Father Robert Camacho, Michael brother-in-law, Michelle and John chael Kornfeind, 58, Dec. 14; (Cynthia) Camacho; grandchild- Donnelly of St. Charles. St. Thomas Aquinas: Annette T. ren, Salvador (Georgianna) A memorial Mass was celebrated Brown, 93, Dec. 13; Camacho, Mark A. (Pamela) Dec. 5 for her at the Church of the HUNTLEY—St. Mary: Donna Camacho, Maria T. (Andrew) Seven Dolors on the grounds of DeCore, 77, Nov. 14; Lorraine Harrison, Christina (Jennifer) Loretto Motherhouse in Nerinx. Bognar, 84, Nov. 24; George Robbins, Vincent (Theresa) Sister Anne Michelle donated her Todorov, 71, Nov. 25; Frank Geib, Camacho, Victoria Marshall; body to the University of Louis- 83, Nov. 25; Oscar Gonzales, 81, great-grandchildren, Michael, ville (Ky.) medical school. Nov. 27; Rachael, Alicia, Steven, Lauren, A memorial Mass will be celebrat- David Jack, Jared, Adam, Mali- ROCK FALLS—St. Andrew: ed at 11 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 21, in yah, Evette and Lila. Stephen D. Pierce, 69, Dec. 5; the chapel at the St. Louis Loretto She was preceded in death by Center, 590 E. Lockwood Ave., ROCKFORD—St. Bernadette: her parents; her husband Joaquin Webster Groves, Mo. Nancy Wright, 62, July 5; Dr. Ray- “Jack” Camacho in 1984; broth- mond E. Sytek, 88, Sept. 20; Sher- ers, Fortunato, Jesus and Rosendo Weddings yl A. Morgan, 54, Oct. 22; Thomas Pompa; sisters, Anastacia Flores Metzler, 57, Nov. 20; Jean Avery, and Jessie Patino Vasquez. ROCK FALLS—St. Andrew: 91, Nov. 24; Visitation was Dec. 15 at the Wait Ashley Sutton and Ryan Nares, St. Stanislaus Kostka: Biruta Ross Allanson Funeral and Cre- Dec. 9. Marcinczyk, 92, Nov. 20; Virginia mation Services Chapel in Elgin. Jursek, 93, Dec. 5; Funeral Mass was Friday, Dec. 16, Mass Meditation ST. CHARLES—St. John Neu- 2016, at St. Joseph Parish in Elgin. Burial was at Mount Hope Cem- Sunday, Dec. 25 (Christmas): In If you or someone you know mann: Helen R. Wisniewski, 104, etery. the Gospel Sunday, for unto us is has been the victim of sexual Dec. 5; born this day a Savior! In response abuse by an employee or mem- Sister Anne Michelle LaMarre, SAVANNA—St. John the Bap- to so great a love, only the gift of ber of the clergy of the Rockford SL tist: Francisco “Frank” Hernan- my whole self will do. You have Diocese, report the matter to NERINX, Ky.—Sister Anne Mi- dez, 84, Dec. 6; given us Yourself, dear Lord; in Newspapers • Catalogs • Mail Service law enforcement in the county chelle LaMarre, SL, an Illinois love and thanksgiving, I commit Business Cards • Magazines • Brochures in which the conduct occurred SOUTH BELOIT—St. Peter: native and longtime teacher died myself afresh to You. 815-758-5484 and then please call the hot-line Ann Marie Hickey, 82, Dec. 9; Nov. 28 at Loretto Motherhouse 121 Industrial Drive • DeKalb, IL 60115 number: 815/293-7540. SUBLETTE—Our Lady of Per- Infirmary in Nerinx, Ky. She was Courtesy of Sharon Hueckel Media /Arts The Observer | FRIDAY DECEMBER 23, 2016 | 15 Poor Clares’ Film Nears Completion

MT. CARROLL—“With she says. “It’s been an incred- me and one edited by the Poor credits, the film is two hours ible process, working to real- Clares — shown side-by-side and six minutes. We are now ize this vision in collaboration as a visual dialogue.” very close to locking this pic- with the Poor Clares. She has also collected stories ture!” says Abbie Reese of the “I’m grateful that they’ve al- through the Storytelling Trust film, “Chosen (Custody of the lowed me into their world and for an online archive of Rock- Eyes.)” that others — through this film ford area residents and their ex- While she had hoped to re- — can enter into their sacred periences with the Poor Clares. lease the film at the end of the space, to experience a monastic “I wouldn’t have been able Year for Consecrated Life, Feb. pace and the daily rituals and to come this far without the 2, “this film has required a dif- manual labor that are a spiri- financial support of those who ferent pace,” she said last De- tual practice ... ,” she says. believe in the merit of sharing cember. Once final edits are made, But, recently Reese showed Reese says, “The picture will (Photo provided) the nuns’ lives. the nearly-finished cut to a be locked. ... Then we will be- A still from the film “Chosen (Custody of the Eyes),” shows , “Sister Am- Tax-deductible donations small group of Poor Clare nuns gin the process of sweetening ata” (right) preparing for her Clothing Ceremony in 2012, when she “would still be helpful and very who have been most involved sound and submitting the film received a habit and her real religious name. In all her work with the much appreciated to fund the Poor Clares, Abbie Reese has used pseudonyms selected by the nuns. in this project. to festivals.” remaining film preparation,” “I am delighted that this After the film is complete, on monastic life, including the she says. she says. glimpse into the interior life Reese plans additional projects. perspectives of nuns who have She also plans to develop “a Info: www.chosenthefilm.com of a young woman becoming a One is an ethnographic film been living the cloistered con- digital projection consisting of and http://storytellingtrust.org/ Poor Clare is nearly complete,” “that will focus more broadly templative life for decades,” two videos — one edited by share-your-story.html At the Movies The Bounce Back Pena) hire a trio of actors ruthless Washington lobbyist some mature viewers. inherent in his story of armed (Helen Mirren, Keira Knightley of the title propels direc- THIS FILM CONTAINS semi- conflict virtually bloodless. (Viva) A-III and Jacob Latimore) to prove tor John Madden’s forceful graphic nonmarital sexual Pleasantly com- And the script, penned by PG-13 that their partner’s distress study of political corruption. activity, a prostitution theme, pact romance in Chris Weitz and Tony Gilroy, has rendered him incom- The win-at-all-costs wheeler- profanity, a tasteless religious which the author celebrates altruism while also petent by impersonating dealer shocks her colleagues joke, rough and crude lan- of a best-selling self-help briefly tackling the morality of Death, Love and Time — to when, driven by personal con- book (Shemar Moore) and a guage. obeying some military orders. which, he has written, and viction, she abruptly changes therapist (Nadine Velazquez) But the ambiguous nature of sides in the fight over a Rogue One: A clash over what she consid- mailed, angry letters. The oc- pending gun control bill. She Star Wars Story the spiritual “Force” cultivated ers his pat answers to life’s casional humor that leavens abandons her cushy position principally, in this installment complicated dilemmas. Their the dialogue in screenwriter (Disney) with a topflight firm (led by A-II of the franchise, by a blind, snappy exchange goes viral Allan Loeb’s script fails to save Interstellar derring- Sam Waterston) and signs on PG-13 Buddhist-style monk (Don- and they’re launched on a director David Frankel’s film do is the order with a fledgling outfit (head- nie Yen), may be a source of nationwide media tour — as from its credibility-straining of the day in this ed by Mark Strong) for what concern for the parents of well as a relationship. Director premise and the fortune- rousing prequel to the 1977 she realizes will be an uphill and co-writer Youssef Delara cookie sentiments that far kickoff of the “Star Wars” saga. some teens. battle against the National avoids life’s uglier aspects, outnumber the jokes — and The evil Empire — served, THIS FILM CONTAINS styl- Rifle Association and its allies. making this enjoyable escap- that the audience is clearly most prominently, by a ized combat violence, reli- Despite its obvious — and, ist fare for grownups. meant to receive as nug- computer-generated projec- gious elements requiring for Hollywood, predictable — THIS FILM CONTAINS im- gets of wisdom. The talented tion of the late Peter Cushing mature discernment, frighten- partisan bias, and its prefer- plied nonmarital sexual cast, which also includes Ann and Ben Mendelsohn — is ing images including a scene ence for dramatic effect over activity, light banter, rough Dowd and Naomie Harris, is on the verge of deploying ethical seriousness, as penned leading up to mental torture. language. equally powerless to redeem a weapon so powerful that by Jonathan Perera, the film — Catholic News Service this quirky mess. Those will- it would doom the gallant Collateral Beauty ing to endure the blizzard of is fundamentally moral. Yet its For the latest reviews, http:// exploration of the protago- Rebel Alliance. In crafting an observer.rockforddiocese.org, (Warner Bros.) cliches will, however, find a A-III nist’s unhealthy personal life exciting epic, director Gareth scroll to the bottom and click on Strange, preten- warm endorsement of marital will be off-putting even for Edwards keeps the mayhem Movie Reviews. PG-13 tious drama about fidelity waiting for them at overcoming grief. the wrap. Emotionally paralyzed by the THIS FILM CONTAINS an death of his young daughter, adultery theme, profanity, GALENA ~ FREEPORT ~ STERLING ~ ROCKFORD ~ DEKALB ~ CRYSTAL LAKE ~ ELGIN ~ AURORA a formerly successful advertis- crude and crass terms. ing executive (Will Smith) en- dangers the future of his firm Miss Sloane by his neglect of clients. In (Europacorp) The Observer, A-III response, his three principal A striking perfor- colleagues (Edward Norton, R mance from Jes- is your source for local Kate Winslet and Michael sica Chastain as the & regional advertising! rd Superintendent/Principal Vacancy ~ Beginning Feb. 3 ~ Advertise your The Observer’s Guide to Lenten Dining! Newman Central Catholic High School, Sterling, Illinois, is (Throughout the Lenten Season) seeking a superintendent/principal. The successful candidate must possess an advanced degree Reserve ad space now! in educational administration and leadership. Must hold current “famous” Fish Fry The ideal place for Parishes, Restaurants, Illinois Professional Educator License (PEL) with General Organizations and Clubs to advertise Administrative experience, preferably in a Catholic school and in The Observer! their “famous” Fish Fry, Vegetarian be a practicing Catholic who upholds the teachings of the faith. or other Lenten Specials! Please send a cover letter and resume by Jan. 6, 2017 to: Catholic Education Office Website ~ Newspaper ~ Television Principal Applications — Contact — 555 Colman Center Drive P.O. Box 7044 Kevin McCarthy 815-399-4300 ext. 385 Rockford, IL 61125 or email The Offi cial Newspaper of the Catholic Diocese of Rockford [email protected] [email protected] 16 | FRIDAY DECEMBER 23, 2016 | The Observer

THE Prayer Intentions and Scripture Readings OBSERVER http://observer.rockforddiocese.org 815/399-4300 January 2017 SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother Basil the Great and Gregory Most Holy Name of Jesus Elizabeth Ann Seton, religious John Neumann, bishop Andre Bessette, religious Raymond of Penyafort, priest Nazianzen, bishops, doctors of of God 1 Jn 2:29-3:6; Ps 98:1, 3c- 1 Jn 3:7-10; Ps 98:1, 7-9; 1 Jn 3:11-21; Ps 100:1b-5; 1 Jn 5:5-13; Ps 147:12-15, 1 Jn 5:14-21; Ps 149:1-6a, the Church Nm 6:22-27; Ps 67:2-3, 5-6, 4, 5-6; Jn 1:29-34 Jn 1:35-42 Jn 1:43-51 19-20; Mk 1:7-11 (or Lk 9b; Jn 2:1-11; Vigil of 8; Gal 4:4-7; Lk 2:16-21 1 Jn 2:22-28; Ps 98:1-4; Jn † Father Frederick H. Father Brian Bovee 3:23-28 or Lk 3:23, 31-34, Epiphany — Is 60:1-6; † Father Bernard Ratazak, 1:19-28 O’Rourke, 1951; Rgt. Rev. 36,38) Ps 72:1-2, 7-8, 10-13; Eph 2015 Pope Emeritus Benedict Donald M. Carroll, 2002 Msgr. John Fritz, FSSP 3:2-3a, 5-6; Mt 2:1-12 Pope Francis XVI Bishop David Malloy † Father Anthony Buetter, Father Mieczyslaw Wit, Father J. Robert Camacho 1914 OFM Conv Priests and religious

8 9 10 11 12 13 14 Epiphany Baptism of the Lord Heb 2:5-12; Ps 8:2ab, 5-9; Heb 2:14-18; Ps 105:1-4, Heb 3:7-14; Ps 95:6-7c, Hilary, bishop, doctor of the Blessed Virgin Mary Is 60:1-6; Ps 72:1-2, 7-8, Is 42:1-4, 6-7 (or Acts Mk 1:21-28 6-9; Mk 1:29-39 8-11; Mk 1:40-45 Church Heb 4:12-16; Ps 19:8-10, 10-13; Eph 3:2-3a, 5-6; Mt 10:34-38); Ps 29:1-4, 9-10; † Father Henry L. † Father Charles K. † Msgr. James J. Bennett, Heb 4:1-5, 11; Ps 78:3, 15; Mk 2:13-17 2:1-12 Mt 3:13-17 Weckerle, 1986 McCarren, 2002 1922 4bc, 6c-8; Mk 2:1-12 † Father Edward J. † Father Thomas Smith, † Father Casper J. Huth, Benedictine Monks Father George Birungyi Priests of the Aurora † Father Thomas M. Lehman, 1977 1938; † Msgr. Louis J. 1913 — Swiss-America Deanery Moore, 1940 Father Joseph Lutz Franey, 1989 Father Daniel Zdebik, Congregation Missionaries OFM Conv.

15 16 17 18 19 20 21 2nd Martin Luther King, Jr., Day Anthony, abbott Week of Prayer for Christian Heb 7:25-8:6; Ps 40:7-10, Fabian, pope, martyr Agnes, virgin, martyr Is 49:3, 5-6; Ps 40:2, 4, Heb 5:1-10; Ps 110:1-4; Heb 6:10-20; Ps 111:1-2, Unity begins 17; Mk 3:7-12 Sebastian, martyr Heb 9:2-3, 11-14; Ps 47:2- 7-10; 1 Cor 1:1-3; Jn Mk 2:18-22 4-5, 9, 10c; Mk 2:23-28 Heb 7:1-3, 15-17; Ps † Father Bernard Heb 8:6-13; Ps 85:8, 10-14; 3, 6-9; Mk 3:20-21 1:29-34 Father Dariusz Barna, Priests of the DeKalb 110:1-4; Mk 3:1-6 Harezlak, 1983 Mk 3:13-19 † Father Thomas J. † Msgr. John L. La ey, OFM Conv. Deanery † Father William P. Sta , Father Matthew DeBlock † Father L. Dudley Day, Kearney, 1932; † Father 1966 Father Matthew 1962 Father Edward Hughes 1983 Raymond M. Hettermann, † Father Anthony J. Bergschneider † Father Brian Olsen, Father Timothy Priests of the Elgin 1990; Becker, 2015 Msgr. Michael Tierney Jan. 19, 2013 Mulcahey, LC Deanery † Father Leo J. Bartel, 2005 Msgr. William McDonnell Permanent Deacons Msgr. Glenn Nelson

22 23 24 25 26 27 28 3rd Ordinary Time Day of Prayer for the Legal Francis de Sales, bishop, Conversion of Paul, Apostle Timothy and Titus, bishops Angela Merici, virgin Thomas Aquinas, priest, Is 8:23-9:3; Ps 27:1, 4, 13- Protection of Unborn doctor of the church, patron Acts 22:3-16 (or Acts 2 Tm 1:1-8 (or Ti 1:1-5); Ps Heb 10:32-39; Ps 37:3-6, doctor of the Church saint of journalists 14; 1 Cor 1:10-13, 17; Mt Children 9:1-22); Ps 117:1-2; Mk 96:1-3, 7-8, 10; Mk 4:21-25 23-24, 39-40; Mk 4:26-34 Heb 11:1-2, 8-19; (Ps) Lk Vincent, deacon, martyr 4:12-23 Heb 10:1-10; Ps 40:2, 4ab, 16:15-18 Priests of the McHenry † Father John L. Daleiden, 1:69-75; Mk 4:35-41 Marianne Cope, virgin † Father L. Thomas Risley, 7-8a, 10-11; Mk 3:31-35 Father Christopher Kuhn Deanery 1976; † Father Theodore † Father Bernard L. 2000 Heb 9:15, 24-28; Ps 98:1-6; Father Stephen Glab, CR B. McCormick, (Jan. 28) He ernan, 1928; † Father Priests of the Freeport Mk 3:22-30 1953 Patrick J. Quinn, 1949 Deanery † Father Anthony Renne, Priests of the Rockford Women religious 1920; † Msgr. Thomas P. Deanery Bermingham, 1973 29 30 31 Join the Holy Father in praying for his special Key to listings intentions this month, including: Daily Scripture Readings 4th Ordinary Time Heb 11:32-40; Ps 31:20- John Bosco, priest Fly the Flag Zep 2:3, 3:12-13; Ps 146:6- 24; Mk 5:1-20 Heb 12:1-4; Ps 22:26-28, Jan. 1 — New Year’s Day Christian Unity — That all Christians may be † Pray for the priests who Jan. 16 — Martin Luther 10; 1 Cor 1:26-31; Mt Father Andres Salinas 30-32; Mk 5:21-43 faithful to the Lord’s teaching by striving with have served the Rockford King, Jr. Day prayer and fraternal charity to restore ecclesial 5:1-12a † Msgr. Raymond J. Wahl, Jan. 20 — Inauguration Day Diocese and who died this communion and by collaborating to meet the † Father Daniel J. 2015 month on the days listed. challenges facing humanity. Considine, 1920 Priests of the Sterling Please pray for these men — Starting in 2017, the pope will present only one Father Joseph Kulak Deanery and women who have a prepared prayer intention per month, adding a second related to current events or urgent needs. It will be religious vocation. available at www.apostleshipofprayer.org Andrew Dung-Lac and Companions Genevieve 18th-19th centuries — feast day Jan. 1 c. 422-c. 500 — feast day Jan. 3 Andrew Dung-Lac was among the 117 Martyrs of Vietnam killed by govern- Genevieve took the veil of a dedicated virgin at 15, living with her parents in ment offi cials during persecutions to suppress European ideals and religious Nanterre and with her godmother in Paris. As she gained fame for a life of values in the 18th and 19th centuries. The group consisted of 96 Vietnamese and prayer, good works and miracles, opposition to her grew. However, she was de- 21 foreign missionaries (11 Spanish and 10 French); the martyrs were bishops, fended by Bishop Germanus and helped feed Parisians during a siege by invad- priests and laypeople, including a woman. They endured horrible tortures in ing Franks. She counseled the Franks’ King Clovis, who became a Christian, prison before being beheaded, crucifi ed, quartered or burned alive for refusing and her prayers were credited with saving Paris from Attila the Hun. The church to deny their faith. Andrew, a Vietnamese educated in Catholicism, became a where she was buried became a pilgrimage site, and miracles attributed to her catechist and priest. He was arrested and imprisoned with his companion, St. intercession, especially ending an epidemic in 1129, spread her cult throughout Peter Thi; they were beheaded in 1839. St. John Paul II canonized the martyrs as a group in 1988. France. She is the patron of Paris and is invoked against drought, fl oods and other disasters.

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