ISSN: 0029-7739 $ 1.00 per copy BSERVER OOfficial Newspaper of the Catholic Diocese of Rockford Volume 83 | No. 21 http://observer.rockforddiocese.org FRIDAY MAY 4, 2018

Parish representatives take part in discussions at a Rockford Diocese gathering, April 28 at St. Monica in Carpen- tersville. The meeting of about 200 people in- cluded clergy, religious and lay people prepar- ing for the National V Encuentro (Fifth Meet- ing) of the Hispanic Catholic community in the United States. The bi-lingual logo for the September session in Texas is below.

(Observer photos/Margarita Mendoza) Diocese Prepares for V Encuentro

By Margarita Mendoza ing — of the U.S. Catholic Church’s Ana Wilson and César Quiroz from his also talked of the importance of attend- El Observador Editor Hispanic community is to be held Sept. diocese, along with Father Javier Bus- ing Mass, especially on Sundays or Sat- 20-23 in Grapevine, Texas. tos, Vicar General of the Archdiocese urday vigils, and during the week. CARPENTERSVILLE—A room full The goal of the V Encuentro is to of Milwaukee, and Deacon Jorge Bena- “I hope we can transmit to the young of people at St. Monica Parish here are “see the past, present and where we are vente, director of the Hispanic Ministry people the Catholic faith ... . What can among those who know what the V En- going.” explained Carlos Hernandez, in that archdiocese, guided the Carpen- we do to make our young people par- cuentro is about. director of Hispanic Ministry in the tersville event. ticipate more in our schools? How can They gathered as part of the Rock- Diocese of Green About 200 people from parishes and we evangelize our young people to the groups in the Rockford Diocese ex- ford Diocese’s preparation for a national See related Bay. beauty of the family, of marriage?” event scheduled this fall in Texas. story on page 5. Hernandez and pressed their ideas about the strengths, The bishop also asked the attendees The V Encuentro — or Fifth Meet- a group, including weaknesses, and desires of the Hispanic to think about “What can we do so the community in the Hispanic Catholic community in our di- hope local Church. ocese gives us more of their children for Preparation be- the seminary, to follow the call of the ‘I we can gan at the micro Holy Spirit to the priesthood? What can level — the par- we do to motivate more our families and transmit to ishes — and aims our youth?” the young to reach the macro Green Bay’s Quiroz said of the grow- level at the nation- ing Hispanic Community in the United people the al V Encuentro. States, “Now we are a lot, and we want Bishop David to be a host. What are we going to give Catholic Malloy opened to the Church? We need to sit down to the event, stress- think about recommendations.” faith.’ ing the impor- Msgr. Arquimedes Vallejo, Vicar for Bishop David Malloy opens the Rockford Diocese V Encuentro (Fifth Meeting) preparation — Bishop David tance of passing Hispanic Ministry in the Diocese of session in Carpentersville. Fluent in Spanish, he spoke to participants in that language. Malloy the faith to new Rockford and pastor of Sacred Heart Nearly half of all Catholics at Masses in diocesan parishes are of Hispanic heritage. generations. He Continued on page 4

This Issue Inside

Bishop Malloy ...... 2 Parish Support for New Rockford Caritas Luncheon Headliners...... 3 School Grows: 3 to 4 to 8 Faces into History Diocesan...... 4-5, 16 Rockford joins Aurora in planning a new multi- Catholic Charities Auxiliary is Seasoned Observer ...... 6 parish school. St. James (left) is to be home of the no longer able to manage its Around the Diocese ...... 7-9 school, which will invite all students from eight annual spring luncheon. Board Nation/World ...... 10-11 parishes and four schools — Cathedral of St. members are looking for less Our Catholic View ...... 12-13 Peter, St. Bernadette, St. Edward and St. James — labor-intensive fundraisers For the Record ...... 14 in the 2019-20 school year. Prekindergarten and kindergarten students may enroll now for the and more help. Media/Arts...... 15 2018-19 school year. page 3 page 16 2 | FRIDAY MAY 4, 2018 | The Observer Pray, Honor the Mary Month of May The Observer (ISSN 0029- he month of May means for us as our mother mean that of the Greeks and Roman and the 7739), is published weekly, that our long wait for we cannot reduce our devotion Christian faithful by decorating except fi ve times a year by spring and warmer to her to a simply emotional it during this month with signs of the Diocese of Rockford, weather is fi nally over. acknowledgement. spring such as fl owers or green 555 Colman Center Dr., P.O. TBut the month of May has another It is one of the dangers to our sprigs from the garden? Box 7044, Rockford, IL 61125 Phone: 815/399-4300; Fax traditionally Catholic component. faith that we simply hold for Mary The eff ort to arrange the fl owers 815/399-6225. May is a month with particular warm memories and thoughts, as will itself remind us of love for dedication to Mary. In some ways, Periodical postage paid at BY BISHOP if for our departed grandmother. Mary. And walking past such a Rockford, Ill., and additional DAVID J. the two are connected. For some, there is a concern spring shrine throughout the day mail offi ces. Historically, going back even that devotion to Mary can even will likewise turn our thoughts to MALLOY POSTMASTER: send address to the Greeks and the Romans, be a distraction from Christ. her. changes to The Observer, 555 the late spring was celebrated Some non-Catholics have long Of course we should be saying Colman Center Dr., P.O. Box s we for the signs of new life. Then as suggested that the Catholic the rosary daily throughout the 7044, Rockford, IL 61125 Aknow, a now, the greening of previously veneration of Mary mistakenly year. But what a positive infl uence For ADVERTISING information: healthly and brown grass and bushes and equates her dignity with that of for individuals and the family it Contact The Observer at the address above or call 815/399- a balanced the appearance of fl owers after God Himself. would be to turn off the television the melting of the snow was a As we know, a healthy and for a brief while in order to pray 4300; fax 815/399-6225, honor of reminder of the fecundity of Email: kmccarthy@ balanced honor of Mary cannot the rosary each day of May. rockforddiocese.org. Mary cannot creation. This seems to have been confl ict with adoration of God At Fatima, Mary told the three the natural impulse to associate or with our love for Christ. May, children — and through them Send NEWS information to The con ict with Observer at the address or fax adoration of those thoughts with the Christian then, is an excellent time to “ramp the world — that the rosary is a number above; send email to God or with appreciation of Mary and the new up” our lived devotion to Mary. powerful contributor to holiness Observer@rockforddiocese. life that she bore for the world. In that way we fulfi ll, with St. and to the conversion of sinners. org; or fi ll out a form at our love for This pious practice of honoring John, the words of Jesus from the In many parishes, the church http://observer.rockforddiocese. Christ. Mary in the spring was further cross, “Behold your mother.” makes special eff orts to adorn the org/contact-us. formalized at the end of the 18th (Jn 19:27) statue of Mary. And particular Subscription rate $28.00 per century. At that time, in Rome, How might we make May a devotions, such as the May year (48 issues); Canadian the Jesuit fathers were concerned and Pan American $29; other special month for our mother? crowning. are popular seasonal foreign: surface mail $37, air about the immorality lived by Why not begin with a “walk displays of love and aff ection for mail $97; single copies $1. some of the students at their through” in your house or Mary. The Observer Online digital college there. apartment? Our Lord has given Mary subscriptions are also available. To meet this challenge, May Are there any indications a very special role in the life Publisher: was dedicated as a special month of love for Mary such as the and salvation of each one of us. Most Reverend David J. Malloy of devotion to Mary. From presence of a picture prominently Salvation comes from Christ and Editor: Penny Wiegert there the association of Mary hung, or a statue to remind us of Him alone. But Mary points the Amanda Hudson and the month of May became her presence? If not, this would be way to her Son, so use this month News Editor: widespread. a great time to address that lack. to thank the Mother of God and to Features and Multimedia The role of Mary in the plan If there is such a holy image, give her her rightful place in your Editor: Sharon Boehlefeld of salvation and her intercession why not incorporate the intuition life and prayer. Circulation/Proofreading: Susan Sabrowski, Keith Ludolph Accounting: Jill Bonk Advertising and Marketing: Baptism Unites Us in God’s Church Kevin McCarthy Production and Web From the General Audience, St. Peter’s Square, to serve the Lord with joy and For this reason, the path of Administrator: Gary Haughton April 25 newness of life. adult catechumens is marked by Contributing Writers: Father One never goes alone to the repeated exorcisms pronounced Kenneth Wasilewski, Father Let us continue our refl ection baptismal font, but is accompanied by the priest (see Catechism Keith Romke, Keith Ludolph, on baptism, always in the light of Lynne Conner, Father Ronald by the prayers of the entire the Word of God. of the Catholic Church, 1237), Rolheiser, Tony Carton, Church, as recalled in the litanies (CNS photo/C. Peri via Reuters) Peri photo/C. (CNS The Gospel enlightens the that is, prayers which invoke Pat Szpekowski, Margarita BY POPE candidates and elicits the of the saints which precede the liberation from sin and from Mendoza, Louise Brass, Patrick Winn FR ANCIS response of faith: “Indeed Prayer of Exorcism and the everything which separates us baptism is ‘the sacrament of faith’ Anointing before Baptism, with from Christ and prevents intimate Publication Dates: Weekly except that in 2018 there will be in a particular way, since it is the which the catechumens are union with Him. o not no issues on Jan. 5, March 30, sacramental entry into the life of anointed with oil. For children too, we ask God to forget: These are gestures which, from free them from original sin and to June 29, Aug. 31, Nov. 30 and D faith” (Catechism of the Catholic Dec. 28. the Church’s Church, 1236). antiquity, assure those who are consecrate their dwelling in the preparing to be reborn as children Holy Spirit (see Rite of Baptism News Deadlines: Usually, 10 prayers are And faith is the delivery days before publication date. of oneself to the Lord Jesus, of God that the prayers of the for Children, 49). ... Praying always in Church assist them in the battle for children, for spiritual and Ad Deadlines: Usually, 10 recognized as “a spring of water days before publication date. action. But ... to eternal life” (Jn 4:14), “the against evil, accompany them on corporeal health. It is a means of we must light of the world” (Jn 9:5), “the the path of good, help them elude protecting children with prayer. Offi cial information on the poli- the power of sin in order to enter As the Gospels attest, Jesus cies, activities, and positions enter into resurrection and the life” (Jn of the Diocese of Rockford is into the kingdom of divine grace. Himself fought and cast out the this prayer 11:25), as taught by the path released only in the pages of ... demons to manifest the advent and pray that catechumens approaching The Observer, or in state- Christian initiation still take today. The Church prays, and prays of the Kingdom of God (see Mt ments from the Diocesan for all the Instructed by listening to for everyone, for all of us! We, 12:28): His victory over the power Offi ce of Communications and Publications. People of Jesus, His teachings and His the Church, pray for others. It is a of the evil one leaves room for the work, the catechumens relive beautiful thing to pray for others. Lordship of God who brings joy The Observer uses recycled God and paper and is recyclable. for those the experience of the Samaritan Often, we have no urgent need and reconciles with life. woman who thirsts for living and we do not pray. United to the Baptism is not a magical Our Mission is the mission who need of the Church itself — to water, the man born blind who Church, we must pray for others: formula but a gift of the Holy spread the Gospel through prayers. opens his eyes to the light, “Lord I ask of you on behalf of Spirit who enables those who contemporary means of Lazarus who walks out from the those who are in need, on behalf receive Him to “fi ght against the communications. tomb. of those who have no faith... .” spirit of evil,” believing that God The Gospel has within it the Do not forget: the Church’s has sent His son into the world Member of: power to transform those who prayers are always in action. But to destroy the power of Satan accept it with faith, tearing them we must enter into this prayer and and to transfer mankind from away from the control of the pray for all the People of God and darkness into the Kingdom of evil one so that they may learn for those who need prayers. infi nite light. Headliners The Observer | FRIDAY MAY 4, 2018 | 3 Parish Support for New Rockford School Grows: 3 to 4 to 8 St. Edward joins the previous three-school collaboration as St. James is tapped to be home to the yet-to-be-named new school. Eight parishes will support it spiritually and nancially.

BY PENNY WIEGERT a fantastic job keeping the Editor school going.” However, shrinking demo- ROCKFORD—The eff ort to graphics in the southeastern strengthen Catholic elementary Rockford neighborhood have schools in the city of Rockford, taken a toll on St. Edward’s became larger and stronger, an- parish fi nances and enrollment. nounced the Diocesan Educa- Rather than face mounting tion Offi ce April 30. debt and further cuts to the (Observer le photo) The Diocese of Rockford St. James School in midtown Rockford will become the site of the new Rockford Catholic school. The name curriculum, he explained, the has yet to be decided. has been working on its Faith school will join the three other Forward Strategic Plan that Rockford parishes — all facing Catholic Academy. at St. James for the 2018–19 focus attention on the school’s outlines objectives and goals to similar challenges to enroll- The Aurora collaboration school year. name, curriculum, fi nances, strengthen Catholic education ment and fi nances — to form a brought four schools together First through eighth grades personnel, and other factors throughout its 11-county region new school that will serve more into two campuses supported will combine for the 2019–20 relevant to the new school. for the past two years. people in metro Rockford. by seven parish communities. school year. Committee members are Earlier this week, the dio- Father Vallejo sent a letter to It will offi cially open for the Families enrolling in pre- working with parents, adminis- cese shared what it calls “new parents then met with them to 2018-19 school year. kindergarten and kindergarten trators and the diocese to cre- and exciting details” regarding further explain the process and at St. Edward School will have ate new — and honor current Rockford’s yet-to-be-named take questions at the Tuesday Campus selected the option to stay at St. Edward — traditions and strengthen multi-parish school for the meeting. Parents shared many School families and parishes or move to St. James for 2018– existing collaborations in the 2019–20 school year and be- emotions but most agreed that have also learned that St. James 19. 2018-19 school year. yond. preserving Catholic education School, 409 W. First St., will be “There is exciting momen- “We are thrilled with the ad- According to the press re- was the priority. the location of the new Rock- tum for Catholic education in dition of St. Edward School lease, a fourth school, St. “I don’t want the school to ford school. the Rockford region,” Kagan and the other four parish com- Edward at 3020 11th St., has close, of course,” said one par- The location decision was said. munities to our eff ort as well joined the collaboration with ent. “But in the long run, I based on a thorough facilities “Now with four schools and as having a location identifi ed Cathedral of St. Peter, St. Ber- know this is the best thing.” assessment conducted by the a total of eight parishes com- for 2019-20,” said Ed Geeser nadette and St. James schools. Joint Schools Committee. The bining their resources, we have of Rockford, chair of the Joint “The addition of a fourth More parishes group includes representatives even greater possibilities for Schools Committee. parish school and its strengths, o er support and principals from all partici- shaping a new, modern and “Soon we’ll be able to share students and resources further The collaboration doesn’t pating schools. state-of-the-art Catholic faith- more details around our pro- enhances the potential of the stop there. While the four schools will based educational experience grams and start building a new future school,” the release said. In addition to the four Rock- continue to operate indepen- for our students. We’re excited and diverse school family and Father William Vallejo, pas- ford schools, four additional dently for another year, pre- to bring together our youngest tradition.” tor of St. Edward Parish, told parishes have also joined the kindergarten and kindergarten students next year and begin his parishioners, parents and Questions and comments about eff ort: St. Anthony, St. Patrick, programs from Cathedral of forming a new school family.” the Rockford process can be sent faculty in mid-April that St. St. Stanislaus and SS. Peter and St. Peter, St. Bernadette and With a location identifi ed, the to FaithForwardRockford@gmail. Edward School would be join- Paul. St. James Schools will combine Joint Schools Committee will com. ing Rockford’s Joint Schools Together, Kagan said, the col- Committee. The group is work- laboration of these eight parish ing on combining resources to communities will off er the new form a new consolidated school school a level of spiritual and in the city. fi nancial support necessary to Superintendent of Catholic provide an unmatched educa- Schools Michael Kagan told tional experience for students. a group of parents gathered to The pastors of all eight par- learn about the plan April 19, ishes are working on an inter- that “Father Vallejo was deter- parochial agreement much like mined to preserve the parish the one drafted by several Au- school since he was assigned rora parishes earlier this year to there in 2013. And he has done create the Pope St. John Paul II

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As Illinois celebrates its bicentennial 1857, before a bishop was even seated in In 1877, two this year, The Observer will present Quincy. Rev. Damian Juncker was named years before Bish- occasional features from Rockford first bishop of Alton. op Foley’s death, Diocese history books. The area that was to become the Rock- the territory of Illinois divided into ford Diocese remained in the still-vast the Chicago Dio- multiple dioceses Diocese of Chicago. The Rt. Rev. William cese was again Quarter, D.D., first bishop of Illinois, had reduced when ‘[W]hilst the first Plenary already been replaced by Bishop J. O. the Diocese of Council of Baltimore was Vandevelde, D.D. Bishop Vandevelde re- Peoria was cre- in session (in1852) it was signed due to ill health in 1851, and died ated. Chicago’s decided unanimously by the shortly after his resignation. southern bound- prelates assembled that the The Rt. Rev. Anthony O’Regan, D. D., ary was drawn great Diocese of Chicago, which occupied the See of Chicago unhappily at the southern comprised within its jurisdic- from 1854-1857. When he resigned, he limits of Rock tion the whole State of Illinois, be was replaced by the Rt. Rev. James Dug- Island, Henry, partitioned and a second diocese be Bureau, Putnam, gan, D. D., on Jan. 21, 1859. Bishop Dug- (Observer file photo) created. A petition to this effect was at gan, however, had an undiagnosed mental La Salle, Grundy Rt. Rev. Patrick Feehan, D.D., once forwarded to Rome. Pope Pius IX condition and in 1869 he was moved to the and Kankakee first archbishop of Chicago acquiesced in the wishes thus expressed, Sanatorium of the Sisters of Charity in St. Louis, counties. and under date of July, 1853, formally and where he remained until his death. On Sept. 10, 1880, the Diocese of Chicago was officially approved of the establishment of the Next to lead the Diocese of Chicago was the elevated to the rank of Archdiocese, and the Rt. new Diocese of Quincy. The document which an- Rt. Rev. Thomas Foley, D. D., who was given the Rev. Patrick Augustine Feehan, Bishop of Nashville, nounced this important decision was signed by rare “distinction ... of being asked in advance if he Tenn., became its first archbishop. Cardinal Lambrischini.’ would accept” the appointment. Today, it is com- The Rockford Diocese was still in the future. The Diocese of Quincy was transfered to the mon for prospective bishops to be asked if they Source: 1924 Complete History Book of the Diocese of Diocese of Alton, which was established Jan. 9, will accept a new appointment. Rockford

(Observer photo/Margarita Mendoza) Participants from parishes throughout the Rockford Diocese gather for a group picture Monica Parish in Carpentersville. The meeting was in preparation for the regional and with Bishop David Malloy (front row, near the center) during an April 28 meeting at St. national V Encuentro sessions of Hispanic Catholics later this year. Diocese Prepares for V Encuentro From page 1 “We really want to meet with and spiritual circumstances Parish in Aurora, encouraged ourselves, with our community they have. The Church needs participants to be vocal. and especially with our dio- to know what Hispanics need. He told them to express cese, working together — His- In the first place, ... what is the “their feeling, their desires, panics with” the rest of the U.S. commitment that Hispanics what they want, what they are Church. can make to their own Church looking for in our reality and Wisconsin, he added, “is one in the circumstances we find needs of the Hispanic Ministry of the first states that (met for) ourselves in today, here in the in our diocese. ... We are one ... the encuentro.” United States?” in the unity of faith, as a His- Deacon Benavente from Mil- Rogelio Villalpando, a pa- panic people, with our enthusi- waukee said he hoped “people rishioner from St. Monica, said asm, our dreams and our joy.” can express themselves, be- he was looking for “knowing Hernandez, of Green Bay, cause that is the purpose of the more about God” and wanting said he was happy because “the V Encuentro. “our voice to be heard ... so that there will be more fruits in our Diocese of Rockford is going to “It is a consultation,” he con- parishes.” make history, because 22 par- tinued, “at the national level of Martha Fetterhoff (right), administrative assistant for Hispanic Minis- Yesenia Flores of St. Mary ishes of Hispanics are coming the entire Hispanic community try in the Rockord Diocese, assists a participant before the meeting. in Woodstock said she hoped to meet to make the diocesan so that they can express them- to “get several ideas on how churches, what they are doing.” his homily at the closing Mass. encuentro. selves about all kinds of human to improve our Church and “God is not mistaken,” said He also referred to the un- also maybe learn from other Father Bustos of Milwaukee in seasonable weather when he added, “God brought you and planted you in this cold land as Mary’s Mantle a missionary.” 16 S. Chicago Ave. — Freeport Il. 61032 Watch The Region VII encuentro, Catholic which will include Wiscon- sin, Illinois and Indiana, will Going out of business sale Mass be held from June 8-10 at the Sunday, 6:30 a.m., University of Notre Dame in Indiana. WREX-TV Channel 13 Everything Must Go! Then it will be on to the V Rockford National Encuentro in Texas Hours: Tue-Fri 10-5, Sat-10-2 Anytime at this fall. or call for appointment www.rockforddiocese.org/tvmass Evaluation sessions after V Brought to you by the Diocesan Office of Encuentro will be between 815-801-6279 Communications and Publications February and November 2019. Diocesan The Observer | FRIDAY MAY 4, 2018 | 5 V Encuentro Background Don’t Miss Hispanic Catholics Seen as Emerging Bishop Malloy’s ‘Voice, Conscience’ of Church TV Messages BY MICHAEL BROWN fected by these factors,” he Catholic News Service said. Weekday Refl ection He also cited the advances (about 6:58 a.m.) PHOENIX (CNS)—Hispan- made following the previous on WREX-TV, Channel 13, ic Catholics are being called encuentros that have helped Rockford “to be the ecclesial voice and unify and empower Hispanic conscience of the church in the Catholic communities. Top o’ the U.S.,” said Hosff man Ospino, a But as times change, he said, leading expert on the intersec- “We need a new way of being Morning tion of Catholicism and Latino the church,” especially in how culture. young people are invited and with “When the Hispanic Catholic encouraged to take on leader- community speaks, the church ship roles. Bishop speaks,” he told participants in “It may not always happen Phoenix for the Southwestern the way we are planning it. Malloy Regional Encuentro. Let’s let ourselves be surprised Listen to archives anytime at The Colombian-born Ospino, by the work of the Holy Spirit,” http://observer.rockforddiocese.org. the fi nal keynote speaker at the he said. Click on Bishop Malloy on the top left gathering, is an associate pro- As a theme throughout his side of the page. fessor of theology and religious address, he used the parable of Brought to you by education at Boston College, the sower from Matthew’s Gos- and a frequent columnist in The  Savant Capital pel. Observer and El Observador. Management After decades of careful He is also a member of the  Fitzgerald Funeral Homes tending, the soil of the His- leadership team for the U.S.  Illinois Bank & Trust panic Catholic community is Catholic Church’s Fifth Na- (Observer photo/Margarita Mendoza)  heavy with plants bearing fruit Diocesan Offi ce of tional Encuentro (Meeting), or Sister Maria Guadalupe Hernandez, OpSF, of St. Nicholas Parish in Au- and ready to serve the church. Communication and “V Encuentro,” to be held Sept. rora looks at signs for parishes registered for the Rockford Diocese pre- “Your dioceses are the good Publications  The Observer 20-23 in Grapevine, Texas. V Encuentro meeting at St. Monica Parish in Carpentersville, April 28. and fruitful soil,” Ospino said.  Offi ce of Charitable Giving, Leading up to the national infl ux of Hispanics from Cen- — “mothers, grandmothers, “Every baptized person is be- Diocese of Rock ford encuentro has tral and South America, initi- wives, even religious” — and ing called to evangelize.” been a four- ated “V Encuentro” to “clear said most of the delegates at- He outlined a series of histor- year process space that allows you to express tending were women. ic events, beginning with the of refl ection your prophetic voice without The future of the church, he and action Second Vatican Council and fear,” Ospino said. added, lies in Hispanic youth, that included including bishops’ gatherings Now that they have spoken who demographically represent parish- and at Medellin, Colombia, in 1968 out, Hispanic Catholics “have 60 percent of all Catholics un- diocesan-level and the 2007 meeting of bish- the responsibility of acting.” der age 18. encuentros. ops throughout the Americas at (CNS photo) While cautioning against Regional en- The U.S. church’s First Na- Aparecida, Brazil. Ospino cuentros will tional Encuentro (Meeting) “over-romanticizing” it, Ospi- Ospino said that “V Encuen- be going on around the country was in 1972. For the upcoming no said the stability of the His- tro” marks a similar critical through June. “V Encuentro,” 163 dioceses panic family is another plus for point in American Church his- The Feb. 23-25 regional in and archdioceses and more the church, although that fam- tory. He called on the leaders in Phoenix drew about 480 del- than 2,500 parishes across the ily unit is increasingly threat- the room to continue to move egates from 10 Catholic dioces- country are involved. (See sto- ened by American cultural and the conversation forward. es in Arizona, Colorado, New ry on page 1.) economic pressures such as “When historians write about Mexico, Utah and Wyoming, Ospino said another fruit poverty, drug abuse and threats ‘V Encuentro’ 100 years from which are in the U.S. church’s for the church is the dominant of deportations. now, what will they write?” he episcopal Region XIII. role played by Hispanic women “Our families are deeply af- asked. Weekly in The delegates reviewed the diocesan reports and discussed THE recommendations for consider- ation in Grapevine in Septem- OBSERVER ber. Ospino spoke only in Span- ish; there was simultaneous Subscribe translation of his remarks. His topic was “Bearing Fruit,” on the benefi cial eff ects of the Msgr. Gerald P. Jacki Giacone Today! integration of Spanish-speak- Kobbeman Pilgrim Host ing Catholics into American Select print, digital church life. August 23-31, 2018 or both for just Ospino credited the U.S. bishops for organizing the na- Join Msgr. Kobbeman on this Ireland trip to Dublin, St. Patrick Cathedral, World $28 per year. tional dialogues to discuss Meeting of Families (including the closing Mass with Pope Francis), County Mayo, Call 815/399-4300, the relationship between the ext. 383 or go online atPlease reference the ad from 8/11/17 for starters. U.S. institutional church and Apparitional site of Knock, Galway and Limerick, and Cliffs of Moher. Hispanic Catholics’ growing http://observer. Include the photo of Msgr. Kobbeman and one of the Pope. There’s another photo I’m numbers and presence in the For more information please call: rockforddiocese.org waiting for from a Jackie Giacone that will be included. church. Faith Journeys at 1-877-732-4845, ext 208 “We are talking about walk- Trip to Ireland ing together, smelling like the To view the itinerary and other pilgrimage information, visit www.myfaithjourneys.com. Take Fr Ervin out. Put Jacki Giacone in as pilgrim host. sheep, like Pope Francis says,” Once there, click “Log In”. Then enter the Group Number 18021 and click “Enter” Information August 23 depart from Chicago. August 24 arrive Dublin for a city tour Ospino said. including St. Patrick Cathedral. August 25/26. World meeting of families including He listed dynamics that show Pilgrimage price including closing Mass with Pope Francis. August 27 County Mayo. August 28 Apparitional sight of Knock. the fruit borne by the presence Air Fare August 29 Galway and Limerick. August 30 Cliffs of Moher. of Hispanic Catholics in the $ August 31 Depart for US. U.S. church over the years. from Chicago.3845 pp/dbl. occ. Pilgrimage price including Air Fare from Chicago. $3845.00. The U.S. bishops, seeing the (877) 732-4845 ext 208

To view the itinerary and other pilgrimage information, visit www.myfaithjourneys. com. Once there, click “Log In”. Then enter the Group Number 18021 and click “Enter” 6 | FRIDAY MAY 4 , 2018 | The Observer seasoned Destination observer Play Ball Minn. Catholic Finds Writing Inspiration in Failure

By Dave Hrbacek

Catholic News Service (Observer photos/ sacredheartcocathedral.com) om Murray’s novel about Basilica of the Co-Cathedral fathers, sons and baseball of the Sacred Heart in rural Iowa Charleston, W.V. is a product of failure. Destination: With a parish history dating back to the late TIts seed was planted after he 1700’s, the Basilica Co-Cathedral of the Sacred Heart be- made a big mistake during the gan as a parish serving 63 families in 1866. Mass was football season in his junior celebrated at various lo- year at Notre Dame High cations for several years School in Burlington, Iowa. until the first church was Murray, 61, recalled the built in 1869. On Christ- time when he was summoned mas in 1897, the first off the bench to play defense Mass was offered in the during a game against West present church. Burlington High School. Mass times are Sunday: (CNS photo/Dave Hrbacek, The Catholic Spirit) “I was a terrible football Tom Murray of Shoreview, Minn., holds a copy of his novel about base- 8 a.m., 10 a.m. (Solemn player,” Murray said. “I ball and rural life in Iowa titled “Fathers, Sons and the Holy Ghosts of Mass), 12 noon, 5 p.m.; weighed about 170 pounds Baseball.” Monday, Wednesday, (and) looked like a broom Thursday, Friday, Sat- Murray put the manuscript on a shelf and handle with a football helmet urday, 8 a.m.; Tuesday, didn’t touch it for 25 years. on it.” Thursday, Friday: 12 “I would have to say it was one of the low The coach asked him to do one simple thing: noon; Wednesday: 5:30 A sculptor works on a marble stat- points of my life,” he said. ue of St. Paul. run three steps forward from the line of scrim- p.m.; Saturday 5:30 p.m. mage into the opponent’s backfield after the In 2014, his father’s health began to decline, Why to go: On June 20, 2010, Bishop Michael J. Brans- ball was hiked, and stand there. Murray did so, and Murray decided to make some revi- field of the Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston celebrated but chased the quarterback when he ran away sions and print a copy for his father. When he a Mass for the investiture of Sacred Heart Co-Cathedral from him. That put him out of position when couldn’t finish it before his father’s death two Church as a Minor Basilica. In honor of the 150th anniver- the quarterback handed off to a wide receiver years later, he decided to print a copy for each sary of the parish’s founding, the diocese began extensive running the opposite way on a reverse. Mur- of his four children. renovations of the basilica. ray was caught off guard and was not ready to An unexpected inheritance that could cover make the tackle. printing expenses inspired him to print 250. Among improvements were a new altar and ambo, as well “He came running right by me and went Then, a Catholic friend, Blong Yang, read it as new flooring, new steps to the high altar and other in- through the hole that I was supposed to be and asked for 200 copies. terior upgrades. “Then I had to do a second edition of 750 guarding, 89 yards for a West Burlington The basilica is also a pil- books, and I was off to the races,” Murray touchdown,” said Murray, who belongs to St. grimage site for the dioc- said. “The people in this tiny little town of Joan of Arc Catholic community in Minneapo- esan Shrine of the Santo Bancroft, Iowa, started buying it for their sons lis. “And, I never got to play again.” Niño, and the Annuncia- and daughters who lived all around the United He was 17 at the time and sat on the bench tion and Tree of Life gar- States.” for the rest of the season. He watched team- dens. mates looking over their shoulders at their Another print run of 1,000 copies followed, In 2007 Sacred Heart Co- fathers in the stands who seemed to Murray and Murray now does readings at bookstores, Cathedral commissioned to be “living vicariously through their sons on radio interviews and TV appearances. Annunciation statue artist John Collier to de- the football field.” By the end of the season, he The story is about “where the lines between sign and create bronze knew he wanted to write a novel. religion and sport” converge, Murray said. statues of the Annunciation and the Tree of Life with the He began writing when he started teaching in “The seven sacraments are practiced on the Crucified Christ. In 2008 the statues were installed in the the Minneapolis school district after graduating baseball field or in the context of that baseball gardens in front of the church. from the University of St. Thomas in 1978. environment. So, baseball and Catholicism are “Fathers, Sons and the Holy Ghosts of Base- one.” (Grand) Kid friendly: The basilica is an active parish with ball” was finally published in 2017 by Beaver’s Central characters are three grumpy old men a school, so kids are always welcome. Pond Press in Edina, Minn. who are always on the field chiding the boys in Info: Address — Basilica of the Co-Cathedral of the Murray finished his original manuscript in uniform. Sacred Heart, 1114 Virginia St. East, Charleston, WV the late 1980s and sent it to Catholic writer J.F. Murray hopes that readers will use the book 25301 n Phone — 304/342-8175 n Website — http:// Powers, who replied harshly. to reflect on their own lives. sacredheartcocathedral.com/ “He basically read the first 50 pages and said, “The biggest reason why I want people to — Sharon Boehlefeld compiled this story. ‘This is very bad. … Life is too short. I can’t read this story is it forces you to consider your Send Destinations ideas to [email protected] continue reading,’ ” Murray said. own legacy,” he said. Around the Diocese The Observer | FRIDAY MAY 4, 2018 | 7 Submit News

Parish, school and Catholic organization publicists may send news and photos about their upcoming and recent activities. Submissions will be forwarded to El Observador and to the diocesan calendar. Deadline: 10 days before publication. Online: Use the form at http:// observer.rockforddiocese.org/ contact-us. Click on Submit Events and News. By Mail: Send to The Observer, P.O. Box 7044, Rockford, IL 61125. Save the Date May 14 ROCKFORD Boylan concert: 7 p.m.; Cathedral (Photos provided) of St. Peter, 1243 N. Church St. Featuring Boylan Central Catholic Rockford Second Grade Helps Haitians High School Chamber Singers, The second graders at St. James School in Rockford worked on a Giv- representative of Hope for Haitians, visited the class to talk about the contest winners and other Boylan ing Project this Lent. They each came up with ways they could help work being done and collect the students’ donation of $105.95. Rich- choirs. Free. others. Some ideas earned money, which was collected and donated ard Hammon (standing right), whose grandson is in the class, talked May 15 to the Hope for Haitians organization. Bob Pfundstein (seated left), a to them about his six trips to Haiti with another Haitian organization. ELGIN Mom’s program: 3-4:30 p.m; American Legion Post, 820 N. Liberty St. Volunteers needed to bake, babysit, serve, set up, tear down. Info: 847/622-1235, www. tlcpregnancyservices.com May 19 DIXON Steak or chicken dinner: 5 p.m.; Dixon Knights of Columbus Council 690 Hall, 506 W. Third St. Proceeds for Boy Scouts. Bonanza drawing, 8 p.m. Cost: $15 steak; $10 chicken. Info: www.kofc690.com, 815/288- 1821 (leave a message) (Photos provided) May 20 AURORA Elgin Students Act 18th Road Scholars run: 9 Out Last Supper a.m.; Rosary High School, 901 Second graders at St. Thomas N. Edgelawn Dr. For serious More School in Elgin re-enact competitors to family groups, all parts of the Last Supper as they ages. Proceeds for scholarships. prepare for first Communion. Cost: $30 individuals; $10 for They had their feet washed Rosary and Marmion students; (above) and shared bread and $80 per family of four (children “wine.” up to age 18). Info: www.rosaryhs. com/5kRun St. Peter celebration: 9:30 a.m.; St. Peter School, 915 Sard Ave. For OLGC Grads friends, alumni and parishioners. Honored on Patron’s A celebration of 87 years of school history and a preview of Feast Day Pope St. John Paul II Catholic The graduating class of 2018 Academy. Begins with Mass at at Our Lady of Good Counsel church, then moves to the school School in Aurora received for refreshments, memories and their eighth-grade ribbons auction of school items. Info: on the feast of Our Lady of 630/892-1283 Good Counsel, April 26. May 28 Memorial Day observed Diocesan Administration Center closed (Photo provided) 8 | FRIDAY MAY 4, 2018 | The Observer Around the Diocese

Marian Central Introduces Prom Court Save the Date Marian Central Catholic High School juniors voted for their June 1-4 Prom King and Queen Court BELVIDERE on April 16. They learned Rummage sale: 9 a.m.-6 p.m. June who won at prom 2018, with 1, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. June 2, 11:30 a.m.- the theme “Classic Red Car- 3 p.m. June 3, 8-10 a.m. June 4; pet,” April 27 at the Concord St. James School gym, 320 Logan in Kildeer. Students and their guests rode chartered buses. Ave. Donation drop o 4-7 p.m. The court and winners are May 29; 8 a.m.-3 p.m. May 30. Info: (front from left) Emma Baader, Monce Vazquez, 815/547-7633, Grace Gra , Skylar Wirtz, Lillian [email protected] Leggett, Carolyn Miller, Queen June 2 Amanda Hoople, (back) Caleb Kwasigroch, Connor Werfel- SOMONAUK man, Daniel Truckenbrod, King Corpus Christi procession: 6 Thorsen Paglialong, Daniel p.m.; St. John the Baptist, 320 S. Dusik and Joseph Thuma. Depot St. Info: www.stjbsom.org, [email protected] (Photo provided) June 9 ROCK FALLS Golf Scramble: 9 a.m.; Rock River Golf and Pool, 3901 Dixon Ave. 17 Rosary Athletes Sign Letters of Intent Sponsor: St. Andrew Knights of Columbus Council 11874. AURORA—Seventeen ath- Proceeds for scholarships to St. letes from the Class of 2018 at Andrew School and Newman Rosary High School here have Central Catholic High School. signed letters of intent to pur- 18-holes of golf, food, fellowship, sue their sport at the college fun and prizes. Cost: $60 per player; level. $240 per team. Register by June 6. The 17 athletes represent Info: Ken Schaefer, 815/631-4457; 23 percent of the graduating www.standrewrockfalls.org Class of 2018. Four will swim, four will June 13 play softball, two volleyball, Deadline: for June 22 What’s two basketball, two cross coun- Up (for events June 25-July 9). try/track, one soccer, one row- Note two-week listing. Watch for ing, and one golf. They are: updates at What’s Up+plus at  Mackenzie Adkins, daugh- http://observer.rockforddiocese. ter of Jacqueline and Douglas org/whats-up+plus) Adkins, will swim for the Unit- ed States Air Force Academy June 14-16 in Colorado. MCHENRY  Lauren Brummel, daughter 56th Rummage sale: 9 a.m.- of Scott and Christine Brum- 6 p.m. June 14 and 15, 9 a.m.- mel, will play volleyball for noon June 16; St Mary, 1405 N. Millikin University in Decatur. Grand Ave. Sponsor: St. Mary  Krystal Cortes, daughter (Photo provided) CCW. Info: Ann Schmidt, 815/575- of Sergio and Betsy Cortes, Athletes from Rosary High School in Aurora who have signed letters of intent to play college sports are 1013, [email protected]; will play softball for Concordia (front) Krystal Cortes, Maura VanBogaert, (middle) Catherine Oros, Camryn Streid, Emily Ryan, Samantha stmarymchenryil.org University in Mequon, Wis. Laurich, Mackenzie Adkins, Julianne Hutchison, (back) Xandria Olsen, Lauren Brummel, Sydney Drozdow-  Brooke Delahanty, daugh- ski, Riley McCue, Jenna Hernandez, Brooke Delahanty, Claire Hengesbaugh and (not pictured) Carlee Ho- June 15 ter of Katie and Ryan Delah- schouer and Maya Sullivan. BATAVIA anty, will run cross country 16th Golf outing: Orchard Valley liam Hoschouer, will row for Robert and Connie Olsen, will sity of Miami in Coral Cable, and track for the University of Golf Course, Sponsor: Holy Cross the University of Central Flori- play softball for Carroll Uni- Fla. Illinois in Urbana-Champaign. Parish. Proceeds for St. Vincent da in Orlando, Fla. versity in Waukesha, Wis.  Maura VanBogaert,  Sydney Drozdowski, de Paul Society. 18 holes, cart,  Julianne Hutchison,  Catherine Oros, daughter daughter of Gail and Phil Van- daughter of Rick and Cheryl dinner, beer and “ amingo punch,” Drozdowski, will play basket- daughter of Jean and Jeff rey of Edward and Mariane Oros, Bogaert, will play softball for $10,000 hole-in-one prize. Info: ball for Augustana College in Hutchison, will play soccer will play golf for Ave Maria Franciscan University of Steu- https://squareup.com/store/svdp- Rock Island. for Jacksonville University in University in Ave Maria, Fla. benville in Steubenville, Ohio. Jacksonville, Fla.  Emily Ryan, daughter of holycross  Claire Hengesbaugh, Rosary off ers nine competi-  Samantha Laurich, daugh- Timothy and Heidi Ryan, will daughter of Tamera and Doug tive sports as well as a dance June 18-19 ter of Julie and Marty Laurich, swim for Villanova University Hengesbaugh, will run cross team and Marmion Academy's BELVIDERE country and track for Loyola will swim for Grand Valley in Villanova, Penn. Parish mission: 6:30-9 p.m.; St. State University in Allendale,  Camryn Streid, daughter cheerleading squad. University in Chicago. James School gym, 320 Logan  Mich. of Robbyn and Gene Streid, Eighty-two percent of Ro- Jenna Hernandez, daugh- Ave. Speaker: John Kippley. Topic: ter of Lou and Sara Hernandez,  Riley McCue, daughter will swim for the University of sary students participate in ath- Humanae Vitae. Free; donations will play basketball for Loras of Robert and Brenda McCue, Cincinnati in Ohio. letics. In addition, 82 percent College in Dubuque, Iowa. will play softball for Centre  Maya Sullivan, daughter of of Rosary`s athletes maintain accepted. Info: Cathy Vendemia,  Carlee Hoschouer, daugh- College in Danville, Ky. Lillie and Mark Sullivan, will a grade point average of 3.39 [email protected], ter of Carrie Barriga and Wil-  Xandria Olsen, daughter of play volleyball for the Univer- (2016-17). 815/547-6397

Right ... Still only $28 a year! http://observer.rockforddiocese.org 815/399-4300, ext. 383 Select print, digital or both from the source for one payment! Around the Diocese The Observer | FRIDAY MAY 4, 2018 | 9 Elsewhere Now-June 5 SINSINAWA, WIS. Art show: 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sinsinawa Mound art gallery, County Road Z, off Wisconsin Rte. 11. “Living the Good Life with the Beatitudes,” meditative art by (Photo provided) Barbara Smits of De Pere, Wis. Info: Knights Provide Honor Guard in St. Charles 608/748-4411; www.sinsinawa.org On April 22, 4th Degree Knights of Columbus from Assemblies 188 Pheasant Run in St Charles. The Mass was celebrated by the Most Rev. Aug. 20-24 and 209, provided an honor guard for a Marian Conference Mass at Alberto Rojas, an auxiliary bishop from the Archdiocese of Chicago. HOLLY SPRINGS, MISS. Vocation weekends: (also Sept. 10-14), Volunteer House. RE Students Help Sponsors: Sisters of the Living Word, Chicago Archdiocesan Gianna’s House Vocation Association and Sacred Heart Southern Missions. Hands- ON + Hearts-IN program for Catholic women, 18-50, discerning a vocation to religious life. Register one month before event. Free. Info: Sister Sharon Glumb, SLW, 601/291-6738

Year Round (Photos provided) Volunteer opportunities: www. Since Respect Life Month last October, religious education students catholicvolunteernetwork.org/ from St. Patrick in Amboy, St. Mary in Walton, and St. Flannen in Har- mon raised $939.05 for Gianna’s House Pregnancy Resource Center in Find more events at http://www. Rock Falls with a Baby Bottle campaign. This year, the fourth grade stu- rockforddiocese.org/calendar. dents (right, with their catechists) raised the most money and earned php or on The Observer Catholic a donut party. Presenting the students’ gift at Gianna’s House annual Newspaper Facebook page and on fundraising banquet, April 26 are (above) Deacon Kevin Prunty, a Gi- our blog, What’s Up+plus at http:// anna’s House board member; Colleen Petrosky, Gianna’s House execu- observer.rockforddiocese.org/ tive director; Susan McCoy, coordinator of religious education; Father whats-up+plus Timothy Draper, pastor; and Kathy Berkes, diocesan LiFE Office coordi- nator of pastoral care. What’s Up

Baptist Parish Center, 2302 W. Tue May 8 Sat May 12 Church St. (Note new location.) ST. CHARLES HUNTLEY Speaker: Msgr. Martin Heinz, May crowning: 6:40 p.m.; St. End of life seminar: 9 a.m.- pastor of St. Joseph Parish, Patrick downtown, 400 Cedar St. noon; St. Mary Parish Hall, 10307 Richmond. Cost: $20 per person Rosary, crowning (7 p.m.), light Dundee Road. Topics: church in April; $30 per person in May refreshments. Bring flowers to teachings about end of life; legal (service fee added to online honor Mary. Info: Allison Lally, issues; funeral pre-planning. tickets). Info: MagnificatBreakfast. 630/460-2851 Free. Info: Mary Lou Manion, BrownPaperTickets.com; 815/271- (Photo provided) 847/669-3137, mmanion@ 0883; magnificatmchenry.com McHenry Knights Help Montini School Wed May 9 stmaryhuntley.org Deputy Grand Knight Bart Fiore of St. Patrick Knights of Columbus JOHNSBURG Sun May 13 Council 16446 of McHenry presents Mike Shukis, Montini School Deadline for May 18 What’s Up Magnificat breakfast: 8:30 principal, with a check to help their bathroom renovation. (for events May 21-27) a.m.-12:30 p.m.; St. John the Mother’s Day LOVES PARK Made for More: 7-9 p.m.; St. Bridget, 600 Clifford Ave. Sponsors: St. Bridget, Loves Park; St. Rita and Holy Family, Rockford. Presenters: Christopher West and Mike Mangione. Topic: Life, love and human destiny. Cost: $20. Info: Msgr. Dan Deutsch or Father Ryan Browning, 815/633-6311 or Saturday, May 5, 2018 [email protected] 9:00 AM—2:00 PM ROCKFORD St. Peter Catholic Church CWL Mass and luncheon: 10 1891 Kaneville Road a.m. Mass, Poor Clares Corpus Geneva, IL 60134

Christi Monastery, 2111 S. Main Dr. Peter Kreeft, known as one of the world’s foremost 9:00—9:20 AM Registration and Continental Breakfast McLoughlin Hall St.; 11:30 a.m. luncheon, Mauh- experts in Christian 9:25 AM Welcome, Prayer and Introductions Church Nah-Tee-See Country Club, 5151 apologetics, is a professor of philosophy at Boston College . 9:30-11:00 AM Dr, Kreeft Keynote Address Part 1 Church Dr. Kreeft’s witty writing Guilford Road. Sponsor: Catholic 11:00-11:30 AM Eucharistic Adoration Church covers a variety of subjects Women’s League. Mass for Peace from moral relativism to 11:30 AM—12:30 PM Lunch (McLoughlin Hall) McLoughlin Hall angels and demons to 12:30-2:00 PM Dr, Kreeft Keynote Address Part 2* Church celebrated by Bishop David surfing. Dr. Kreeft is a convert to the Catholic 2:00 PM Dismissal (Photos provided) Malloy. Luncheon RSVP due May Church from *At the completion of Part 2, we plan to have a Q & A session as time allows. Reformed Protestantism. Athletes Sign for College Play 4. Cost: $20 per person. Info: Joanne Heckinger, 815/397-6933 Evangelization & Discipleship Seminar Registration—Saturday, May 5, 2018 Among seniors at St. Francis High School in Wheaton who signed Registration Fee: $35

National Letters of Intent to Play at the collegiate level are (top from Name: ______How did you hear about this event? left) Claire Hensley, St. Charles, soccer at St. Bonaventure University; Fri May 11 Parish/City: ______Chloe Vruno, Geneva, Lacrosse at Trine University; and Rachel Marr, St. Email: ______Dietary Considerations for Lunch? Charles, rowing at Oklahoma City University, (bottom) Vince D’Orazio, ELGIN Phone: ______St. Charles, football at Augustana College; Sam Sidari, St. Charles, la- Mother’s Day flower sale: Cut out and return with your check (payable to “St. Peter Church”) to the Adult Formation Department , ATTN: Melinda at St. Peter Catholic Church • 1891 Kaneville Road • Geneva, IL • 60134 crosse at Florida Institute of Technology; Noah Howard, Aurora, bas- Proceeds for TLC Pregnancy Care (630) 232-0124, ext. 126 ketball at Carthage College. Center. Info: 847/622-1235 10 | FRIDAY MAY 4, 2018 | The Observer Nation/World News in Brief More Americans believe in higher power than in God, study says WASHINGTON (CNS)—While the majority of Americans say they believe in a higher power, what they are talking about isn’t necessarily God “as described in the Bible.” Pew Research Cen- ter studies in recent years have shown a decline in the number of Americans who believe in God with absolute certainty and a growing number conversely having doubts in God’s existence. This led researchers to question what exactly people are reject- ing: a higher power or spiritual force or the Christian idea of God. Here’s what they found from a survey last December of more than 4,700 U.S. adults: The vast majority — 90 percent — believe in some kind of higher power. Fifty-six percent profess faith in God as described in the Bible and 33 percent say they believe in another type of higher power or spiritual force. One in 10 Ameri- cans say they don’t believe in God or a higher power of any kind. Within days, two priests found dead in Mexico MEXICO CITY (CNS)—Two priests were found dead in Mexico within days of each other, the latest in a string of attacks against (CNS photo/David Maung) clergy. Father Juan Miguel Contreras Garcia was shot dead in the A Rest During a Journey St. Pius of Pietrelcina parish in the Guadalajara suburb of Tlajo- A father plays with his child at a Catholic migrant shelter supported by Caritas in Tijuana, Mexico, April mulco de Zuniga. An April 20 statement from the Jalisco state 24. They are from the Mexican state of Michoacan and fled north with others as a kind of caravan to the prosecutor’s office said Father Contreras was confronted and border with the U.S., where they will present themselves to U.S. immigration and seek asylum because of shot in the sacristy. Two assailants subsequently fled in a com- increased violence in southern Mexico. pact car. No motive for the attack was offered. Father Moises Fa- bila Reyes, an octogenarian priest who served as chaplain to the choir at the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe, was found dead April 22 in Morelos state. Mexican media reported he had been Pope Names Three Laywomen kidnapped April 3, and his family had paid a ransom of more than 2 million pesos ($105,000) for his release, which never occurred. Father Fabila was the fifth priest murdered so far in 2018. To Doctrinal Congregation Body of St. John XXIII to make brief VATICAN CITY (CNS)— The Vatican announced the at Rome’s Pontifical Gregorian return to his home diocese Pope Francis appointed three appointments April 21. University; Laetitia Calmeyn, women as consultors to the The new female consultors born in Belgium in 1975, is a VATICAN CITY (CNS)—People in the Diocese of Bergamo, Italy, Congregation for the Doctrine are: Linda Ghisoni, born in Ita- consecrated virgin and teach- the home diocese of St. John XXIII, will host the remains of the of the Faith. ly in 1965, is one of two women es theology at the College des late pope for 18 days as they mark the 60th anniversary of his It marks the first time women Pope Francis named to be un- Bernardins in Paris. She is a election and the 55th anniversary of his death. “We thank Pope and laypersons were named as dersecretaries of the Dicastery nurse specializing in palliative Francis for this gesture of pater- active contributors — not sup- for Laity, the Family and Life care and received her doctorate nal love,” said Bishop Francesco port staff. The Vatican news- in 2017; Michelina Tenace, from the John Paul II Pontifical Beschi of Bergamo. The pope paper, L’Osservatore Romano, born in Italy in 1954, is a pro- Theological Institute. who opened the Second Vati- called the decision to appoint- fessor and head of the depart- The pope named two priests can Council was born Nov. 25, ment the women “historic.” ment of fundamental theology as new consultors as well. 1881, in Sotto il Monte, a town near Bergamo. After his ordina- tion as a priest and years of ser- (CNS photo/Paul Haring) vice in the Vatican diplomatic People visit the tomb of Pope Pope, Others Mourn Death of corps, he was appointed patri- John XXIII in St. Peter’s Basilica at the Vatican in this Sept. 30, 2013, arch of Venice in 1953. He was file photo. British Toddler Alfie Evans elected pope Oct. 28, 1958, and LIVERPOOL, England tors who examined him said prompting appeals by his parents died five years later. From its resting place in St. Peter’s Basilica, (CNS)—Pope Francis said he not much could be done but to the High Court and then the the body of the late pope will be transferred May 24 to Bergamo was mourning the death of to make him comfortable. On Court of Appeal to allow their and is scheduled to make its first stop at the city’s prison before English toddler Alfie Evans. April 23, the Italian govern- son to leave the country. Judges being moved to the diocesan seminary named after Pope John The 23-month-old boy died ment granted citizenship to the upheld the original decision that XXIII. That night, priests of the diocese will escort the remains to at about 2:30 a.m. April 28 af- boy so he could be evacuated it was in the “best interests” of the cathedral. The young people of the diocese are scheduled to ter his father, Tom Evans, spent by a waiting air ambulance. Alfie, who suffered from a se- hold a prayer vigil in the cathedral May 25 and ordinations to the 10 minutes trying to revive him But that same day, Alfie was vere degenerative brain condi- priesthood are planned for the next morning. by mouth-to-mouth resuscita- taken off his ventilator, and he tion, to be allowed to die. tion, according to reports in the was expected to die imminently. Tom Evans’ inability to re- British media. He began breathing unaided, move his child from the hospi- Tom Evans, a Catholic, an- tal led to passionate demands SPECIALIZING IN FAITH-BASED JOURNEYS nounced the death of his son from politicians and media Ask about pilgrimages with Father David Peck on Facebook later that day with commentators for an “Alfie’s words: “My gladiator lay down law” to allow parents to seek his shield and gained his wings help elsewhere when doctors Experience the trip at 02:30 ... .” believe they can do no more. Alfie’s mother, Kate James, The case had also drawn crit- of a Lifetime! wrote: “Our baby boy grew his icism of the British courts and wings tonight at 2:30 a.m. We health service from all over the Rome & Ireland ...... June 10-22, 2018 are heartbroken.” world. Budapest to Prague ...... June 2019 Soon afterward, Pope Fran- The Bishops’ Conference of cis, who had met Tom Evans at England and Wales has defend- Oberammergau Passion Play & Holy Land ...... June 2020 the Vatican April 18, tweeted: ed the actions of the hospital. “I am deeply moved by the Archbishop Malcolm McMa- CINDY NICOLOSI TRAVEL death of little Alfie. Today I hon of Liverpool said he dis- pray especially for his parents, cussed the case with the pope .....serving all your travel needs as God the Father receives him and assured him that Alder Cindy Nicolosi, CTC in his tender embrace.” Hey had done everything “hu- 1340 Dresden Rd., Davis, IL 61019 [email protected] The Vatican-owned Bambino manly possible” to help Alfie, Cell: (815) 298-7460 Home/Offi ce: (815) 248-3106 Gesu hospital in Rome offered (CNS photo/K. Evans, Alfies Army Office Facebook group) according to an April 25 report to care for Alfie, although doc- Alfie Evans in The Tablet magazine. Nation/World The Observer | FRIDAY MAY 4, 2018 | 11 Catholic Group Urges Change in System News in Brief Restorative Justice Critical to Reform Pope unites two Canadian dioceses WASHINGTON (CNS)— under Archbishop Prendergast Restorative justice should be VATICAN CITY (CNS)—Pope Francis has united the Diocese of advocated as a key element in Alexandria-Cornwall with the Archdiocese of Ottawa “in the per- criminal justice reform, ac- son of the bishop,” Archbishop Terrence Prendergast of Ottawa, cording to participants at an indicating the situation may change in the future. A permanent April 25 conference in Wash- change would have been accomplished by merging the Diocese ington sponsored by the Catho- of Alexandria-Cornwall with the Archdiocese of Ottawa. Instead, lic Mobilizing Network, which the Vatican announced April 27 that the two would be joined champions restorative justice under Archbishop Prendergast, “archbishop of Ottawa (and) also as well as an end to the death bishop of Alexandria-Cornwall.” The formula indicates that dioc- penalty. (CNS file photo/Jim Lo Scalzo, EPA) An all-female chain gang ilines up at the Estrella Jail in Phoenix, Ariz. esan structures could continue to operate independently for the Just looking at the numbers, time being. The last bishop of Alexandria-Cornwall, Bishop Mar- recidivism rates for adults are keep a kid from going back to Jesuit Father George Wil- cel Damphousse, was named bishop of Sault Sainte Marie in No- between 65 and 70 percent, prison, but a heal — he’ll never liams, a Catholic chaplain at vember 2015. The following January, Pope Francis named Arch- according to Tim Wolfe, a so- go back to prison again.” San Quentin since 2011, said: bishop Prendergast as apostolic administrator of the diocese. The ciology and criminal justice Wolfe said the priest was al- “Ninety-five percent of the Alexandria-Cornwall diocesan website included “facts about the professor at Mount St. Mary’s luding to the pain many in pris- people I work with in prison diocese,” including that “there are approximately 64,000 Catho- University in Emmitsburg, on or facing jail time have felt are addicts today or in there lics in the diocese. The number of Catholics who attend church Maryland. since childhood due to abuse because of drugs.” regularly is about 6,200.” “The diocese has 25 parishes and one “Depending on the nature of and a lack of love. They com- “There are very few, less mission,” it said. “Ten of the parishes plus the mission do not have the restorative justice program, mitted crimes to try and erase than 5 percent,” who can’t ever a resident priest.” The diocese also has 15 permanent deacons, this can be cut in half, and can that pain or to feel a sense of be let out of prison, he said. two men studying for the diaconate and four seminarians. be even lower,” Wolfe said. belonging. Moreover, he added, “prison He quoted Jesuit Father Greg “This is smart money,” Wolfe doesn’t have to be a hellish ex- Imprisoned clergy of Dachau Boyle, who runs Homeboy In- said during the conference, perience,” although the envi- dustries in Los Angeles for held at The Catholic University ronment behind bars “depends remembered for fearless faith former gang members. Father of America, Washington, one on what level of cruelty we’re EMMITSBURG, Md. (CNS)—When a virulent typhus epidemic Boyle had said, “A job may of the conference’s sponsors. willing to tolerate.” swept through a World War II concentration camp in Dachau, Germany, in early 1945, many imprisoned Polish priests vol- unteered to minister to the England dying men. Eighteen clerics were chosen to go to the ty- Buffer Zone phus block. All the priestly volunteers contracted the dis- ease, with only two surviving Challenged it. The heroism of those Pol- ish priests is but one example MANCHESTER, England of many feats of faith among (CNS)—A former nanny has the more than 2,500 Catholic announced she will launch a le- priests, brothers and seminar- (CNS photo/Paul Haring) gal challenge to quash the first ians imprisoned at the Nazi-run Vatican Conference Discusses Health Care “buffer zone” around a U.K. camp. Eileen Lyon, professor of abortion clinic. history at State University of Dr. Dale G. Renlund, an elder in the Church of Jesus Christ of Lat- (Cutline -credit) The 100-meter exclusion New York at Fredonia, has re- ter-day Saints, Rabbi Edward Reichman, a physician and professor An image of Father Alois Andritz- searched the “priest barracks” at Yeshiva University in New York, Jesuit Father Kevin T. FitzGerald, zone around the Marie Stopes ki hangs above the altar during a geneticist and professor of ethics at Georgetown University in clinic in Ealing, a section of of Dachau. She discussed her his Mass of beatification in Dres- Washington, and Dr. Mehmet C. Oz, a television host and professor London, took effect April 23. It study during the spring meet- den, Germany, in this 2011 file of surgery, attend the “United to Cure Conference” at the Vatican means that anyone who prays ing of the American Catholic photo. The young German priest April 25. Hundreds of physicians, researchers and health care execu- openly, hands out pro-life lit- Historical Association April 12- was executed in 1943 at the Nazi tives attended the April 26-28 conference to talk about medical ad- erature or approaches clients of 14. In an interview, Lyon said death camp of Dachau. vances and steps to promote health care around the world. the clinic within the zone will that more than 1,000 Catho- be committing a crime. lic clerical prisoners died at Dachau, sometimes by torture. She Alina Dulgheriu, a native noted that the Catholic Church already has beatified 56 of the Poland’s Bishops Suggest Integration of Brasov, Romania, said that clergymen and the causes of many more are being studied. on April 26 she will appeal to Policy for Migrant Polish Catholics a High Court judge to declare the move by Ealing Council WARSAW, Poland (CNS)— ensuring conditions for Polish- as illegal. She claims there is Poland’s Catholic bishops said language pastoral work, but said no evidence that members of FRIDAY NIGHT FAVORITES AT FARANDA’S they no longer have enough Poles should now also attend the Good Council Network, a Casual Dining in a very relaxed environment. clergy to minister to Poles liv- Mass in the language of their pro-life group that hold vigils ing abroad and urged emigrant country of residence. outside the clinic, has harassed Friday’s Dinner Menu Not sure on what to order? Catholics to integrate more with The Polish church runs mis- women going for abortions. (4:30 pm to 7:30 pm) $ Make your own Combo the Church in other countries. sions or pastoral networks in 25 The buffer zone, she said, in- Fried Cod ...... 12.95 “Even with a very large group countries, by agreement with $ fringes on human rights laws Baked Cod ...... 13.95 $15.95 of Polish priests, it isn’t possible local bishops’ conferences, ca- guaranteeing freedom of as- $ to reach in a timely way every tering for the religious needs of Fried Chicken ...... 13.95 Children’s Meal — $8.95 sociation, expression and free- $ place where Poles are found,” around 15 million Poles whose Shrimp Basket ...... 14.95 Chicken Tenders and French Fries, dom of religion, and also stops said the Warsaw-based bishops’ families left after World War II, 1/2 Slab of Ribs ...... $14.95 Lemonade & Dessert conference. the early 1980s Solidarity move- people offering help to women In a pastoral letter to be read ment and Poland’s 2004 acces- who feel abandoned. Dinners includes choice of side: French Fries, Baked Potato, at Polish Masses abroad April sion to the European Union. “My little girl is here today White Cheddar Mac & Cheese or Potato Salad. 29, the bishops thank the 2,000 In the U.S., Polish clergy work because of the real practical and — Add a Side of Fried Shrimp $4.95 — Polish priests and nuns current- at over 300 parishes. emotional support that I was ly ministering to Poles world- New Polish church guidelines given by a group outside a Ma- Ask about our Bring this ad wide and laypeople assisting are expected to outline priori- rie Stopes clinic,” she said in an Mothers’ Day Brunch with liturgical, educational, cul- ties for Polish clergy abroad, April 23 statement emailed to to save 10% Catholic News Service. tural and charitable work. to prevent disputes over juris- 302 Grove Street They thanked local bishops dictional issues and access to Dulgheriu became a Catholic Downtown DeKalb who had shown “openness and local churches, as well as over in 2014 and often offers coun- www.farandas.com understanding” by making the separate practices of some seling outside the Marie Stopes places of worship available and Polish communities. clinic in Ealing. 815-981-3304 12 | FRIDAY MAY 4, 2018 | The Observer Our Catholic View For Earth Day 2018 and Beyond, Say No to Plastic Bags

I saw a lot of fantastic For the Journey it has been debated, there sights on a recent trip to are arguments on both Ireland. But it was only by Effie sides. after I came home that Paper bags, while Caldarola I realized there was a biodegradable, take more common staple of life that energy to create. Canvas I hadn’t seen there. bags must be washed This year’s Earth Day Catholic News Service occasionally. Some theme is “End Plastic Pollution,” and I jurisdictions worry that jobs in plastic discovered that Ireland, progressive little manufacturing will be lost. (Ireland had country that it is, had passed a plastic bag no plastic manufacturing and got most of tax in 2002. It was then I realized I hadn’t theirs from China.) (Observer photo/Amanda Hudson) seen any plastic bags in Ireland. But here’s the powerful flip side: St. Bridget Parish in Loves Park has a dsiplay of relics on the south No bags blew through the air like kites According to The Wall Street Journal, side of the sanctuary behind the pews. It includes hundreds of rel- on the Ring of Kerry. No one bagged my 100 billion plastic bags are thrown away ics, including those of St. John Vianney and St. Phillip Bennitti. T-shirts in plastic at the Killarney Brewery. in the U.S. annually. They poison and The streets of Dublin yielded not one siting injure marine life. In the past few days, a Food for Thought of the ubiquitous bag lofting over the River dead sperm whale was discovered with 64 Liffey. pounds of garbage in his digestive system, Ireland hadn’t “banned” the plastic lots of it plastic. Authenticating and bag, but when they placed a fairly steep Plastic bags litter our beaches and tax — about 22 cents euro (about 33 landscapes. Few of them are biodegradable, Protecting Relics cents American) — they also started and will be around for hundreds of years, a public relations campaign to explain clogging our waterways and piling up in Many young Catholics, who rarely hear about relics in the importance of ending the reliance our landfills. We’re desecrating our sacred religion or church classes, as well as non-Catholics, may on plastic. Soon, lots of ordinary people environment. began purchasing reusable canvas bags and The Wall Street Journal also reports that have questions about the practice of venerating rel- keeping them handy. the World Economic Forum found that by ics, said Bishop Edward K. Braxton of Belleville, in an All The money from the tax goes, fittingly 2050, there will be more plastic than fish, Saints’ Day reflection in 2015. enough, to the ministry of the environment. by weight, in the oceans. Plastic threatens “They may think that veneration of physical remains is And to enforce the purpose of the tax, our planet’s survival, which is why 25 stores were prohibited from simply paying countries have tried to initiate programs to a form of superstition or magical thinking,” he said, and the tax on the bags themselves and passing reduce single use plastic. Catholics who venerate the saints should “make sure that the cost on in some other way. And What can we do against 100 billion bags? nothing in our devotional practices reinforces this misun- although my souvenirs were bagged in By using recyclable bags, we can each save paper, grocers were warned not to merely hundreds of plastic ones yearly. Keep them derstanding.” substitute paper for plastic. in the car where you’ll remember them. “There are many Catholics for whom the veneration of The amazing thing, according to a New Take the ones you do get to the recycle bins relics is not a part of their spiritual lives,” and yet are still York Times story run a few years after the that most grocery stores offer. devoted to the saints, the bishop noted. tax was enacted, was that within a few Earth Day 2018 urges us to reduce, weeks, plastic bag use dropped by over refuse, reuse, recycle and remove plastic. Catholics venerate relics, he said, “not because of a 90 percent. Like smoking too close to the Not just bags, but the single use plastics macabre preoccupation with the great mystery of death, office door, or failing to clean up after that are so ubiquitous in our society. but because of our timeless faith in the great mystery of Rover, it became socially unacceptable to Carry your own utensils when you know be seen using plastic. you’ll be offered plastic. Take your own the Incarnation.” Omaha, the city where I live, is currently container to the restaurant for leftovers. Be Adoration is rendered to God alone, Bishop Brax- having a discussion about imposing a fee the example that may help change attitudes ton said. Respectful veneration must not be confused for plastic bags. Just as in other cities where the way the Irish did. with worship, as religious images and relics are merely “things,” he added. Relics offer Catholics a way to personally connect with Different View CNS/Harley Schwandron the communion of saints, much as we cherish mementos of deceased family members. The veneration of relics is a fundamentally biblical practice. Catholics do not venerate relics because they expect the relic “to do something to us or for us,” Bishop Braxton said. “If someone experiences profound spiritual renewal or (in very rare cases) a physical healing after venerating a relic, this must be seen as the power of God responding to acts of extraordinary faith,” Bishop Braxton explained. “In faith, we hold out the hope that when we pray in the presence of a relic of a saint’s body (which was once a temple of the Holy Spirit) with an open mind, an open heart and an open spirit, we are disposed for the grace of God to help us to live the virtues exemplified by the faithful disciple of Christ whose body we venerate,” he From Our Readers said. To better ensure that the veneration of relics is properly Thanks for Play the Passion Play. Everyone involved did a super job and we followed, the Congregation for Saints’ Causes released a St. Catherine of Genoa Council of new instruction December 2017 aimed at upholding the Catholic Women would like to thank Father look forward to next year’s play. integrity of the practice. Francis Wawryszuk and the entire cast for Thank you all, such a great and professional production of St. Catherine CCW Our Catholic View The Observer | FRIDAY MAY 4, 2018 | 13 Scripture Re ection for May 6, Di erent View CNS/Joe Heller 6th Sunday of Easter Divine Friendship

BY JEM SULLIVAN Catholic News Service

riendship with God and neighbor is the whole purpose of the Christian life from beginning to end. God creates each one of us out of love, to love one another. FOur creation is an eternal and unique act of di- vine friendship for which no one, however holy, ever returns a suffi cient response of thanks to God. The Catechism of the Catholic Church says it this way: “The fi rst man was not only created good, but was also established in friendship with his Creator” (374). For, “God created man in His image and established Him in His friendship. A spiritual creature, man can live this friendship only in free submission to God” (396). This Sunday’s Gospel reminds us that friendship with God is the reason for our creation, ongoing existence and eternal goal. What I Learned at the Presynod Gathering Jesus assures us in words that are astonishingly personal and deeply comforting: “I no longer It has been nearly a month since to engage in dialogue with the In Light of Faith call you slaves, because a slave does not know the beginning of the presynod very people he is hoping to reach, what his master is doing. I have called you gathering on “Young people, the by Katie evangelize and pastor. He wanted friends” (Jn 15:15). faith and vocational discernment” to hear from us, learn about our Friendship with God is the divine invitation in Rome, and other than the palms Prejean-McGrady Wife, mother and youth struggles, listen to our hopes to which we must respond each day of our lives. from the Mass in St. Peter’s Square minister, Lake Charles, La. and dreams, pay attention to our We look to the faithful men and women of the still sitting on my dining room concerns and give us a chance to New Testament whose story unfolds after the inlighto [email protected] table and the magnet of a Swiss honestly share our thoughts. Lord’s resurrection. Guardsman stuck to my fridge, the To some, this seemed absurd. Critics said it was And we turn to the saintly men and women physical remnants of that remarkable trip have been unthinkable that young people would dare speak who radiate into the Church and into the put away. on their own behalf. But I know that if this synod world the fruits of their friendship with God, My suitcase is unpacked, my (mostly) normal in October is to be truly fruitful and eff ective, then deepened over a lifetime of prayer, nurtured day-to-day schedule has resumed, and save for the the presynod gathering was an important step in by the Church’s sacraments and formed by the occasional tweet about #synod2018, it seems that the process. It has provided new insights, forced big virtues of faith, hope and love. the presynod gathering of young people, the fi rst of The eternal community of divine friends is its kind, has largely faded from view. questions to be asked and challenged the leaders of the Church to think beyond the boxes they the Trinity of Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Their But for me, the presynod has really just begun, divine friendship overfl ows into our world. because in the weeks since returning, I’ve been able sometimes limit themselves to. But on another level, the presynod gathering did God’s desire for friendship with all of creation to more fully refl ect on what happened during the is fulfi lled perfectly in the sending of His own something for me, just as much as I did for it. gathering and the value I believe it will have for the beloved Son, Jesus Christ, who suff ered, died Spending time with people from around the Church as a whole. and rose from the dead to reconcile us to God. world, from diverse backgrounds, experiences, and As one of the delegates representing the U.S. In His life, death and resurrection, the divine Conference of Catholic Bishops, going to Rome was of diff erent opinions, gave me insight not just into off er of friendship is extended to you and to me easily one of the greatest honors of my personal the state of young people globally, but also helped as “embracing in His human heart the Father’s and professional life as it allowed me the chance to me recognize the universality of our faith. love for men, Jesus ‘loved them to the end,’ for bring my experiences, expertise and insights to the We became a community — we shared meals, ‘greater love has no man than this, that a man table. spent time in conversation, learned about one lay down his life for his friends’” (609). Upon arriving in Rome, I was absolutely certain I another’s lives, prayed together and became friends. Jesus’ invitation to friendship continues in knew what I was in for: a chance to talk, write and As we dialogued and learned from one another, it every age in the Church’s sacramental life. craft a message that would be good for the Church. dawned on me that the experience of the presynod The sacraments are real tokens of divine I thought I was going for the U.S. — to do a job and gathering was, in a very real way, the experience of friendship that initiate, restore, heal and lead complete a task, and serve the American Church the life of the Church. us to true happiness and lasting fulfi llment. In well. Perhaps Pope Francis knew this when he called the sacraments, “God shows forth His almighty And we did that: We spent a lot of time in for this gathering to happen, that bringing so many power by converting us from our sins and conversation, a lot of time writing, even more time young people forth, giving them time to talk and restoring us to His friendship by grace” (277). reading and revising, and then proudly presented tasking them with crafting a document to present to In an age when friendship itself is often an 11-page summary of what was discussed to the bishops would, in the end, not only benefi t the counted by as superfi cial a measure as a mouse the bishops. But the presynod gathering of young Church, but also benefi t each one of us. click, today’s Gospel invites us to walk in people amounted to more — a chance for the The presynod helped many of us see fi rsthand true friendship with Jesus so we may love one Church to do something nearly unheard of, setting a how sharing and living the faith happens best: in another as He commands us in the Gospel. Let precedent moving forward. community, in honest, authentic dialogue, growing us return to friendship with Jesus as we say in Young people are the topic of the synod in faith, “speak to me, Lord.” October, but rather than just talk at young people, together as we journey with and to Jesus Christ. Pope Francis wanted to talk with young people. The Join the conversation. Email inlighto aith@catholicnews. Refl ection question: What does it mean to be a supreme pontiff — the vicar of Christ — wanted com. friend of Jesus?

To send letters to us please use one of the following: Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, Mail: The Observer, Email: or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of The Diocese of Rockford [email protected] 555 Colman Center Drive (Please put Letter to the Editor in speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, P.O. Box 7044 the subject line.) and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances. Rockford, IL 61125 Please provide your name, address, Fax: 815/399-6225 and phone number. — The First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution 14 | FRIDAY MAY 4, 2018 | The Observer For the Record

Deaths Parish offices may forward death and wedding information using forms at http://observer.rockforddiocese.org/contact-us. You AURORA—Holy Angels: Law- may also request death and wedding postcards by calling 815/399- rence E. “Larry” Slouf, 72, April 4300, ext. 383. We encourage you to send the information as soon as 22; you receive it. Thank you. DIXON—St. Patrick: Corinne Scudder, 92, April 19; Borromeo: Mary E. Bruscato and “Stewardship” newsletter DURAND—St. Mary/St. Pat- Darrell M. Shaw, March 3; rick: Sue Sterlinske, 63, March 14; HUNTLEY—St. Mary: Danesa Mass Meditation Tamayo and Alexander Procaccio, ROCKFORD—Holy Family: Sunday, May 6 (6th Sunday of Giacomo “Jack” Michael Licausi, April 21; Easter): Jesus’ commandment is 72, April 6; ST. CHARLES—St. John Neu- that His disciples love one another, ST. CHARLES—St. John Neu- mann: Janine Morency and Nicho- even to the point of laying down mann: Jacqueline Zilch, 70, April las Womac, April 7; Laura Walc- their lives, if necessary. What gifts 4; James Carollo, 72, April 17; zynski and David Carlino, April of myself — my skills and talents, SAVANNA—St. John the Bap- 21. my time and resources — will best tist: Helen Mace, 96, April 18; demonstrate my love for God’s Stewardship Moment people? WALTON— St. Mary: Richard Courtesy of Sharon Hueckel Ely, 80, March 28; Joseph Apple, Storing your treasure: ”Don’t 87, April 18. store up your treasures here on Life Moment Weddings earth where they can erode away or may be stolen. Store them in Pray: That the Church may con- AMBOY—St. Patrick: Haley heaven where they will never tinue to proclaim the message and Stouffer and Eric Farringer, April lose their value and are safe from love of Christ to the world with 14; thieves.” (Mt 6:19) clarity and conviction. HAMPSHIRE—St. Charles Courtesy of Parish Publications Courtesy of www.priestsforlife.org

Young Artists Make Mosaics Art teacher Peggy Coughlin (back center) shares her expertise and love of art with preschool through eighth grade students at St. Thomas More School in Elgin. If you or someone you know Recently she has been the victim of sexual helped second abuse by an employee or mem- graders create ber of the clergy of the Rockford mosaic crosses. Diocese, report the matter to Newspapers • Catalogs • Mail Service law enforcement in the county Business Cards • Magazines • Brochures in which the conduct occurred 815-758-5484 and then please call the hot-line 121 Industrial Drive • DeKalb, IL 60115 number: 815/293-7540. (Photo provided) Media /Arts The Observer | FRIDAY MAY 4, 2018 | 15 Tragedies and Blessings Have Taught Roma Downey to ‘Seize the Moment’

By Greg Erlandson Catholic News Service Read the complete WASHINGTON—One of interiew as Direct- Roma Downey’s life lessons well as book to-video came from her mother’s cabinet reviews at full of broken china. (CNS photo/Warner Brothers) http://observer. The well-known actress and rockforddiocese.org/ Lego DC Comics Super Heroes: The Flash producer of three popular bibli- book-club-blog. cal movies recounts an experi- (Warner Brothers Home Entertainment) ence growing up in strife-torn A-I Delightful animated direct-to-video feature in Northern Ireland. success: Starring in the CBS Not Rated which the speedy superhero of the title (voice of A British armored car rolled television hit “Touched by an James Arnold Taylor) battles his evil counterpart, up her street, and the vibra- Angel,” she played the angel Reverse-Flash (voice of Dwight Schultz). Lured into a time tions caused the glass shelves Monica for nine seasons. loop by his opponent, the crime fighter is forced to relive of her mother’s china cabinet Downey went on to co-pro- the same day over and over, an experience that eventually to collapse. All the china plates duce with her husband, Mark teaches him (and youthful viewers) to slow down, form a and bowls she had been saving Burnett, the 10-hour miniseries (CNS photo/courtesy Simon & Schuster) “Box of Butterflies” by Roma plan and take note of the surrounding environment. Along for that special occasion came “The Bible,” as well as “A.D. Downey. Howard Books, (Brent- with its positive messages, director Ethan Spaulding’s film, crashing down. The Bible Continues,” and the which is suitable for the entire family, offers beautiful anima- wood, Tenn., 2018). 256 pp., As a young girl, Roma saw feature film “Son of God.” She $24.99. tion and a fun, funny script. her mother holding the pieces even has her own star on Hol- and crying. lywood Boulevard. favorite poems and pictures, All that beautiful china had Yet her new book, “Box of At the Movies been saved for some future Butterflies” (Howard Books/ memories and friendships. meal or some future guests, Atria) is suffused with stories At its heart, however, the les- Canada leads to an exchange “but for what?” Downey asked not just of success and blessing, son is that life — like a butter- of sophomoric practical jokes during a recent interview with but of pain and loss. fly — is a fragile gift that must between some Vermont state Catholic News Service. The “Box of Butterflies” is a lav- be appreciated and never taken troopers and their Mountie lesson is to “seize the moment,” ishly designed “scrapbook” of for granted. counterparts. The film crosses she said. Don’t put things off. It the line from crude to seamy. is all a gift.” PARENTS: THIS FILM CON- Appreciating the fleetingness PART TIME OFFICE RECEPTIONIST of the moment is one of the in- (CNS photo/Marvel Studios) TAINS violence with gore, Cathedral of St. Peter, Rockford sights that Downey has drawn strong sexual content, includ- Hours during the school year are 1 pm – 4 pm in the afternoon Avengers: Infinity War from her extraordinary life. ing implied nonmarital sexual Monday through Thursday. Applicant will need to have On the surface, Downey has (Disney) activity and nudity, drug use, excellent communication skills and strong computer skills. A-III enjoyed an enviable level of Willing to learn new computer skills and data bases. Towering, richly profanities, milder oaths, PG-13 Training will consist of 2 days a week until the end of May. complex Marvel rough and crude language. Comics-based A summer schedule will be established, tentatively 1 day a adventure pitting both the week, until school starts in the fall. Avengers and the Guard- On TV Send resume and references to: ians of the Galaxy against a Broadcast times may vary; check Cathedral of St. Peter slaughter-loving tyrant (Josh local listings. 1243 N. Church Street — Rockford, IL 61103 Brolin) trying to collect a set “No Man’s Land” — May 7, 815-965-2765 or email [email protected] of supernatural gems called 9-10 p.m. (PBS): Filmmaker the Infinity Stones. The array David Byars’ documentary of superheroes — includ- (CNS photo/Codeblack Films) examines the 2016 standoff ing Robert Downey Jr.’s Iron Part-time Youth Minister Traffik at Oregon’s Malheur National Man, Benedict Cumberbatch’s Wildlife Refuge. Part of the St. Gall Catholic Church in Elburn, IL is looking to hire a part- Dr. Strange and Chris Pratt’s (Lionsgate) series “Independent Lens.” time youth minister to work with our middle and high school Star-Lord — try to thwart the L Muddled thriller students. “Andrew Rannells in Con- villain in a mesmerizing saga. R about an idealistic The ideal candidate will have a missionary approach with the cert” — May 11, 8-9 p.m. An outstanding cast in top journalist (Paula ability to go out and encounter our youth where they are and PBS): This episode of the se- invite them into a life of discipleship within our Catholic parish. form, clever self-parodying di- Patton) who, while on vaca- ries “Live From Lincoln Center” alogue in Christopher Markus tion with her live-in boyfriend This position would be 20-30 hours. The wage would be focuses on Broadway actor determined based upon experience and ability. This position and Stephen McFeely’s script (Omar Epps), stumbles across and singer Rannells (TV-G — does not come with insurance benefits. and a shockingly daring the victim (Dawn Olivieri) of general audience). wrap-up are further bonuses. a human trafficking ring (led Please send a resume and any inquiries to Pastor, Fr. Christopher DiTomo Possibly acceptable for older by Luke Goss) and is soon “Our Lady of Fatima: Inter- [email protected] teens. herself being terrorized by national Rosary and Candle- PARENTS: THIS FILM CON- the gangsters. Writer-director light Procession. — May 12, 3:30-5 p.m. (EWTN): Groups TAINS mostly bloodless vio- Deon Taylor’s ostensibly good throughout the world partici- lence, mild oaths, crude and intentions about dramatiz- pate in an international rosary crass terms. ing a very grave real-world recitation and a candlelight problem are offset by weak procession with the statue of storytelling, implausible plot Our Lady of Fatima (TV-G — developments and sensation- general audience). alism. NOW HIRING — PRINCIPAL PARENTS: THIS FILM CON- “Dunkirk” (2017) — May 12, ST. ANNE SCHOOL, DIXON, ILLINOIS TAINS nasty, gory violence, 7-9 p.m. (HBO): Compelling (PRE K -8) drug use, cohabitation, historical drama, set in 1940, Applications are currently being accepted for a faith-filled, recounting the surprisingly passionate, and dedicated educator to serve as Principal of St. (CNS photo/Fox) scenes of sensuality with successful evacuation of hun- Anne School, located in Dixon, Illinois, beginning on or before nudity, rough and crude dreds of thousands of British July 1, 2018. Candidates must possess an advanced degree Super Troopers 2 language. in educational leadership; hold a current Illinois Professional and French troops from the (Fox Searchlight) Educator License (PEL) with a General Administrative — Catholic News Service port of Dunkirk. Probably ac- O Obnoxious en- Endorsement; and have five years of successful teaching and/ For the latest reviews, http://ob- ceptable for older teens. (CNS or administrative experience, preferably in a Catholic school. R semble comedy in server.rockforddiocese.org, scroll —A-III; MPAA — PG-13) which a shift in the to the bottom and click on Movie To apply, please visit www.ceorockford.org and click the “Careers” tab to start the application process. border between the U.S. and Reviews. —Catholic News Service 16 | FRIDAY MAY 4, 2018 | The Observer D iocesan Caritas Hosts Hero Night at St. Elizabeth CCC in Rockford

Crafts and games of vari- ous kinds, in- cluding a car- toon bingo (Photos provided) (far right, bot- Terri Hill, program director at St. tom) greet Elizabeth Catholic Community “super heroes” Center in Rockford, dresses in at Hero Night, costume for a recent Hero Night held recently at the center. The event was at St. Elizabeth sponsored by Caritas. Such activi- Catholic Com- ties used to be funded through munity Center. its spring luncheon. Caritas Luncheon Fades into History Catholic Charities Auxiliary No Longer Able to Manage Annual Spring Luncheon

By Amanda Hudson nally focused on providing as- lauded efforts by Terri Hill, News Editor here are not enough (active) people to sistance to foster care children program director at St. Eliza- pull off a big event. ... Unless we get served by Catholic Charities. beth. ROCKFORD—Something ‘T Agency changes in the past Hill “does such a good job, was missing in April on Ad- some real enthusiastic supporters, we’ll never decade or so prompted a shift and we think (her efforts de- ministrative Professionals Day by the auxiliary to serve the serve) the support,” Nosek — invitations to the Caritas get to the point we were before.’ children of St. Elizabeth Cath- says. annual spring luncheon. olic Community Center. Instead of designating an The fundraiser, organized — Jean Nosek, Caritas officer “They’re in love with the auxiliary president and oth- for some three decades by the (center’s) children, the staff er officers, she says, “We’re Catholic Charities Auxiliary, and the facility,” Winn says. working as a group committee indeed is “Missing In Action” “We’re not going to be able and pay annual dues at the “In their fourth decade of ser- and thinking of low-energy ef- this year. to do something like (the lun- latest membership drive, she vice, they are looking at how forts to still support St. Eliza- The dozen or so active mem- cheon),” says longtime auxil- says, “Our leadership is dwin- best to keep focus — and di- beth Center. We want to keep bers of the auxiliary realized iary member and officer Jean dling. There are not enough rect their attention and fund- going, but at a smaller pace. they could not provide the Nosek, “but we hope to do (active) people to pull off a big raising to the current needs.” “Unless we get some real manpower necessary to orga- small things that are not as event.” Those needs, he says, are enthusiastic supporters, we’ll nize the event this year, due to work intensive.” Patrick Winn, director of primarily technology-based never get to the point we were health changes and other rea- Although the organization Catholic Charities, says the (computers and computer before,” she says. sons. had about 220 people sign up 31-year-old auxiliary origi- programs), as well as special Caritas luncheons of the last programs such as reading im- few years each raised between provement and the Boy and $24,000 and $25,000, Nosek GALENA - FREEPORT - STERLING - ROCKFORD - DEKALB - CRYSTAL LAKE - ELGIN - AURORA Girl Scout troops at St. Eliza- says, adding, “We started slow beth Center. those first years. It kept in- Nosek describes a recent creasing as time went on.” Hero Night for the kids, funded She notes the irony of the The Observer, by the auxiliary. Funds raised timing of the end of the Cari- supplied a gift card from a lo- tas luncheon. is your source for local & cal restaurant, which provided The woman who first envi- pizzas for all at the event. sioned the luncheon and fash- regional advertising! The auxiliary has provided ion show was Lisa Rubin John- funds for four special activi- son, who died just last year. ties for the youngsters, some “It’s a sign of the times,” still to come. Nosek says. “People are so Website ~ Newspaper ~ Television Winn notes that the Caritas busy. Young women are so members “see St. Elizabeth busy.” The Observer is the perfect place to help Center (and Catholic Chari- She reflects on her own life generate tra c to your business! ties) as unique institutions in when her grandson is present, Rockford. (The auxiliary is) when “you’ve got their activi- Landscaping - Financial Institutions - Restaurants - Banquet Facilities - Bridal Shops looking to distinguish their ef- ties to do and their homework. Gift and Floral - Insurance - Health Care/Retirement -Travel Agencies forts from other organizations It’s time-consuming.” Health and Fitness - Automobile Sales/Repair - Legal Services - Veterinary/Pet Care that also do great things. Winn has ideas for how the Medical/Dental Services - Jewelers - Food Stores - Funeral Homes “They’re looking to get cre- auxiliary might help with some ative in fundraising for the fundraisers being planned for needs of St. Elizabeth Center,” Catholic Charities in the rela- — Contact — he said. tively near future. Kevin McCarthy @ 815-399-4300 ext. 385 An end-of-year donation “Organizations need to go or email drive by the Catholic Charities through a rebirth every now The Offi cial Newspaper of the Catholic Diocese of Rockford [email protected] Auxiliary last year brought in and then,” he says. “This is about $8,000, says Nosek, who Caritas’ time.”