ISSN: 0029-7739 $ 1.00 per copy BSERVER OOfficial Newspaper of the Catholic Diocese of Rockford Volume 83 | No. 15 http://observer.rockforddiocese.org FRIDAY MARCH 16, 2018

(Photos provided) Oils Readied for Chrism Mass On March 8, the staff of St. Peter Parish in Geneva, led by Father Jonathan Bakkelund (second from left in photo at right), pastor, organized an assembly line to fill hundreds of bottles with holy oils and pack- age them in boxes. Bishop David Malloy will bless the oils at the Holy Thursday Chrism Mass, March 29, at the Cathedral of St. Peter in Rockford. Representa- tives from the parishes in the Rockford Diocese at- tend the Mass to receive the oils that will be used for baptisms, confirmations and the blessing of the sick during the next year. Parish staff who worked on the project are (not in order) Father Ariel Valencia, paro- chial vicar; Marty Arnold, Melinda Bernhard, Nicole Billapando, Laurie Brown, Mary Cannizzaro, Colette McKenna, Lisa O’Leary Volk, Mike Severson, Kathy Soeder, Tina Trch, Isaac Weickert and Lynn Wilson. Father Bakkelund organized the task because he also serves as director of the Office of Divine Wor- ship and diocesan master of ceremonies. Clinic Marks 30 Years of Helping Moms By Pat Szpekowski plank-like” floors, coastal artwork, and Observer Correspondent light-filled rooms. What sets Corbella apart is its confi- SOUTH ELGIN—Peace embodies dential assistance with free medical and the atmosphere and care at the Corbella support services. Two registered nurses Clinic here. Formerly known as the Fox on staff, Cathy Anderson and Trisha Valley Pregnancy Center, its new name Kopeck, provide services, such as preg- launched last year, corbella, means nancy testing, pregnancy verification, “beautiful heart.” ultasounds, infection and disease test- “This is a place where women and ing and treatment, and medical and couples make lifetime decisions when options counseling. They also provide facing unexpected pregnancies,” said adoption information and post-abortion Kathy Hopkinson, board chair. “It is (Observer photos/Dan Szpekowski) counseling and support. very traumatic for women. We are a The Corbella Clinic in South Elgin is led by a team of board members and staff, who are In addition to its staff, Corbella relies beacon of hope and want them to expe- members of parishes in Batavia, Geneva, and St. Charles, including Vice Chair John Hamill on many volunteers, including Dr. Craig rience love.” of St. Patrick; Chair Kathy Hopkinson of St. Patrick; Executive Director Jeanna Desideri of Nasralla, medical director and a radiol- Holy Cross; Secretary Kathy Rizzo of St. Peter; and Treasurer Fred Karl of St. Patrick. Jeanna Desideri, the clinic’s executive ogist at Delnor Hospital in St. Charles. director, adds, “All women are abortion- He opened the medical clinic operations vulnerable. Our clients aren’t all young, come from Aurora, St. Charles, Geneva, for life and for the safe and healthy births at Corbella in 2010 and reads every cli- poor, and single. Many married couples Elgin, Carpentersville, and Algonquin. of their babies. All services are offered in ent’s ultrasound. come to Corbella and choose life. We More than 2,000 clients visit annually English and Spanish. Anderson, an eight-year staffer, said want women to thrive.” to receive compassionate guidance and When clients walk in to the clinic, “When a client sees their baby on an Celebrating its 30th anniversary this life-affirming services. they are in for a surprise. The refreshed ultrasound and finds out that a baby’s year, the clinic serves Fox Valley area With gentle and non-judgmental coun- indoors has been transformed with heart starts beating after three weeks, women of all faiths, age 14 to 40. Clients seling, clients are able to make a choice soothing blue walls, light vinyl “wood Continued on page 5

This Issue Inside

Bishop Malloy ...... 2 Eric Groth: ‘Real Miracles Clear Way for Headliners...... 3 Young Observer ...... 4 Important to Sainthood of Pope Paul VI, Diocesan...... 5 Tell the Story of Archbishop Romero Around the Diocese ...... 8-9 God’s Mercy’ October date Ashes to Ashes ...... 10-11 St. Charles producer Prepare for God’s Mercy set for pope; Our Catholic View ...... 12-13 talks about the film, archbishop’s to Get ready for Be Reconciled Day with a For the Record ...... 14 “Paul, Apostle of be later. confession guide in Ashes to Ashes. Media/Arts...... 15 Christ.” page 16 Nation/World ...... 16 page 3 page 11 2 | FRIDAY MARCH 16, 2018 | The Observer Make the Choice of Peter: The Observer (ISSN 0029- 7739), is published weekly, Come to Be Reconciled except fi ve times a year by the Diocese of Rockford, 555 Colman Center Dr., P.O. his magnifi cent season by a kiss, the normal indication of Each of us has the same Box 7044, Rockford, IL 61125 of Lent is a time of love and respect. fundamental choice to make. Phone: 815/399-4300; Fax repentance. We are Still there is something in Judas Because we are all sinners, the 815/399-6225. called to intensify our that even at that late moment was choice is to leave our sins behind Periodical postage paid at Tlife-long project of seeking to live not yet lost. After watching Jesus and turn back to Jesus, or not. We Rockford, Ill., and additional according to God’s will. being beaten and then condemned too, are invited to seek renewed mail offi ces. To do so we must ask for His to death, Judas’ conscience peace for our souls. POSTMASTER: send address changes to The Observer, 555 BY BISHOP pardon for the times when we protests. He returns to the chief This coming Wednesday, have not done so. priests and elders repenting of throughout the Diocese of Colman Center Dr., P.O. Box DAVID J. 7044, Rockford, IL 61125 MALLOY Lent is so necessary precisely his betrayal, returning the blood Rockford, we will celebrate, for because in our brokenness it money and confessing his sin. the fi fth consecutive year, Be For ADVERTISING information: Contact at the is diffi cult to acknowledge and But something is still missing. Reconciled Day. From 9 a.m. The Observer address above or call 815/399- till, it is to renounce our sins. Still, it is Judas does not have the trust to to 8 p.m. confessions will be 4300; fax 815/399-6225, Spossible possible to fi nd once more the turn back to Jesus. Perhaps he heard continually in our parish Email: kmccarthy@ to nd once peace and pardon that comes is too ashamed. Maybe he feels churches. (Check your local rockforddiocese.org. from changing our hearts and his sin is too great. For whatever parish or http://be-reconciled. Send NEWS information to The more the receiving God’s forgiveness. reason, sin devours his hope and rockforddiocese.org for precise Observer at the address or fax peace and We are given a vivid example he hangs himself in despair. times and details.) number above; send email to pardon that of the struggle to give our lives Peter of course is also an The presence of our priests Observer@rockforddiocese. to Jesus in the Gospel accounts Apostle. He has also spent time hearing confessions throughout org; or fi ll out a form at comes from http://observer.rockforddiocese. of Holy Thursday night. We fi nd with His Lord as the Gospels the day is so that it is easier for org/contact-us. changing that illustrated in the contrast amply tell us. His love for Jesus you to make the choice of Peter Subscription rate $28.00 per our hearts between Peter and Judas. is real. But as we know, at the this Lent. Each of us should bring year (48 issues); Canadian and Judas was of course one of critical moment, perhaps out our conscience to Christ, turning and Pan American $29; other receiving the 12 chosen Apostles. He of fear, perhaps out of his own back to Him through a good foreign: surface mail $37, air God’s along with the others walked lack of complete trust, Peter confession. The priests will be mail $97; single copies $1. the hills of Galilee with Jesus denies that he even knows or has waiting and I personally invite The Observer Online digital forgiveness. and spent countless private met Jesus. Like Judas, he fi nds you to come to a parish near you. subscriptions are also available. hours at His side. However, for himself standing apart from The mercy of God invites us, Publisher: whatever reason fl owing from Christ. like Peter, to change our hearts Most Reverend David J. Malloy the mysterium iniquitatis (the Peter’s conscience, like that and weep for our sins. Then we Editor: Penny Wiegert mystery of evil), Judas had not of Judas, protests. But here is can present them to Christ. On News Editor: Amanda Hudson given his life to Jesus and His the diff erence. Peter directs his Wednesday, come back to Christ, love. He had allowed sin to keep conscience to the One who can especially if it has been many Features and Multimedia Editor: Sharon Boehlefeld him apart from that love. forgive, who can heal him and years since your last confession. At the critical moment, Judas ultimately give him back the Let this Lent be the time Circulation/Proofreading: Susan Sabrowski, Keith betrays the Son of God. He takes peace lost by sin. His tears fl ow to seek that peace and that Ludolph money for the life of Jesus and and he resolves to turn back to freedom from guilt. Come to Be then identifi es Him for the crowd God. Reconciled. Accounting: Jill Bonk Advertising and Marketing: Kevin McCarthy Production and Web Administrator: Gary Haughton Contributing Writers: Father Kenneth Wasilewski, Father Keith Romke, Keith Ludolph, Eucharistic Prayer is Centerpiece of Mass Lynne Conner, Father Ronald Rolheiser, Tony Carton, From the General Audience, Paul VI Audience makes communion with Christ the Preface, which is the act of Pat Szpekowski, Margarita Hall, March 7 Mendoza, Louise Brass, Patrick truly present in the consecrated thanksgiving for the gifts of Winn Bread and Wine. ... God, in particular for sending We are continuing the Publication Dates: Weekly “The meaning of the prayer his Son as Savior. The Preface catecheses on the Holy Mass, except that in 2018 there will be is that the entire congregation concludes with the acclamation and with this catechesis we shall no issues on Jan. 5, March 30,

(CNS photo/C. Peri via Reuters) Peri photo/C. (CNS of the “Holy,” normally sung. ... June 29, Aug. 31, Nov. 30 and focus on the Eucharistic Prayer. of the faithful should join with Dec. 28. BY POPE The rite of the presentation Christ in confessing the great The action of the Holy Spirit FR ANCIS of the bread and wine having deeds of God and in the off ering and the effi cacy of the very News Deadlines: Usually, 10 days before publication date. concluded, the Eucharistic of Sacrifi ce” (General Instruction words of Christ uttered by the Prayer begins, which qualifi es of the Roman Missal, 78). priest make truly present, under Ad Deadlines: Usually, 10 he And in order to join oneself the form of bread and wine, days before publication date. Church the celebration of the Mass and T constitutes its central moment, one needs to understand. For this His Body and His Blood, His Offi cial information on the poli- wishes to ordered to holy Communion. reason, the Church has wished to sacrifi ce off ered on the Cross cies, activities, and positions of the Diocese of Rockford is be joined to It corresponds to what Jesus celebrate Mass in the language once and for all (see CCC, 1375). that the people understand, so Jesus was most clear about this. released only in the pages of Christ and Himself did, at the table with The Observer, or in state- that each one may join him or We have heard how St. Paul, become one the Apostles at the Last Supper, ments from the Diocesan when “He gave thanks” over the herself in this praise and in this in the beginning, repeated Jesus’ Offi ce of Communications and body and bread and then over the cup of great prayer with the priest. words: “This is my body; this is Publications. one spirit wine (see Mt 26:27; Mk 14:23; In truth, “The sacrifi ce of my blood.” “This is my blood; The Observer uses recycled with the Lk 22:17, 19; 1 Cor 11:24). Christ and the sacrifi ce of this is my body.” It was Jesus paper and is recyclable. Lord. His thanksgiving lives again the Eucharist are one single Himself who said this. ... It is the Our Mission is the mission each time we celebrate the sacrifi ce” (Catechism of the Body of Jesus; it ends there! of the Church itself — to spread the Gospel through Eucharist, joining us to His Catholic Church, 1367). Faith: faith comes to our aid; contemporary means of sacrifi ce of salvation. In the Missal there are diff erent by an act of faith we believe that communications. And in this solemn prayer — formulations of the Eucharistic it is the Body and Blood of Jesus. the Eucharistic Prayer is solemn Prayer, all constituted of It is the “mystery of faith,” as we Member of: — the Church expresses what characteristic elements, which I say after the consecration. she achieves when she celebrates would like to recall now. They The priest says: “Mystery of the Eucharist and the reason are all very beautiful. faith,” and we respond with an why it is celebrated. Rather, she First and foremost there is acclamation. Headliners The Observer | FRIDAY MARCH 16, 2018 | 3 Eric Groth: ‘Real Important to Tell the Story of God’s Mercy’ Filmmaker from the Rockford Diocese produces “Paul, award from sion of the Christ” in 2004 and portrays the Catholic St. Luke here. Apostle of Christ,” major lm set for March 23 release Academy for “We wanted to use, in a good way, his Communica- star. He’s a star, but he’s not the leading BY MARK PATTISON ing of the fi lm at the St. John Paul II Na- tion Arts Pro- man,” Groth said. For those who think Catholic News Service tional Shrine in Washington. fessionals. Caviezel is playing Paul, Groth replied, The company has made, by his esti- G r o t h “Jim’s playing Luke. Come fi nd out WASHINGTON—Every story has a mate, about 250 short fi lms for Catholic called “Full about Luke, too.” message within. So does every movie — religious education programs, and a se- of Grace” “a Paul is played by James Faulkner, and every biblically based movie as well. ries of 15 short fi lms based on each of feature fi lm who portrayed Randyll Tarly on HBO’s “It was real important to tell the story the 15 sections of the Catechism of the that wasn’t “Game of Thrones,” Lord Sinderby on of God’s mercy,” said Eric Groth of Catholic Church. supposed to PBS’ “Downton Abbey,” and Pope Six- ODB (originally Outside da Box) stu- In addition to the fi lm shorts, he also be a feature tus IV on Starz’ period drama “Da Vin- dios in St. Charles. Groth is one of the produced “Full of Grace,” about Jesus’ fi lm,” but one ci’s Demons.” executive producers for the new movie mother, Mary, helping repair the frac- that led to the Faulkner also has recorded each of “Paul, Apostle of Christ.” tures that developed in the early church. (CNS photo/Sony Pictures) making of Paul’s letters in the New Testament in “His message of love and life and It was written and directed by Andrew Eric Groth “Paul.” a series to be released by the American mercy is so important for us today,” Hyatt, who had the same two jobs on The big Bible Society. Groth told an invitation-only audience “Paul, Apostle of Christ.” name in “Paul” is Jim Caviezel, who “Paul, Apostle of Christ” is rated of about 60 at a Feb. 15 advance screen- “Full of Grace” won a Gabriel played Jesus in Mel Gibson’s “The Pas- Continued on page 15

Bishop Malloy’s 9:30 and 11:30 a.m., Con rmation, Public Schedule St. Monica Church ROCKFORD — March 25, 7:30 THANK YOU ROCHELLE — March 17, 10 a.m., Con rmation, St. Patrick Church a.m., Palm Sunday Mass, Cathedral Thank you to the faithful priests of our Diocese of St. Peter ROCKFORD — March 18, 7:30 for their untiring attention to our needs. a.m., Sunday Mass, Cathedral of St. AURORA—March 25, 6 p.m., Many of us only see a small part of what they do each and Peter Palm Sunday Mass and Blessing of every day, week, month or year. For many of them, the WEST DUNDEE — March 18, 1 New Addition, Sacred Heart Church p.m., Con rmation for St. Catherine day starts with morning Mass, and may not end until our DEKALB — March 25, 9 p.m., of Siena, West Dundee and St. spiritual needs have been met at the end of the day. During Mary, Gilberts at St. Catherine of Palm Sunday Mass, Christ the this Lenten season please take the opportunity to thank the Siena Church Teacher University Parish truly dedicated priests who help us in our spiritual lives. ELGIN — March 19, 5:30 p.m., ROCKFORD—April 1, 10 a.m., JOHN F. AND FRAN MORRISSEY Con rmation, St. Laurence Church Easter Sunday Mass, Winnebago CARPENTERSVILLE —March 24, County Jail

The Corbella Mission Help us Purchase a New Ultrasound Machine Corbella Clinic offers positive, hopeful, life- affirming medical services, education and Corbella Clinic is beginning to raise $30,000 in funds to supportive relationships to women and couples purchase a new ultrasound machine. When pregnant facing unexpected pregnancy. women and couples see their unborn baby through ultrasound, they often make a choice for life! Hearts The Corbella Vision are opened and transformed through the ultrasound and Our passion is to reflect Christ’s unconditional education offered by Corbella nurses. love and inspire hope in a way that heals, transforms and creates new possibilities for To participate in this exciting opportunity to help those experiencing an unexpected pregnancy. save lives, we invite you to donate at

A New Name www.corbellaclinic.org Corbella Clinic is the new name of Fox Valley Loving the Next Generation Into Life and click ultrasound expense for the designation Pregnancy Center. Corbella means “beautiful or mail in a check with ultrasound in the memo. heart” and embodies our mission to love and affirm the goodness and beauty in all human Thank you for your support! lives.

Celebrating 30 years of Life-Affirming Service

Connect with us 101 E. STATE STREET SOUTH ELGIN, IL 60177 847-697-0200 WWW.CORBELLACLINIC.ORG An unexpected pregnancy is often viewed by society as a problem to solve by elimination. Where others see someone with a problem, we see beauty and strength, and a miracle seeking a chance to live. 4 | FRIDAY MARCH 16, 2018 | The Observer oung bserver @young0bserver YO Young Observer

VOCATION CORNER Using the tools (Observer photo/Margarita Mendoza) St. Edward CCHS Students Study El Observador Students in one of the Spanish classes at St. Edward Central Catholic High School in Elgin look we’ve been given over copies of El Observador when editor Margarita Mendoza visits the class during Catholic Press Month in February. couple of months ago I decided I wanted to learn how to whittle. I came to the conclusion that my fi rst project would be to create a St. Katharine Drexel woodenA mug. Teens Take “Wacky I began by watching YouTube videos and reading articles. I then bought the wood and By FATHER KYLE Olympic” Gold tools and I sat down to begin my adventure in MANNO whittling. I was eager and zealously started off | Vocations on a great foot. Team Member Yet after a few days the weather became increasingly cold and each night I would tell myself that it was too cold to whittle. I pushed off the whittling for days as I used the excuse of the weather. At some point I realized that I couldn’t keep using the cold as an excuse. I had to choose to go out and fi nish what I started.

(Photos provided) This, at times, is like our spiritual life. The Lord gives us the Teens who tools to receive His love and become saints but He will never took part in force us to get up and continue the task. St. Katha- As you discern God’s will for you in your life ask yourself the rine Drexel‘s following questions: Youth Min- Am I using the tools God gave me? istry Winter Wacky Olym- Do I pray daily? pics earned Do I read Scripture? gold, silver, and bronze Do I attend Mass regularly and confess my sins? medals at the Do I have a spiritual mentor to help me in the journey? Sugar Grove Do I examine my day with the Lord before bed? parish re- cently. The The Lord has given you the tools so don’t be afraid to carve “Father Bob- out time for Him and make room for Him to speak to you! sled“ races were named for Father Robert Jones, the pastor (top, front right). And the "- Country” events were considered crowd- pleasers by participants. Before the competition, the teens performed a skit from the prologue of “Rediscover Jesus.” Everyone who came was challenged to be a “Champion of Our Faith.”

will return soon.

Send your questions to youngobserver@ The Observer and El Observador are both members of the Northern O rockforddiocese.org Y Father Illinois Newspaper Association, which presents the scholarships. Diocesan The Observer | FRIDAY MARCH 16, 2018 | 5

Volunteers from Pictured in the area churches first newsletter, History sort, clean and dated January iron baby items and clothes, 1988, are Father new and used, Thomas Dempsey in brief before they (left), pastor of A group of friends go to clients. St. Patrick in St. join forces to ad- Rosalie Nolan Charles, and 1987 (left) of Elgin is dress the growing need in board members a member of St. their community for a place Patrick Parish in Patrick Virtue, women could go to learn St. Charles and founder; Carol that they do indeed have op- Nancy Kacer Rosene, and Dr. tions to deal with unplanned of South Elgin Jim Abbott. attends Grace pregnancies. Evangelical Under the leadership of Patrick Virtue and a steering committee of Church in Elgin. 1988 several women and men, the Fox Valley Pregnancy Center (FVPC) (Observer photos/Dan Szpekowski) opens its doors on Ryerson Avenue in Elgin in April. It offers free pregnancy tests, material assistance, resources, referrals and other support. Clinic Marks 30 Years of Helping ... FVPC purchases its Cathy Anderson, current location in From page 1 kets, car seats and more. 1999 RN, nurse they change from being terrified into All services and baby items are free South Elgin. manager (left) and Trisha being in love with their baby. We tell due to the vast amount of volunteer sup- FVPC begins of- the truth here.” port and donations from individuals, fering a Parenting Kopeck, RN, 2007 client services organizations and area churches of all Education Program and Baby manager, stand Free services a surprise denominations. Boutique. next to the “We tell clients we have nothing to “We receive avid support from pas- Knights of Colum- ultrasound gain and our only purpose is to be here tors Msgr. Stephen Knox (at) St. Patrick bus hold fundrais- machine for (them),” said Kopeck, who’s been at 2010 donated by Church and Father David Peck (at) St. er for first ultrasound machine the Knights Corbella for four years. “We aren’t wor- John Neumann Church” in St. Charles, (right). FVPC begins offering of Columbus ried here about the bottom line.” said Desideri. “We are grateful for all nurse-administered pregnan- Council12497 Once a client affirms life of her baby, they do for us.” cy tests and ultrasounds. in St. Charles. she is given a vast array of support ser- The clinic is in the midst of a cam- FVPC begins offer- vices, from prenatal and parenting edu- paign to raise $30,000 to replace its The clinic, at ing STI testing in cation, to sexual health education, ma- ultrasound machine. Several fundrais- 101 E. State St. 2016 September. terial assistance, and mentoring with a ers will be held this year: a luncheon in in South Elgin, volunteer, which includes biweekly vis- April, a Knights of Columbus Council FVPC changes its continues its for up to 24 months. 12497 golf outing this summer, and a name to Corbella to welcome 2017 Clients are given essentials for the banquet in the fall. women and Clinic in January. Corbella baby and can buy items with “baby Fundraising is crucial for Corbella to help them means “beautiful heart.” bucks” earned through education. Clinic as it provides support for all of through their Corbella Clinic cel- The “baby boutique” is filled with its operations, staff, and client services. pregnancies. 2018 ebrates 30 years. baby clothes, diapers, formulas, blan- Info: corbellaclinic.org Be Reconciled ‘His mercy endures forever.’ Come to Psalm 118 confession March 21.

Have you ever heard the expression, “Confession is good for the soul”? Well, it’s true! No matter how long it’s been, a few months or many years, come to confession on March 21 and soothe your soul. Bishop David Malloy Diocese of Rockford Visit a Catholic Church near you. For confession times and locations call 815/399-4300 or go to http://bereconciled.rockforddiocese.org.

6 | FRIDAY MARCH 16, 2018 | The Observer LEFT SIDE PAGE

PAID ADVERTISEMENT Africa Drought and Famine — “Worst Human Disaster Since World War II”

Most Americans are familiar with the people will have nothing to eat or to terrible drought that brought tremendous sell in order to purchase food for their suff ering to the Midwest during the 1930s, families. I don’t see how they will turning that area into a “Dust Bowl” of survive without our help,” said Jim misery and extreme poverty. Haunting Cavnar of Cross Catholic Outreach, photographs of that time show the impact one of the Catholic missions trying of drought in shellshocked eyes, drawn to mobilize help for famine-ravaged faces, abandoned homesteads, starving families. Cavnar, who returned from children and desperate parents. Kenya in July, visited several priests It was a terrible moment in history. seeking assistance to save families in Today, Africa faces a similar calamity, their dioceses. Cross Catholic Outreach and while the media has only begun to stepped forward to provide an immediate cover the story, world leaders are already supply of food staples for distribution; expressing their concerns that the drought- but it will only be able to continue the induced famine could soon become the effort if it receives public support from worst human disaster since 1945. American Catholics, according to Cavnar. “Like the Americans impacted by “We’ve responded to Pope Francis’ the drought in the 1930s, Africans in call to action on Africa and have started the affected areas are heavily reliant an outreach, but it is a program we can on farming and livestock to survive. only sustain week to week with public Their goats and cows are dying in huge support,” he said. “Right now, one of our numbers and when they are gone, the main goals is to make the public aware of

Signs of malnutrition can now be seen throughout the region, weakening both villagers and livestock. Without rain, these Kenyans depend on us for help.

the severity of this disaster. Politics have people finally learn the facts and see the been dominating the news, and very little pictures, I’m sure their hearts will go out about the situation in Africa is reaching to the suffering,” he said. “Americans people in America. We want Americans know they are incredibly blessed by God. to understand the impact of this drought, They will want to give back in a situation see the effects of the famine, and open like this.” their hearts to the cries of the poor.” To support Cross Catholic Outreach’s Cavnar is convinced that as more U.S. efforts to help the poor worldwide, Catholics learn about the suffering in use the ministry brochure enclosed in Africa, they will respond. this issue of the paper or mail your “World leaders believe the Africa donation to Cross Catholic Outreach, famine has the potential to be the worst Dept. AC01387, PO Box 97168, human disaster since World War II. When Washington DC 20090-7168. Cross Catholic Outreach Endorsed by More Than 100 Bishops, Archbishops Cross Catholic Outreach’s range of ministries to our neighbors in need in relief work to help the poor overseas Africa, Asia, Central and South America, continues to be recognized by a growing and the Pacific. Through the generosity of number of Catholic leaders in the U.S. so many, the love of God is made visible and abroad. to many who are coping with the most “We’ve received more than 100 difficult of daily living conditions.” endorsements from bishops and In addition to praising CCO’s archbishops,” explained Jim Cavnar, accomplishments, many of the bishops president of Cross Catholic Outreach and archbishops are encouraged (CCO). “They’re moved by the fact that that Pontifical canonical status was we’ve launched outreaches in almost 40 conferred on the charity in September countries and have undertaken a variety 2015, granting it approval as an official of projects — everything from feeding Catholic organization. This allows the hungry and housing the homeless CCO to participate in the mission of the to supplying safe water and supporting Church and to give a concrete witness to educational opportunities for the poorest Gospel Charity, in collaboration with the of the poor. The bishops have also been Holy Father. impressed by Cross Catholic Outreach’s “Your work with the Dicastery direct and meaningful response to for Promoting Integral Human emergency situations, most recently Development is a strong endorsement by providing food, medicines and of your partnership with the work of other resources to partners in Haiti, El the Universal Church,” Archbishop Salvador and areas of Belize impacted Cordileone of San Francisco said. “By by natural disasters.” providing hope to the faithful overseas Archbishop Thomas Rodi of Mobile, by feeding the hungry, clothing the Alabama, supported this mission in a naked, delivering medical relief to the recent endorsement, writing: “It is a sick, shelter to the homeless, and through

privilege for me to support Cross Catholic self-help projects, you are embodying the ROMANO OF L’OSSERVATORE COURTESY PHOTO Outreach. This organization funds Papal Encyclical Deus Caritas Est.” Pope Francis recently met with Cross Catholic Outreach’s president, Jim Cavnar. RIGHT SIDE PAGE The Observer | FRIDAY MARCH 16, 2018 | 7

PAID ADVERTISEMENT Catholic Priests Become Lifesavers; Providing Relief During African Famine

Father Fabian Hevi and the priests dependent on rainy seasons, and the two from the Society of African Missions priests became very alarmed when those have served the Turkana people of periods passed without rain. For example, Lodwar, Kenya, for many years. Father the Lodwar area hasn’t had signifi cant John Fortune has a long history in Africa rain in nearly a year and a half! That’s too. His current outreaches serve the disastrous. And now, people and livestock famous Maasai living in Ewuaso Kedong. are dying as a result,” Cavnar said. While both men are no strangers to the To address the plight of the people, challenges of running Catholic missions Fr. Fabian and Fr. Fortune have worked in Africa, neither has had to deal with with Cross Catholic Outreach to secure anything like the current drought and and distribute food and other resources famine ravaging their region of Africa, in the most drought-ravaged areas. Food and they both feel overwhelmed by the outposts have been established, but the

deadly potential of the disaster. group needs fi nancing to keep the aid The world’s news media has covered fl owing. the story sparingly, but even the few “I’m begging on behalf of the poor facts they have shared are staggering. — asking American Catholics to help Approximately 20 million people have us fund the feeding programs Fr. Fabian been impacted. Families are at risk of and Fr. Fortune have set up,” Cavnar Fr. Fabian (above) and Fr. Fortune (not pictured) are supplying grains and other starvation. The livestock of the tribal admitted. “We have the people and lifesaving commodities to poor families in hard-hit areas of Kenya. peoples are dying in alarming numbers, structures in place to save lives, but we’ll and that loss will eff ectively destroy the need donations to purchase and transport livelihoods of families, leaving them at the food these starving families need. The even greater risk. next rainy season is still a few months The statistics are tragic and the media’s away, and we’ll lose a lot of precious stark photos are compelling, but Fr. people if nothing is done to sustain them Fabian and Fr. Fortune have a diff erent between now and then.” perspective on the problem. They are The goal of the ministry is to provide addressing the disaster at a much more Fr. Fabian and Fr. Fortune with large personal level, dealing with the suff ering food packets containing rice, cornmeal, families in their parishes as priests should cooking oil and other staples capable of — with understanding, compassion and sustaining a large family for two weeks. a practical response that respects each These would be distributed twice a month individual’s dignity and value. until the area’s life-threatening drought “These two men are modern-day conditions improve. Funding from heroes. The scale of the drought and American Catholics is needed to sponsor famine is daunting, but that hasn’t kept the food and to help with the costs of them from acting on behalf of the families transportation within Africa. in their parishes, and precious lives are Cavnar added that prayers are also being saved as a result. We consider it desperately needed. a privilege to stand with them and to “We pray for rain — and for God support the food and medical outreaches to strengthen these poor people. The they are leading in their communities,” famine’s impact is traumatic and families said Jim Cavnar, president of Cross are falling into despair. As herds of Catholic Outreach, one of the leading goats and cows die, many men see their Catholic charities supporting relief eff orts livelihoods vanishing before their eyes, How to Help in Africa. Cross Catholic Outreach had and they are heartbroken about the impact To fund Cross Catholic Outreach’s effort to help the supported other outreaches by Fr. Fabian those losses will have on their families. poor worldwide, use the postage-paid brochure inserted and Fr. Fortune, and quickly came to the The priests say some of the men are even in this newspaper or mail your gift to Cross Catholic priests’ aid when the famine became a driven to consider suicide. We must pray Outreach, Dept. AC01387, PO Box 97168, Washington concern. for them and empower the area’s Catholic DC 20090-7168. “We were monitoring the drought leaders so they can instill hope in the If you identify a specific aid project with your gift, 100% of the proceeds will be restrictedd very carefully, and Fr. Fabian and Fr. community and restore to be used for that specific project. However, if more is raised for the project than needed,, funds will be redirected to other urgent needs in the ministry. Fortune were too. These areas are very lost souls.” 8 | FRIDAY MARCH 16, 2018 | The Observer Around the Diocese

Geneva School Chooses Boy Bishop Save the Date On Feb. 22, in celebration of the Feast of the Chair of St. Peter, St. Peter School in Geneva recreated a medieval practice called “Boy March 27 ST. CHARLES Bishop” at an 8:45 a.m. school Mass. Meant to inspire vocations to the Actor Q&A: 7 p.m.; St. John priesthood, it also reminds us to pray for our bishop as he carries out Neumann, 2900 E. Main St. his ministry for us and with us. Fourth grader Owen Chenoweth was Featuring James Faulkner of “Paul, chosen to be Boy Bishop this year. At the end of Mass, Owen was en- Apostle of Christ” with producers throned as the Boy Bishop and afterwards gave a short address in the Eric Groth and T.J. Berden, both of school gym (below), telling us to love Jesus and live Christian lives ODB Films. Bring ticket stub from the movie to enter a drawing for an autographed poster. Info: www. sjnstcharles.org/ March 28 ROCKFORD Dinner in the Upper Room: 5 p.m., Cathedral of St. Peter, 1243 N. Church St. Discernment evening for men. Mass and dinner with Bishop David Malloy, seminarian visits and Holy Hour. Registration requested. Info: Diocesan Vocation O ce, 815/399-4300 March 29 (Photos provided) Holy Thursday Diocesan Administration Center closed ROCKFORD Diocesan Chorale rehearsal: What’s Up 9 a.m.; Cathedral of St. Peter, 1243 N. Church St. Run-through 630/879-4750 google.com/view/ S. Lancaster. Sponsor: Knights before Chrism Mass. SATB voices Tue March 20 welcome. Info: Valerie Oestry, LOVES PARK cursilloenespanolrockford/ of Columbus Council 4849. cursillo Registration available. Info: director, rockforddiocesechorale@ “Choice Wine Live”: 5:30-9 p.m.; AURORA heartlandbc.org; Dean Myles, gmail.com ACC Step-up day: 8:30-11:30 St. Bridget, 600 Cli ord Ave. 630/801-9173, dmyles1141@ March 30 a.m.; Aurora Central Catholic Marriage evening with dinner Fri March 23 comcast.net Good Friday High School, 1255 N. Edgelawn and talks. Speaker: Steve Bollman Diocesan Administration Center Dr. For seventh-grade students. from That Man Is You. Topics: AURORA ROCKFORD closed See a student panel, attend all- “Lourdes: The Grace of Renewal,” “Seussical the Musical”: 7:30 Diocesan Chorale rehearsal: Last day to mail Heart to Heart school Mass and follow a block “Seven Steps to a Superabundant p.m. (also 7:30 p.m. March 24, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.; Cathedral contributions schedule for the morning. Free. Marriage.” Limited seating. Cost: 2 p.m. March 25); Marmion of St. Peter, 1243 N. Church St. No edition of The Observer Rehearsal for Chrism Mass. SATB Info: Mackenzie Livingston, couples — $30 dinner and talk, Academy, 1000 Butter eld April 1 voices welcome. Singers should 630/907-0095, ext. 109; $20 talk only; individuals — $20 Road. Featuring students from Easter Sunday con rm time with Valerie Oestry, [email protected]. dinner and talk, $15 talk only. Marmion Academy and Rosary director. Info: Valerie Oestry, April 6 Info: marriagelive.org High School. Cost: $10 per WEST DUNDEE rockforddiocesechorale@gmail. seat. Info: www.marmion.org/ Faith and music: 7-9 p.m.; St. ROCKFORD com Thu March 22 seussical Catherine of Siena, 845 W. Main St. Men’s Cursillo: (through March MCHENRY For teens. Speaker: Jackie Francois, GENEVA 25) Bishop Lane Retreat Center, HALO Spring sale: 10:30 a.m.-6 speaker and musician. Topic: “New Humanae Vitae talk: 7 p.m.; 7708 E. McGregor Road. Retreat Life in Christ.” Free. Info: 847/426- Sat March 24 p.m. (also 8 a.m.-1 p.m. March 25); 2217 St. Peter, 1891 Kaneville Road. in Spanish. Cost: $100. Info: Church of Holy Apostles, 5211 W. Speaker: Father Ryan Browning. Marisela Garcia, 630/853-9202; AURORA Bull Valley Road. Baked goods, April 7 Talk in honor of 50th anniversary cristocuentacontigorockford@ Blood drive: 9 a.m.-1 p.m.; Easter sweets, sweet and savory ELGIN of Pope Paul VI’s encyclical. Info: gmail.com; https://sites. Holy Angels Connor Hall, 120 dip mixes, vegetable plants. Info: Spousal loss group: 9-10:30 a.m. (Saturdays through May 12); 815/385 5673 St. Thomas More, 215 Thomas More Dr. Support for widows Sun March 25 and widowers. RSVP by April 4; limited space. Info: Sharon Hall, Palm Sunday 847/888-1682 ext. 16; shall@ stthomasmorechurch.org; www. ALGONQUIN stthomasmorechurch.org Breakfast with Bunny: 8 a.m.- ROCKFORD 1 p.m.; St. Margaret Mary, 113 Parish gala: 6-11 p.m.; Giovanni’s, S. Hubbard St. Sponsor: Knights 610 Bell School Road. Proceeds of Columbus Council 11091. for St. Anthony of Padua church Pancakes, eggs and more; elevator. Theme: “Rise to the photos with the Easter Bunny. Occasion.” Social hour, dinner, Cost: breakfast — $7 adults; $4 music and dancing; silent and live children 5-12; free children 4 and auctions. Cost: $50 per person. Did you know... younger; photos — $3 per family. Info: Carl Ambruoso, 815/218-4583 Info: 847/809-6891; breakfasts@ WEST DUNDEE kofc11091.org Faith and music: 9 a.m.-1 p.m.; St. Catherine of Siena, 845 W. Savant's Social Responsibility portfolio options allow AURORA Main St. For everyone. Speaker: investors to align their strategies with their faith? Rosary Boosters party: 1:30 Jackie Francois, speaker and p.m.; Ballydoyle, 28 W. New York musician. Topic: “New Life in St. 21 and older only. Proceeds Christ.” Babysitting available for Rosary High School sports. by reservation for children 3 Savant Capital Management is a nationally recognized fee-only wealth NCAA Elite 8 broadcast plus and older. Cost: Donation. Info: management firm that offers integrative investment management and silent auction, ra es, tourney 847/426-2217 financial planning solutions to individuals, families, foundations, trust funds, boards, appetizer bu et, April 9 beverages. Cost: $35 in advance, ROCKFORD retirement plans and non-profit organizations. $45 at the door; $25 or $50 board Young athlete camp: 6-7 p.m. squares. Info: www.rosaryhs. (Mondays and Wednesdays com/marchmadnessparty through May 9); Boylan Central Start building your ideal future! Catholic High School, 4000 St. ELIZABETH Francis Dr. For boys and girls, Call us today for a complimentary portfolio review. Pork dinner: 4-7 p.m.; St. Mary,  fth- through eighth-grades; any 112 E. Washington St. Sponsor: skill level. Cost: $100; early bird 815 227 0300 savantcapital.com Knights of Columbus. Pork loin (through March 19) and sibling and sides. Cost: $11 adults; discounts available. Info: www. boylan.org; John Cacciatore, Savant Capital Management is a Registered Investment Advisor. Savant's marketing material should not be construed by any existing $5 children. Info: Tom Gri n, or prospective client as a guarantee that they will experience a certain level of results if they engage in the advisor's services. 815/281-1148; bowdells66@ 815/877-0531 or jcacciatore@ Please contact Savant to find out if they are qualified to provide investment advisory services in the state where you reside. boylan.org gmail.com Around the Diocese The Observer | FRIDAY MARCH 16, 2018 | 9 Sterling Judge Save the Date Visits St. Mary April 10 Recently, the fourth- NORTH AURORA grade class at St. Mary Bible study: 6:30-8 p.m. School in Sterling, had a (Tuesdays through May 8); Blessed chance to learn about Sacrament, 801 Oak St. Led by the local court system. Father Max Lasrado, pastor. Cost: One of the school’s $8 for book. Info: Parish office, graduates, Judge Trish 630/897-1029, www.blsacr-na.org; Joyce, spent some time psecretary@blessedsacrament-na. org with Kim Bradley’s students. She brought April 14 her robe and gavel, and AURORA explained her duties Spring fiesta: 6-11 p.m.; St. and responsibilities as a Joseph School gym, 722 High St. Circuit Court judge. She Dinner, draw-down, dance, music also read the students by Impacto Boruca. For adults 21 a book and treated and older. Cost: $25 per person. them to cookies. Info: Lynne Monaco, 630/546- (Photo provided) 0594, [email protected] GENOA Russell Hustle: 8 a.m. registration; Freeport Russell Woods, 11750 IL-72. ATD News Proceeds for St. Mary School in Students Burn Sycamore. 10 a.m. 5K run/walk; in Brief Palms 11 a.m. 2K Stars on the Run. Cost: $25 for 5K until March 30; $30 Aquin Elementary March 31 to race day; $15 for 2K. School third-grade Info: Chris Collins, 815/899-8607, students burn palms [email protected] on Feb. 13, carefully placing their palms April 17 into a small fire pit. HUNTLEY With them were Father Millennial Church Conference: Kenneth Anderson, 9:30 a.m.-4 p.m.; St. Mary, 10307 pastor of St. Thomas Dundee Road. Sponsor: Life and Aquinas Parish in Family Evangelization Office. Speakers: Pete Burak, i.d.9:16; Freeport, Principal Sarah Kaczmarek, Alpha Catholic Jeremy Keesee and Context; Emily and Pete Burds, (not seen) Erin Glick, Archdiocese of Milwaukee. For third- and fourth-grade clergy, church staffs and lay religion teacher. leaders. Cost: $20 per person; group discounts available. Info: millennialchurchconference.com (Photo provided) (scroll down for registration) Jackie Francois April 18 Musician coming AURORA (Photo provided) Shadow day: 8:15-10:30 a.m.; to St. Catherine Rosary High School, 901 N. of Siena April 7 Edgelawn Dr. for seventh-grade Pray for Vocations girls. Speakers, demonstrations WEST DUNDEE—Singer, and more. Free. Info: http:// songwriter and worship leader rosaryhs.com/explore Jackie Francois will present “New Life in Christ” in two Elsewhere events April 6 and 7 at St. Cath- erine of Siena Parish, 845 W. April 4-6 Main St. here. JOLIET On April 6, she’ll bring her Post-abortion retreat: Rachel’s message to teens from 7 to 9 Vineyard, Diocese of Joliet. For women and men to heal after p.m. On April 7, her 9 a.m.-1 abortion. Confidential. Info: p.m. presentation will be for all Kay Corcoran, 866/994-4483, ages. [email protected]; “Many teens and people http://rachelsvineyard.org/ who have seen or heard Jackie Francois before,” said Father Submit News Matthew DeBlock, pastor, Lenten Fish Fry Buffet “have said that she provides an Parish, school and Catholic organization publicists may send amazing presentation and is Baked and Fried news and photos about their very relatable to their own life. upcoming and recent activities. We are pleased to bring her quality Cod and Serving Submissions will be forwarded to enthusiasm for the Catholic 5-7 p.m. El Observador and to the diocesan faith to our parish for everyone all the trimmings calendar. in the community to enjoy.” Feb. 16th Deadline: 10 days before From Orange, Calif., she is an Adults — $10.00  Children (5-12) — $5.00 publication. Feb. 23rd artist with OCP/SpiritandSong. Children (under 4) — FREE Online: Use the form at http:// com and has released two al- March 2nd observer.rockforddiocese.org/ bums, “Your Kingdom is Glo- Carry-outs are available! contact-us. Click on Submit Events rious” and “Divine Comedy.” and News. March 9th They are available on iTunes or Call ahead for carry-outs or By Mail: Send to The Observer, P.O. SpiritandSong.com. additional information. March 16th Box 7044, Rockford, IL 61125. There is no cost to attend ei- (815) 732-7383 Find more events at http://www. ther event, but donations will March 23rd rockforddiocese.org/calendar. be accepted April 7. Babysit- Handicapped Accessible! php or on The Observer Catholic ting will be available for chil- Newspaper Facebook page and dren, ages 3 and older, April 7, on our blog, What’s Up+plus at but reservations are requested. ST. MARY PARISH CENTER http://observer.rockforddiocese. Info: Brianna Wessel, 847/426- org/whats-up+plus Rt. 64 West — Oregon, IL 2217 10 | FRIDAY MARCH 16, 2018 | The Observer Ashes to Ashes We Are God’s Children

his year, on the fifth Sunday of Lent, we are invited to re- Lent flect on the writings of the prophet Jeremiah. Our Sun- Reflection day liturgy begins with a statement from God through Tthe lips of the prophet: ‘I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and the house of Judah’ (Jer 31:31). If Jeremiah says that there is going to be a “new covenant” it means that there is or was an “old covenant,” so what is the old covenant? And more important, what is a covenant? We may say that a covenant is a contract, but in the language of the Bible it is more than a contract. A contract contains prom- ises made by me to another person, while the covenant contains by Father an oath made by God. A contract establishes conditions, while Manuel the covenant is based on unconditional love. In a contract we Gomez exchange goods and services, while in a covenant God binds Parochial Vicar, Himself to us. St. Rita of Cascia, (Observer photo/Sharon Boehlefeld) Aurora, and In the covenant God establishes a relationship with humanity. Assistant This is not a random relationship, but a family relationship. So, Vocations Director The Observer’s Lent Meals we may say that through a covenant made by God, out of love, Shrimp and Gnocchi we become members of God’s family. Therefore, the old covenant is referred to each time God t is not an in Garlic Parmesan Sauce comes to humanity beginning with Adam and Eve up to King David. It is not an accident that the people of Israel are consid- Iaccident This was an online find that just looked too good to pass by. Really, timing is ered “children of God,” or “the wife of God.” Indeed, through a that the everything with this dish. If you have someone who can help bring prepared covenant they became the family of God. people of ingredients at the right moment for the sauce, you can keep stirring throughout. The Ten Commandments are the rules of this family relation- Israel are Serves 4 Salt and pepper to broth ship between God and His people. These rules written in stone considered Ingredients taste 2 Tbsp all-purpose are cold, direct, and sometimes difficult to follow, since they “children 2 Tbsp parsley, fresh flour came from outside. of God,” or 1 pkg. (16 oz.) potato 1/4 Cup butter, When the prophet Jeremiah talks about a new covenant he gnocchi For sauce unsalted does not say that the law of God will be eliminated or that the “the wife 1 lb. shrimp, medium ½ tsp basil,dried ½ Cup half-and-half old covenant is no longer in effect. On the contrary, he presents of God.” sized 4 cloves garlic ½ Cup parmesan 2 Tbsp butter, a new way to understand the cold and difficult letter of the law: Indeed, 1 tsp thyme, dried Salt and pepper to “I will place my law within them, and write it upon their hearts” unsalted 1 Cup vegetable taste through a (Jer 33:33). The fulfilment of the law will no longer be an impo- covenant Directions Gradually whisk in broth, sition, but a desire of our hearts to fulfill it. they thyme and basil. Cook, whisking With Jesus, the prophecy of Jeremiah is fulfilled. In the Gos- Cook gnocchi according to became the constantly, until incorporated, pel of Matthew, Jesus declares, “Do not think that I have come package instructions; drain well. to abolish the law or the prophets. I have come not to abolish family of about 1-2 minutes. Stir in half-and- God. Melt 2 Tbsp of butter in large half and parmesan until slightly but to fulfill it.” (Mt 5:17). In fact, Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection are the new cov- skillet over medium high heat. Add thickened, 1-2 minutes. If the enant. In baptism we receive the Holy Spirit into our lives; we shrimp, salt and pepper to taste. mixture is too thick, add more become members of the body of Jesus and beloved children of Cook, stirring occasionally, until half-and-half as needed. Season God. The Holy Spirit moves us to embrace the law not as an pink, about 2-3 minutes. Set aside. with salt and pepper to taste. obligation, but as a result of being loved by our Father. For sauce Stir in shrimp and gnocchi, and Do you remember the words of Jesus at the Last Supper that Melt ¼ cup butter (1/2 stick) in gently toss to combine. we repeat at Mass during the consecration of the chalice? “This skillet over medium heat. Add garlic Serve immediately, garnished is the chalice of my blood, the blood of the new and eternal and cook, stirring frequently, until with parsley, if desired. covenant.” fragrant, about 1-2 minutes. Whisk Note: The recipe called for When we participate in the Eucharist we renew our family in flour until lightly browned, about chicken broth, but during Lent we ties with God. God’s covenant of love is present at the altar. As 1 minute. always use vegetable broth. we come to the end of this season of Lent, let us ask the Lord for the grace to be better children of God. Ashes to Ashes The Observer | FRIDAY MARCH 16, 2018 | 11 Be Reconciled Day is March 21 in the Rockford Diocese Prepare for God’s Mercy

Guide to Confession lic teachings or involvement in non- greeting. He may share a brief Scrip- e sacrament of penance, or con- Catholic sects? Did I engage in su- ture passage. fession, brings about a change of heart perstitious practices: palm-reading or  Make the Sign of the Cross and through God’s mercy and forgiveness. fortune-telling? say: “Bless me father, for I have sinned. Experience the Lord’s compassion  Did I take the name of God in My last confession was …” (give the through the sacrament of penance, vain? Did I curse or take a false oath? number of weeks, months or years). which includes these parts:  Did I miss Mass on Sundays or  Confess all of your sins to the Before Confession holy days of obligation through my priest. e priest will help you to make own fault? Am I attentive at Mass? a good confession. If you are unsure How to Make a Good Confession Did I keep fast and abstinence on the about how to confess or you feel un- Confession is not di cult, but it prescribed days? easy, just ask him to help you. Answer (CNS photo/L’Osservatore Romano via Reuters) does require preparation. We should  Did I disobey my parents or law- his questions without hiding anything A clergyman hears confession from Pope Francis during a penitential liturgy in St. begin with prayer, placing ourselves ful superiors in important matters? out of fear or shame. Place your trust in the presence of God, our loving Fa- Peter’s Basilica at the Vatican a few years  Did I hate or quarrel with anyone, in God, a merciful Father who wants ago during penance services. ther. We seek healing and forgiveness or desire revenge? Did I refuse to for- to forgive you. through repentance and a resolve to give? Was I disrespectful?  Following your confession of sins, Pope Francis thinks confession sin no more. en we review our lives  Did I get drunk? Did I take illicit say: “I am sorry for these and all of is such an important source of since our last confession, searching drugs? my sins.” God’s mercy that for the past our thoughts, words and actions for   Did I willfully look at pornog- e priest assigns you a penance several years he has scheduled a that which did not conform to God’s raphy, entertain impure thoughts or and o ers advice to help you be a bet- command to love Him and one an- engage in impure conversations or ter Catholic. full day in Rome for priests to hear other through His laws and the laws actions? Did I use arti cial means to  Say an Act of Contrition, express- confessions. of His Church. is is called an ex- prevent conception? ing your sorrow for your sins. e Bishop David Malloy has done amination of conscience.  Was I unfaithful to my spouse? priest, acting in the person of Christ, To make an examination of con- Did I engage in sexual activity outside then absolves you from your sins. the same since his rst Lent in the science: of marriage? Act of Contrition Rockford Diocese. But to obtain  Begin with a prayer asking for  Did I steal or damage another’s God, I am heartily sorry for having God’s merciful forgiveness, it is God’s help. property? Have I been honest and just o ended you, and I detest all my sins  Review your life with the help of important to be properly prepared in my business relations? because I dread the loss of heaven and some questions, which are based on before going to confession. Use  Have I been responsive to the the pains of hell; but most of all be- the 10 Commandments (see below). needs of the poor and respected the cause they o end you, my God, who this guide to help you get ready  Tell God how truly sorry you are dignity of others? are all good and deserving of all my for reconcilliation, especially on for your sins.  Did I tell lies? Did I sin by cal-  love. I  rmly resolve with the help of March 21, the Wednesday before Make a  rm resolution not to sin umny, or detraction, of others? Did I again. your grace to confess my sins, do pen- Holy Week, when you can take judge others rashly in serious matters? ance, and to amend my life. Amen. Examination of Conscience  Have I envied other people? part in Be Reconciled Day in the Recall your sins. Prayerfully ask your- After Confession Rockford Diocese. self what you have done with full knowl- During Confession Rejoice! You have received the for- edge and full consent against God’s and Rite of Reconciliation giveness of Christ! What should you do Find confession times in the Church’s commandments. Reconciliation may be face-to-face when you leave? Remember the words previous Ashes to Ashes pages,  Do I pray to God every day? Have or anonymous, with a screen between you recited in the Act of Contrition: online at http://bereconciled. I thanked God for His gifts to me? you and the priest. Choose the option “I rmly resolve with the help of your rockforddiocese.org, on the  Did I put my faith in danger that is the most comfortable for you. grace to confess my sins, do penance, and through readings contrary to Catho-  e priest gives you a blessing or to amend my life.” myParish or other parish app.

The Observer’s Guide to Lenten Dining

Faranda’s Fish Fry 2018 Seating: Dates: 2/16, 2/23, 3/2, 3/9, 3/16, 3/23 4:30 pm – 7:30 pm Beer Battered Cod $12.95  Beer Battered Haddock $12.95 Baked Cod $13.95  Shrimp Basket $14.95 Side Choices: French Fries, Macaroni & Cheese, Potato Salad, Pasta, Baked Potato $ Side of fried shrimp Kids Menu — 8.95 Beer, Wine to any basket Chicken Tenders & Side or Mixed Drinks Grilled Cheese & Side $ available. 4.95 w/ lemonade & dessert Mention your Home parish & 10% of your purchase will be donated back…. 302 Grove Street Downtown DeKalb www.farandas.com 815-981-3304 12 | FRIDAY MARCH 16, 2018 | The Observer Our Catholic View ‘I Sold Them Life’: Learning From the Angel of The Gap Little did he know what a with a bottle of French noble purpose awaited him Field Notes champagne. The thank-you gifts poured when Don Ritchie settled into by Christina a house on Old South Head in unexpectedly, sometimes a Road back in 1964. The former Capecchi decade later. Christmas cards. Navy seaman and retired Letters. A painting of an angel salesman was eager to soak and brilliant sunrays with the in the stunning view with his http://ReadChristina.com message, “An angel who walks wife: an ocean cliff at Watsons among us.” Bay in Eastern Sydney known as The Gap. Indeed, Don came to be known as the Angel But just as the vista attracts tourists from of The Gap, but he shrugged off the praise. across the globe, it also lures in desperate souls Patrolling The Gap was his duty, a matter of looking to end their lives with a jump, claiming fact, and he considered himself the beneficiary. an average of 50 suicides a year. “I’m 85 and even at my age, it has broadened The first time Don spotted someone on the my horizons with all the wonderful people (CNS photo/James Ramos, Texas Catholic Herald) ledge — a mere 50 yards away, visible through I have met,” he once told a reporter. “It’s his living-room window — there was no important for troubled people to know that Food for Thought question whether he would step in. there are complete strangers out there like He would do so again and again for half a myself who are willing and able to help them century, quietly approach the cliff, palms facing get through that dark time and come out on the A Prayer for Humility up, and gently ask, “Is there something I could other side.” do to help you?” From his time in the Navy during World War Lord Jesus, when you walked the earth, Some had laid their shoes and wallets on the II to his years selling scales and bacon cutters, Your humility obscured your kingship. rocks, poised to leap. Others had left farewell he had “learned to talk to all different people letters. about all sorts of things,” his youngest daughter Your meekness confused the arrogant, He offered them tea, a personal invitation said after his 2012 death at age 86. Hindering them from grasping your purpose, for breakfast in his home across the street. He Don also had recognized his training for the physically removed some people from the cliff, cliff-side ministry, saying, “I was a salesman for Your nobleness attending to the destitute. once lying on his stomach to reach out. But it most of my life, and I sold them life.” Teach me to model after your eminence, was his smile that coaxed them, his listening ear. He could draw them in and calm them down. Most of the time it worked. Officials say he He listened without judgment, his eyes that To subject my human nature to humility. spared about 150 lives. His family believes the matched the sea piercing through bifocals. Grant me with a natural inclination number could be 500. Don lives on today, reminding us of our One morning Don looked out his bedroom Christian call to prop up neighbors in need. To never view myself greater than anyone. window and saw a woman sitting on the cliff’s We never know who is struggling, slogging Banish all lingering sparks of self-importance edge. through a long winter, desperate for Easter. A “I quickly got dressed and went over,” he told text or an Instagram “like” might lend cheer, That could elevate me greater than you. the Associated Press. “She had already put her but sometimes our physical presence is the only Let my heart always imitate your humility. handbag and shoes outside the fence, which is way. pretty common. I said to her, ‘Why don’t you We must walk up to the gap, palms up, and — Author unknown come over and have a cup of tea?’” ask, “Is there something I could do to help She obliged. A few months later, she returned you?”

Grieving Activists Challenge Us All to Act

The survivors of the Marjory He defended students Coming of Age we respond today,” banning assault weapons like the Stoneman Douglas High School against critics who the Sisters of Mercy ones used in Las Vegas, Orlando, shooting in Parkland, Florida, where said they were too by Maria-Pia wrote in a statement, Sutherland Springs, Aurora, Sandy 17 people were killed, have sparked a young to understand Negro Chin expressing grief Hook and, most recently, at their national debate over gun control laws. politics. Bilingual Associate Editor, and outrage in the school. Amid the tragedy, the students “I understand what Maryknoll Magazine wake of the Parkland “We call on all the adults in found the strength to speak up and to it’s like to text my massacre. “It is in Catholic News Service Congress elected to represent us, to advocate for stricter gun regulations parents, ‘Goodbye, I how we will continue pass legislation that will protect and and challenged politicians and might never ever get to see you again. to work for structural and cultural save children from gun violence,” businesses to act to prevent senseless I love you,’” he said in a speech. “We change in a country and a society that the students said in the website killings. will not be silenced. It has gone on moves too quickly to violence ... and for “March For Our Lives,” a civic Just a few weeks ago, these young long enough.” where military assault weapons are far demonstration in Washington activists had typical teenage worries. Many of these teenagers were too accessible.” scheduled for March 24. According to But that changed on Feb. 14 when a 11 or 12 during the Sandy Hook “Pray to God that in addition to the site, more than 400 sister marches 19-year-old former student carrying school massacre in 2012, and their helping the victims and their families will take place worldwide. an assault weapon entered their school generation’s education included safety heal from this unimaginable tragedy, Before classes resumed, a survivor and shot as many people as he could. drills in case of a shooter. They know that he burns in your heart the courage tweeted a quote by Marjory Stoneman “We can’t let innocent people’s how gun violence affects young people to stand up and combat this problem,” Douglas, the conservation and deaths be in vain,” said freshman in the United States. said Bishop Edward C. Malesic of Christine Yared, 15. “We need to work At its core, the students’ call to Greensburg, Pennsylvania. voting rights activist who inspired together beyond political parties to prevent gun violence is rooted in “Whether it is by advocating for the school’s name: “Do your part to make sure this never happens again.” their knowing that no child — in any better mental health services, working inform and stimulate the public to That the grieving activists found community — should live in fear of to help end bullying in our schools, join your action. … Be depressed, strength to advocate for safer schools a shooting at their school or in their responding to the needs of boys discouraged and disappointed at — as they attend funeral after funeral community. and young men so they don’t see a failure and the disheartening effects of and deal with the aftermath of such a The Parkland survivors remind gun massacre as a solution to their ignorance, greed, corruption and bad traumatic event — is admirable. That other teenagers that their voices can problems, working to promote respect politics — but never give up.” they had to is a wake-up call for us. be heard. They also challenge adults for life, and, yes, advocating for These young survivors, like many Alfonso Calderon, 16, who was who are so used to nothing changing common sense gun laws,” he said. others before them, are doing more among dozens locked in a closet for that they’ve stopped demanding These survivors reject the idea than their part. It is our turn to hours fearing for his life, went to the change. that they are powerless. They ask for support them and don’t give up in state capitol to address lawmakers. “The call for each of us is not how universal background checks and trying to keep young people safe. Our Catholic View The Observer | FRIDAY MARCH 16, 2018 | 13 Di erent View CNS/Joe Heller Conditioning for Christ Lent is winding down to Holy Week and then we begin the Easter season. When we prepare for Lent our thoughts are hyper-focused on personal sacrifi ce … what can we give up or what activities can we take part in to bring our thoughts and lives closer to Christ? Part of that preparation is to think about almsgiving — meaning our acts of charity or service to those in poverty or need, however great or small. Sometimes when we think From the Editor about all that needs to be done in this world to alleviate spiritual and physical by Penny poverty, it can overwhelm us. Wiegert The subject of poverty and its causes Editor and eff ects personally, locally and The Observer world-wide was even discussed during [email protected] the most recent Diocesan Pastoral Council meeting on March 3. It was a big conversation for a mere three hours. And of course, the discussion brought me back to some of the refl ections and reading I looked at before Lent began. And then I thought about the Gospels which explain that the poor will n a Scripture Re ection for March 18, 5rh Sunday in Lent always be with us. So all this made me think, what’s good for Lent can Ibroader be good in all seasons. Why don’t we use the tips and advice we load up sense, on in Lent all the time? Having God as Father So I am going to share with you a little advice from both Pope Benedict whatever XVI and Pope Francis that I found on several social media sites prior we give BY KEVIN PERROTTA to Lent. It includes suggestions for simple acts of charity to practice in Catholic News Service our daily lives that can condition us for a better friendship with Christ or do, and hopefully, in whatever small way, make our world a little better and hat does it mean to be a son or daughter of someone kinder beyond Lent. Let’s call it our “conditioning practices.” After all, God? Does it mean to be a human person, athletes and scholars will tell you that winning the race or acing the test is else is created in God’s image? Yes, and so every important, but what happens in between events is what really matters. on the one of us is a son or daughter of God, a All our acts of faith are surely like that. So to fi nish up my Lent I’ve Wrefl ection of God, as any child is a refl ection of his or her decided to condition. You can too. Try receiving parents. this. Every evening, when you get the end. Much But what kind of relationship is involved in being a lunches ready, clothes laid out, calendar o to finish up my son or daughter of God? The answer lies within God. updated and say your prayers, add Lent I’ve decided to better to In the Trinity of persons that God is, there is Father, these words of wisdom on charity and S ask, "Who Son and Spirit. In the Spirit practical tips to your preparation for a condition. You can too. of the Father’s love, the Son smooth tomorrow. The simple tips: will I/this receives all that He is from the  Smile! A Christian should always help?" Father and in the same Spirit be full of laughter and happiness! He gives back to the Father all  Listen to someone else’s story with love, not judgment. (The key than that He is. The second person of word is to listen. Even at times when we just can’t help someone; in "What can the Trinity is the relationship of poverty, illness, addiction or at the end of life, just listening can be the sonship to Father. I do for greatest gift.) That, of course, is hidden  Remember to tell others how much you love them. myself?" within God. But in His  ear God, lead Greet people you see every day with a smile. ... And becoming a human being, the  Help out when it’s needed so others can rest. me to know Son has revealed what being a  Always be thankful (even when you don’t “have to”). when I fail D son or daughter of God looks you as my Father.  Clean up after yourself at home. ... Jesus' like in human form.  Correct others using love, rather than fear. Since we humans grow  Lift someone’s spirits. steady and mature over time, the Son-made-human, Jesus of  Celebrate other people’s success. example, Nazareth, grew and matured in His relationship with His  Pick out what you don’t use and give it away to someone in need. Father. Since we encounter suff ering, anguish and pain,  Notice details. (Is someone feeling down? Do they have something silent and these, too, entered into His relationship with the Father. in need of repair or no lunch? Sometimes the little details tell the biggest strong, As the second reading says, “In the days when story of what another may need.) Christ Jesus was in the fl esh, He off ered prayers and  Speak to your parents over the phone or through other means. always supplications with loud cries and tears to the one who  Help others overcome obstacles. brings me was able to save Him from death, and He was heard  Stop to help. Be aware of who needs your help back to because of His reverence. Son though He was, He And from Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI: “To put into practice this learned obedience from what He suff ered; and ... was witness of charity, the encounter with the Lord who transforms man’s center — made perfect” (Heb 5:7-9). heart and outlook is therefore indispensable. Indeed, it is the witness of a blessing In Gethsemane, Jesus pleaded with the Father to save God’s love for each one of our brothers and sisters in humanity which the human race in a way that did not involve the agony gives true meaning to Christian charity. Charity cannot be reduced to for which of crucifi xion. Being human, He pleaded with all His mere humanism or to a project for human advancement. Material aid, I am ever heart, “with loud cries and tears” — perhaps one of the however necessary it may be, is not the be-all and end-all of charity, most shocking statements in the Bible. which is participation in Christ’s love, received and shared. Every and very Yet Jesus trusted that what God willed for Him authentic charitable action is thus a tangible manifestation of God’s love humbly was better than anything that He, from His human for men and women and thereby becomes a proclamation of the Gospel.” perspective, could want. In that way He learned sonship; Then from Pope Francis: “Some think that holiness is closing your grateful! as a man, He became perfect as God’s Son. eyes and making the face of a plastic statue, but that’s not holiness. And He “became the source of eternal salvation to all Holiness is something much greater, much more profound than looking — Maureen who obey Him” (Heb 5:9). If we join Him, trusting that like an image on a holy card. It is living with love and off ering your own Pratt, CNS the Father’s will for us is good, whatever the sorrow and Christian witness in your daily tasks. Be bearers of holiness. Always, in columnist suff ering He leads us through, we will experience what your home, on the streets, at work and in church. Don’t be discouraged in it means to be God’s sons and daughters. following this path. God Himself will give you grace.”

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 MARCH 16, 2018 | The Observer For the Record Deaths bert Norstrom, 81, March 8; ties, and I am working to change ROCKFORD—Cathedral of St. at least a portion of the world in AURORA—Holy Angels: Eileen Peter: Nancy Myhre, 92, Feb. 27; which I live; if I am deeply con- V. Krattenmaker, 90, March 5; cerned for other people, what is Holy Family: Tony Deverdi, 96, happening? The very redirecting of St. Joseph: Joanne Seidelman, 63, Feb. 28; March 5; my consciousness and my effectivi- St. Rita: Lon Tryggestad, 64, Feb. ty, the very redirecting which is my GENEVA—St. Peter: Thomas 12; Matthew Bacino, 81, Feb. 17; redemption is what is happening.” Hennessey, 80, March 2; Louise Canciamilee, 84, Feb. 17. Courtesy of Parish Publications GENOA—St. Catherine of Ge- “Stewardship” newsletter noa: Kathleen Marie Keaty, 38, Weddings March 5; HUNTLEY—St. Mary: Katrina Life Moment HUNTLEY—St. Mary: Mary Laramie and Rigoberto Sanchez, Ann Balla, 72, Feb. 26; Donald Feb. 24. Pray: That as Jesus laid down His Kane, 85, Feb. 26; Bernard Mc- Stewardship Moment life for us, so we may find strength Ginley, 78, Feb. 27; Kathy Pacana, to sacrifice ourselves for others, 56, Feb. 27; Michael Migliorato, Redemption: “If I am deeply and especially the poor, the weak, the 59, March 5; Darryl Dobrolinsky, genuinely concerned for others and unborn, and the unwanted, we 56, March 6; I am going out and addressing the pray to the Lord. MCHENRY—St. Patrick: Gil- needs and seizing the opportuni- Courtesy of www.priestsforlife.org

NOVENAS Novena to the done against me. I renounce Satan, the and forever. Sacred Heart of Jesus pray Sacred Heart and St. Jude evil spirits and all their works. I give you for us. Holy Mary, Mother of Jesus, pray May the Sacred Heart of Jesus be my entire self. Lord Jesus, now and for- for us. Amen. Pray this prayer with faith, adored, glorified, loved and preserved ever, I invite you into my life Jesus, I ac- relying on God’s will, as a novena, nine throughout the world now and forever. cept you as my Lord, God and Saviour. times a day for nine days. This published Sacred Heart of Jesus, pray for us. Heal me, change me, strengthen me in in gratitude. Thank you St. Jude and St. Jude, worker of miracles, pray for body, soul and spirit: Come Lord Jesus, Sacred Heart of Jesus. M.C. I.R.L. us. St. Jude, helper of the hopeless, cover me with your precious blood, and pray for us. Amen. Say this prayer nine fill me with your Holy Spirit, I love you Prayer to St. Joseph O St. Joseph whose protection is so times a day for nine days. Published Lord Jesus. I praise you Jesus. I thank great, so strong, so prompt before the in gratitude. Thank you St. Jude. you Jesus. I shall follow you every day of E.T. Throne of God, I place in you all my my life. Amen. Mary, my mother, Queen J.M.L. M.A.A. interests and desires. O St. Joseph do of Peace, St. Peregrine, the cancer assist me by your powerful intercession Prayer to St. Jude saint, all you angels and saints please Most Holy Apostle St. Jude, faithful and obtain for me from your Divine help me. Amen. M.A.A. servant and friend of Jesus, the Church Son all spiritual blessings through honors and invokes you universally, as Prayer to the Jesus Christ, Our Lord; So that having the patron of hopeless cases and of Blessed Virgin Mary engaged here below your Heavenly things despaired of. Pray for me who am O most beautiful flower of Mount Carmel, power I may offer my thanksgiving and so needy; make use, I implore you, of fruitful vine, Splendor of Heaven, Blessed homage to the most loving of Fathers. O that particular privilege accorded to you Mother of the Son of God, Immaculate St. Joseph, I never weary contemplat- to bring visible and speedy help where Virgin, assist me in my necessity. O ing you and Jesus asleep in your arms. help is almost despaired. Come to my Star of the Sea, help me and show me I dare not approach while He reposes assistance in this great need that I may that you are my mother. O Holy Mother near your heart. Press him in my name receive the consolations and succor of of God, Queen of Heaven and Earth, I and kiss His fine head for me, and ask heaven in all my necessities, tribulations humbly beseech you from the bottom of Him to return the kiss when I draw my and sufferings particularly (here mention my heart to secure me in my necessity dying breath. St. Joseph, patron of your petition) ... and that I may bless God (make request). There are none that can departing souls, pray for us. Amen. with you and all the elect throughout withstand your power. O Mary conceived Say for nine consecutive mornings for If you or someone you know eternity. I promise you, O blessed Jude, without sin pray for us who have recourse anything you may desire. Published in to be ever mindful of this great favor, and to thee (3 times). I place this prayer in your gratitude. L.F. has been the victim of sexual I will never cease to honor you as my hands (3 times). Amen. Say this prayer for abuse by an employee or mem- special and powerful patron and to do 3 consecutive days. Novena is published To have a Novena printed: Send ber of the clergy of the Rockford all in my power to encourage devotion to in gratitude. M.A.A. L.F. a $10 check for each Novena along you. Amen. Published in gratitude. C.F.F. Thanks to Sacred with the name of the Novena you Diocese, report the matter to B.F. C.F. D.F. J.F. H.F. B.P. Heart of Jesus want and the initials you wish us Newspapers • Catalogs • Mail Service law enforcement in the county to use to: Business Cards • Magazines • Brochures The Miracle Prayer Thanks to St. Jude and the Sacred in which the conduct occurred Lord Jesus, I come before you, just as I Heart of Jesus for several prayers The Observer and then please call the hot-line am. I am sorry for my sins, I repent of my answered. May the Sacred Heart of P.O. Box 7044 815-758-5484 sins, please forgive me. In your name, Jesus be adored, glorified, loved and 121 Industrial Drive • DeKalb, IL 60115 Rockford, IL 61125 number: 815/293-7540. I forgive all others for what they have preserved throughout the world, now Media /Arts The Observer | FRIDAY MARCH 16, 2018 | 15 Faulkner, Caviezel Star in ‘Paul, Apostle of Christ’ Win Tickets to Opening Night Paul Luke At a Local Latino Film Festival James Faulkner, Actor Jim Caviezel the British actor in is at a point in his Readers of The Observer emy, 1500 Sullivan Road. the title role of St. career where he can have chances to win four tick- In Elgin, the tickets will be Paul in the upcom- choose what film ets to the first Latino Film Fes- for the opening night, April 13. ing movie “Paul, and TV projects he tival Aurora or the sixth Latino Doors will open for a movie Apostle of Christ,” wants to pursue. Film Festival in Elgin. and reception at 5:30 p.m. at isn’t taking a lot of Even though In Aurora, the festival will Elgin Community College. The credit for his por- Caviezel might be feature one film on April 6 at Elgin film will be “American trayal. best known for his 5 p.m. “Broche de Oro: Begin- Curious.” “I didn’t play portrayal of Jesus in As always, the films are in (CNS photo/Sony Pictures) nings” will be shown at the Il- Paul, it played me,” Jim Caviezel (left) as Luke and James Faulkner as 2004’s “The Passion linois Math and Science Acad- Spanish with English subtitles. Faulkner told Catho- Paul are seen in a scene from the film “Paul, Apostle of the Christ” — six Tickets are courtesy of Mar- lic News Service. “I of Christ.” seasons on CBS’ “Per- garita Mendoza, El Observa- was imbued with son of Interest” this dor editor and festival director. the spirit of Paul and decade might have I found it transforming.” topped that — he decided to take on yet an- Faulkner, a lifelong Anglican, attributed other biblical role as St. Luke in the upcoming Enter to win this, at least in part, to writer-director An- movie “Paul, Apostle of Christ.” tickets to drew Hyatt: “I felt I had been transformed “You don’t go by genre, you go by the by Andrew’s script and his direction. And an script,” Caviezel told Catholic News Service in opening night entire page of notes on how to play Paul -— a Feb. 26 telephone interview to promote the nothing precise but overall notes on how I movie. at Elgin or should approach it. I’ve never had a director When it came to “Paul,” “Andrew Hyatt Aurora festival do something so tellingly about a character.” wrote a great script. You know the material,” Television viewers may be familiar with Caviezel said, adding, “Who played Paul was To enter our drawing for four his sonorous voice from cable. “For seven a big part. When they got (James) Faulkner, I (Illustration provided) opening night tickets to the years I was the voice of the History Channel,” knew they’ll be calling him Paul in the street Aurora or Elgin Latino Film Fes- tival, fill out this form and mail it to The Observer — Film Festival, Faulkner said. He also did voiceovers for the just like they called me Jesus in the street” PO Box 7044, Rockford, IL 61125. Mailed entries must be post- National Geographic Channel and for ITV after “The Passion.” marked by March 30, 2018. Please: One entry per family. News in his native England. — Mark Pattison Winners will be notifed by email or phone. Tickets will be held at the box office. Winners will receive tickets to only one event. Check one or both boxes: Eric Groth: ‘Real Important to Tell the Story ...’  Aurora — April 6, 5 p.m., IMSA, 1500 Sullivan Road  Elgin — April 13, 5:30 p.m., ECC, 1700 Spartan Dr. From page 3 have been worse. months before its March 23 Name______PG-13 for disturbing images “We flipped the room when premiere, Groth said. and violent content, virtu- they (a group of condemned A constant comment he said Address ______ally all of it Roman violence Christians) were going out he received from preview au- ______against Christians. (The Cath- into the lions” so that the li- diences was that the film was Town, State, Zip ______olic News Service has not yet ons and the carnage are never “imbued with Scripture with- classfied the film.) seen, Groth said. out it having been read to ______One group of Christians, He gave credit to Sony Pic- them.” Parish and Town ______though, decides to act in a high- tures for its willingness to go “Paul, Apostle of Christ” is ______ly un-Christian way in response out on a limb with the movie. set to open March 23 on more to the dictums against their sect “They stretched partner- than 2,000 screens in the Unit- Email______by Roman Emperor Nero. ing with a Catholic organiza- ed States, and will simultane- Phone ______Groth said “Paul” is “OK for tion, they stretched in the idea, ously open in at least 15 other Enter online March 19-31 at http://observer.rockforddiocese.org/ middle school and up,” adding they stretched in the screening countries, with deals still in Latinofilms. some of the imagery in it could schedule,” which started a few the process. At the Movies Mass Meditation Sunday, March 18 (5th Lent): lence, gore, a scene of implied A Wrinkle in Time “If anyone would serve me,” sexual activity, profane and says Jesus in Sunday’s Gospel, (Disney) rough language. A-II “let him follow me; where I am, New Age-style bro- there will my servant be.” In PG mides dominate the what way is Jesus inviting me to script of this often follow Him? What service is He eye-pleasing adaptation of asking of me? Madeleine L’Engle’s 1962 (CNS photo/Amazon Studios) (CNS photo/Disney) Courtesy of Sharon Hueckel Gringo novel for young adults. A middle-school student (Storm (STX) A-III Reid) and her younger broth- Moral dilemmas R (CNS photo/Aviron Pictures) er (Deric McCabe) set off on Parish Secretary/Receptionist come fast and furi- a cosmic quest to track down St. Thomas More Parish, located on the west side of Elgin, ous in this dark, but The Strangers: their missing physicist father Illinois, seeks an experienced parish secretary/receptionist for our busy, fast-paced office. Our faith community has over somehow not cynical, come- Prey at Night (Chris Pine) and bring him dy about avarice and its near- 2,600 registered families, a parish school, religious education, (Aviron) home. The underlying world- youth ministry, and many active ministries within the church instant consequences. The O Sadistic horror flick view makes this inappropri- and community. film features Joel Edgerton, R ate for very young viewers Applicants must demonstrate: in which a family is Charlize Theron and David or for teens who are not well l Excellent verbal and written communication skills. set upon by a trio of l Oyelowo. A moment of raw grounded in their faith. Proficiency in Word, Excel, Outlook, Facility Manager, masked, marauding strangers. Church Office, and data management. greed sets numerous subplots PARENTS: THIS FILM CON- PARENTS: THIS FILM CON- l Strong organizational skills and the ability to work well with in motion. While it’s not family TAINS occasional peril, pos- others. fare, the film as it stands will TAINS bloody violence, acts sible momentary off-screen l Strong understanding of the Catholic faith. satisfy at least some grown of vengeance, profanity, immodesty. The position is a full-time, 40 hour per week position with some hours on Sunday. viewers. rough and occasional crude — CNS; for links to the latest re- PARENTS: THIS FILM CON- language, sexual references, views, visit The Observer Catholic To request an application, please call the parish office at 847.888.1682 x 13 TAINS gun and physical vio- two obscene gestures. Newspaper page on Facebook. 16 | FRIDAY MARCH 16, 2018 | The Observer Nation/World News in Brief Explosive devices detonated in Mexican border churches MEXICO CITY (CNS)—The bishop of Matamoros, across the border from Brownsville, Texas, has expressed alarm after two church explosions within four days. “What initially seemed like an isolated incident has taken a new turn, worrying us deeply, as the faithful and citizens in general have the right to a secure en- vironment, both in their homes and in their meeting places,” said a March 4 statement signed by Bishop Eugenio Lira Rugarcia. An explosive device, described by the diocese as homemade, was detonated during Mass March 4 inside St. Anthony of Padua Par- ish in Matamoros, “without causing injuries or material damage.” The explosion followed a similar incident March 1, when an ex- (CNS photo/Paul Haring) plosion occurred in the Our Lady of Refuge Cathedral. No injuries or damage were reported at the cathedral. New Marian Feast Instituted for Monday After Pentecost A mosaic of Mary as Mother of the Church is seen above St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican in this April 13, 2011, file photo. Pope Francis has instituted a new Marian feast honoring Mary as Mother of the Bishop asks federal government to Church. It will be celebrated every year on the Monday after Pentecost. work for rescue of kidnapped girls LAGOS, Nigeria (CNS)—Bishop Hilary Dachelem of Bauchi has appealed to the Nigerian government and security agencies to work for the rescue of the 110 school girls of the Government Girls Miracles Clear Way for Sainthood of Science and Technical College kidnapped by suspected Boko Pope Paul VI, Archbishop Romero Haram insurgents Feb. 19. The bishop said the government VATICAN CITY (CNS)— fect of the Congregation for should not play partisan poli- Pope Francis has cleared the Saints’ Causes, Pope Francis tics with the issue but “bring way for the canonizations of signed decrees for the causes of smiles to the faces of the par- Blesseds Paul VI and Oscar 13 men and women — among ents of the abducted girls by (CNS photo/Afolabi Sotunde, Reuters) Romero. them two young laywomen and rescuing them and reuniting A relative of one of the missing Ni- At a meeting March 6 with a number of priests and nuns. them with their loved ones.“ gerian school girls reacts Feb. 23. Cardinal Angelo Amato, pre- He recognized a miracle at- tributed to Blessed Paul VI, who, according to Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Vatican secre- tary of state, will be declared www.GOLDEN FRONTIER.org a saint in late October at the Sponsored by Catholic Shrine Pilgrimage end of the Synod of Bishops on

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