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

Volume 78 | No. 1 http://observer.rockforddiocese.org FRIDAY NOVEMBER 23, 2012 Feast of the OK Immaculate First New Conception, Dec. 8, is Preaching Holy Day of Obligation This year, the Feast of the Immaculate Document Conception holy day of obligation falls on a Inside Saturday. But your Saturday evening Mass will not fulfi ll your obligation. In 30 Years Check your parish bulletin to fi nd out BY MARK PATTISON whether your parish will be offering a special Catholic News Service Immaculate Conception vigil Mass on Friday in BALTIMORE—The U.S. addition to a holy day Mass on Saturday. bishops approved their fi rst For the people of the Rockford Diocese, this is Hispanic/Latino Track new document in 30 years on New Feature of Conference a special feast day because Mary, under her title of the preaching Nov. 13, the second pg. 4 Immaculate Conception, is the patron saint of our day of their annual fall general diocese. assembly in Baltimore. The Holy Day has been celebrated since Pius The document, “Preach- IX issued a constitution, Ineffabilis Deus, on Dec. 8, ing the Mystery of Faith: The 1854. In it, he explained that, from the moment of her Sunday Homily,” encourages conception, Mary’s soul was without original sin. preachers to connect the Sunday homily with people’s daily lives. The vote was 227-11, with four The face of Mary is shown in a detail, side view of “The Mens’ Conference Draws Virgin of the Immaculate Conception,” a painted and abstentions. Approval required Many to NIU gilded statue attributed to Juan Martinez Montanes. two-thirds of the membership of pg. 5 It was part of an exhibit — “The Sacred Made Real” — the U.S. Conference of Catholic at the National Gallery of Art in Washington in 2010. Bishops, or 182 votes. The document was prepared (CNS photo/courtesy of National Gallery of Art) Continued on page 13 Auxiliary Kennedy Begins Lecture Series Dec. 2 BY PENNY WIEGERT called the that department, and was also Editor Theologi- Toys, mittens, director of a master of arts in Knights’ Event Gathers Many cal Institute gloves and theology program at St. Paul Holiday Helping Hands ROCKFORD—Bishop Ar- for the New socks will Seminary. pg. 6 thur J. Kennedy will begin Evangeliza- be collected In more recent years, he has Bishop David J. Malloy’s Year tion, known for Catholic served as chair of the Theology of Faith Lecture series, Dec. 2, as TINE. Charities as Department at St. Thomas and and set the stage for the other The TINE ‘admission’ executive director of the United talks in the series. program in- to the Dec. 2 States Conference of Catholic Bishop Kennedy’s topic, cludes Mas- free lecture. Bishops Secretariat for Ecu- “Faith: the Heart of Vatican II ter of Arts menical and Interreligious Af- and the Foundation of the New in Minis- fairs. Evangelization” will provide a try; certifi cates in catechesis, In 2010, he was ordained by Jesus Tells Us About His look at the historical context of Scripture, and apologetics; a Cardinal O’Malley as an auxil- Kingdom the Second Vatican Council as new degree program (the mas- iary Bishop of the Archdiocese The Junior Observer, pg. 12 well as its importance for to- ter of Theological Studies for of Boston along with auxiliary day. the New Evangelization); and Bishop Peter J. Uglietto. Quick News Bishop Kennedy is cur- scholarship funding for the “It is an honor for our diocese rently an auxiliary bishop for programs through the Promise to have Bishop Kennedy speak No Observer Nov. 30 the Archdiocese of Boston for Tomorrow Fund. on a topic for which he is not and serves as the Episcopal Bishop Kennedy There will be no issue of The Bishop Kennedy was or- only experienced, but also very Vicar for the New Evangeliza- Observer on Nov. 30, a fi fth demic and faith formation pro- dained a priest for the Arch- committed,” said Bishop Mal- tion there. He was appointed Friday. The next issue will be grams while establishing new diocese of Boston at St. Pe- loy. to that post by Archbishop of ter’s Basilica in in 1966 Dec. 7. programs that prepare semi- Bishop invited speakers Boston Cardinal Sean Patrick narians and lay leaders for the and spent the following eight O’Malley in 2010. This Issue future. years of service at parishes in Each speaker in the Year of Bishop Kennedy has served Methuen and East Boston. Bishop Malloy ...... 2 During his tenure at the sem- Faith Lecture Series was per- Headliners ...... 3 as rector of St. John’s Semi- In 1974 Cardinal Medeiros sonally selected and invited by nary since July 2007. In fi ve inary, the cardinal and Bishop Diocesan ...... 4-7 granted him permission to ac- Bishop Malloy, who will act years, he has been instrumen- Kennedy announced the estab- cept a position as a member Around the Diocese ...... 8-11 as host for each lecture, which tal in signifi cantly increasing lishment of the new institute of the theology faculty at the will begin at 6:30 p.m. with The Junior Observer ...... 12 the number of seminarians en- of faith formation at St. John’s. University of St. Thomas in St. evening prayer. Nation/World ...... 13-15 rolled, advancing the cardinal’s Embracing and expanding the Paul, Minn. “I look forward to these lec- Faith Forum ...... 16 goal of expanding the seminary seminary’s current offerings When the university later tures being well-attended,” said Viewpoints ...... 17 to a regional presence, enhanc- for the laity as well as for per- established a Catholic Studies Bishop Malloy. “I truly believe For the Record ...... 18 ing the seminary’s status of manent deacons and professed program, Bishop Kennedy was the insights from these very Media/Arts ...... 18-19 national prominence in its aca- religious, the new institute is named a faculty member in Continued on page 5 2 FRIDAY NOVEMBER 23, 2012 | The Observer

Make a Special Point of Thanking

The Observer (ISSN 0029- God for All His Gifts this Holiday 7739), is published weekly, except five times a year by by Bishop David J. Malloy the Diocese of Rockford, 555 Colman Center Dr., P.O. here are two days of gifts during the past year by t may well be true that Thanksgiving? Box 7044, Rockford, IL 61125 the year that have al- coming to that Mass before be- when we are overwhelmed Why not follow the example Phone: 815/399-4300; Fax ways made an impres- ginning the work on the turkey with gifts, lavished as we of that one grateful leper this 815/399-6225. sion on me since my or the ritual of visits and foot- are with God’s love, we can week? You could do it this Periodical postage paid at Tearliest years as a priest. They ball. Ibegin to take that generosity for way: first take a little bit of qui- Rockford, Ill., and additional mail offices. do so because I have seen time Saying “thank you” to God is granted, even without intending et time and make a list (men- and again how, even though the a fundamental part of our faith. to do so. tally or by writing it out) of all POSTMASTER: send address days are not a Sunday or a holy Our very existence is His gift to Think for example of the 10 of the gifts of God that you can changes to The Observer, 555 day of obligation, many people each one of us. And from there, lepers cured by Christ as re- recall having benefitted from Colman Center Dr., P.O. Box come to Mass. every grace, every blessing, and corded in the Gospel. Isn’t that since last Thanksgiving. Start 7044, Rockford, IL 61125 The first of those days is Ash the calling to eternal life with a great story of gratitude? Nine with the gifts involving those For ADVERTISING information: Wednesday. Yes, they are com- Him is an on-going gift of His of the lepers rejoiced in the gift closest to you: spouse, family Contact The Observer at the ing for ashes, which will often love and generosity. We should of their healed bodies and flesh and friends. address above or call 815/399- be proudly worn to the office or be grateful 24/7! and, presumably, ran off to see Have t hat fi r m ly i n m i nd when 4300; fax 815/399-6225, school or around the house. But Still, I wonder if we were to family and friends from whom attending Mass this Thanksgiv- E-mail: rbergman@ rockforddiocese.org. even more, there is a sense of a ask ourselves if we say thank they had been separated by the ing weekend. Then go, prefer- day of real penance, of a need to you to God each day, or if we disease. Can you blame them? ably with the whole family. Be Send NEWS information to The draw closer to God. And what even asked when was the last Still, one turned right around. like the leper who had his pri- Observer at the address or fax better way than that first Mass time we thanked God explicitly, That one former leper probably orities and his thoughts right. number above, or send e-mail of Lent? we might feel a pang of con- had the same family members Hearts filled with gratitude to Observer@rockforddiocese. org. The other day that often draws science. and relatives that he longed to are a part of our right relation people to Mass is Thanksgiv- Perhaps this fits in nicely be with. But first, he returned with God. Don’t let this Thanks- Subscription rate $28.00 per ing. with the Year of Faith, and Pope to Christ and fell at his feet in giving holiday go by without an year (48 issues); Canadian Just as people seem to be Benedict’s hope that our efforts thanks. Having done that, hav- explicit prayer of thanks to God and Pan American $29; other moved to an act of penance on during this spiritual time will ing rightly rendered homage for all of His blessings. foreign: surface mail $37, air Ash Wednesday, many seem arouse a greater sense of faith to God, then he went about his And a most Blessed Thanks- moved to make a particular act and deepened sense of gratitude joyful business. giving to you and to your Staff — Publisher: of thanks to God for so many to God as well. Isn’t that a great model for family. Most Reverend David J. Malloy

From Angelus, St. Peter’s Square, The Pope on ... their earthly support but God Associate Publisher: Nov. 11 remains their spouse, their Msgr. Eric Barr parent. The Liturgy of the Word (Nov. Editor: Penny Wiegert 11) gives us two widows as Yet, Scripture says that the News Editor: Amanda Hudson models of faith. They are pre- objective state of need, in this sented in parallel: one in the case being a widow, does not Features Editor: Sharon First Book of Kings (17:10-16) suffice: God always asks for Boehlefeld and the other in the Gospel of our free adherence to faith, that it is expressed in love for Circulation/Proofreading: Mark (12:41-44). Both these (CNS photo/Alessia Pierdomenico, Reuters) Susan Sabrowski, women are very poor and it Him and for our neighbor. Keith Ludolph, Ronald Bergman is precisely this condition that Faith and Charity No one is so poor that he Jill Bonk speaks of their great faith in cannot give something. And, Accounting: him, flour and oil will not be she had, her whole living” (Mk God. in fact, both of these widows wanting; she listens and is 12:44). Client Services: from today demonstrate their Ronald Bergman The first appears in the series rewarded. of narratives about the prophet From these two biblical pas- faith by carrying out an act of The second widow in the Production and Web Elijah. In a time of famine, he sages, wisely juxtaposed, one charity: one for the prophet Gospel is noticed by Jesus at Administrator: Gary Haughton receives an order from the can learn a valuable lesson and the other by almsgiving. the temple in Jerusalem — to Lord to go to pagan territory about the faith. It appears as Thus they attest to the insepa- Contributing Writers: Father be precise, at the treasury — John Slampak, Msgr. Aaron near Sidon, outside Israel. an interior attitude of he who rable unity between faith and where men and women are Brodeski, Father Kenneth There he meets a widow and bases his life on God, on the love, as between love of God giving alms. Jesus sees this Doyle, Keith Ludolph, Lynne asks her for water to drink and word, and trusts totally in Him. and love of one’s neighbor — Conner, George Weigel, Father woman throwing two coins a little bread. Ronald Rolheiser, Tony Carton, into the treasury; he then calls Being a widow in antiquity was as the Gospel of last Sunday reminded us. Dr. Owen Phelps, Thomas The woman replies that there his disciples and explains that in itself a condition of grave Craughwell, Pat Szpekowski is only a handful of flour and her contribution is greater need. This is why in the Bible May Mary help each one of us a drop of oil, but, since the than that of the rich, because, widows and orphans were too, during this Year of Faith, Publication Dates: people whom God cared for in Weekly except that in 2012 prophet insists and prom- while they gave of their plenty, to strengthen our faith in God there will be no issues on Jan. ises her that, if she listens to the widow put in “everything a special way: they have lost and in His Word. 6, March 30, June 29, Aug. 31 and Dec. 28. Bishop Malloy’s Section of the Knights of AURORA – Dec. 5, 9 a.m., ALGONQUIN – Dec. 9, News Deadlines: the Holy Sepulchre, St. Rita All School Mass, Holy Angels 11 a.m., Sunday Mass, St. Usually, 10 days before publica- Public Schedule tion date. Parish School Margaret Mary Parish ROME, Italy – Nov. 21-26, Ad Deadlines: ROCKFORD – Dec. 2, 7:30 ROCKFORD – Dec. 6, 8 ROCKFORD – Dec. 10, Consistory for New Cardinals a.m., Sunday Mass, Cathedral a.m., Mass with Diocesan Usually, 10 days before publica- 10:05 a.m., Catholic Forum, tion date. on Nov. 24 of St. Peter Employees, Diocesan WROK 1440AM Administration Center ROCKFORD – Nov. ROCKFORD – Dec. 2, 3 29, 10:45 a.m., Diocesan ROCKFORD – Dec. 11, 2 p.m., Confirmation, St. Rita ROCKFORD – Dec. 6, 11 Official information on the poli- Finance Council, Diocesan Parish a.m., Retired Priests’ Mass p.m., Presbyteral Council, cies, activities, and positions Administration Center and Christmas Luncheon, St. Diocesan Administration of the Diocese of Rockford is ROCKFORD – Dec. 2, 6:30 Rita Parish Center released only in the pages of ROCK FALLS – Nov. 30, p.m., Year of Faith Lecture The Observer, or in state- 5:30 p.m., Mass for the 60th Series talk presented by ROCKFORD – Dec. ments from the Diocesan anniversary of St. Andrew Bishop Arthur Kennedy, Wahl 8, 9 a.m., Diocesan Bishop Doran’s Office of Communications and Publications. School and the feast of St. Hall, St. Rita Parish Pastoral Council, Diocesan Public Schedule Andrew, St. Andrew Parish Administration Center ROCKFORD – Dec. 3, The Observer uses recycled ROCKFORD – Nov. 26, SUGAR GROVE – Dec. 1, 10:05 a.m., Catholic Forum, CARPENTERSVILLE – paper and is recyclable. 10:05 a.m., Catholic Forum, 10 a.m., Mass and Dedication WROK 1440AM Dec. 8, 6 p.m., Sunday Mass, Our Mission is the mission of St. Anthony Chapel at St. St. Monica Parish WROK 1440AM AURORA – Dec. 4, 6 p.m., of the Church itself — to Katharine Drexel Parish Mass and Installation of Msgr. ROCKFORD – Dec. 9, 7:30 CRYSTAL LAKE – Nov. 27, spread the Gospel through 7:15 p.m., Votive Mass, St. contemporary means of ROCKFORD – Dec. 1, 4:30 Arquimedes Vallejo as Pastor, a.m., Sunday Mass, Cathedral communications. p.m., Mass for the Rockford Sacred Heart Parish of St. Peter Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish The Observer | FRIDAY NOVEMBER 23, 2012 3

Headliners Msgr. Vallejo Becomes Pastor in Aurora AURORA—Msgr. Arqui- at the Pontifical University of judge for the Rockford Dioc- ber of the diocesan Liturgical medes Vallejo, J.C.D., was ap- St. Thomas Aquinas in Bogota, esan Tribunal in September Commission, was an associate pointed as pastor of Sacred the Holy Cross Pontifical Uni- 2000. He became Judicial Vic- at St. Therese Parish in Aurora Heart Parish, here, effective versity in Rome and the Gre- ar (Vice Officialis) for the Tri- and in residence for a time at St. Oct. 22. He has been parochial gorian Pontifical University in bunal effective July 1, 2006. Bridget Parish in Loves Park. administrator at Sacred Heart Rome. He holds degrees in phi- Msgr. Vallejo also served as Msgr. Vallejo was incardinat- Parish since 2009. losophy with a doctorate and a delegate of Bishop Thomas ed in the Diocese of Rockford Msgr. Vallejo was ordained licentiate in canon law with a G. Doran for Hispanic ministry in February 2002. He began to the priesthood in the Diocese specialization in jurisprudence. and as chairman of the bishop’s service as parochial adminis- of Garagoa, Colombia, on Dec. He came to the Diocese of advisory committee for Hispan- trator for St. Nicholas Parish in Msgr. Vallejo 2, 1989. He studied philoso- Rockford after a brief time of ic ministry. He was appointed Aurora on Aug. 15, 2005, and phy and theology at the Major service in the tribunal at the as the Episcopal Vicar for His- was appointed to the same po- with the title of “monsignor” Seminary in Tunja Boyaea and Archdiocese of Chicago and panic Ministry on Aug. 1, 2002. sition at Sacred Heart Parish on late in 2004. He became a U.S. completed postgraduate work began service as an auditor He has served also as a mem- June 1, 2009. He was honored citizen in January 2008. KC Council 15530 Begins at Rockford’s St. Bernadette Parish ROCKFORD—On Nov. 3, are the founding members and Knights of Columbus Council whose names are on the charter 15530 was formed at St. Berna- document, which will be dis- dette Church, here. played prominently within the Father Ken Stachyra, pastor, parish. celebrated the 4:45 Mass with Unity is a major principle of members of the new coun- the Knights of Columbus and cil and the congregation. Af- it was displayed in a most ex- ter Mass, a pasta dinner was emplary way by the members served to a filled parish center. of Bishop Muldoon Council After dinner, Father Stachyra 470, who volunted to do kitch- explained the importance of en duty while the new council the Knights being a part of the members enjoyed their night of parish community. recognition. “With the Knights of Colum- “Charity will be put into ac- bus and the principles that are tion on a whole new level be- their foundation,” he said, “our cause the Knights are here at parish can only grow stronger St. Bernadette’s,” said Father (Photo provided) in our faith and guide the many Stachyra. Surrounding their charter are officers for the new Knights of Columbus St. Joseph the Worker Council 15530 men to be better fathers and During their first tootsie roll at St. Bernadette Parish in Rockford (from left) Thomas Conboy, financial secretary; Jeffrey Metters, grand husbands.” charity drive for the intellec- knight; Father Ken Stachyra, chaplain; and John Goral Jr., deputy grand knight. The council was established Jeff Peters, district deputy, tually disabled in September, Nov. 3. represented Supreme Knight parish members donated more Carl Anderson and State Dep- than $500 in the weekend. uty Rich Spada, in establishing The future of the Knights at the council in honor of St. Jo- St. Bernadette will offer men’s seph the Worker. spiritual programs, youth ac- Peters relayed the gratitude tivities, charity fund drives, of the Knights of Columbus to Right to Life and Culture of Help Yourself and Your Parish ... those who were instrumental Life rallies, as well as KC in creating and organizing the breakfasts, dinners and infor- with a charitable gift annuity. With your donation (cash, stocks or other assets) new council, especially Father mational events. Stachyra, Tom Conboy and Jef- The evening ended with to the Catholic Foundation for the People of the Diocese of Rockford, we agree frey Metters. prayer and the Knights of Co- to pay you (and your parish if you choose) a fixed amount each year for the rest Charter certificates were lumbus closing ode, sung by of your life. presented to the 52 men who all. In addition to providing a gift to your parish or school and receiving fixed Magnificat Breakfast to be Dec. 8 payments for life, you also receive these benefits:

At Church of Holy Apostles l Your initial gift is partially income tax–deductible. MCHENRY—Trudy Har- Magnificat Prayer l Your charitable gift annuity payments are partially income tax–free ris, RN, a former hospice throughout your estimated life expectancy. nurse, author of “Glimpses of- Breakfast 9 a.m.-12:30 p.m., Dec. 8, Heaven” and “More Glimpses l Your payments are not affected by ups and downs in the economy. of Heaven,” and blogger for Church of Holy Apostles, Guideposts.com, will share 5211 W. Bull Valley Road, l The gift annuity can be for one or two people, so your spouse or true stories of hope and peace McHenry from those at the end of life at another loved one can also receive payments for life. the Dec. 8 Magnificat Prayer Speaker: Trudy Harris, RN Breakfast, here. Cost: $15 If you use appreciated stock to make a gift, you can usually eliminate capital gains tax Info: Dee Slowey, 815/893-4061 Tickets, $15 each, are avail- on a portion of the gift and spread the rest of the gain over your life expectancy. able by sending a self-addressed Lakewood, IL 60014. Include stamped envelope and check your phone number on your Rates begin at 4.7% for donors age 65 and go up to 9% for those 90+. payable to Magnificat-McHen- check. ry Chapter to Dee Slowey 8709 For more information, call Shade Tree Circle, Village of Slowey at 815/893-4061. To learn more about charitable gift annuities as a way to support yourself, parish Corrections and CLARIFICATIONS or our Diocese, please consult The address for Aurora Central Catholic High School, site of www.FoundationRockford.org or the Feb. 21, 2013, Bishop Malloy Year of Faith lecture, was incorrect in Worth the Wait, Nov. 16. The school is at 1225 N. contact the Office of Stewardship Development Edgelawn Dr. in Aurora. at 815-399-4300. The Observer regrets the error. 4 FRIDAY NOVEMBER 23, 2012 | The Observer

Diocesan Hispanic/Latino Track New Feature of Conference By Lynne Conner culture and tend more for Eng- Observer Correspondent lish,” she said. “When the Church provides ROCKFORD—“We are a ministry in Spanish, then team going through this to- these generations can come to- gether,” said Lorrie Gramer, gether and share in the Catho- Diocesan Director of the Fam- lic faith. This faith model not ily Life Office. only builds up the Church, it Gramer was referring to the also strengthens the family,” new addition of a Hispanic/ Dr. Luzondo said. Latino track at the Marriage- Building Parish Fall Confer- Responses positive ence held on Saturday, Nov. 10 David and Martha Meus of at the Northern Illinois Univer- St. Mary Parish in Huntley, sity Rockford Campus. who attended the conference, Gramer said that the Fam- have been involved with the ily Life Office recognizes the Theology on Tap program for importance of reaching out to young adults and were pleased the diocesan Hispanic popu- Bishop Malloy to find such a variety of couples lation by offering some of the at the event. conference’s training sessions “The effort to change “Marriage ministry in gener- in Spanish. “There is a lot of al reaches out to couples of all passion among Hispanics for the nature of marriage age groups and for us, as young the idea of strengthening mar- … to change the adults, we definitely see a need riages and families and there is (Observer photo by Penny Wiegert) nature of the truth, is for ministry to young adults. a lot that we, as English speak- Msgr. Arquimedes Vallejo (right), director of Hispanic Ministry, listens Sometimes young adults feel ers can learn,” Gramer said. to a presentation with other conference attendees. to do something that disconnected from the Church To that end, Dr. Lucia Baez cannot be done.” and offering programs that are Luzondo, director of Fam- Couples, Defense of Marriage, ture of marriage … to change specific to them helps to fuel ily Life for the Archdiocese of Elizabeth Ministry, Pornogra- the nature of the truth, is to — Bishop David J. Malloy their faith and build the Church Miami and Msgr. Arquimedes phy Recovery, Fully Engaged do something that cannot be as a whole,” Martha said. Vallejo, Rockford Diocese di- and several others. done,” Bishop Malloy said. Luis and Sonia Patino of St. rector of Hispanic Ministry While the bishop’s talk pre- Rita Parish in Aurora attended each presented training ses- Bishop focuses on truth sented some of what he called the conference and were im- sions in Spanish at the confer- Bishop David J. Malloy “the dark clouds” coming to pressed with several compo- ence. opened the conference with a challenge marriage and people Msgr. Vallejo spoke on ‘Retos talk about the truth of the faith nents of the day. of faith, he also pointed out the “It was very nice for the His- y Respuestos En el Ministerio and the truth the church teaches. benefits of cooperating with A Las Nuevas Familias in Mi- “Why go into the truth?” panic Catholics here today to God’s plan and His teaching. meet Bishop Malloy. He seems grantes’ (“Goals and Answers Bishop Malloy asked. “The greatest witness (to the in the Ministry to New Migrant “Because it applies to mar- very down-to-earth and ap- permanence of marriage) are proachable,” Sonia said. “I also Families”) and Dr. Luzondo riage,” he answered. “The truth the people who are living it. It presented talks on “God’s Plan binds us. It is the truth that very much enjoyed the presen- can be done,” Bishop Malloy tations by John McGrath and for Marriage and Family, its unites us and brings us peace.” said. Challenges in Today’s Culture” Bishop Malloy went on to Dr. Luzondo,” she added. He asked people to be aware “I attended the Hispanic and “How to Have a Fireproof speak to some of the threats of the dark clouds but also to Marriage.” track today and felt it was very against marriage, which he said “be aware and be witnesses to The Hispanic track at the included cohabitation, societial well done,” Luis said. “What I the truth.” conference was held in addi- acceptance of single-sex cou- really enjoyed was that Bishop He also addressed the group tion to topics in English which ples, artificial contraception Dr. Luzondo Malloy not only addressed the in Spanish. His talk brought the included: Theology on Tap, and pornography. to the United States tend to audience in English, but he also audience to its feet and some to Promoting NFP to Married “The effort to change the na- maintain Spanish as the princi- spoke to us in Spanish. This the verge of happy tears. pal language in their household was very important to us be- Change requires training and the Hispanic culture as a cause it gives us the sense that “Since half of the Catho- way of being. he cares about Hispanic Catho- lic Church’s population in the “The children of these par- lics, too. It was wonderful.” United States is Hispanic; and ents that are born and/or raised Observer Editor Penny Wiegert that number is projected to in- here have more of an American also contributed to this story. crease over the next 20 to 30 years, we need ministers who are well-formed in our faith to pass on that faith to the next generation,” Dr. Luzondo said. Generational and cultural differences within Hispanic families are also a concern to Dr. Luzondo who sees the Catholic faith as a shared ex- (Observer photo by Penny Wiegert) perience for parents and their (Observer photo by Lynne Conner) Each person at the conference received a copy of a prayer, “Act of Fam- children. Couples take part in break-out groups at the Marriage Building confer- ily Consecration” with other handouts. “Hispanic parents that come ence.

Weekdaysabout Like 6:58 a.m. Top o’ the Morning with Bishop Malloy The Observer Live on WREX-TV, Channel 13 in Rockford. Listen anytime to archived broadcasts at http://observer.rockforddiocese.org. Click on Bishop Malloy. on WREX-TV Catholic Programs brought to you by Diocesan Office of Communications and Publications | The Observer | Office of Stewardship, Diocese of Rockford Savant Capital Management | Hinshaw & Culbertson, Attorneys at Law | Provena Cor Mariae and St. Ann Center Newspaper on

Mondays about Catholic Forum with Bishop Malloy 10:05 a.m. Live on WROK Radio, 1440 AM in Rockford and on the Web. For live streaming audio on the Web, go to http://observer.rockforddiocese. on WROK-AM org, click on Bishop Malloy and then click on Catholic Forum. Listen anytime to archived broadcasts at http://observer.rockforddiocese.org. The Observer | FRIDAY NOVEMBER 23, 2012 5

Diocesan St. Michael to Host Mens’ Conference Draws Many to NIU The 18th Great Lakes Mens’ Conference, held at Northern Illinois University in DeKalb, Galena Christmas Nov. 17, drew about 650 par- ticipants, up from the previous year. Speakers included Dr. Mar- Concert Nov. 28 cellino D’Ambrosio (right), Brian GALENA—The 2012 United of the St. Matthew Lutheran Rooney (far left) and Patrick Ma- Churches of Galena Christmas Church Choir. drid (left). In addition to hearing Concert will be held at 7 p.m., The concert is free, but dona- (Observer photos by Ron Bergman) talks, checking displays and at- Nov. 28 at St. Michael Church, tions collected at the end of the tending Mass, men waited patiently to go to confession (below). 227 S. Bench St., here. performance will be given to Musicians from ten Galena the United Churches of Galena congregations will participate, Food Pantry. along with the Galena High Gerald Moore, owner of School Jazz and Vocal En- Healing Touch of Galena Mas- semble, the Tri-State Christian sage Therapy, has offered to School Mixed Ensemble, the double the offerings up to Community Handbell Choir, $6,000. The gift is available the United Churches Taizé Or- only to match the offering on chestra and the Galena Brass. the night of the concert. Because of the diversity of A reception for performers performers, the concert will and those attending will be feature a wide range of musi- held after the concert in Dolan cal styles from the traditional Hall, downstairs at St. Michael. to the very modern, all focused Each of the last several years’ on the events surrounding the concerts have been standing Bishop Lane to Host Women’s Silent Retreat birth of Jesus in Bethlehem room only, so plan to come ROCKFORD—“Shhh... bustle of this hectic time to join Women should bring a Bible, some 2,000 years ago. early. Hours and Hours of Sweet Si- with other women in the offer- rosary, journal, and anything The climax of the concert Parking is available in the St. lence,” a silent, Advent wom- ings of this retreat led by Carol else with which they pray. will be a performance by the Michael lot, on the street and en’s prayer retreat, is scheduled Sullivan. Space is limited; all sleeping combined choirs of “God Rest in the Miller-Steinke Funeral from 7 p.m. Dec. 7 to 3 p.m. The retreat includes group rooms will be private. Ye Merry, Gentlemen,” con- Home lot (if there is no visita- Dec. 9 at Bishop Lane Retreat prayer, Mass, private recon- Cost is $150 for two nights ducted by Jan Etzel, director tion that evening). Center, 7708 E. McGregor ciliation, Scripture, Adoration, and five meals. To register, call Road. Stations of the Cross, presenta- Bishop Lane Retreat Center at Participants will be able to tions and precious silence alone 815/965-5011 or send email to Boston Auxiliary Bishop Kennedy pull away from the hustle and with God. [email protected] Begins Lecture Series Dec. 2 From page 1 his lecture at 7 p.m. There will knowledgeable speakers will be generous time for questions assist our diocesan Catholic followed by social time with people in fulfilling the request the speaker and Bishop Mal- of our Holy Father to deepen loy. their relationship with Christ All Catholics are encouraged (Photo provided) in this Year of Faith, and pro- to attend these lectures and are Elcardunal Assembly 2381 Fourth Degree Knights of Columbus Communion Honor Guard took part in a vide a rich understanding of welcome to bring guests. Columbus Day Mass, Oct. 8, at St. Mary Church in Huntley. St. Mary Knights of Columbus Council 11666 church documents and teach- Each lecture will also sponsored the Mass. ing,” he said. be available live on the After a brief introduction, diocesan website at www. Bishop Kennedy will begin rockforddiocese.org. Marmion, Rosary to Sponsor 11th Annual Grade School Honor Concert AURORA—The Marmion- tion leaders from the Marmion- Rosary Band will sponsor the Rosary Band and Chorus di- 11th annual Grade School Hon- recting the sectional rehearsals. or Band and Chorus concert at Stephen Thurlow, director 6:30 p.m., Jan. 20, 2013. of the Marmion-Rosary Band, Instrumental and vocal mu- and Brian Birch, director of the sic students from both Catholic Marmion Men’s Chorus, will and public schools are eligible conduct the ensembles. to participate. The festival will begin at Advanced grade-school mu- 12:30 p.m. at the Marmion Saturday, sicians will be brought together Academy gym, 1000 Butter- for a day to develop their skills field Road, Aurora. December 1st, 2012 and meet fellow young musi- Rehearsal will be 1-5 p.m., cians from the area. followed by a pizza dinner for 9:00 AM Chorus selections include participants. “Agnus Dei” by John Levitt, There will be a concert open “Bailemos” by Perry-Taylor, to the public in the Marmion “It’s A Beautiful Day” by gym at 6:30 p.m. and will con- Bono, “Two Part Cannon” by clude at 7:15 p.m. Mozart and “I’se The B’y” by Application deadline for mu- Telfer. sicians is Nov. 28. Check with Band selections will include school band or chorus directors “Dark Fortress Overture” by for nomination forms. Rob Grice, “Train Heading There is an $8 per student West” by Timothy Broege, participation fee, along with “Revolutionary Anthem” by a student application form. Douglas Court, “Carpathian For additional forms or in- Sketches” by Robert Jager, and formation, call 630/897-6936, “Rain” by Brian Balmages. ext. 216, or email sthurlow@ The ensembles will have sec- marmion.org. 6 FRIDAY NOVEMBER 23, 2012 | The Observer

D iocesan Knights’ Event Gathers Many Holiday Helping Hands By Amanda Hudson the first year’s event because News editor of the many people who come to help. Indeed, several volun- MCHENRY—“The first year teers flow into the parish cen- we had 20 guys and five vans,” ter extra-early this morning to recalls Ron Rogers, a Knight of choose and make ready their Columbus who organized that stations. handful of brother Knights six Self-proclaimed “mac and years ago to provide holiday cheese and brownie people,” meals for 68 needy families. Holy Apostles parishioners The next year, he started Nancy Gundelach and her earlier and asked the Knights’ granddaughter Alex Dumez re- Council 1288 for assistance. turned for their fourth year. He also asked Father Robert “It’s a way to give back,” Sherry, then pastor of Church Gundelach says with a smile, of Holy Apostles, if he could adding that she is happy to speak at Masses and put a note help because the Knights are “a in the bulletin for donations. great organization, and (it is a “And it just exploded,” Rog- matter of) just knowing that it’s ers says. That second year, what God wants us to do.” the Knights and their help- Dumez brought a friend this ers packed about 300 boxes of year, and both of the McHenry (Observer photos by Amanda Hudson) food for the Thanksgiving and East High School seniors are Participants hold hands and pray together with Father Paul White after the food stations were stocked but Christmas holidays. happy to earn some service before the boxes begin to be loaded up with food. This year, 150-200 volun- hours for their work. Dumez teers joined the Knights on says she and her grandmother chair of the event with Rogers. Nov. 17 to pack up boxes of helped with deliveries to four Planning starts early food for 350 needy families, families last year. The Knights, he says, begin with plans set to do it again for “It was nice to see the smiles planning the event in August, an anticipated 450 families for on their faces when we brought bringing it to the three McHen- Christmas. the boxes to their doors,” she ry parishes in October “and do- The first list of families came says. nations just start coming in.” from three organizations. Now Service hours drew several All of the donated money names come from the three other high school students, in- goes directly to purchasing the McHenry parishes, St. Vin- cluding Roger’s son, Ryan, and food, Caner says, adding that cent de Paul Society, Catholic Liam Knudsen, the son of an- the Knights pick up the tab for Charities and other Catholic other committee member. Both all additional expenses. and community organizations. of these Marian Central Catho- This is the fourth year that Christ the King Parish in Won- lic High School students also Several volunteers were responsible for moving boxes of food outside, the food has been purchased der Lake also provided volun- claim the event is fun. Ryan some to be delivered and others to be picked up by recipient families. from and delivered by Meijer teers, donations and recipient says the morning will be a time This trailer was packed with boxes to be distributed through Christ the Foods, and the Knights bring names this year. of “organized chaos.” King Parish in Wonder Lake. store manager Josh Weaver Each box of food costs about Events get easier and members of his staff to the $50, and donations for the food but before the packing begins. including “May (recipients) These larger events, Rogers stage to thank them for their run from $5 up to thousands of As part of what has become a see the face of God in us, and says, happen more easily than service once the food is in place dollars, says Chuck Caner, co- traditional pause before every- may we see the face of God in thing gets rolling, Father Paul them.” White, pastor, introduces him- A group photo of all the vol- self and provides a blessing, Continued on page 11

Boxes are taped shut with special Knights of Columbus tape after being filled with approximately $50 worth of non-perishable food. Outside, a coat drive provided a selection of coats for any who needed them. Others Share Goal of Feeding Hungry

(Photo provided)

(Photo provided) Knights of Columbus Council 9167 of St. John the Baptist Church in St. Bridget Parish Ministry group of Loves Park feeds the hungry at Carpenters Place in Rockford every Johnsburg conducted a two day Food Drive at Angelo’s Food Store month. Their November menu for 100 guests was creamed turkey on biscuits with vegetables, yams, in Johnsburg to benefit Friends In Service Here (FISH). The effort gar- tossed salad, pumpkin bars and milk. Among volunteers are (from left) Vince Kelso, Sue LaFever, Dana Sla- nered more than 18 food carts of food and $354 in cash. Knights Jerry baugh, Nelda Ruscitti, Dawn Thomas, Monica Kelso and Sue Rabor. Tomaselli and Ross Randazzo stand with some of the food carts. The Observer | FRIDAY NOVEMBER 23, 2012 7

Diocesan

“For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink.” — Matthew 25:35 Diocesan Students Help Feed Needy at Thanksgiving

On Nov. 15, junior high students and chaperones from St. Mary School, Sycamore, helped feed starving children in poor nations by packing meals during Make a Difference 2013 Mobile Pack for the nonprofit organization, Feed My Starving Children. With other school groups in the Cornerstone Christian school gymnasium, by the end of their two-hour shift, the group had packed 271 cases of “Manna Pack Rice,” enough meals to feed 130 children for one year. Students from St. Mary packing meals of dehydrated chick- en, vegetables, soy, and rice are (from left) Riley Herrmann, Johnathan Liu, Libby Swedberg, Nathan Ocker, and Addison Schaefges.

(Photos provided) Students of St. Laurence School and families of St. Laurence Parish in Elgin unload 65 Thanksgiving baskets for families in need during the holiday.

Eighteen teens from the parishes of St. Mary and St. Michael in Galena, Holy Trinity in Scales Mound and several other neighboring parish communities, who are part of the Youth Foundation for God’s Nation, on the weekend of Oct. 20 and 21, took pledges to sleep outside in cardboard boxes on the lawn of St. Mary for one night. They listened to speakers from the Dubuque Rescue Mission, prepared a meal which was then later served to 50 people at the Mission, and were surprised by a morning talk given by Rockford seminar- Become a Catholic Order of Foresters ian Sean Grismer via Skype. Grismer was a Totus Tuus leader in Galena two years ago and a retreat leader for the Youth Foundation for God’s Nation last spring. From Rome, he spoke to them on the theme: ”What Are (COF) field representative and, You Hungry For?” and challenged them to satisfy their hunger with a relationship with Jesus. After breakfast • Be a leader in your Catholic community and Mass, the teens went to the United Churches of Galena Food Pantry and presented them with a check for $2,200. • Strive for personal and professional growth • Work for yourself but not by yourself • Receive customized training Experience not required.

As a COF agent you will help fellow Catholics realize their financial goals and need for security, utilizing top-quality life insurance and annuity products. Is Catholic Order of Foresters the right fit for you?

Call Tom Adamson Toll-free: 800-552-0145 [email protected] © 2012 Catholic Order of Foresters RFO 11/12 © 2012 Catholic Order of Foresters

A Catholic Fraternal Benefit Life Insurance Society Since 1883 355 Shuman Boulevard, PO Box 3012, Naperville, IL 60566-7012 Kindergarten and third-grade students from St. Catherine of Siena Catholic School in West Dundee took www.catholicforester.org • Toll-free: 800-552-0145 TTY: 800-617-4176 a field trip to Jewel-Osco in West Dundee on Nov. 12, where they bought 35 turkeys for the F.I.S.H. Food Pantry in Carpentersville. To request more information visit www.catholicforester.org

RFORec1112.indd 1 11/1/2012 8:53:00 AM 8 FRIDAY NOVEMBER 23, 2012 | The Observer

Around the Diocese Saints and Service Honored

Second-, third- and fifth-graders at St. Rita School in Rockford orga- nized a Living Rosary on Oct. 30 to honor our Mother Mary. Gianna Berg portrayed Mary.

(Photos provided) The saints, indeed, were marching in at St. Mary Church in McHenry. The Montini Middle School students celebrated the Feast of All Saints Day with Mass and were dressed as their favorite saints.

Students at St. Mary School in Dixon dressed as their favorite saints in honor of All Saints Day.

The annual Saints Parade at St. Mary Parish in Elgin was Oct. 28. Father Chris Kuhn interviewed the members of the heavenly host, including two “angels” that appeared.

St. Mary School in Sycamore remembered saints and souls recently. During the Nov. 1 Mass for students at St. Mary Church in Sycamore, fifth- and sixth-graders processed in as a saint while the congregation sang the litany of the saints. On All Hallows Eve, fifth- and sixth-graders set up their second Saint Fair in the Par- ish Activity Center. Each student wrote a report and decorated a display board. Younger students could pick-up coloring pages and holy cards. Free books, CDs, holy cards, bookmarks and blessed medals were St. Mary Church in McHenry honored Veterans on Nov. 9. Montini Mid- available and there were drawings for rosaries similar to the one Blessed Mother Teresa used. On Nov. 2, dle School students hosted a Mass, which Father Robert Balog, pastor, fourth- through sixth-graders attached names of deceased family members and friends to a sandwich bag celebrated. After Mass, Father Balog blessed the bell (above) located with a treat. Principal Ross Bubolz handed them out when the students knocked on the door of a house outside of the church, which has been moved due to upcoming road next to the school. Students took their treats to the church and prayed for the person whose name was construction, and Mike Freund played “Taps” on the trumpet. After- stapled to the bag. During the month of November, the students said daily the prayer Jesus gave St. Ger- wards, Montini students (shown below during bell blessing) served a trude for the souls in purgatory. continental breakfast to veterans and their families in Mary Hall. The Marmion JROTC Cadet Corps honored all veterans, especially deceased alumni veterans of war during the annual Veterans’ Day Observance Ceremony on Nov. 9. Guest of honor was Father Paul Weberg, OSB. Father Paul, a Marmion Abbey monk and Marmion Academy theology teacher, serves as a Military Chaplain in the Illinois Army National Guard and has been deployed to Iraq, Italy, and Botswana, as well as to many locations within the United States. Cadet Connor Dunleavy (left) honors deceased Marmion alumni veterans of war. The Observer | FRIDAY NOVEMBER 23, 2012 9

Around the Diocese Going on Now McHenry Deanery

FREEPORT Frances Kreutzer (left front) is Adesse tickets: All Aquin Adesse surrounded by Huntley’s St. Mary raffle tickets are $20 until Dec. 2, Knights of Columbus Council when the price goes up to $25. The 11666 members and their 365-days-of-winning begins Jan. 1, 2013. Proceeds support Aquin families who cleaned Kreutzer Catholic Schools. Info: 815/232- Road from the entrance to St. 6416 or 815/232-3154, ext. 224. Mary Church parking lot west to HUNTLEY the railroad tracks, Oct. 20. The Student essay contest: St. Mary of council will clean this section Huntley Knights of Columbus Council again in April. Knight Tom 11666 invites Catholic students in public, private and parochial Lentz, road cleaning chairman, schools grades 8, 9, 10, 11 and 12, said, “We had great support to enter their Catholic Citizenship from my brother Knights and Essay Contest. Students may write their families. It was also great a 500-700 word essay on the theme “Importance of Religious Liberty.” that Frances Kreutzer came Essays and written parental consent out to help and visit with the are due Nov. 26 at the Religious large group that came out. It Education Office of St. Mary Church, is a way for all of us to give 10307 Dundee Road, Huntley, IL back to the community.” 60142. For full rules, write to Jim (Photo provided) Jenkner at [email protected]. Nov. 24-25 What’s UP AURORA Craft show: 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Nov. 24, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Nov. 25; Marmion noon; St. Joseph Parish Center, 4 p.m. Vespers with Benediction; Academy Regole Field House, 1000 Mon Nov 26 Sat Dec 1 722 High St. Sponsor: Knights of Poor Clare Monastery, 2111 S. Butterfield Road. Sponsor: Marmion Columbus Council 14795 and St. Main St. The sisters invite others to Academy Alumni Association. Crafts, LOVES PARK AURORA Joseph Boy Scout Troop 57. Cost: pray the Liturgy of the Hours with food service; Santa visit noon-2 p.m. Guest speaker: 7 p.m.; St. Scholarship exam: 9 a.m.; $5 per person; $20 per family. them. (Mass will not be offered.) Nov. 25. No strollers, no babysitting Bridget Parish Center, 600 Marmion Academy, 1000 6:30 p.m., service; free parking. Cost: $4 age Clifford Ave. Year of Faith series. Butterfield Road. For eighth-grade NORTH AURORA Bishop’s Lecture: 12 and older. Speaker: Father Jonathan boys interested in applying for Parish Christmas party: 11:45 St. Rita Parish Wahl Hall, 6254 Bakkelund. Topic: Vatican II: scholarships to attend Marmion. a.m.-2 p.m.; Blessed Sacrament Valley Knoll Dr. Speaker: Bishop ROCKFORD Must register in advance. Info: Parish, 801 Oak St. Junior Choir Arthur Kennedy, Auxiliary Bishop 67th “Messiah”: 7 p.m. Nov. 24, What Really Happened. performance, Santa visit at 1 p.m., of Boston. Topic: Faith: the Heart 3 p.m. Nov. 25; Trinity Lutheran 630/897-6936, ext. 227. SUGAR GROVE of Vatican II and the Foundation Church, 200 N. First St. Performance kids’ games and crafts, cupcake Gratitude celebration: 7 p.m. FREEPORT walk and potluck (A-H desserts; of the New Evangelization. by Rockford Ecumenical Choral evening prayer (also 7 p.m. Mass 22nd Cookie walk: 8-11 a.m.; St. Union. Handicapped parking I-Z appetizers or casseroles). Collection items: Toys, mittens, Nov. 27; 7 p.m. organ and piano Thomas Aquinas Parish Hall, 1400 available. Free. Volunteers and bakers needed. gloves, socks. Free. Info: http:// Kiwanis Dr. Sponsor: Provena concert Nov. 28); St. Katharine Info: 630/897-1029. yearoffaith.rockforddiocese.org. Drexel Parish, 8S055 Dugan St. Joseph Auxiliary. Homemade Save the Date Road. Events to thank and honor cookies, candies, breads and ROCK FALLS SUGAR GROVE parish benefactors, the Rich more. Info: 815/232-3804. Breakfast buffet: 7-11:30 a.m.; Open house: 2-5 p.m. (also 7-9 Dec. 8-15 family. Info: Gail Quinn, 630/222- St. Andrew School, 701 11th p.m. Dec. 5); St. Katharine Drexel FULTON Ave. All-you-can-eat. Sponsor: Parish, 8S055 Dugan Road. Info: ROCKFORD 4636, [email protected]. Bake sale: 9 a.m.-6 p.m. (also 9 St. Andrew Knights of Columbus Info: Gail Quinn, 630/222-4636, OSF community survey: OSF a.m.-noon Dec. 2); Immaculate Council 11874. Cost: $7.50 adults; [email protected]. St. Anthony Medical Center and Conception Parish Hall, 1111 the Rockford Health Council are Wed Nov 28 $6.50 senior citizens; $4 under 10; Seventh St. Sponsor: Immaculate conducting a survey of health $3 preschool. Deadline for Dec. 7 What’s Up needs of residents in Winnebago, Conception Auxiliary. Mon Dec 3 (Dec. 10-16) ROCKFORD Boone, DeKalb and Ogle counties. LEE To participate, visit www. 13th Advent Bible series: 1-2:30 LOVES PARK GALENA Silent Knight auction: 5-7 p.m.; p.m. (also Dec. 9, 16); Cathedral Guest speaker: 7 p.m.; St. osfsaintanthony.org/survey between Christmas concert: 7 p.m.; St. St. James Parish Hall, 221 W. Kirke of St. Peter Fellowship Hall, 1243 Bridget Parish Center, 600 Clifford Dec. 8 and Dec. 15. Michael Church, 227 S. Bench Gate. Auction, door prizes, raffle, N. Church St. Speaker: John Ave. Year of Faith series. Speaker: St. Featuring musicians from 10 dinner. Proceeds for local charities. Dec. 11 McGrath, director of diocesan Teresa Marotta. Topic: Seeking Galena-area churches, school Sponsor: Knights of Columbus AURORA Education Office. Topic: Book of the Messiah: The Origins of Family event: 7 p.m.; St. Rita of choirs, Community Handbell Council 15153. Cost: $10 per Revelation. Sponsors: Rockford Christmas. Cascia Church, 750 W. Old Indian Choir, and Galena Brass. dinner. Info: Brian Muetze, 815/508- Deanery Council of Catholic Trail. Speaker: Father Andrew Free, donations accepted; 6059; [email protected]. Women and Deanery Bible Carl Wisdom, OP. Topic: Tuning contributions up to $6,000 will be Wed Dec 5 Fellowship for Men. Reservations into God’s Call for You. For adults, doubled by Gerald Moore (owner ROCK FALLS Cookie Extravaganza: 10 a.m.- appreciated. Cost: $10 for series; junior high or older students. Free; of Healing Touch). Reception Deadline for Dec. 14 What’s Up donations accepted. RSVP. Info: 5 p.m. (also 7-11:30 a.m. Dec. 2); $5 per lecture. Info: 815/957-0455. after in Dolan Hall. Proceeds (Dec. 17-23) at 630/859-3922, 630/892-6089; St. Andrew School, 701 11th Ave. for United Churches of Galena Advent prayers: 2 p.m. Exposition; Continued on page 11 [email protected]. Cookies by the dozen. Sponsor: St. Food Pantry. Info: Carol Godwin, Andrew Altar and Rosary Society. Dec. 12 815/777-2108; Rev. Jim McCrea, HUNTLEY 815/777-0229. ROCKFORD Blood drive: 8 a.m.; St. Mary Bake sale: 9 a.m.-6 p.m. (also 8 Amazing! Church, 10307 Dundee Road. a.m.-1 p.m. Dec. 2); St. Stansilaus Sponsor: Knights of Columbus Fri Nov 30 Kostka Parish, 201 Buckbee St. North Star Boys’ Choir Council 11666. Appointments and Christmas goodies. Sponsor: St. walk-ins welcome; must have AURORA Stanislaus Women’s League. Info: Saturday, Dec. 1, 2012, 7 p.m. ID. Info: 800/786-4483, www. “White Christmas”: 7:30 p.m. 815/965-3913. heartlandbc.org/index.html. (also 7:30 p.m. Dec. 1, 2 p.m. St. Peter Church, Spring Grove, Ill. Dec. 2); Rosary High School SPRING GROVE Dec. 14-16 McEnroe Auditorium, 901 N. The award-winning North Star Boys’ Choir is internationally ROCKFORD Choir concert: 7 p.m.; St. Peter Edgelawn Dr. Presented by recognized. Their unique fascinates audiences and truly CWL Nativity open house: 4-8 Church, 2118 Main St. North p.m. Dec. 14, 1-6 p.m. Dec. 15-16; Rosary and Marmion Academy Star Boys’ Choir. Free; donations preserves the European tradition of boys’ choirs, the celebrated Jody Deery home, 1030 N. Second students. Cost: $10 adults; $8 accepted. Info: 815/675-2288. Viennese technique which creates a brilliant and rich sound. students and senior citizens. St. Free parking at Rockford YMCA; A free will offering will be taken to help reduce the costs of the boys’ national tour. handicapped parking in driveway. Info: 630/896-0831; http:// Sun Dec 2 Free; donations accepted for Poor rosaryhs.com/musical. Info: St. Peter Church – 815-675-2288 Clares. Info: 815/633-0735. ST. CHARLES AURORA Dec. 15 Movie showing: 7 p.m.; Arcada Craft and cookie fair: 7 a.m.-1 ROCKFORD Theatre, 105 E. Main St. p.m. after Masses; Holy Angels Diaconate Q&A: 1:30-3:30 p.m.; “Restless Heart: The Confessions Parish Center, 180 S. Russell Ave. Diocesan Administration Center, of Augustine.” (See Sept. 7 Homemade cookie trays and 30 555 Colman Center Dr. Information Observer for review.) Sponsors: craft booths. session with Father Kenneth St. Peter, Geneva; Holy Cross, Wasilewski, director, for men Batavia; St. Patrick and St. John Bake sale: 8 a.m.-noon; St. (and wives, if married) about the Newmann, St. Charles. Cost: Joseph Parish Center, 722 High ONE permanent diaconate program. Info: $9. Info: www.oshows.com; St. Cost: $7 per pound. 815/399-4300, ext. 380. PERFORMANCE [email protected]. Breakfast with Santa: 8 a.m.- ONLY! 10 FRIDAY NOVEMBER 23, 2012 | The Observer

Around the Diocese Aurora Deanery

Geneva Respect Life Garden, Statue Dedicated

Bishop David J. Malloy (cen- ter) dedicated a new Respect Life Garden at St. Peter Parish, Geneva. Knights of Columbus- Council 2191 and the parish Respect Life Committee spon- sored the garden. Parishioners helped finance the project by donating memorial bricks. Joseph Camaioni, artist, sculp- tor and parishioner, created the bust, “Blessed John Paul II with infant,” and the etched plaques in the garden that depict life from womb through natural death. Father Martins Emeh, pas- tor, and Father Mike Chernetzki, parochial vicar, along with parish deacons, Camaioni, Knights, Respect Life committee mem- bers, parishioners and other area clergy attended the dedication and the Mass that followed. (Photo provided) Rockford Deanery Knights’ Event Gathers Many Holiday Helping Hands From page 6 enced big brother, Jack, and unteers is followed by a flurry sister, Maye, in putting food of activity that begins at the into the boxes as they slide by. far end of the parish center as Their mom Kristie, a fourth- people grab empty boxes and year volunteer, “was convinced walk them through one or the that everyone could do it,” says other of two lines of food sta- their dad, Mark, who is here for tions. The boxes are taped shut his first year. at the other end and carted out What Mark hopes his chil- the door to trailers and other dren are learning “goes beyond vehicles for delivery. Still other generosity and kindness,” he

(Photo provided) boxes are lined up on the side- says, “to also learning that not Jim (left) and Joe Dillett stand near one of two new stained glass windows they helped provide for Church walk for pick up by recipient everyone (is as fortunate as of the Holy Spirit in Roscoe during a reception after the windows were blessed, Oct. 21. families. they are). Possibly the youngest volun- “Hopefully,” he adds, “they’ll teer this year is Holly Waters, learn that it’s fun, not a chore, Roscoe Parishioners Design, Create New Windows who joins her more experi- to help other people.” ROSCOE—In April, when Catholic.” Mary’s willingness ments. the inside of the Church of the to have the baby Jesus, Jim He repeated the process sev- Holy Spirit was getting a new said, “was one of the most awe- eral times for each item. ceiling, fans, lights, paint, car- some times in the history of the Jim said, “I felt that the peting and window treatments, world. I want all Catholics to Holy Spirit had been with me parishioner and church organ- have a greater appreciation for throughout the whole process, ist Jim Dillett felt an urge to of- the mystery of the Annuncia- not only guiding me, but plac- fer his time and talent to make tion.” ing the correct people with me a couple of windows. That window needed faces to be involved. And I thank all The next week, parishioner of Mary and the Angel Gabri- of the people, especially my Carol Cox brought a card with el, along with their hands and brother Joe, for his excellent an unusual image of the Holy Mary’s foot. work and artistry.” Spirit and suggested one of the Joe did numerous experi- The windows were blessed new windows should depict the ments before deciding on the by Father Steven Sabo, pastor, Holy Spirit. proper method to create the im- after a Mass on Oct. 21. Msgr. Joe Dillett, Jim’s brother, be- ages on glass. Charles McNamee concelebrat- gan making a window-sized Using his kiln and a fusion ed the Mass and Deacons Peter sketch for the Holy Spirit win- technique, he fired the colored Calgaro and Michael Ryan as- dow. ground glass and a paste-like sisted. Jim said, “The story depict- mixture on clear glass at 1,450 A reception followed the (Observer photo by Amanda Hudson) ed in the Annunciation (win- degrees Fahrenheit, raising the Mass for parishioners and their Empty boxes were prepared and stacked at one end of the parish hall, dow) is very special to me as a temperature in 50 degree incre- guests. filled in the middle and sealed at the other end. Join us in wishing Add your signature to The Observer’s special Half of that contribution will be added to the “birthday card” in our Dec. 14 edition to honor endowment fund for The Observer, established Bishop Emeritus Arthur J. O’Neill on his 95th and named in honor of Bishop O’Neill and his Bishop Arthur J. birthday. Join us in congratulating him and years of service as editor and publisher of the thanking him for his many contributions to the diocesan newspaper. O’Neill a Happy Diocese of Rockford. Send your check* to: The Bishop O’Neill th Individuals, families, parishes, organizations Birthday Card, c/o The Observer, P.O. Box and businesses may add their names (parish and 7044, Rockford, IL 61125. 95 home town, too) to our list of well-wishers for $10. *Please list first names of both spouses, if contributing as a couple. Birthday. We must receive your name and contribution by Dec. 4. Call 815/399-4300, ext. 383, with questions. The Observer | FRIDAY NOVEMBER 23, 2012 11

Around the Diocese

Top Athletes, What’s UP Great Participants From page 9 Share Parish Thu Dec 6 Advent Activities Invite everyone: Parish, school and LOVES PARK organization publicists should send CWL blanket workshop: 10 upcoming Advent event information a.m. Mass before workshop; as soon as possible to include in St. Bridget Church, 600 Clifford both The Observer and the online Ave. Mass remembers deceased calendar at www.rockforddiocese. bishops, priests and religious of org. Use the forms at http://observer. the diocese. Workshop in parish rockforddiocese.org. Click on hall. Collection of new underwear, Contact Us, then on Submit Events socks and t-shirts for children and News. age 5-18, sizes small-XXL. Donations of cash and blanket Elsewhere fleece needed. Sponsor: Catholic Women’s League. Info: Rosie Dec. 2 Scalise Sheridan, 815/978-4779, DUBUQUE, IOWA [email protected]; Linda Vatican II lecture: 2 p.m.; Clarke The sixth-grade girls’ volleyball team from St. Mary Catholic School Stoinski, 815/975-0601. University Donaghoe Hall, 1550 in Woodstock shows its first place trophy from the Immanuel Crystal Clarke Dr. Speaker: Dr. Zeni Fox. Lake 15th annual tournament. Team members are (front, from left) Topic: “The Laity after Vatican II: Mallory Hill, Mikaela Benitez, Ashley Biron, Molly Sullivan, Maureen Fri Dec 7 Collaboration in Ministry.” Free. Info: Jennifer Rausch, PBVM, 563/588- Keisling, (back) Mary Elsinger, Alivia Price, Olivia Wilson, Madeline ROCK FALLS Reyes, Caitlin Rokus and Kelly Anderson. (Photos provided) 2008. Knight Guy DeMaertelaere Gift of Self seminar: 6:45-10 p.m.; St. Andrew Church, 708 Tenth Ave. Dec. 8 and daughters Sophia (left) Introduction to Church teaching LISLE and Audrey attend the 2012 on sexuality and family planning Kids Nite Out: 6-9 p.m.; Benedictine Soccer Challenge sponsored for engaged couples. Cost: $45. University Rice Center, College Road and Maple Avenue. For kids by the St. Mary Knights of Info: Diocesan Respect Life Office, 4-8. Arts, crafts, games, snacks and Columbus Council 11666 in 815/399-4300, ext. 381. more. Proceeds for BU’s women’s Huntley, Sept. 8. Boys’ champi- varsity softball team. Cost: $15 per ons were Duncan Whitfield for ROCKFORD Book and Bake sale: 7 a.m.-2 child. Info: Kate Heidkamp, 630/829- the 10-year-olds; Zach Rojer, p.m.; Provena St. Anne Center 6149. 11; and Devan Turk, 12. For the lobby, 4405 Highcrest Road. SINSINAWA, WIS. girls, winners were Grace Ka- Homemade baked goods and Christmas ‘Nativi-Tea’: 2-4 p.m.; lischefski, 10; Stephanie Varka- Sinsinawa Mound, County Road Z, Adrian Santos from Cary kicks in the Nov. 3 regional soccer compe- used books. Sponsor: Provena dos, 11; Shannon Pylypowycz, off Wisconsin Rte. 11. For moms, tition in Huntley as his dad looks on and Knight Phil Miller (right) St. Anne Auxiliary. Proceeds for 12; Kaitlyn White, 13; and Erin residents’ Christmas party. Info: daughters, dolls and others. Dress- keeps score. St. Mary Knights of Columbus Council 11666 sponsored up for tea, hot chocolate, holiday Gaitsch, 14. Each of the win- 815/398-2411. the contest. Winners who advanced to state boys’ compeition were goodies and tour of “Nativities of the ners was eligible to compete Nicholas Tully, 10; Aaron Shepard, 11; Luis Alvarez, 12; Tristan Vance, Women’s silent retreat: 7 p.m. World.” Register by Nov. 30. Cost: in district competitions Oct. 13; and Joey Wajrowski, 14. Girls who advanced were Grace Kalischef- (through 3 p.m. Dec. 9); Bishop $8, women; $5, girls 12 and younger; 14. Regional competition was free, dolls. Info: 608/748-4411; www. ski, 10; Clare Duffy, 11; Maria Smith, 12; Anahisa Marie Juarez, 13; and Lane Retreat Center, 7708 E. Nov. 3 in Huntley. sinsinawa.org. Erin Gaitsch, 14. McGregor Road. Leader: Carol Sullivan. Limited space. Cost: 23rd National Night of Prayer $150. Info: 815/965-5011, jlotko@ Double Firsts for Life rockforddiocese.org. Montini School seventh- Prayer service: 7 p.m.-midnight, grade girls Silver Volleyball Hour of Unity 11 p.m.; Holy Family team 2012 took first place in Sat Dec 8 Parish, 4401 Highcrest Road. the conference tournament Intention: establishment of a culture and first place during regular Feast of the Immaculate of life and protection for the Church conference play. Team Conception from persecution. Adoration and Holy Day of Obligation; check members with their plaques devotion. Info: Penny or Steve your parish for Mass times Garbe, 815/226-8191. are (front, from left) Corin (which may include Friday night Cameron, Paige Scatena, Emily vigil) Sledz, Alaynna Alderman, Sun Dec 9 Claire O’Brien, (middle) Catie PECATONICA Afternoon retreat: 2-5 p.m.; St. BATAVIA Wember, Shelby Truckenbrod, Mary Church, 126 W. Fifth St. “An Do-it-yourself “Messiah”: 7 (back) Coach Kim Schaefer, Afternoon with the Blessed Mother p.m.; Batavia Fine Arts Center, Claire Chrzan, Molly and her Friends.” Speaker: Peg 1201 Main St. Proceeds for local Mocogni, Delaney McCann, Bowman, author and religious schools. Free; donations accepted. Coach Cherise McCrea and educator from Sacred Heart Info: www.BataviaStage.org. (not pictured) Savannah Parish, Marengo. Reservations by LOVES PARK Dusthimer. Dec. 3. Send check payable to St. Parish Advent mission: 7 p.m.; Mary’s Guild, Pecatonica to Paula St. Bridget Parish, 600 Clifford Ave. Black, 3729 Westlake Village Dr., Leader: Father George Knabe. Good for YOU Winnebago, IL 61088. Cost: $5 Info: 815/335-2568. ROCKFORD Knights honored: St. Mary Council 11666 has received the the 2011-2012 year. 13th Advent Bible series: 1-2:30 MCHENRY Parish Knights of Columbus Gold Spirit of Illinois Award for The award is part of the “Spirit p.m. (also Dec. 16); Cathedral of Magnificat prayer breakfast: 9 St. Peter Fellowship Hall, 1243 of Illinois Honors” program, which a.m.-12:30 p.m.; Church of Holy N. Church St. Speaker: John Apostles Bell Tower Place, 5211 W. is designed as a tool for councils to McGrath, director of diocesan Bull Valley Road. Speaker: Trudy “be all that they can be” in terms Education Office. Topic: Book of Harris, RN, author of Glimpses Revelation. Sponsors: Rockford of programming. of Heaven books. Reservations Deanery Council of Catholic Councils are awarded points for needed. Mail checks payable to Women and Deanery Bible Magnificat-McHenry Chapter to the various activities in the involv- Fellowship for Men. Reservations Dee Slowey, 8709 Shade Tree ing church, community, council, appreciated. Cost: $10 for series; Circle, Village of Lakewood, $5 per lecture. Info: 815/957-0455. family, pro-life, youth and mem- IL 60014. Cost: $15. Info: Dee bership. Slowey, 815/893-4061. Advent prayers: 2 p.m. Exposition; 4 p.m. Vespers Each council is encouraged to ROCKFORD use the many tools available to with Benediction; Poor Clare Cookie walk: 2-4:30 p.m.; St. Monastery, 2111 S. Main St. The Anthony of Padua Parish Center, them to develop a successful and sisters invite others to pray the 1010 Ferguson St. Homemade enjoyable fraternal year that gives Liturgy of the Hours with them. Italian cookies, candies, cakes. Il (Mass will not be offered.) (Photo provided) all members a chance to practice Santo gift shop will be open. Cost: Immediate Past Grand Knight Bill Byrne receives the Gold Spirit of Il- charity, unity, fraternity and pa- $7 per pound for cookies. Info: For more events, visit the calendar linois Council Award from Grand Knight Dan Quirk triotism. 815/965-2761. page at www.rockforddiocese.org. 12 FRIDAY NOVEMBER 23, 2012 | The Observer The Junior Observer Vol. 27, No. 3 Published by The Observer, Official Catholic Newspaper of the Diocese of Rockford [email protected]

A Good News Story Jesus Tells Us About His Kingdom Catholic News Service “Are you the king of the Jews?” and said: “I am not a Jew, am I? esus had been praying Your own nation and the chief in the garden that was a priests handed you over to me. J favorite place for him and What did Jesus tell What have you done?” his disciples when they wanted to Peter to do with his “My kingdom does not belong be away from the crowds. But the sword? to this world. If my kingdom did solitude was interrupted when Ju- Why did Jesus say he belong to this world, my atten- das, one of Jesus’ disciples, arrived was born? dants (would) be fighting to keep with soldiers and guards sent by me from being handed over to the the Pharisees and the chief priests. Read more in Jews.” Because it was late at night, some John 18 (CNS) Pilate asked a different ques- of the men carried torches. Others tion. “Then you are a king?” carried weapons. not drink the cup that the Father Jesus asked, “Whom are you A spokesman answered, “If he “You say I am a king. For this looking for?” gave me?” Then Jesus allowed the were not a criminal, we would not I was born and for this I came into “Jesus the Nazorean,” one of guards to put him under arrest. have handed him over to you.” the world, to testify to the truth.” them answered. First they brought him before An- Pilate then asked Jesus, “Are Pilate looked at Jesus and “I AM,” said Jesus. nas, the high priest, who sent him you the king of the Jews?” asked, “What is truth?” Then Pilate Peter, who was with Jesus, on to Caiaphas. And Caiaphas sent Jesus looked at the people who said to the people who had accused wanted to protect him, so he pulled him on to Pilate. By then it was had brought him in, and then he Jesus, “I find no guilt in him. ... Do out a sword and swung it at one of morning. said to Pilate, “Do you say this on you want me to release to you the the soldiers, cutting off his ear. Pilate asked the men who had your own or have others told you king of the Jews?” Jesus said to him: “Put your brought Jesus, “What charge do about me?” But the answer was, “Not this sword into its scabbard. Shall I you bring (against) this man?” Pilate shrugged his shoulders one but Barabbas!” Advent Begins Dec. 2 The first Sunday of Advent is Dec. Do You Know? 2. It’s time to get ready for the birthday Circle T if the statements are true, and F of Jesus. Advent is what we call the four weeks if they are false. There are a few clues. leading up to Christmas. Advent is also the name of the first T F 1. David wrote many psalms. season in the Church year. So you can tell your family members “Happy New T F 2. Solomon asked God for riches. Church Year” this weekend. (1 Kings 3) What Does It Mean T F 3. Ahab obeyed God. (1 Kings 16) To Evangelize? Evangelize is a long word that means T F 4. The proverbs were written by everything we do as Catholic Christians to live out our faith in the world. Moses. Pope Benedict XVI says one of the most important things about this Year of Faith is T F 5. The Magi visited Herod. to begin a “New Evangelization.” (Matthew 2) One way to evangelize is to spread the Gospel — the Good News — that Jesus (Junior Observer photo by Amanda Hudson) T F 6. Jesus rode into Jerusalem in a came to save us. Another way is to help other people to First Question carriage. (Mark 11) show that we love our neighbors as our- Eighth-grader Elliott Peterson from St. Rita School in Rockford asked the first question when Bishop selves, just as Jesus taught us. David J. Malloy spoke at St. Rita Parish in October. El- T F 7. John saw the King of Kings. Helping with collections at school or in liott asked what students can do to help evangelize during the Year of Faith. He asked during the first (Revelation 19) religious education classes is a way to show we love our neighbors. talk in the Rockford Deanery Year of Faith Lecture Series. The bishop is also hosting a Diocesan Year of See answers on page 18 Tell us about other ways you can evan- Faith Lecture Series, which begins Dec. 2. (See page gelize at [email protected]. 1 of this paper for details.) Celebrating Life Pro-Life T-Shirt Day at Holy Cross School in Batavia was just one event in support of life held at the school. In October, the school raised more than $2,300 through its pro-life baby bottle contest, piloted by Father Timothy Draper. (Photo provided) The Observer | FRIDAY NOVEMBER 23, 2012 13

Nation / World Bishops OK News In Brief Canadian priest appointed First New ’s head of protocol OTTAWA, Ontario (CNS)—Pope Benedict XVI has appointed Msgr. Jose Bettencourt, a native of Portugal who grew up in Ot- Preaching tawa, as the Holy See’s head of protocol. Msgr. Bettencourt is only the second non-Italian to hold the position. The post had been held by Msgr. Fortunatus Nwachukwa, a Nigerian diplomat, who Document was named Nov. 12 as apostolic to Nicaragua. “We are very proud of him and the honor the Holy Father has conferred on him in calling him to this charge,” Archbishop Terrence Pren- In 30 Years Meeting Highlights dergast of Ottawa said. “He values his ties with his local church From page 1 U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops 2012 Fall Assembly of Ottawa though his duties only permit a short stay at Christmas by the USCCB Committee on and a longer break over the summer months,” the archbishop said. Clergy, Consecrated Life and • Approved a document on preaching, encouraging “He is invariably pleased to receive Canadians when I refer people Vocations, chaired by Arch- preachers to connect the homily with people’s daily lives. to him and is kind to a fault.” In his position Msgr. Bettencourt is bishop Robert J. Carlson of St. in charge of the protocol involving the Holy See’s relationships Louis, with subsequent review • Rejected a fast-tracked statement intended to offer sup- with other states, from welcoming visiting heads of state at the and comment by eight other port and hope to people who are suffering because of the airport to dealings with diplomats and ambassadors accredited to USCCB committees. economic downturn. the Vatican. His role includes overseeing how heads of state and others participate in ceremonies such as canonizations and con- During discussion on the • Approved an exhortation encouraging Catholics to take sistories and ensuring that visitors to the Vatican are welcomed document Nov. 13, the bishops advantage of the sacrament of penance. accepted a plea from Bishop Ri- and relaxed. cardo Ramirez of Las Cruces, • Endorsed the sainthood cause of Dorothy Day, co-found- N.M., to include his amendment er of the Catholic Worker movement. New York priest says ‘millennials’ urging Catholics to make an ex- • Approved an expanded memorial for Blessed Francis have stepped up to aid storm victims tra effort to listen to the homi- Xavier Seelos, a German-born Redemptorist priest who minis- NEW YORK (CNS)—Father Donald Baker is really impressed by lies of foreign-born priests for how young Catholics have really stepped up to help those affected tered in antebellum-era America whom English or Spanish is not the most by Hurricane Sandy. “The ‘millennials,’ those young peo- their first language. • Agreed to begin a revision of the Liturgy of the Hours ple in the neighborhood who are in their 20s — who’ve become Those priests’ speech “may adults since the millennium — have been outstanding — abso- • Approved the hiring of a public affairs director. have a heavy accent that the lutely incredible,” said the 52-year-old pastor of St. Teresa Church congregation cannot under- • Heard a request that they broaden support for national in ’s gritty Lower East Side. “They truly embodied stand,” Bishop Ramirez said. collections, which have had a decline in diocesan participation. the charity of Christ. I turn around and there are another dozen ea- “Even though it takes an ex- ger and willing to help our community,” he added. The priest said Adopted a strategic plan for the next four years to shape tra effort to understand what • the amount of damage done by Hurricane Sandy “was surreal.” they are saying, they have wis- conference programs and activities. The New York Archdiocese announced Nov. 16 that it is distribut- dom. They are inspired by the • Agreed to hold a national collection for the U.S. Archdio- ing nearly $1 million raised through a special parish collection to Holy Spirit. ... The people have cese for Military Services. those hardest hit by Sandy, particularly those who suffered losses to make an extra effort to un- on Staten Island, as well as lower Manhattan and some portions derstand their wisdom.” • Approved a 2013 budget of $220.4 million. of the upper counties of the archdiocese. On Nov. 17, Cardinal “Preaching the Mystery of • Took part in a workshop on using online and social media. Timothy M. Dolan of New York was to visit Staten Island for the Faith” also required a suspen- third time since the storm. His schedule was to include a stop at a sion of the rules governing ©2012 CNS Catholic retreat house that opened its facilities for relief efforts and consideration of proposed doc- document first surfaced six dressing a congregation that is is housing 30 displaced families. uments issued in the name of years ago as the silver anniver- more culturally diverse than the USCCB, as bishops did not sary neared of the U.S. bishops’ previously, one that is pro- Boston ‘parish collaboratives’ seen receive it at least 30 days prior last preaching document, “Ful- foundly affected by the sur- as best use for limited resources to debate. filled in Your Hearing.” rounding secular context and, BRAINTREE, Mass. (CNS)—A pastoral plan approved by Bos- In formally introducing the The work of drafting in many instances, inadequate- ton Cardinal Sean P. O’Malley calls for the Boston Archdiocese to document Nov. 12, Archbish- “Preaching the Mystery of ly catechized.” organize its 288 parishes into approximately op Carlson said it aimed for a Faith” took place over the past “Virtually every hom- 135 groups called “parish collaboratives.” Led “pastorally sensitive tone” so year and a half after work was ily preached during the liturgy by one pastor, a group of priests, deacons that it could build upon a strong approved on such a document should make some connection and lay ecclesial ministers, called a pasto- theological foundation for the at the bishops’ spring 2011 between the Scriptures just ral team, would provide pastoral services to ministry of preaching.” He meeting in Bellevue, Wash., heard and the Eucharist about parishes in the collaborative. Under the plan, added, “It also makes a strong near Seattle. to be celebrated,” it says. each parish in the collaborative group will case for linking the homily to New traction on the docu- Before preaching, “the hom- maintain its separate identity and retain con- the Sunday liturgy.” ment came after Pope Bene- ilist may need to wrestle for trol of its own property and assets. Cardinal Preaching needs to be done dict XVI issued the apostolic a while with the challenging O’Malley said the new pastoral plan comes in (CNS photo/Gregory L. Tracy, “more effectively in the context exhortation “Verbum Domini” aspects of the biblical Word, The Pilot) response to current challenges faced by the of the new evangelization,” he (“The Word of the Lord”) two searching for ways it could Cardinal O’Malley in Boston, and could change said. “Our people hunger for years ago, and “Preaching the connect to ordinary experience if those realities improve. He approved the plan Nov. 15. Called better preaching, preaching Mystery of Faith,” according to and how it might be proclaimed “Disciples in Mission,” the plan identified parishes’ main challeng- that would help them rediscov- Archbishop Carlson, is rooted to the congregation the hom- es: declining Mass attendance, shrinking numbers of priests and er their faith.” in “Verbum Domini.” ilist serves,” it says. trained laity, and an increasing number of parishes unable to sus- “The homily is intended to “Many Catholics, for a va- “Preaching the Mystery of tain themselves financially. establish a ‘dialogue’ between riety of reasons, seem either Faith” says: “The ultimate goal the sacred biblical text and the indifferent to or disaffected of proclaiming the Gospel is to Christian life of the hearer,” the with the church and her teach- lead people into a loving and Maryknoller dismissed from priesthood document says. ing. We know that the general intimate relationship with the for supporting women’s ordination “Preachers should be aware, social context in the United Lord, a relationship that forms WASHINGTON (CNS)—The Vatican Congrega- in an appropriate way, of what States has a strong emphasis on the character of their persons tion for the Doctrine of the Faith has dismissed their people are watching on the individual and individual and guides them in living out Roy Bourgeois from the priesthood because television, what kind of mu- choice, which often eclipses the their faith. ... An effective hom- of his participation in the invalid ordination of a sic they are listening to, which sense of community or of the ily would show the faithful just woman and “a simulated Mass,” the Maryknoll websites they find appealing, common good that is essential how much the Son of God loved Fathers and Brothers announced Nov. 19. The and which films they find com- to Christian life,” the document them in taking our human flesh order said in a statement the canonical dismiss- pelling,” it adds. “References to says. “Sadly, too, we must con- upon himself.” (CNS photo/Paul Haring) al came Oct. 4. Citing Bourgeois’ participation Roy Bourgeois the most popular cultural ex- fess that the sexual abuse crisis At a Nov. 12 news confer- in the invalid ordination in Lexington, Ky., Aug. pressions — which at times can has wounded the church, and ence, Archbishop Carlson said 9, 2008, the Maryknoll statement said, “With patience, the Holy be surprisingly replete with reli- this scandal has led some Cath- there were times he went to See and the Maryknoll Society have encouraged his reconcilia- gious motifs — can be an effec- olics to lose heart and leave the “the back of the church” to hear tion with the Catholic Church.” Bourgeois could not be immediately tive way to engage the interest church.” what congregants said about reached for comment. “With this parting, the Maryknoll Society of those on the edge of faith.” It adds, “The homilist of to- the preaching they had just warmly thanks Roy Bourgeois for his service to mission and all The intent to write a new day must realize that he is ad- heard at Mass. members wish him well in his personal life,” the statement said. 14 FRIDAY NOVEMBER 23, 2012 | T he Observer

Nation / World News In Brief Three States Vote in Laws Family is key ally in fighting crime, Vatican official tells Interpol VATICAN CITY (CNS)—The absolute frontline in the prevention of Permitting Same-Sex Marriage crime is the family, a top Vatican official told members of Interpol, By Patricia Zapor the international police organization. To prevent crime and vio- Catholic News Service lence, societies must educate citizens about their own dignity and the value of each human life, promote solidarity and instill a sense WASHINGTON (CNS)— of justice in society — all values that can be learned earliest and Voters in Maine, Washington best in the family, said Archbishop Dominique Mamberti, the Vati- state and Maryland approved can’s secretary for relations with states. The archbishop spoke to ballot measures legalizing members of Interpol holding their general assembly Nov. 5-8 in same-sex marriage Nov. 6. Rome. The 190 country-members of Interpol not only coordinate In Minnesota, voters rejected crime-fighting efforts, but also work together on crime prevention a state constitutional amend- programs. An increase of crime, particularly brutally violent crime, ment to define marriage as only around the world calls for even greater preventative actions, Arch- a union between a man and bishop Mamberti said. Prevention requires “the removal of factors woman. which give rise to and nourish situations of injustice. In this field, The Catholic bishops in each a primary and preventative role belongs to education inspired by state had urged voters to up- respect for human life in all circumstances,” he said. Only with the hold the traditional definition recognition of the value of each life, he said, will it be “possible to of marriage between one man (CNS photo/Mike Segar, Reuters) create a strong social fabric united in its fundamental values and and one woman and warned Voters in Boston look over information on ballot questions while wait- able to resist the provocation of extreme violence. In this context, that religious liberties could be ing at a polling place Nov. 6. voters narrowly defeated the most important place in which human beings are formed is threatened by legalizing same- a “death with dignity” measure, rejecting attempts to legalize assisted the family. There, children experience the value of their own tran- sex marriage. suicide. In California, an initiative to end the use of the death penalty scendent dignity, as they are accepted gratuitously on the basis Maryland and Washington was defeated in another close vote. of the stable and reciprocal love of their parents,” he said. In the voters upheld laws permitting family, people have their first experiences of “justice and forgive- same-sex marriage that were sex marriages. Previously six feat the referendum, and he ex- ness, which cements family relationships and acts as a foundation passed earlier in the year by states and the District of Co- pressed disappointment in the for the correct insertion into social life,” Archbishop Mamberti said. their legislatures and signed by lumbia had allowed same-sex vote. Caritas Cuba appeals for aid to help their governors, but challenged marriages through legislative “I think that vote will prove in the referendum process. action and court rulings. thousands left homeless by Sandy not to have been for the com- Minnesota’s action does not Voters in Maine approved a mon good of our state,” he said SANTO DOMINGO, Dominican Republic (CNS)—Catholic lead- make same-sex marriage le- referendum authorizing same- ers in Cuba are calling for emergency assistance to help feed in a Nov. 7 interview with The gal. There is still a state law sex marriage, a measure that and shelter thousands of victims of Hurricane Sandy, which cut Catholic Review, Baltimore’s banning it, but by rejecting bypassed courts and the Legis- a devastating path through the eastern part of the island. “There the constitutional amendment, lature, and reversed a 2009 ref- archdiocesan newspaper. are thousands and thousands of people that are in need of help,” voters cleared the way for the erendum banning such unions. The Catholic Church not said Santiago de Cuba Legislature or courts to move In Maryland, Baltimore only opposes the legalization Archbishop Dionisio Gar- to permit such marriages. Archbishop William E. Lori of same-sex marriage, it also cia Ibanez in a telephone Thirty other states have was among the most vocal teaches that any sexual activity interview with Catholic passed laws prohibiting same- leaders of the campaign to de- outside of marriage is sinful. News Service Nov. 6. “It is going to take sev- eral years to fully recover from this.” Santiago, Cu- English Hospitals Get Funds for ba’s second-largest city, (CNS photo/Desmond Boylan, Reuters) and the eastern part of Woman walks through her flooded back- the island were devastat- Applying Controversial Protocol yard in Cuba. ed by the storm Oct. 25 MANCHESTER, England because they coincide with ris- He called for a system in before it headed north to the U.S. mainland. Homes, community (CNS)—State-funded English ing numbers of families who which individuals can register buildings, churches, electricity grids, telephone lines and roads health service hospitals are be- have contacted the media this concerns confidentially. were destroyed. Authorities said 11 people died. In addition, some ing paid millions of dollars to fall with stories about how their Liverpool Care Pathway crit- 330,000 people evacuated, the vast majority of whom stayed with implement a controversial end- relatives were mistreated after ics say the system is danger- friends and family members. The storm damaged an estimated of-life patient-care protocol being placed on the pathway. ously flawed because, in many 200,000 homes and hundreds of schools. Archbishop Garcia said that critics say is a “euthanasia Some claim that the Liver- cases, it is not scientifically crews were working to clear streets of fallen trees and other de- pathway.” pool Care Pathway was used to possible to predict when a pa- bris. “Little by little, they are making progress, but this is just the Figures from 72 National deliberately hasten the deaths tient is dying. They claim the first phase,” he said. Caritas Cuba has appealed to international Health Service hospital trusts of their relatives, while oth- church agencies for financial assistance. “The magnitude of the pathway’s practice of sedation, show that more than 12.4 mil- ers say that they rescued loved then withdrawing food and damage is overwhelming and the recovery is difficult and slow,” lion pounds ($19.93 million) ones by defying doctors and agency director Maritza Sanchez Abiyud said in a report. fluid creates a “self-fulfilling has been awarded over the past giving fluids to people who prophecy,” with most patients Pope sends $1 million in aid for Syria, three years to hospitals that later recovered. Others com- dying within 29 hours, accord- cardinal delegate to Lebanon have met targets for adopting plain that relatives were placed ing to the 2010-2011 audit of VATICAN CITY (CNS)—Instability and increasing violence in Syr- the Liverpool Care Pathway on the pathway without their the pathway by Marie Curie knowledge or consent. ia have prompted Pope Benedict XVI to cancel the planned visit for dying patients. The sam- Cancer Care. ple suggests that, if replicated The National Health Ser- to the war-torn nation by a delegation of cardinals and bishops. The government encouraged across the whole National vice announced Oct. 26 that it Instead, the pope announced Nov. 7, he has sent a smaller group the adoption of the Liverpool Health Service, an overall sum would open an inquiry into the to Lebanon to deliver a $1 million donation and boost the church’s Care Pathway nationally in humanitarian response to the crisis. The pope also appealed for of nearly 30 million pounds operation of the Liverpool Care ($48 million) has been spent on Pathway, but this has met with 2004 and recommended its use dialogue to end the Syrian conflict, saying: “I renew my invitation also for noncancer patients. to the parties in conflict, and to all those who have the good of rolling out the Liverpool Care criticism from some Catholic Pathway across the country. doctors, who say it is not inde- Figures show how the adop- Syria at heart, to spare no effort in the search for peace and to tion of the pathway has been pursue through dialogue the path to a just coexistence, in view of The pathway was devised in pendent because it will be con- incentivized over the past three a suitable political solution of the conflict,” Pope Benedict said at a hospice in Liverpool in the ducted by professional groups the end of his general audience in St. Peter’s Square. “I continue late 1990s as a framework for that have previously defended years through cash channeled to follow with great concern the tragic situation of violent conflict treating cancer patients in their the pathway. to the NHS trusts via the Com- in Syria, where the fighting has not ceased and each day the toll final days and hours. It often in- Dr. Philip Howard, a Catho- missioning for Quality and In- of victims rises, accompanied by the untold suffering of many volves heavy sedation and the lic physician based in London, novation payment framework. civilians,” he said. He said he had hoped to send a delegation withdrawal of life-prolonging told Catholic News Service in The British government’s of three cardinals, three bishops and a priest to Syria during the treatment, which under British an Oct. 26 telephone interview: Department of Health has con- world Synod of Bishops, which met for three weeks at the Vatican law may include nutrition and “There are so many people who sistently defended the Liver- in October, to show solidarity with victims and encourage peace hydration. have come out of the wood- pool Care Pathway, insisting in negotiations. The papal delegation to Damascus was to have in- The revelations about financial work and expressed concerns statements to the press over the cluded Cardinal Timothy M. Dolan of New York, who is chairman inducements to adopt the path- that those concerns have got to past few months that it “is not of the board of the Catholic Near East Welfare Association. way are controversial in Britain be met.” euthanasia.” The Observer | FRIDAY NOVEMBER 23, 2012 15

Nation / World Vatican Updating Health Care Charter News In Brief VATICAN CITY (CNS)— tain since the new charter still the considerations, above all, of CCHD’s Bernardin New Leadership Award The Vatican was preparing to needs to be reviewed and get health care policies and phar- winner keeps Christ at the center release an update to its 1995 approval by the Congregation maceutical companies.” BALTIMORE (CNS)—For Stanford University history major Karl Charter for Health Care Work- for the Doctrine of the Faith One example will be the Kumodzi, when injustice cries out Christians have a responsibility ers that would include the and the Vatican’s Secretariat mention of rare or so-called to act. From aiding “unhoused” people in Palo Alto, Calif., where church’s expanded teachings of State. It will also have to be “orphan diseases,” he said, and Stanford is located, to working with his mother in Las Vegas to on bioethics, health coverage translated into major languag- the need for pharmaceutical establish a foundation to help educate To- and so-called “orphan drugs.” es, and each translation will re- companies to develop afford- golese students, Kumodzi finds that work- The charter, which provides quire the same review and ap- able treatments even though ing to overcome the unpleasantness of in- a thorough summary of the proval as well, he added. the market for the drugs would justice is what Catholics are called to do. church’s position on affirming The current charter lists its be too small to make research, A refugee from Togo as a year-old child the primary, absolute value of directives under three catego- production and distribution ec- with his political activist mother in 1993, life in the health field, “needed ries: procreation, life and death. onomically viable or profitable. Kumodzi said it is God who sets the agen- adequate supplementation,” Father Chendi said the new The current charter is based da in his life. For his work, Kumodzi, 20, said Camillian Father Augusto charter will add the problems largely on the teachings of was honored by the U.S. bishops’ Catholic Chendi, undersecretary of the of “the principles of solidarity Blessed John Paul II. The new Campaign for Human Development Nov. Pontifical Council for Health and subsidiarity,” making deci- charter will expand on those 12 with the Cardinal Joseph Bernardin New Care Ministry. sions and taking action at the teachings by including several Leadership Award during the U.S. bishops’ Revisions and updates were simplest, most decentralized notes and instructions released annual fall general assembly in Baltimore. (CNS photo/Nancy Phelan Wiechec) needed not only to reflect clari- and most local level possible. by the doctrinal congregation The award, named for the late Chicago car- Karl Kumodzi fications since 1995 on church The principles are important on topics such as artificial nu- dinal, has been presented annually since teaching in bioethics, “but also in health care, he said, as Pope trition and hydration and the 1998 to a young adult working to empower others and respond concerning aspects that are in- Benedict XVI highlighted in dignity of a person. to injustice in his or her community. Kumodzi said his response to creasingly a part of the health “Caritas in Veritate,” his 2009 The booklet, which will be the injustices he sees extends from his Catholic faith and the life field,” he said during a Vatican encyclical on economic and so- available in English and Span- of Christ. “Jesus is the biggest person that I try to be like and I try news conference Nov. 13. cial issues. ish, will contain suggestions to emulate,” he told Catholic News Service prior to the award cere- The target date for the new The priest said solidarity and for prayers and prayer services mony during the U.S. bishops’ fall general assembly. “Jesus spent charter’s release is June 16, subsidiarity “must be complied for the healing of the sick, de- his whole life loving people and showing that love through actions. which is the Dignity of Life Day with, for example, in the allo- signed for different seasons of That’s pretty much what I try to do. I want to emulate love,” he said. during the Year of Faith, he said. cation or distribution of finan- the church’s liturgical calendar However, the date is not cer- cial resources or, moreover, in and other times of year. Vatican court finds computer tech guilty of aiding, abetting butler Another Brief VATICAN CITY (CNS)—A Vatican court found Claudio Sciarpel- letti, a computer expert in the Secretariat of State, guilty of aid- Filed Against ing and abetting the papal butler, who was convicted of stealing sensitive Vatican correspondence. The three-judge panel hearing HHS Mandate the case Nov. 10 initially sentenced Sciarpelletti to four months in jail but reduced the sentence to two months, saying Sciarpelletti WASHINGTON (CNS)— had never been in trouble with the law and previously had served Americans United for Life filed the Vatican well. The judges suspended even the two-month sen- a brief Nov. 13 in Nebraska v. tence and said that if, over the next five years he commits no other Health and Human Services, crimes, the penalty would be lifted. The Vatican court indicted a case initiated by the state of Sciarpelletti in August, accusing him of helping Paolo Gabriele, Nebraska and six other states the papal butler, by obstructing the Vatican investigation of the challenging the HHS mandate butler’s role in stealing, photocopying and leaking private Vatican requiring most employers to correspondence to an Italian journalist. The butler is serving an provide free coverage of con- 18-month sentence in a cell in the Vatican police barracks. Af- (CNS photo/Bob Roller) traceptives. ter an unnamed source told Vatican investigators in late May that A statue of St. Francis of Assisi overlooks workers cleaning up out- The Washington-based group Sciarpelletti and Gabriele were in frequent contact, Vatican police side St. Margaret Mary Church in New York’s Staten Island Nov. 7. filed the brief on behalf of the searched Sciarpelletti’s office in the Secretariat of State. The po- The church was badly damaged by Hurricane Sandy a week ago. Catholic Medical Association, lice said they found an envelope marked “Personal: P. Gabriele.” the National Catholic Bioethics The court did not reveal details about the envelope’s contents oth- Center and five other national er than mentioning assorted emails signed “Nuvola” (cloud in Ital- Vatican Congregation medical organizations, saying ian), a small section of a book written by the Italian journalist who that the group they represent received leaked documents from Gabriele and pages of articles — physicians, bioethicists and downloaded from the Internet. Sets Up Office for Art other health care profession- VATICAN CITY (CNS)— homegrown music of the Latin als — has a “profound inter- Wisconsin priest named The Congregation for Divine rite.” est in defending the sanctity auxiliary bishop in Bolivia Worship and the Sacraments While the Pontifical Council of human life in their roles as VATICAN CITY (CNS)—Pope Benedict XVI has named a Wis- is establishing an office to pro- for Culture promotes efforts health care providers, medical consin-born missionary, Msgr. Robert H. Flock, to be an aux- mote the development and use in the area of sacred art and experts, and consumers.” iliary bishop for the Archdiocese of Cochabamba, Bolivia. Bish- of appropriate liturgical art, ar- music, the congregation’s new It also said in the brief’s in- op-designate Flock, who celebrated his chitecture and music. office will focus specifically troduction that these members 56th birthday Nov. 4, has served at Santa The new office was approved on art, architecture and music “are supportive of a variety of Cruz Parish in the Archdiocese of Santa in early September by Cardinal used for Mass and other formal public, private, and charitable Cruz, Bolivia, since 1988. The parish was , Vatican sec- moments of prayer. efforts that address health care founded by priests from the Diocese of La retary of state; final arrange- The Second Vatican Council affordability and accessibility” Crosse, Wis., in the 1950s. The Vatican ments and the designation of document on the liturgy said, but they oppose the contracep- announced the new assignment for Bish- personnel are being made, said “The church has not adopted tive mandate of the health care op-designate Flock, a La Crosse priest Marist Father Anthony Ward, any particular style of art as law because it “violates sin- and native of Sparta, Wis., Oct. 31. Since undersecretary of the congre- her very own; she has admitted cerely held religious beliefs and 2000, Bishop-designate Flock has served gation. styles from every period accord- freedom of conscience.” as pastor of Santa Cruz Parish and as the The office will provide ad- ing to the natural talents and cir- The HHS mandate requires head of formation for young priests in the vice, encouragement and guid- cumstances of peoples, and the most employers, including re- Bolivian archdiocese. He also served as (CNS photo/Denis Downey, The ance, he said, but it will not at- needs of the various rites.” ligious employers, to provide vicar general of the archdiocese from 2003 Catholic Times) Bishop-designate tempt to impose specific styles. It called for the preservation insurance coverage of contra- until earlier this year. He earned a bach- Robert H. Flock “The church has always ad- of the great liturgical art of the ceptives, sterilization and some elor’s degree in theology from St. Francis opted local artistic, architec- past and the encouragement of abortion-inducing drugs free of de Sales Seminary in Milwaukee, then was sent to the Pontifical tural and music styles,” Father modern artists to create pieces charge, even if the employer is North American College in Rome. He earned a license in bibli- Ward told Catholic News Ser- appropriate for Catholic wor- morally opposed to such ser- cal theology from the Pontifical Gregorian University and was or- vice Nov. 14. At the same time, ship, “provided that it adorns vices. The mandate does not dained to the priesthood in 1982. In the Diocese of La Crosse, he as the Second Vatican Council the sacred buildings and holy include a conscience clause for served in parishes in Onalaska, Marshfield and Chili before begin- taught, “it always has empha- rites with due reverence and employers who object to such ning his assignment in Bolivia. sized Gregorian chant as the honor.” coverage on moral grounds. 16 FRIDAY NOVEMBER 23, 2012 | The Observer

Faith Forum Thanksgiving Lesson The Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus From a Very Old Prayer Christ, King of the Universe The Solemnity of our Lord Jesus Christ, King Biblically, In 1956 a Jesuit priest named Alban J. Dachauer wrote a prayer of the Universe, marks the end of the liturgical Liturgy Of The Church truth is about book in cooperation with the National Rural Life Conference. In- year in the Church. by Father John commitment, cluded in that book are a plethora of blessings, prayers and de- The various prayers describe his kingdom as Slampak, STL belonging, and votions to mark specific seasons, feast days, holidays and holy “an eternal and universal kingdom, a kingdom of Member of the fidelity, that days along with events of significance in the lives of simple coun- truth and life, a kingdom of holiness and grace, a Diocesan is, to stay with try people. The book includes Liturgical Commission by Bishop Emeritus kingdom of justice, love and peace.” God, which prayers for blessing everything Thomas G. Doran This year it also marks the completion of a [email protected] you express from houses to lard and bacon. full year using the new translation of the Roman whenever you While today there are those Missal. make the sign of the cross on yourself. sophisticates who would scoff The language of prayer is to lead you to the sa- Jesus appeared before Pilate who asked him, at any relevance those prayers [email protected] cred, to God — “Through our Lord Jesus Christ, “What have you done?” might offer more than half a your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the Jesus responded by talking about his kingdom, century after their creation, there is still an applicable lesson for unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and that he is a king from another world. The truth us. Even in a world where farmers are fewer and those still in the ever.” is, Jesus is a king. Jesus is the way, and the truth profession are guided more by computers than tradition we can Our prayers as Church reveal what we be- and the life. gather for ourselves a simple guide to what Jesus knew when he lieve and so what is important is not whether a That’s the truth Pilate missed and it may be commended his spirit into the hands of his Father. doctrine or belief is beautiful, but whether it is that you and I, too, miss this truth when we be- All the prayers in the book, which by the way, is still in print true. When you wish to go to a place, you don’t come so pressured by difficult choices that we and offered by the National Rural Life Conference, offer a lesson ask whether the road leads you through a pretty forget, or never take notice that Christ is stand- in true faith, gratitude and total reliance on God. route but whether it is the right road. When you ing within us, beside us and among us as he told As we move through the Thanksgiving Holiday to the end of follow Jesus, you are to go where he goes, not us he would. the liturgical year and prepare ourselves for Advent, perhaps we where you want. What’s the hardest thing for you to do from can read this farmer’s Prayer in Advent and take a lesson from In the midst of life, you may find yourself in day to day? Learning to forgive when you are it. We can see how those people who rely on the earth for their difficult and trying circumstances. Jesus is in a hurt? Apologizing when you would rather not? personal economy somehow understand God’s work made mani- trying circumstance before Pilate, who portends Being patient when raising your children? Lov- fest in nature and, through that work, have abandoned themselves to be searching for truth. No one, except Jesus, ing your parents, regardless of age? To stop mak- to His will and have agreed to be a cooperator in it rather than seems to know what truth is ... ing excuses for growing in faith by doing the aspire to master it. Surely, that fact has never been more evident “It is you who say I am a king. minimum or nothing? than in this year of record-breaking drought across the nation The reason why I was born Pope Benedict said, “I also wish to place in coupled with horrendous fires and the latest tropical storms. We the reason why the hands of the Mother of God this special time can learn from this simple, old prayer that though there may be I came into the world of grace for the Church, now opening up for us. days of drought, hunger or even suffering, we can all find hope, is to testify to the truth. Mothers of the “yes,” you who heard Jesus; speak gratitude and thanksgiving to offer to the God who made us all. Anyone committed to the truth to us of him; tell us of your journey, that we may Dear God, all over the world now, the children of Holy Mother hears my voice.” follow him on the path of faith; help us to pro- Church are singing: “Send down dew from above, you heavens, The truth to which Jesus testifies is that God claim him, that each person may welcome him and let the skies pour down upon us the rain we long for, Him, the so loves us He wants to save us from sin. and become the dwelling place of God. Amen!” Just One, May He, the Savior, spring from the closed womb of the earth!” We know, Lord, and we have seen, what drought does to the land. We know, too, and have seen, the ravages of frost and “I am the Alpha and the Omega,” says the Lord God, “the one who is cold. We have walked in barren fields and up dry hills, through and who was and who is to come, the almighty.” dead, silent woods and lifeless valleys, and along thirsty beds of once flowing streams. We have seen, clearly enacted for us upon — Revelation 1:8 the land, what our life would be without You. We can understand, now, how we should long for Your coming. Come, dear Lord and Savior, and do not delay! Rise up in Your power and come! Let The Crucial Importance of The Catholic High School the rain of Your grace water the parched soil or our souls. Let the If I ruled the goes, and who the child knows. Parents can ex- warmth of Your love thaw the coldness of our indifference. Let the world of Catho- Guest Column pect to hold this spotlight position in the child’s life of Your Body and Blood vitalize our deadened energies, and lic education by Father William J. life for about a decade. sit us up to fruitful labor in Your vineyard. from kinder- Byron, SJ At some point in the pre- or early adolescent O eternal Father, rouse our hearts out of the sleep of sin, so that garten through years of the developing youngster’s life, it be- we may clear the path of Your Son into our souls. Each year in graduate stud- comes clear that the parents no longer hold the Advent, You gladden us with the thought of our redemption. Grant ies, and if I central reference position. They no longer con- us, we pray You, that, as we receive Your Son as our Redeemer were pushed up Catholic News Service stitute the center of significance for the child. now, we may, in the future gladly and confidently meet Him as against a wall The center, however, is never vacant for long. our Judge. of choice and told I could have only four years Friends and peers — the gang or group — Amen. under explicitly Catholic auspices, I would with- might now take center stage. Peer pressure can Happy Thanksgiving and Happy Advent. out hesitation take the high school years. push anchorless youngsters into a forced march I’m convinced that the potential for a positive of adolescent conformity; others, often un- Ordinary Time CNS ©2012/ Martha Campbell educational impact is greater in the secondary known, are leading the way. Or the center can school years than in any other four-year block of be filled with a hero from the world of sports time allocated to the formal educational process. or entertainment. It can be filled by an older Every year from K through the Ph.D. is impor- brother or sister, by a friend, a neighbor, uncle tant, but there is something special about those or aunt. years between elementary school and college. Indeed, it might be filled by the child him or Why? herself, thus signaling a reversion to infantile To explain my bias in this regard, I have to go self-centeredness. Or, it can be, and often is, back to what I call the “center of significance” filled by a significant adult in the school setting: and let it serve to make an analytical point. a teacher, coach or counselor. The newborn child constitutes the center of The Catholic high school is especially well- significance in his or her unfolding life. All ex- suited to mediate a process of reconnection be- periences, all surrounding influences — warmth tween parent and adolescent child. The Catholic or cold, hunger or satisfaction, pleasure or pain, high school is also quite likely to provide a posi- comfort or discomfort — all are measured by tive peer group environment for the developing the infant in reference to the self. The self con- adolescent as well as presenting good adult role stitutes the center of significance in the infant’s models. life. These are just a few of the reasons why parents As the presence and awareness of siblings and choose to put their children in the Catholic high peers enter the world of the developing child, school setting. The challenge today is to find the parents move into the center of significance in resources needed to keep our Catholic secondary that child’s life. Parents become the point of ref- schools open and affordable for Catholic fami- erence for what the child begins to value, how lies who appreciate the unique role these high the child begins to walk and talk, where the child schools play in the development of the young. The Observer | FRIDAY NOVEMBER 23, 2012 17

Viewpoints The Crisis of a Second Term A Patron for Bikers President Obama’s re-election and the pros- step after “gay marriage” is the law of the land, St. Columbanus (543-615) was one of those roving Irish monks pect of a second Obama administration, freed Catholics will be pilloried as bad losers who’ve who wandered up and down Europe in the sixth and seventh cen- from the constraints imposed by the necessity of picked up their marbles and fl ed the game — and turies. This love of the open road inspired the Rt. Rev. John Oli- running for re-election, have created a crisis for any witness-value to the Church’s withdrawal ver, an Anglican bishop and biker, to suggest St. Columbanus as the Catholic Church in the United States. from the civil marriage business will be lost. the patron of motorcyclists. In the thought-world and vocabulary of the Many thoughtful young priests are discussing Columbanus was not always drawn to the religious life. He Bible, “crisis” has two meanings: the conven- this dramatic option among themselves; it’s time came from a powerful, well-to-do family; he was well-educat- tional sense — for the rest of the Church to join the conversa- ed; he was very good looking, The Catholic Difference a grave threat tion. Patron Saint which attracted the attention of the young women of Ireland. It by George Weigel — and a deep- Yet another threat to the integrity of the Church by Thomas Senior Fellow of the er sense — a comes from the re-election of a vice president of Craughwell was the kind of life most young great moment men dream of, but when a holy Ethics and Public Policy the United States who has declared “transgender St. Center, Washington, of opportunity. discrimination” to be “the civil rights issue of Columbanus woman told him that his free- D.C. Both are ap- our time;” who has openly celebrated the abor- feast day Nov. 23 wheeling ways put the salvation plicable to of his soul at risk, Columbanus, www.eppc.org tion license; who has grossly misrepresented the [email protected] the Church in Church’s teaching on the life issues; and who is, perhaps for the fi rst time in his America these next four years. in myriad ways, an ecclesial embarrassment. life, examined his actions. The immediate threat, of course, is the HHS So are Catholic members of the House and Ultimately, he decided to give up all the pleasures he loved and (Health and Human Services) mandate requir- Senate who not only vote against truths known become a monk. His decision caused an uproar in his family. They considered it ing Catholic institutions and Catholic employers by moral reason, but then have the gall to justify wasteful that such a promising young man should withdraw from to include coverage of contraceptives, steriliza- their irresponsibility by a faux commitment to the world, but Columbanus would not be dissuaded. The day of tions, and abortifacient drugs in the health insur- “pluralism” or, worse, by recourse to what they his departure, Columbanus’ mother made one fi nal attempt to stop ance offered to their employees. The legal chal- are pleased to call “social justice Catholicism.” lenges mounted against this obvious violation of him by physically blocking the door. Somehow, he got around his Thus pastors and bishops must continue to ex- the fi rst freedom, religious freedom, may well mother and headed for Bangor Abbey in County Down. plain why the life issues are “social justice is- be vindicated. According to legend, about a century earlier St. Patrick and his sues,” and indeed priority “social justice issues.” But with Obamacare now seemingly set in companions had a vision of angels on the future site of the mon- And some effective way must be found to make concrete, the Church will face a host of such im- astery. By the time Columbanus became a monk, Bangor was re- clear, publicly, that men and women like Vice plementing “mandates” and it will be imperative nowned for its music and for its scholarship. to contest those that are morally unacceptable, President Joe Biden and Representative Nancy Typically, a monk spent his entire life in the monastery where time and time again. Authentically Catholic Pelosi are living an auto-defi ned Catholicism he had taken his vows, but Irish monks often overlooked that tra- health care in America is now in mortal danger, so incoherently that their communion with the dition. The barbarian invasions had destroyed what was left of and it is going to take a concerted effort to save Catholic Church is severely damaged. Greco-Roman civilization in Western Europe, so Irish monks set it for future generations. Absent such clarity, ill-catechized Catholic out for what is now Britain, France, Germany, and the Low Coun- A further threat comes from the gay insur- voters will continue to misunderstand both the tries, bringing both the Catholic faith and classical civilization to gency, which will press the administration to nature of discipleship and the responsibilities of the barbarian tribes. fi nd some way to federalize the marriage issue citizenship. At age 42, Columbanus asked his abbot to send him as a mis- and to compel acceptance of the chimera of “gay As for the opportunity embedded in this cri- sionary to the pagan tribes in Gaul. The abbot selected 12 monks marriage.” Thus it seems important to accelerate sis, it is nothing less than to be the Church of and sent them along with Columbanus. a serious debate within American Catholicism the New Evangelization, full-throttle. Shallow, Columbanus and his fellow monks had great success in what on whether the Church ought not pre-emptively tribal, institutional-maintenance Catholicism is now the French province of Burgundy, where they converted withdraw from the civil marriage business, its is utterly incapable of meeting the challenges thousands, including the king. They founded several monasteries, clergy declining to act as agents of government that will now come at the Catholic Church from all of which wanted Columbanus to serve as abbot, but Columba- in witnessing marriages for purposes of state the most aggressively secular administration in nus realized he was not born for a sedentary life. law. American history. Over the next 30 years he made missionary journeys through If the Church were to take this dramatic step Only a robustly, unapologetically evangelical Germany and Switzerland, then crossed the Alps into northern now, it would be acting prophetically: it would Catholicism, winsomely proposing and nobly Italy where he fi nally settled down at Bobbio. There he rebuilt a be challenging the state (and the culture) by un- living the truths the Church teaches about the dilapidated church dedicated to St. Peter, and built a new monas- derscoring that what the state means by “mar- human condition, will see us through the next tery beside it. riage” and what Catholics mean by “marriage” four years. Radically converted Christian disci- Even then he found it hard to stay put, so he retired to a cave are radically different, and that what the state ples, not one-hour-a-week Catholics whipsawed near the abbey where he spent his old age living as a hermit. At his means by “marriage” is wrong. by an ever more toxic culture, are what this hour death, St. Columbanus was buried in his abbey church. His relics If, however, the Church is forced to take this of crisis, in both senses of the term, demands. are there still, beneath the altar in the crypt. Working Toward the Unity Called for in Scripture With all the division in the world, we have to Guest Column garbage dump. Pro- Dialogue is our best means of renewing our faith wonder if the hoped-for dream of Psalm 133 is just a grams such as these in one another and achieving unity. Dialogue doesn’t dream and won’t ever happen in our lifetime. by Father Eugene fi re up the imagina- mean solely talking to one another but also entering “How good and how pleasant it is, when brothers Hemrick tion and generate into one another’s culture: to experience fi rsthand its dwell together as one!” ways of turning the traditions, customs and way of life. More often than It seems most improbable we will see the day in seemingly impossi- not, this leads to appreciating another person’s cul- which we are one with the countries that hate us. ble into the possible. ture. With appreciation comes respect and awe. How can we ever come to any agreement with cul- Catholic News Service Today there are A Moorish proverb would add to the above, “He tures so diverse from ours? many student ex- who does not travel does not know the value of men.” During a board meeting at St. Vincent College in change programs in which students from other coun- One of the values of student exchange programs Latrobe, Pa., my skepticism about achieving unity tries come to the United States to learn and Ameri- is the lesson they teach. When we think of ways of was suddenly dispelled. How? can students study and work abroad. uniting with another country, we usually think of our It was during a discussion of its Chinese program. The results of these programs are one wonderful diplomatic corps. It is true our diplomats do a won- As we refl ected on it, my thoughts went back to other way to make the hoped-for dream of Psalm 133 come derful job in creating unity between countries. It is programs St. Vincent’s has in which students are not true. also true that our institutions of higher learning are only introduced to other cultures, but work in them. Pope Paul VI wrote a profound encyclical on church fulfi lling this role through their exchange programs. For example, several students went to Guatemala to renewal in which he called for dialogue based on the When your university or college asks for a dona- work among the “dump people.” Dump people liter- Trinity in which the Father, Son and Holy Spirit en- tion, be generous. They possess one of our greatest ally live next to and live off of whatever they fi nd in a gage in dialogue. means for unity in the world.

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For the Record

Inman, Nov. 10. A. Klatter, 28, Nov. 7; Weddings Parish offices may now forward death and wedding HAMPSHIRE—St. Charles information using interactive forms available at http://observer. BELVIDERE—St. James: Me- Borromeo: Marcia J. Nilsen, Deaths rockforddiocese.org. Click on Contact Us, then on Submit Death gan Traynor and Christopher 77, Oct. 29; Announcements or on Submit Wedding Announcements. Roney, Nov. 3; BELVIDERE—St. James: Wil- HUNTLEY—St. Mary: Virgil ELGIN—St. Mary: Chelsea liam Glen Allred Jr., 78, Oct. 4; Murk, 89, Nov. 7; Michael Bar- Stewardship Moment talents and to selflessly share Belcher and Joshua Haynes, Gerald Leo “Jerry” Schwartz, rett, 46, Nov. 9; Ralph James our time. Sept. 21; Milagros Proa and 85, Oct. 31; Sarah Gersch, 79, Brown, 81, Nov. 13; Share today: When Jesus tells Courtesy of Parish Publications us to take no thought for tomor- Ricardo Perez, Sept. 28; Col- Nov. 4; Ramon Alcozer Fon- MCHENRY—St. Patrick: Ma- “Stewardship” newsletter row, he is not saying that death leen McDunn and Carlos seca, 64, Nov. 3; Feliciana De- ria Boren, 80, Sept. 30; Elaine won’t come, nor that there will Arceo, Sept. 29; Ashley Ka- Leon, 85, Nov. 5; Pictor, 94, Sept. 29; Virgil Q. Mass Meditation minski and James Tracy, Oct. ELBURN—St. Gall: Terri Wilkins, 92, Oct. 16; Denise be no judgment. He is telling us to begin living in eternity now. If Sunday, Nov. 25 (Christ the 20; Kelly Gruesen and Christo- Doremus, 65, May 5; Lois Jar- Sonnemann, 46, Oct. 30; death ends time as we know it King): The second reading re- pher Heuman, Nov. 10; vis, 89, May 26; Raymond ROCKFORD—St. James: tomorrow, the plans we make minds us that the sacrifice of Flinn, 82, July 23; Dorothy GENEVA—St. Peter: Amy Catherine Haley, 91, Oct. 17; yesterday won’t make any dif- Christ frees us from sin and Gilmore, 89, Nov. 7; Herrick and Brian Claussen, St. Rita: Darlene Foss, 78, ference. But today will, because makes us a royal nation of Oct. 19; ELGIN—St. Mary: Patrick Nov. 4; we love our neighbors, today priests in the service of God. SUBLETTE—Our Lady of Gaffney, 80, Oct. 15; Ann Kist- WONDER LAKE—Christ the we pray and today we give with How am I using my gifts to Perpetual Help: Abbi Renee ing, 98, Oct. 21; King: Paul Raycraft, 69, Oct. thanksgiving. Today is the only serve God and others? Kromm and Bryan Michael GENEVA—St. Peter: Jimmy 8; John Flanagan, 78, Oct. 28. day we have in which to give our Courtesy of Sharon Hueckel Media/Arts

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Media/Arts At the MOVIES Lincoln THIS FILM CONTAINS mostly Bill Condon’s gothic romance morality consists of getting the aptation of Mark O’Brien’s au- A-III (DreamWorks) bloodless battlefi eld violence, — adapted, like its immedi- enemy before they get you, and tobiographical writings displays PG-13 Daniel Day-Lewis’ severed limbs, cohabitation, ate predecessor, from novelist skin color and eye shape largely an ultimately negative attitude bravura performance profanity, racial slurs, rough, Stephenie Meyer’s blockbuster determine who’s evil. toward the memoirist’s devout in the title role is the highlight — crude and crass language. “Breaking Dawn.” Parents will THIS FILM CONTAINS gun Catholic faith — which is pre- but by no means the only asset have to assess how well mature violence, gore, racist charac- dictably identifi ed as a source of The Twilight — of director Steven Spielberg’s A-II adolescents may cope with the terizations, profanity and crude guilt and inhibition. As for the en- unsettling means by which the splendid historical drama. The PG-13 Saga: Breaking language. counters between the two main plot focuses on the Civil War Dawn — Part 2 vein-drainers dispose of each The Sessions characters, they are excessively president’s passionate yet wily (Summit) other — essentially gore-free O (Fox Searchlight) explicit. And scenes showing the struggle, during the closing days This fi fth and fi nal installment of decapitation, followed by burn- R Paralyzed from the surrogate’s home life with her of that confl ict, to steer a consti- the franchise sees its domes- ing — as well as with scenes of neck down by a child- husband and teenage son raise tutional amendment abolishing ticated vampire hero (Robert intimacy. hood bout of polio, a 38-year- the ethical stakes by introducing slavery through Congress. Aid- Pattinson) and his once-mortal, THIS FILM CONTAINS harsh old journalist and poet (John the element of adultery. ed by his secretary of state, Wil- but now undead bride (Kristen bloodless violence, fl eeting Hawkes) engages the services THIS FILM CONTAINS anti- liam Seward (David Strathairn), Stewart) enjoying both married gore, semi-graphic marital love- of a so-called sex surrogate Catholic bias, a priest who but distracted by his troubled life and newfound parenthood. making, nudity, crass terms. (Helen Hunt) to help him lose fails to uphold church teaching, personal life — Sally Field plays But when their half-human, half- Red Dawn his virginity, for which he gains adultery, nudity, a benign view bloodsucker daughter (Mack- L his famously high-strung wife (FilmDistrict) the misguided support of his of nonmarital and aberrant sex, enzie Foy) is mistaken for a Mary — Lincoln uses rhetoric PG-13 Gleefully paranoid, parish priest (William H. Macy). rough, crude and crass lan- type of being long banned by to win over his hesitant Cabinet hyperviolent and Writer-director Ben Lewin’s ad- guage. — CNS and patronage to woo his oppo- the ruling clique of the vam- more than a little racist, this re- nents. The trajectory of the tale pire world, a confl ict erupts be- make of the 1984 original has is, by its nature, uplifting, while tween the young couple’s allies Chris Hemsworth and Josh Lincoln’s multifaceted person- (Taylor Lautner, Peter Facinelli, Peck leading a teenage militia Watch ‘Catholic Mass’ ality — which encompassed Elizabeth Reaser and others) against North Korean forces idealism, political shrewdness, and the elite defenders of the who have overtaken the Pacifi c Sundays at 6:30 a.m. on WREX-TV, melancholy, humor and even a established order (led by Mi- Northwest. Director Dan Brad- Channel 13 in Rockford few endearing foibles — is vivid- chael Sheen). Themes of fam- ley and co-writers Carl Ellsworth or you can watch on the Web at ly illuminated in Tony Kushner’s ily loyalty, tolerance for others and Jeremy Passmore send http://observer.rockforddiocese.org. screenplay. The educational and the corrupting effects of their protagonists on a mission value and moral import of the power underlie the easy-to- of revenge against the occupi- Brought to you by The Diocesan O ce of fi lm may make it acceptable for laugh-at but undeniably enter- ers, who have managed to shut Communications and Publications older adolescents. taining proceedings of director down the power grid. The only

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Prayer Intentions and Scripture Readings December 2012 SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY Join Pope Benedict XVI in praying for these special 4th century Feast: Dec. 6 1 Nicholas intentions this month: Blessed Virgin Mary From the ninth century in the East and the 11th Migrants — That migrants throughout the world may Rv 22:1-7; Ps 95:1-7; Lk century in the West, Nicholas has been one of the be welcomed with generosity and authentic love, 21:34-36 most popular saints in Christendom and art, and especially by Christian communities. † Father E. W. Dunne, the patron of many countries, dioceses, churches and cities. He was bishop Christ, light for all humanity — That Christ may of Myra in Lycia (now Turkey). According to folklore, he saved three girls from 1910 reveal himself to all humanity with the light that prostitution, restored to life three murdered children hidden in a brine-tub or Pope Benedict XVI saved from death three unjustly condemned men. There is no evidence that shines forth from Bethlehem and is reflected in the he attended the Council of Nicaea in 325 or suffered persecution for his faith. face of his Church. “Santa Claus” comes from the Dutch form of his name, “Sinte Klaas.” — http://www.apostleshipofprayer.org 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 1st Advent Francis Xavier, priest John Damascene, priest, Is 25:6-10a; Ps 23:1-6; Mt Nicholas, bishop Ambrose, bishop, doctor of Immaculate Conception Jer 33:14-16; Ps 25:4-5, Is 2:1-5; Ps 122:1-9; Mt doctor of the Church 15:29-37 Is 26:1-6; Ps 118:1, 8-9, the Church of the Blessed Virgin Mary 8-10, 14; 1 Thes 3:12-4:2; 8:5-11 (or 1 Cor 9:16-19, Is 11:1-10; Ps 72:1, 7-8, † Father Philip Dudley 19-21, 25-27a; Mt 7:21, Is 29:17-24; Ps 27:1, 4, (Holy Day of Obligation) Lk 21:25-28, 34-36 22-23; Mk 16:15-20) 12-13, 17; Lk 10:21-24 Healey, 1934; † Father 24-27 13-14; Mt 9:27-31 (or Eph Gn 3:9-15, 20; Ps 98:1-4; † Father Ronald L. French, Bishop Emeritus Thomas † Father Raymond O. Peter S. Masterson, 1945 Father Lawrence 3:8-12; Jn 10:11-16) Eph 1:3-6, 11-12; Lk 1978 G. Doran Holmgren, 2007 Father Joachim Tyrtania Urbaniak Father Ariel Valencia 1:26-38 Bishop David J. Malloy Priests of the Sterling Father William Vallejo Deanery

9 10 11 12 13 14 15 2nd Advent Is 35:1-10; Ps 85:9ab-14; Damasus I, pope Our Lady of Guadalupe Lucy, virgin, martyr John of the Cross, priest, Sir 48:1-4, 9-11; Ps 80:2-3, Bar 5:1-9; Ps 126:1-6; Phil Lk 5:17-26 Is 40:1-11; Ps 96:1-3, 10- Zec 2:14-17 (or Rv 11:19a, Is 41:13-20; Ps 145:1, doctor of the Church 15-16, 18-19; Mt 17:10-13 1:4-6, 8-11; Lk 3:1-6 † Father John J. Kildu , 13; Mt 18:12-14 12:1-6a, 10ab); Ps 45:11- 9-13ab; Mt 11:11-15 Is 48:17-19; Ps 1:1-4, 6; Mt Dec. 14: † Father Clarence † Father Walter E. 1995 U.S. Bishops 12, 14-17; Lk 1:26-38 (or (or 2 Cor 10:17-11:2; Mt 11:16-19 J. Thennes, 2002 Lessman, 1957 Missionaries Lk 1:39-47) 25:1-13) † Father Daniel A. Feeley, Father David M. Vogel Msgr. Arquimedes Vallejo Father Perfecto Vasquez † Father Edwin A. 1939; † Father John M. McCormick, 1955 Dording, 1984 Father Melvyn Vlasz Bishop Emeritus Arthur J. O’Neill 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 3rd Advent, Gaudette Gn 49:2, 8-10; Ps 72:3-4, Jer 23:5-8; Ps 72:1, 12-13, Jgs 13:2-7, 24-25a; Ps Is 7:10-14; Ps 24:1-6; Lk Peter Canisius, priest, 1 Sm 1:24-28; (Ps) 1 Sm Zep 3:14-18a; (Ps) Is 12:2- 7-8, 17; Mt 1:1-17 18-19; Mt 1:18-25 71:3-6, 16-17; Lk 1:5-25 1:26-38 doctor of the Church 2:1, 4-7, 8abcd; Lk 1:46-56 6; Phil 4:4-7; Lk 3:10-18 Sisters of St. Joseph of the † Father Robert P. Permanent deacons † Father Joseph M. Egan, Sg 2:8-14 (or Zep 3:14- † Msgr. John Patrick † Father Thomas O’Brien, Third Order St. Francis Donavan, 1977; † Father 1980 18a); Ps 33:2-3, 11-12, McGuire, 1945 1950 Joseph M. Tully, 1982 Transitional deacons 20-21; Lk 1:39-45 School Sisters of Notre Msgr. Raymond Wahl Father Kenneth † Father Robert Jackson, Dame, St. Louis Wasilewski 2009 Father Zdzislaw Wawryszuk 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 4th Advent 2 Sm 7:1-5, 8b-12, 14a; Ps Christmas Stephen, fi rst martyr John, Apostle, evangelist Holy Innocents, martyrs Thomas Becket, bishop, Mi 5:1-4a; Ps 80:2-3, 15- 89:2-5, 27, 29; Lk 1:67-79 Midnight: Is 9:1-6; Ps 96:1-3, Acts 6:8-10, 7:54-59; Ps 1 Jn 1:1-4; Ps 97:1-2, 5-6, 1 Jn 1:5-2:2; Ps 124:2-5, martyr 16, 18-19; Heb 10:5-10; Lk Vigil of the Nativity: Is 11-13; Ti 2:11-14; Lk 2:1-14; 31:3-4, 6-8, 17-21; Mt 11-12; Jn 20:2-8 7b-8; Mt 2:13-18 1 Jn 2:3-11; Ps 96:1-3, 5b- 1:39-45 62:1-5; Ps 89:4-5, 16-17, Dawn: Is 62:11-12; Ps 97:1, 10:17-22 Msgr. Robert Willhite † Father Lloyd P. 6; Lk 2:22-35 6, 11-12; Ti 3:4-7; Lk 2:15-20; † Father Francis J. 27, 29; Acts 13:16- Father Paul White McDonald, 1968; † Father † Father Henry Hagen, Day: Is 52:7-10; Ps 98:1-6; Hartmann, 1918 17, 22-25; Mt 1:1-25 John J. McGowan, 2002; 1933 Heb 1:1-6; Jn 1:1-18 Father William R. Wentink Missionaries † Father William Michael Father Zbigniew Vocations McKinstra, 2004 Zajchowski, OFM Conv. Father Geoffrey Wirth 30 31 Daily Scripture Readings If you are John the Evangelist died circa 100 Feast: Dec. 27 Holy Family of Jesus, Mary Sylvester I, pope interested in † Pray for the priests who John and James were Galilean fi shermen called from mending and Joseph 1 Jn 2:18-21; Ps 96:1-2, helping to have served the Rockford their nets to follow Jesus, who nicknamed them “sons of thun- Sir 3:2-6, 12-14; Ps 128:1- 11-13; Jn 1:1-18 Diocese and who died sponsor the der.” Along with Peter, the brothers were in Jesus’ inner circle, 5; Col 3:12-21; Lk 2:41-52 † Father Thomas P. this month on the days 2013 monthly witnessing his transfi guration and agony in Gethsemane. John, (or 1 Sm 1:20-22, 24-28; Dolan, 2003 listed. prayer calendar, always “the beloved disciple” in tradition, was given the care Ps 84:2-3, 5-6, 9-10; 1 Jn Priests of the diocese of Mary on Calvary. In later years, he was exiled on Patmos, please call Ron 3:1-2, 21-24); Lk 2:41-52 Please pray for those who and reportedly died at a great age in Ephesus. Authorship of Father Slawomir Zimodro have a religious vocation. Bergman at the fourth Gospel, three New Testament letters and the Book of 815/387-3385. Revelation are attributed to John and his followers.

THE 815/399-4300 OBSERVER http://[email protected] Year of Faith