ISSN: 0029-7739 $ 1.00 per copy THE BSERVER OOfficial Newspaper of the Catholic Diocese of Rockford Volume 82 | No. 44 http://observer.rockforddiocese.org FRIDAY OCTOBER 27, 2017
Inside
Geneva Catholic Parish, Lutheran Church to Mark 500th Anniversary of the Reformation A prayer service and a discussion session are planned. page 3
(Observer photo/Margarita Mendoza) Even adults can’t resist the chance to pose as sisters or priests. The outs to youth vocations events, brought them along to the Hun- diocesan Vocations Office, which usually takes the cardboard cut- dredfold Workshop at St. Rita Parish in Rockford, Oct. 21. Workshop Tries to Create
Wellness Resource ‘Culture of Vocations’ Program a Lifeline For Boylan Students By Margarita Mendoza El Observador Editor When students miss lots of school or face trying times at ROCKFORD—Did you know that in home, the wellness program the U.S. there are 3,500 parishes without helps them cope and thrive. a priest and the combined number with pages 4-5 Canada is 5,200? If there is no priest, there is no Eucharist, sacraments, con- fession, and no Mass. Currently some priests work in more than one parish, and in some communi- ties, Mass is offered only once a week. Rhonda Gruenewald, who spoke to diocesan priests at Presbytery Day, Sept. 12, delivers This reality was explained during the her vocations building message to English speakers at the Hundredfold Workshop, Oct. Hundredfold Workshop. Oct. 21, at St. 21, at St. Rita Parish in Rockford. Rita Parish, here. More than 200 people from different 12, at the annual Presbytery Day. go and visit all the grade schools and Pharisees parishes of the diocese, registered for talk to the sixth-, seventh- and eighth- Question Jesus the event, designed to address this real- Adding to existing efforts graders, give them a vocation talk, that Jesus can’t be tricked by the ity and motivate participants to create a The workshop is part of the diocesan is always a lot of fun. Just last week we Pharisees. vocation ministry in their parishes. effort to create a culture of vocations, did our first vocation assembly where Such vocations ministries will not according to Father Keith Romke, di- myself and four priests that are assistant The Junior Observer, page 14 only help parishes raise awareness of ocesan vocations director. He explained vocation directors now, and four semi- the need for priests, but also help af- there are several activities during the narians, did an hour long assembly.” firm the priests, deacons and religious year for this purpose. Father Romke said the assembly, held This Issue already serving the diocese. “The summer camps are great,” he at St. Patrick School in St. Charles, Thirty people attended the work- said. “In March we always have what consisted of a volleyball game with the Bishop Malloy ...... 2 shop in Spanish, addressed by Leticia we call ‘the nun run,’ where the secre- girls, a vocation talk and a basketball Headliners...... 3 Ramirez and, the rest participated in the tary from my office, Dorothea Barger, game against the boys. (See page 6.) Diocesan...... 4-5 English version held in St. Rita’s Wahl gets a bunch of young ladies that are in- “It went very well, because the kids Vocation/Colleges ...... 6-9 Hall where Rhonda Gruenewald, author terested in learning about religious life enjoyed it, and we won,” he laughed. Nation/World ...... 10 of the book “Hundredfold” spoke. and go on a road trip and they visit two, During Christmas break the vocation Around the Diocese.... 11, 15-19 Gruenewald and Ramirez provided three or four different convents to get an office sponsors a two-day discernment The Junior Observer ...... 14 training and ideas to help parishes rein- opportunity just to meet sisters, to actu- retreat for high school and college age Our Catholic View ...... 20-21 force the vocation work on the diocesan ally stay at the convent, to really get to young men thinking about the priest- For the Record ...... 22 level. Gruenewald also addressed this see how that life is like. hood. Media/Arts ...... 23 topic with priests of the diocese, Sept. “During Lent,” he said, “I always Continued on page 9 2 | FRIDAY OCTOBER 27, 2017 | The Observer We Must ‘Be Not Afraid’ to Respect Life ach October, the Bishops This is a tragedy that is often the vigil of care or comfort with The Observer (ISSN 0029- 7739), is published weekly, of the United States ask driven by fear — fear of pain, one who is dying. except fi ve times a year by us to observe Respect of becoming a burden, of losing Another area in which we are the Diocese of Rockford, Life Month. control as we age or live with called to “be not afraid” is in our 555 Colman Center Dr., P.O. EWe know that human life is a illness. We must, however, never continued eff orts to defend the Box 7044, Rockford, IL 61125 gift. Each and every person is forget the dignity of the human life of the unborn. Here, too, we Phone: 815/399-4300; Fax 815/399-6225. created in the image and likeness person, even in those moments. must work to foster trust and not Periodical postage paid at BY BISHOP of God the Father and Creator of Our dignity is not based on be afraid. Rockford, Ill., and additional DAVID J. all that is. our level of independence or A woman unexpectedly This teaching regarding the productivity. Rather, it is rooted mail offi ces. MALLOY with child can be afraid of an dignity of the human person is in our Creator and the gift of life POSTMASTER: send address uncertain future, especially if central to our faith year round. He has given us. changes to The Observer, 555 she fi nds herself abandoned by Colman Center Dr., P.O. Box ach and As we celebrate Respect The intentional termination the father. Likewise, a man may 7044, Rockford, IL 61125 every Life Month each year, we have of any life is a violation of this E the opportunity to refocus our dignity. We must not let fear rule fear taking responsibility for his For ADVERTISING information: person is Contact The Observer at the attention and our prayers on us. We must “be not afraid.” actions. created in We must work to create an address above or call 815/399- this fundamental reality — a We must also remember that 4300; fax 815/399-6225, the image reality that is so important, yet so one of the great acts of love that atmosphere of support and love Email: kmccarthy@ and likeness contested in the modern world. can be rendered is to assist and that clearly communicates our rockforddiocese.org. of God. The theme for our observance comfort those who are ill or near belief in and understanding of the Send NEWS information to The this year is, “Be not afraid.” death. presence of God in every human Observer at the address or fax ... 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If we have friends or relatives and Pan American $29; other person is Let us take this opportunity When aging parents or who may be tempted to consider foreign: surface mail $37, air mail $97; single copies $1. central to to refl ect upon the areas of life grandparents are sick or the sin and tragedy of abortion, our faith where fear may be infl uencing declining, it is very possible for we must not allow ourselves to be The Observer Online digital our society with regard to life caregivers to feel overwhelmed. subscriptions are also available. paralyzed by the fear of speaking year round. issues, and where we are called to They might wonder how they can Publisher: to them. “Be not afraid.” ... The “be not afraid.” possibly help someone so ill or Most Reverend David J. Malloy Cardinal Timothy Dolan of intentional We encounter one of these depressed. Editor: Penny Wiegert areas at the end of life. One of At that moment, the prayers and New York summed up our love termination for the gift of life by stating, News Editor: Amanda Hudson of any life is the darkest clouds on our social the personal support of others are horizon is the advancement of an act of love and a witness to the “This Respect Life Month and Features and Multimedia Editor: Sharon Boehlefeld a violation assisted suicide. dignity of the human person. always, let’s walk with each of this Various countries throughout We demonstrate respect for other; let’s help each other Circulation/Proofreading: the world have already legalized life when we encourage a friend embrace God’s gift of human Susan Sabrowski, Keith dignity. Ludolph this, and it has now been or a relative who is serving as a life. Whatever storms or trials we approved in a number of states caregiver, perhaps even off ering face, we are not alone.” And we Accounting: Jill Bonk here in our own country. to take their place for a time in are not afraid. Advertising and Marketing: Kevin McCarthy Production and Web Administrator: Gary Haughton Contributing Writers: Father Imagine the Hope of Life Everlasting Kenneth Wasilewski, Father Keith Romke, Keith Ludolph, From the General Audience, Oct. 18 pride, of anger and of hate have defenseless before the mystery of Lynne Conner, Father Ronald been in vain — totally in vain. death. However, what a grace if at Rolheiser, Tony Carton, Today I would like to compare We realize with regret that we that moment we safeguard in our Pat Szpekowski, Margarita Christian hope with the reality of Mendoza, Louise Brass, Patrick have not loved enough and have heart the little fl ame of faith! death, a reality that our modern Winn not sought what was essential. Jesus takes us by the hand, as civilization tends more and more And, on the other hand, we see Publication Dates: Weekly (CNS photo/C. Peri via Reuters) Peri photo/C. (CNS he took Jairus’ daughter by the to erase. except that in 2017 there will be what we have sown that was truly hand, and repeats once again: BY POPE In this way, when death no issues on Jan. 6, March 31, FR ANCIS good, the loved ones for whom “Talitha cumi,” “Little girl, June 30, Sept. 29 and Dec. 29. arrives, for those who are close we sacrifi ced ourselves and who arise!” (see Mk 5:41). Usually, 10 to us or for ourselves, we fi nd now take us by the hand. News Deadlines: magine we are unprepared, lacking even He will say this to us, to each days before publication date. Jesus illuminated this mystery one of us: “Arise, rise again!” that an appropriate “alphabet” to of our death. By his example, He Ad Deadlines: Usually, 10 I sketch meaningful words about I invite you, now, to close days before publication date. moment permits us to grieve when a dear your eyes and think about that its mystery, which in any case person passes on. Offi cial information on the poli- that will moment: of our death. ... Imagine endures. ... He is “deeply” troubled at the cies, activities, and positions that moment that will come, when of the Diocese of Rockford is come, when Other civilizations, before our tomb of his friend Lazarus, and Jesus will take us by the hand and released only in the pages of Jesus will own, had the courage to look it in “wept” (Jn 11:35). Here, Jesus’ tell us, “Come, come with me, The Observer, or in state- the eye. It was an event recounted demeanor makes us feel very ments from the Diocesan take us by arise.” There, hope will end and the hand by the elders to the young close to Him, our brother. He Offi ce of Communications and generations as an inescapable wept for His friend Lazarus. reality will abide, the reality of Publications. and tell reality which obliged man to live Then Jesus prays to the Father, life. ... The Observer uses recycled us, “Come, for an absolute ideal. wellspring of life, and commands This is our hope in the face paper and is recyclable. come with Psalm 90[89]:12 states: “teach Lazarus to come out of the tomb. of death. For those who believe, Our Mission is the mission me, arise.” us to number our days that we And so it happens. it is a door that is thrust open of the Church itself — to wide. For those who doubt it is spread the Gospel through may get a heart of wisdom.” Christian hope draws from contemporary means of Numbering one’s days makes Jesus’ approach to human death. a glimmer of light that fi lters communications. the heart become wise! If it is present in creation, it through an exit that is not quite The words bring us back to a is nonetheless an aff ront that completely closed. Member of: healthy realism, driving away the tarnishes God’s loving plan, But for all of us it will be a delusion of omnipotence. ... which the Savior wishes to grace, when this light, of the Thus death lays our life bare. It remove for our sake. ... encounter with Jesus, illuminates makes us discover that our acts of We are all small and us. Headliners The Observer | FRIDAY OCTOBER 27, 2017 | 3 Bishop Malloy’s Geneva Catholic Parish, Lutheran Church to Public Schedule ROME, Italy — Oct. 22-28, Visit with Diocesan Mark 500th Anniversary of the Reformation Seminarians, The Pontifical By Pat Szpekowski North American College Observer Correspondent Catholics, Lutherans Work Toward Unity ROCKFORD — Oct. 29, 7:30 Drawing on 50 years of national and international dialogue, a.m., Sunday Mass, Cathedral GENEVA— St. Peter Parish in 2015 Lutherans and Catholics together issued the “Declara- of St. Peter in Geneva and Geneva Luther- tion on the Way: Church, Ministry and Eucharist.” an Church will jointly partici- ROCKFORD — Oct. 29, 10:45 It is a unique ecumenical document that marks a pathway pate in a prayer service on Oct. a.m., Mass for the Catholic toward greater visible unity between Catholics and Luther- 29 and theology discussion on Youth Summit, Rock Valley ans. College Nov. 9. The events are being held Source: United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, www.usccb.org ROCKFORD — Nov. 1, 9 In the Rockford Diocese, an annual brunch is co-sponsored a.m., Mass, Boylan Central to celebrate community unity Catholic High School and explore the 500th anniver- (Photo provided) (Observer file photo) by the Rockford Deanery Council of Catholic Women and the sary of the symbolic start of the Pastor Father Northern Illinois Synod, Women of the Evangelical Lutheran ROCKFORD — Nov. 2, 12 Protestant Reformation, a time Stoffel Bakkelund Church, as one way to honor a covenant made in 1992 by the noon, All Souls’ Day Mass, of change in the history of the late Diocese of Rockford Bishop Arthur J. O’Neill and former Calvary Cemetery sacred Scripture, and a life of Christian Church. following where our Master Bishop Ronald K. Hasley of the Northern Illinois Synod of the ROCKFORD — Nov. 5, 7:30 The events will be presented first trod.” ELCA. a.m., Sunday Mass, Cathedral by Father Jonathan Bakkelund, The ecumenical outreach of St. Peter pastor, St. Peter Parish, and begins with a worship service tor Stoffel will participate in a nity to be stronger together. In- Rev. Trudy Stoffel, pastor of ROCKFORD — Nov. 5, 2 to be held at Geneva Lutheran “Talk Theology” presentation stead of being divisive, let’s fo- p.m., Ministry Formation Geneva Lutheran Church. Church, 301 S. Third St., at 3 emceed by Pastoral Vicar Kooi. cus on the real things that bring Certification Ceremony, “Pastor Trudy invited me p.m., Oct. 29. The floor will be open to our faith together. We thought Cathedral of St. Peter to join her in celebrating the questions and each pastor will Pastor Stoffel will preach it would be interesting to take 500th anniversary of the Ref- provide the Roman Catholic it public.” ormation,” said Father Bakke- on the reading of “The Great- and Lutheran perspectives on Father Bakkelund added, Keep Up with Events lund. “I was deeply honored est Commandment” from Mt important topics. “For 500 years Lutherans have and quickly agreed. I suppose 22:34-40. Pastor Stoffel said she Find diocesan parish, school prayed, believed, sacrificed, some could ask what’s a Catho- Father Bakkelund and Pasto- reached out to Father Bakke- and Catholic organization events worshiped, and striven for between issues of The Observer lic priest doing celebrating the ral Intern Vicar Brittany Kooi lund when he became pastor at unity with Christ. I’ll celebrate on line at: Reformation. of Geneva Lutheran Church St. Peter’s over a year ago. n http://www.rockforddiocese. “I certainly don’t rejoice will take part. “We have met several times that any day. I’m grateful for org/calendar.php or celebrate division and dis- Both church choirs will sing. for coffee and I enjoy our my friendship with Pastor Stof- n The Observer Catholic agreement. Rather, this is a The dialogue, discussions, conversations about faith,” fel and I am very excited for Newspaper Facebook page time when Christians can come and differences of each faith she said. “This collaboration our two Christian communities n What’s Up+plus at http:// together and celebrate what we will be addressed at St. Peter should center on our joint be- to come together for such an observer.rockforddiocese.org/ cherish and hold in common, a Parish on Nov. 9 at 7 p.m. lief, which is Christ. historic and symbolic celebra- whats-up+plus love for Our Lord, a devotion to Father Bakkelund and Pas- “It is good for our commu- tion.”
YOUR GIFT TO THIS ANNUAL APPEAL SUPPORTS MINISTRIES LIKE THESE:
Life and Family Evangelization Religious Education Youth Ministry Catholic Charities Seminarian Education St. Elizabeth Center Lay Ministry Formation Retired Priests College Campus Ministry And Many More Deaf Apostolate Ministry 4 | FRIDAY OCTOBER 27, 2017 | The Observer Diocesan Wellness Resource Program a By Lynne Conner “What I found was that if a student the late Sister M. Anthony Marelli, OP, students can work through the issues of Observer Correspondent had to go in for treatment or had to go for recognizing the benefits of the well- adolescence. Students participate in the to the hospital, there was really no route ness program and making Voigt its first program in a variety of ways including ROCKFORD—Sixteen-year-old for them to re-enter school other than coordinator. small support groups, classroom les- “Luke” was facing major surgery and a just to come back,” Voight said. “So, I Voigt said that the program exists not sons and individual counseling. possible cancer diagnosis. explored a lot of possibilities and devel- only to help students returning to school “Carlie,” 14, was anxious about fit- oped the wellness program.” after a physical illness or surgery but Teen challenges different ting in at a new school and hadn’t eaten She credits former Boylan principal, also to function as a “safe space” where “Being a teenager today is a whole lot breakfast or lunch for over two weeks. different than when their parents were “Before my surgery, I was really teens,” Voight said. “Today’s teens not stressed about missing school and how I only deal with peer pressure, but also was going to handle the make-up work,” have issues with anxiety, eating disor- said “Luke,” a student at Boylan Central ders, peer acceptance, body image, time Catholic High School in Rockford. management, parental divorce, gender “But, I met with Ms. (Mary Kate) identity, grief, bullying and the whole Olofson, who is in charge of the Boylan realm of social media.” Wellness Program, and she let my teach- The student grief support group at ers know that I was going to be absent Boylan actually grew out of necessity because of the surgery. after a student was killed in a car ac- “When I returned to school, she cident that injured other students. helped me sort out missing assignments “Grief support groups are a large part and encouraged me to take things one of the overall groups in the program. day at a time,” he said. One year, we had three girls right in a “Sometimes my friends think I’m be- row who lost their mothers to the same ing rude if I don’t stop and talk with type of cancer,” Voigt said. them between classes,” said “Carlie,” “So, we nurture them, we allow them another Boylan student. “It’s just that to cry and we try and help the teachers I’m anxious about being late or unpre- understand. These kids, sitting in your pared for my next class. class, aren’t thinking about how to do “Since I have been attending a girls’ algebra; they’re thinking about how to group ..., I have learned ways to handle live their lives without a mother.” my anxiety and be more assertive with Whatever issues Boylan students may my friends and family,” she said. have, confidentiality plays a big part in the support groups and individual coun- Stressors hit hard seling. High school students, including those “The confidentiality aspect is very, attending Catholic high schools, face very important,” Voigt said. “Unless stressors, many of which, didn’t exist there is a life-threatening danger to a or weren’t discussed when their parents student…everyone is told at the start of were teens. That’s why the wellness a group that if confidentiality is broken; program at Boylan has tried to be a life- it would be dealt with in group, other- line to students for more 25 years. wise who would want to open up about The program started in 1990 as the their issues?” brainchild of Mary Jean Voigt, former Because the program exists in a Cath- coordinator. She modeled the Boylan (Observer photo/Lynne Conner) olic high school, student issues are ad- program after employee assistance pro- Boylan High School Wellness Program coordinator, Mary Kate Olofson (standing) chats dressed in the framework of Church grams found in many businesses. with a group of girls. teachings. Other Catholic High Schools Handle Student Wellness in Different Ways
DIOCESE—The seven other mental health concerns. hopes of eliminating bullying, Catholic high schools in the The principal and assistant prejudice, etc. We are also in Rockford Diocese also have principal at Aquin work with the process of looking into procedures to address student students who are missing as- the possibility of creating one wellness concerns, extended signments due to illness or sur- or more ‘lunch bunch’ small absences and student emotion- gery. groups,” she said. al health. Deborah Kelly, a guidance A little more than two years At Rosary High School counselor at Newman Central ago, tragedy struck Auro- and Marmion Academy, both Catholic High School in Ster- ra Central Catholic High in Aurora and at St. Edward ling, said that typically guid- School. Central Catholic High School ance counselors will work with Bridget Buckley, director of in Elgin, guidance counselors students who are missing as- guidance at the school explains, work with individual students signments due to an illness. “When two students (Seth Eg- facing physical illnesses or She said that there is a ger and Allison “Ally” Brad- mental health issues. monthly support group for stu- ford) died in March of 2015 as The counselors act as liai- dents “who are dealing with the result of a car accident, our sons between teachers and stu- grief and/or students coping approach to the crisis response dents to get missing school as- with cancer in their families.” was multi-faceted. signments made up. Students at Marian Cen- “First, as Catholics, we came At Rosary, counselors pro- tral Catholic High School in together for Mass, memorial vide lunch supervision so they Woodstock are trying to stop services and vigils. We then can get to know students in a negative behaviors before they brought in counselors and so- more informal setting. start. cial workers from outside of At Aquin Central Catholic According to Rebecca Reed, our school community for stu- Junior/Senior High School a guidance counselor at the dents who felt needed to fur- in Freeport, a counselor from school, “The Friends of Rachel ther process the loss.” Catholic Charities comes to group encourages students to Buckley said that the school the school about once a week promote kindness and com- also offered students concrete to meet with students who have passion towards others in the Continued on page 5 Diocesan The Observer | FRIDAY OCTOBER 27, 2017 | 5 Lifeline for Boylan Students The Boylan Wellness Program experi- as its coordinator and 37 years at Boylan. the 2016-2017 school year to build re- struggling with family dynamics, pa- enced a ‘changing of the guard’ this fall Voigt’s replacement, Mary Kate Olof- lationships with the students. Olofson rental separation and/or divorce. as Mary Jean Voigt retired after 27 years son worked closely with Voigt during says she is thrilled to be working at her “Students are faced with more mental “dream job.” health concerns and they don’t typically “I really believe that God called me know how to cope with them. ... They to be here,” Olofson said. “As a product are facing these battles feeling alone; of Catholic schools, I strongly believe in and being able to talk to someone about what Catholic education can provide for their struggles is so important,” she students. said. “The day I came in to shadow Mary “In reality, teens can’t be successful Jean Voigt, I just loved seeing how she students if they are distracted by what’s was able to play a pivotal role in the going on in their personal lives.” lives of Boylan students and help them “I have had students come to me and outside of the classroom to be success- say that they are using the coping meth- ful, well-rounded individuals,” she said. ods that we talk about in group. Wheth- A visit to Olofson’s office shows how er they are listing 10 things each day she is making the role of wellness co- that they are grateful for or being more ordinator her own. In the cozy, brightly assertive in relationships, it’s great to decorated space, students can emerge see students using these strategies to from the cocoon of their insecurities and empower them through their struggles,” find a friendly face and listening ear. she said. Support from the Boylan faculty and Student needs vary staff, Olofson said, are also key to the On any given day, she will guide stu- success and longevity of the program. dent support groups, counsel individual “When students come in here crying students, assist those who are returning and feeling anxious, but are smiling and from an illness and oversee the school’s calm when they return to class,” Olof- random drug testing program. son said, “then I am happy knowing (Observer photo/Lynne Conner) Olofson says she sees a lot of students that they are a little better prepared to Inspirational messages fill a chalk-board wall in Mary Kate Olofson’s office. Other Catholic High Schools Handle Student Wellness in Different Ways From page 4 Students also remembered Seth money for the families’ funeral planted trees and permanent we hold a memorial Mass and ways to process their grief. and Ally by signing posters, costs,” she said. memorials (stones, benches) short ceremony outside of our “Students decorated Ally’s banners and creating prayer/ “We also had therapy dogs for Seth and Ally that students chapel,” Buckley said. “Every and Seth’s lockers with pic- memory chains. T-shirts and in the building on several days can still visit today. Every year, crisis situation is different, and tures and written memories. bracelets were sold to raise following the accident. We on the date of the accident, must be approached as so.”
ALL SOULS DAY 2017 Bishop Malloy will once again preside at an All Souls Day Mass on Thursday, November 2nd, 12:00 pm at Calvary Cemetery in Winnebago. Everyone is invited and encouraged to come and participate with us at this special celebration. All those who have died from Nov. 1, 2016 through Oct. 31st, 2017 will be remembered in prayer at this mass.
CATHOLIC CEMETERIES OF THE DIOCESE OF ROCKFORD Mt. Olivet/Aurora Resurrection/Geneva Mt. Hope/Elgin St. Mary-St. James/Rockford Calvary/Winnebago St. Joseph/Freeport Calvary/Freeport “Eternal Rest grant unto them, O Lord, And let perpetual light shine upon them.” 6 | FRIDAY OCTOBER 27, 2017 | The Observer Vocation/Colleges
A student at St. Patrick in St. Charles faces a doubleteam by Fathers Sean Grismer and Robert Gonnella. The priests of the God Squad faced o against the boys’ basketball team in the second round of play Oct. (Observer photos/Margarita Mendoza) 21. The traveling team of priests promotes vocations through fun at Students at St. Patrick School in St. Charles cheer as they watch their fellow students take on the God parishes and schools throughout the Rockford Dioccese. Squad, a team of Rockford Diocese priests who play basketball and volleyball on the road. God Squad Takes to the Courts in St. Charles BY MARGARITA minutes each, during which in the school gym on Crane MENDOZA priests and seminarians played Road. Who’s on the God Squad? El Observador Editor volleyball against the girls’ “We played great, even God Squad members are Father Keith Romke, diocesan eighth-grade team, 20 minutes though we didn’t win” said vocations director; Father Robert Gonnella and Father Kyle ST. CHARLES—The God of basketball with the eighth- Anthony Chiaro from eighth- Manno, both parochial vicars at St. Patrick in St. Charles; Father Squad, the vocations team of grade boys’ team, and present- grade. Manuel Gomez, parochial vicar at St. Rita of Cascia in Aurora; the Rockford Diocese, started ed a 20-minute vocation talk “There is a lot of fun being Father Sean Grismer, parochial vicar at St. Mary in Huntley and a series of sports events at St. At St. Patrick School on Oct. with the kids, and the most im- seminarians John Kladar, Miles Monaco, Jack Bjork, and Jack portant thing is talking to them Patrick School, here. 18, the God Squad won both Reichardt. Making a special appearance was Msgr. Stephen team encounters. about vocations. It is nice when At St. Patrick, the event con- Knox, pastor of St. Patrick in St. Charles. sisted of three “periods” of 20 “It was a great day for the kids can see us as normal peo- school” said Msgr. Stephen ple,” said Father Robert Gon- enth- and eighth-grade students is scheduled at St. Rita of Cas- Knox, pastor of St. Patrick Par- nella. about vocations, looking full of ish. Right after the two games, cia School in Aurora on Nov. energy as he walked around the During the last hour of the Father Keith Romke, diocesan 15. gym. school day, students gathered vocations director, told sev- He told the students how, despite his and his parents’ doubts, he became a priest. When he was a child, he said, during his fi rst time as an altar server he was unsure how to do it. So, during the Mass at the moment of helping the priest to wash his hands with water, the priest told him, “Be generous. Pour it all.” At that precise moment, Fa- ther Romke felt something spe- After the games, Father Keith cial in his heart and he said “I Romke, diocesan vocations direc- Msgr. Stephen Knox, pastor of St. Patrick Parish in St. Charles, greets knew the Holy Spirit was call- tor, talks to the students about students during the God Squad outing at St. Patrick School, Oct. 18. ing me to be generous the rest faith, fun and their future. He suited up with the team of priests and seminarians. of my life for the Church, as a priest.” Father Romke said that the Please join us for a “Do not miss” God Squad is ready to par- ONE-DAY RETREAT with FATHER DOMINIQUE FAURE, ticipate in more events around world-wide speaker and retreat master. the diocese, to encourage vo- A player from the girls’ volleyball cations with prayer and fun team at St. Patrick School watch- sports events. es as seminarian Miles Monaco “Apocalypse” The next God Squad outing sets a shot for his teammates. Light of Hope for The Church Saturday, November 18, 2017 from 8:00 am - 3:00 pm (Mass begins at 8:00AM. Please arrive early to sign in and for retreat packet.) Watch Holy Cross Catholic Church, 2300 Main Street, Batavia, IL 60510 Born and raised in Paris, France, Father Dominique Faure, a worldwide speaker and retreat master, is a Catholic member of the religious community Verbum Spei (Word of Hope). He currently resides in New Zealand as the chaplain of Catholic Discipleship College. One of the priests overseeing the spiritual formation for the Mission- Mass aries of Charity worldwide, Father Dominique also teaches and preaches to lay people, religious, priests, and bishops. Every year Father Dominique gives a retreat on the Island of Patmos where St. John wrote the Book Sunday, 6:30 a.m., of Revelation. On November 18, at Holy Cross Catholic Church in Batavia, IL, he will be sharing with us this WREX-TV Channel 13 most profound teaching on the Apocalypse in a way you have never heard before. Come and see! Rockford 00 Cost: $25. Includes retreat Register online at: Questions: Anytime at registration (4 talks), Book of frdominique.eventbrite.com Contact Simone Romanos (630) Revelation pamphlet, light morning 770-6712 [email protected] www.rockforddiocese.org/tvmass breakfast, a boxed lunch catered Religious are free, contact: or Laura Kosmach (630) 879-4750, Brought to you by the Diocesan Office of by Panera, snacks and coffee. Simone Romanos to reserve. [email protected] Communications and Publications Vocation/Colleges The Observer | FRIDAY OCTOBER 27, 2017 | 7 FAQs: Picking the Right College When it comes time to pick a set-up by your school. You most students, such impact college, there are lots of factors don’t want to isolate yourself will be minimal. to consider. Here are some from the fun of freshmen year, What is important is answers to frequently asked and the chance to meet new whether your Catholic faith questions to help make that people and make new friends. can be strengthened or at decision. It’s part of what college is all least maintained. about! Other considerations hat should I are whether you will get a remember hat about a good Catholic education, when picking a community whether you will enjoy your college? college? W undergraduate experience College is a better and whether the college (Observer photo/Amanda Hudson) W investment if you graduate. Catholic students who opt for state schools, such as Northern Illinois If you plan to continue with provides you with an College is a better University in DeKalb, can usually nd a Newman Center parish. They a four year degree, determine opportunity to make some investment if you graduate on provide Mass and opportunitities to have fun with others, as well as what type of articulation lifetime friends. What more time. help others locally and, sometimes, on mission trips. agreements the community can you ask for? Your major matters. college has with four year Source: https://www.catholice- choose to venture far from the room, dining out and paying Consider two-year colleges. Also consider: ducation.org/en/education/ associates degree programs nest. For many, the decision for wash and fold can add up. What type of coursework do catholic-contributions/twenty- and 2+2 programs. comes down to nances But commuting to campus you need? questions-and-answers-about- Know your nancial aid alone. comes with costs of its own; Do you want or need a selecting-a-catholic-college.html options. There are some perks for like the price tag of traveling virtual campus? Keep track of your nances. college students living with (i.e. gas, car maintenance, Do you have a four year hen should Source: 6 rules to help you make parents. The biggest nancial insurance, a bus pass), parking college in mind? I start my the best college decision, www. discount is the savings on expenses on campus, and the Source: https://www.community- college prep? pbs.org/newshour/making- room and board. additional meals you may be collegereview.com/blog/choosing- sense/6-rules-to-make-the-best- The typical rate for a dorm charging out since you’ll be on a-community-college W Regular check-ins with your college-decision/ room per year will run $10,000, the go a lot more than on- guidance counselor will help meaning that over the course campus students. hould I be concerned keep you on track so that you hat are some that a college that of four years you could save But, regardless if you stay can be con dent that you’re bene ts of picking interests me is not upwards of $40,000. close to home or go away to keeping the right timeline to a college close to widely known? And don’t forget the money school, you’re still going to reach your goals. home? S W you’ll save on other expenses, be in a new class with new Not really. Some students Source: https://www.princ- For some high school like food and laundry. They students. believe that graduating from etonreview.com/college-advice/ students, staying close to may seem like small expenses, If you’re a commuter, be a prestigious institution opens questions-to-ask-your-college- home for college is an easy but when your dorm room sure to participate in the certain career doors. And, in counselor decision, while others may lacks a kitchen and laundry freshman year social activities some cases, it does. 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The Observer ad - 11.25 x 7.75 --- 4-4-16.indd 1 4/4/2016 2:17:44 PM 8 | FRIDAY OCTOBER 27, 2017 | The Observer Vocation/Colleges Sisters Seek to Promote Consecrated Life feed their ST. PAUL, Minn. (CNS)— art of the goal of this is that young women will see that as a Sister Carolyn Puccio, a Sister of St. Joseph of Carondelet, viable option for their lives and respond to a call from God, said it’s unfortunate there’s ‘P not a line of women wrapping ultimately, to live their baptismal commitment in that way.’ around the block waiting to en- ter religious life. — Sister Carolyn Puccio, a Sister of St. Joseph of Carondelet “It’s meaningful to be part faith! of a group of women who are vocations in Spanish-speaking outreach. alone in the Archdiocese of St. bright, articulate, engaged, Catholic communities; and a “My hope is that through the Paul and Minneapolis. educated, dedicated (and) gen- diocesan outreach program. efforts of the National Catholic “What we’re being told erous,” said Sister Carolyn, the delegate for religious for the The archdiocese is emphasiz- Sisters Project, the richness of by people is if you don’t get Archdiocese of St. Paul and ing the latter in its part in the the diversity and the gift that your story out there, nobody Minneapolis. project and was among the first women religious are can be knows,” she said. “And in this “To be a part of that is a tre- of eight diocesan partners to recognized,” Sister Carolyn case, young women aren’t go- mendous gift for me, person- sign on earlier this year. told The Catholic Spirit, arch- ing to be interested in continu- ally, and an honor. And it hum- Other partners are the arch- diocesan newspaper of St. Paul ing the legacy of who we are bles me.” dioceses of Atlanta, Baltimore, and Minneapolis. and what we’re about.” She considers religious life Boston, Chicago, Milwaukee “Part of the goal of this is that Since its inception in 2014, a “best kept secret,” but hopes and San Antonio; and the Dio- young women will see that as a National Catholic Sisters Week that will change with the recent cese of Des Moines, Iowa. viable option for their lives and has been part of National Wom- launch of the National Catholic A grant from the Conrad N. respond to a call from God, ul- en’s History Month in March Hilton Foundation is funding timately, to live their baptismal and is coordinated at St. Cath- (CNS photo/Jaclyn Lippelmann, Catholic Standard) Sisters Project. In addition to National Cath- the project. commitment in that way.” erine University in St. Paul. olic Sisters Week, held March Sister Carolyn said her role In highlighting religious sis- A large part of its efforts 8-14 each year, the new ini- will be promoting the life and ters’ presence and contributions to bring religious sisters and Send tiative will include develop- work of local religious sisters to the Catholic Church and so- laywomen together has been ing curriculum for Catholic year-round — especially to ciety, Sister Carolyn said she’s through http://www.sisterstory. schools, parish religious edu- young women — and partner- especially committed to show- org, an ongoing project that The cation programs and campus ing with appropriate represen- ing their diversity.There are at connects the two groups to Observer ministry; promoting religious tatives to expand the project’s least 42 religious communities share religious sisters’ stories. to your Vatican: Educate college For Hope, Solidarity, student Common Good VATICAN CITY (CNS)— “with a student population that The Vatican is asking Catholic exceeds 60 million pupils from Our digital edition schools and universities to take every faith and ethnic group,” (CNS photo/courtesy Holy See Press Office) is perfect for the the lead in pioneering educa- the cardinal said. In addition, Pope Sends Message to Candian Youth tion networks that value indi- there are some 1,800 Catholic student on the go. Pope Francis speaks from the Vatican as he addresses Canadian vidual identity and talent, but universities around the world. youths in a video message that was included in a Salt and Light Tele- also help students see how their The new document describes vision program Oct. 22. The program, “Youth, Faith and Vocational gifts can contribute to the com- “the need to look after the good Or send them a Discernment,” featured audiences of young people in several Cana- mon good. of others as if it were one’s print copy AND dian cities. The Congregation for Catho- own” as “a clear priority for lic Education presented broad the political agenda of our civil the digital edition. guidelines in the document, systems,” and something Cath- “Educating to Fraternal Hu- olic schools are well-equipped Either way it’s just manism,” which was released to help foster by educating stu- at the Vatican Sept. 22. dents with Christian values. $28 for a full year. “The document underlines For the congregation, “hu- how urgent and necessary it is manizing education” means Call us at to humanize education, favor- helping each student develop ing a culture of encounter and his or her talents and discover 815/399-4300, dialogue,” Cardinal Giuseppe his or her vocation while un- ext. 383. Versaldi, prefect of the congre- derstanding that those talents gation, told reporters. and vocations are designed to Firmly convinced Christ’s be at the service of the commu- Order online at offer of salvation is open to all nity and, in fact, of the com- http://observer. people, Catholic schools should mon good of all. be agents for “globalizing Promoting a culture of dia- rockforddiocese. hope,” educating young people logue in which each person is to promote solidarity, brother- free to express his or her iden- org/ hood and care for the environ- tity and thoughts while respect- or use this code. ment. ing the rights of others to do the Currently, there are more same is another key aim, the than 216,000 Catholic schools congregation said.
FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT: Sister Rose Therese, O.S.F., (309) 655-2645 Wonder about your vocation? Father Keith Romke, diocesan director of Email: [email protected] vocations would be happy to talk to you. Web: FranciscanSistersPeoria.org Facebook: OSFsisters Send your questions to him at kromke@ Twitter: @osfsisters rockforddiocese.org or call him at the Vocations Office, 815/399-4300. Vocation/Colleges The Observer | FRIDAY OCTOBER 27, 2017 | 9
(Observer photos/Margarita Mendoza) Representing SS. Peter and Paul Parish in Cary at the Hundredfold workshop were Manuel Luna, Ruben Leticia Ramirez leads the Spanish-language Hundredfold Workshop at Tapia, Beatriz Tapia, Stefanie Ramírez, Nancy Ramírez, Jennifer Dombrowski, Robert Buerer, and Deacon St. Rita Parish in Rockford, Oct. 21. Ken Wasko. Workshop Tries to Create ‘Culture of Vocations’ From page 1 Parish in Elgin. Based on his prepare the parents spiritually.” this type of option and decision of Bishop Malloy, and the con- “Unlike the camps in the experience in religious educa- In order to help parents, Dea- for their children.” tinued activities of the diocesan summer where there are lots tion, he said, “We need to work con de Leon said the Hispanic With continued focus on vocations team, Gruenewald of games, lots of fun, there is parallel with parents, because Ministry at his parish is orga- vocations in each parish, and said, the diocese can be full of also prayer and talks but this is parents do not live the faith as nizing retreats for fathers and with prayer and the guidance hope for the boom of all voca- more focused,” Father Romke our parents lived it. We want to mothers “so they will support of the Holy Spirit, the support tions in the years to come. said. “There are talks but there are opportunities just for si- lence … and prayer.” Great potential here Gruenewald is a leader who travels around the country pro- moting vocations not only for religious life and priesthood but also for marriages. “I feel like there is such po- tential here to have such a vo- cation’s boom,” she said of the Rockford Diocese. “You have a dynamic bishop who cares about vocations. You have Father Romke, the voca- tions director,” she added, “one of the most dynamic vocations directors in the country and, he has four other priests help- ing him all throughout the dio- cese and now we have over 200 people gathering who are say- ing ‘Yes, I’m ready to do some- thing in my parish.’ “With all that, there is no way that God will not answer Saint Anthony College of Nursing this in such a profound way. I mean it,” Gruenewald said. She said a boom may be five to eight years away, but she said NURSING OPEN HOUSE the day will soon come in the diocese “where your men and young women are saying yes to the Lord and our marriages are “Choose to be a Blessing.” holier.” Participants were encour- OSF HealthCareLearn Saintabout Anthony our BSN, College RN-to-BSN, of Nursing isMSN looking and for DNP exceptional programs! students pursuing their life’s aged to create a group in each dream of making a di erence through serving others with the greatest care and love. We are a Catholic parish to pray and have activi- college andFALL we welcome SEMESTER: nursing students of all faiths who desire a special place to make that happen. ties to encourage vocations. Saturday, November 4, 2017 | 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. “I think the Yes, you’ll notice the di erences right away, in that: more we have support from • There areSPRING no giant lectureSEMESTER: halls, keeping our clincal groups on a smaller size. other people in • Your clinicalSaturday, experiences April 7, will 2018 take | place 9 a.m. in toa variety noon settings. the diocese the • Top-notch nursing education as proven by exam scores that have met or exceeded state and more we can energize each nationalHealth rates. Sciences Center other to really Cousins make this a per- FALL3301 SEMESTER N. Mulford Rd., Rockford,Saturday, Illinois November 4, 2017, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. manent part of our parish ev- Health Sciences Center — 3301 N. Mulford Rd., Rockford, IL eryday life to bring vocations,” OPEN HOUSE: } For more information, visit: sacn.edu or call (815) 395-5091 said Ronda Cousins from St. Katharine Drexel in Sugar Grove. For more information, visit To create such a vocations program is not without its chal- sacn.edu or call (815) 395-5091. lenges, according to Deacon Luis de Leon from St. Mary 10 | FRIDAY OCTOBER 27, 2017 | The Observer Nation/World News in Brief Bill called a ‘massive overreach by NARAL’ vetoed by California governor SACRAMENTO, Calif. (CNS)—Religious freedom advocates and pro-life leaders praised California Gov. Jerry Brown for vetoing a bill called the Reproductive Health Nondiscrim- ination Act that targeted religious employers and their faith-based codes of conduct for em- ployees. Assembly Bill 569 would have made it illegal for a California employer to discipline or fire employees for “their reproductive health decisions, including, but not limited to, the tim- ing thereof, or the use of any drug, device or (CNS photo/Mike Nelson, EPA) Gov. Jerry medical service.” Alliance Defending Freedom Brown said the bill would have prohibited churches, religious colleges, religious nonprofit organizations and pro-life (CNS photo/Ricardo Graca, EPA) pregnancy care centers “from having faith-based codes of con- Far Beyond California duct with regard to abortion and sexual behavior.” Men gather cattle during a wildfire Oct. 16 in Vieira de Leiria, Portugal. A wave of wildfires in central and north Portugal has killed at least 31 people, say civil defense authorities. Cross honoring soldiers who died in World War I deemed unconstitutional WASHINGTON (CNS)—A Groups Settle in Lawsuit Against 40-foot-tall cross memorializing soldiers who died in World War I that sits at a busy intersection in HHS Contraceptive Mandate the Washington suburb of Blad- ensburg, Maryland, is unconsti- WASHINGTON (CNS)— The Washington Archdiocese bishop said the settlement fol- tutional, a federal appeals court Dozens of Catholic groups that was one of dozens of groups lows the recent release of new ruled Oct. 18. The monument challenged the contraceptive challenging the mandate, which federal regulations that provide “has the primary effect of en- mandate of the Affordable Care went to the Supreme Court last religious organizations with a dorsing religion and excessively Act have reached a settlement year in the consolidated case of full exemption from covering entangles the government in re- with the U.S. Justice Depart- Zubik v. Burwell. Although it items that violate their core be- ligion,” said a 2-1 ruling from the ment, they announced late Oct. was most often described as the liefs. 4th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals 16. Little Sisters of the Poor fight- Cardinal Wuerl said in his based in Richmond, Virginia. The groups, including the ing against the federal govern- letter to priests that the new guidelines and regulations The case was heard by a three- Archdiocese of Washington ment, the case before the court and the Pennsylvania dioces- involved seven plaintiffs and were extremely helpful but that judge panel made up of Chief es of Greensburg, Pittsburgh each of these combined cases the “settlement of the Zubik Judge Roger L. Gregory and (CNS photo/Chaz Muth) and Erie, were represented by represented a group of schools, litigation adds a leavening of Judges Stephanie D. Thacker A cross-shaped monument, a the Cleveland-based law firm churches or church-sponsored certainty moving forward. It landmark in Bladensburg, Md., and James A. Wynn Jr. Gregory, Jones Day. organizations. removes doubt where it might constructed in 1925 as a memo- who dissented, said the govern- Washington Cardinal Donald Pittsburgh Bishop David A. otherwise exist as it closes rial to 49 Prince George’s County ment is not required by the First W. Wuerl wrote an Oct. 16 let- Zubik, whom the case is named those cases.” men lost in World War I, is pic- Amendment to “‘purge from the tured in this Oct. 19 photo. ter to archdiocesan priests say- for, said he was grateful for the “The settlement adds addi- public sphere any reference to ing the “binding agreement” settlement which he described tional assurances,” he added, religion.’” The First Liberty Institute said the decision “sets dan- ends the litigation challenging as an “agreement with the gov- “that we will not be subject gerous precedent by completely ignoring history.” The group, the Health and Human Ser- ernment that secures and reaf- to enforcement or imposition which supports religious freedom, represented the American Le- vices’ mandate and provides a firms the constitutional right of of similar regulations impos- gion, the defendant in the case, and plans to appeal. “level of assurance as we move religious freedom.” ing such morally unacceptable into the future.” In an Oct. 17 statement, the mandates moving forward.” Philippine House fails to renew license of bishops’ radio network MANILA, Philippines (CNS)—The Philippine House of Repre- Senate Confirms Callista Gingrich as sentatives has not renewed the license of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines to U.S. Ambassador to the Holy See operate radio stations across the WASHINGTON (CNS)— sional aide, comed the vote. country. The bishops applied The Senate confirmed Callista has been Among them was Msgr. Wal- in January to renew the license Gingrich as the new U.S. am- p r e s i d e n t ter R. Rossi, rector of the Ba- because their previous one was bassador to the Holy See. of Gingrich silica of the National Shrine of due to expire Aug. 7, reported Voting late Oct. 16, senators Productions, the Immaculate Conception in ucanews.com. The application, approved her nomination 70- a multimedia Washington, where Gingrich (CNS photo/Dondi Tawatao, Reuters) (CNS photo/Jonathan Ernst, which sought the extension of 23. More than 20 Democrats Reuters) production has been a longtime member of People pray during a Sept. 22 the license, or franchise, for an- joined Republicans in support- Callista Gingrich and consult- the choir. Mass at a Catholic church in Que- other 25 years, remains stuck at ing company “Callista has been part of our zon City, Philippines. ing Gingrich, the wife of for- the committee level of the Low- mer House Speaker Newt Gin- in Arlington, Virginia, since shrine family for two decades er House of Congress. At least 54 radio stations under the coun- grich, a vocal ally of President 2007. She was expected to and so, as any family rejoices try’s Catholic Media Network would be affected by the failure of Donald Trump. present her credentials at the when good news arrives, we re- the renewal of the franchise this year. Despite the nonrenewal of Gingrich, 51, a lifelong Vatican in the coming weeks. joice with Callista,” Msgr. Ros- its franchise, several Catholic radio stations continue to operate. Catholic and a former congres- Gingrich’s associates wel- si said in an Oct. 17 statement. Around the Diocese The Observer | FRIDAY OCTOBER 27, 2017 | 11
(Photos provided) St. Thomas the Apostle School in Crystal Lake Marks 90th Anniversary with Mass Bishop David Malloy (top left) blesses the students and St. Thomas the Apostle School in Crystal Lake in honor of its 90th anniversary. The bishop visited the school, Oct. 4, to o er an anniversary Mass. All students and faculty attended the Mass, as well as many parents and some guests. Students decorated the sidewalks around the church and the school to welcome Bishop Malloy. Among faculty and guests (below left) who attended the Mass and celebration were (from left) Vito DeFrisco, assistant diocesan superintendent of schools; Steve Baldwin, superintendent of Marian Central Catholic High School in Woodstock; Father Jerome Koutnik, parochial vicar at St. Thomas the Apostle Parish; Gina Ru olo, vice principal,; Bishop Malloy; Gina Houston, principal; altar servers Jack Dunlea, Sean Truckenbrod, Aid- en Tinkham, Jack Schmid, and Ben Beto. The Knights of Columbus were on hand to escort the bishop.
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ROCKFORD voucher. Info: 630/897-6936, ext. ROCKFORD conversations with faculty, sta , Tue Oct 31 All Souls Masses: 7 a.m., after 7 227, marmion.org/admissions Natural Helpers luncheon: 11:30 students. Info: Laurie DiSilvio, CRYSTAL LAKE a.m. Mass, and 3 p.m.; Poor Clare ELGIN a.m., Boylan Central Catholic 815/338-4220, ldisilvio@marian. Corpus Christi Monastery, 2111 High School main gym, 4000 St. Trunk or treat: 5-7 p.m.; St. Open house: 1-3 p.m.; St. com S. Main St. Francis Dr. Emcee: Shannon Kelly Thomas the Apostle parking lot, Edward Central Catholic High Find more events at http://www. of WIFR. Social, luncheon, style Oak Street and Illinois Rt. 176. All Souls Mass: 12 noon; Calvary School, 335 Locust St. Student- show, silent auction, ra e. Info: rockforddiocese.org/calendar. Decorate your trunk and bring Cemetery, 8616 W State Road. led tours; teacher, counselor and 815/877-0531 php or on The Observer Catholic treats for kids. All Saints Day vigil Celebrant: Bishop David Malloy. administration talks and more. For those who have died in the Newspaper Facebook page and on follows at 7 p.m. Info: JoEllen Info: www.stedhs.org, 847/741- STERLING our blog, What’s Up+plus at http:// past year. 7535. Gregus, 815/455-5400, jgregus@ Open house: 7:30 a.m.-noon; observer.rockforddiocese.org/ stthomascl.church; www. Newman Central Catholic LOVES PARK whats-up+plus High School, 1101 St Mary's St. stthomascl.church Sat Nov 4 50th anniversary: 2-5 p.m.; Breakfast and campus tours ROCKFORD St. Bridget, 600 Cli ord Ave. CRYSTAL LAKE (9 a.m.-noon) for prospective Submit News All Saints’ Eve party: 5:30- Celebration of 50 years of Magni cat prayer breakfast: students and their familes. Info: 7:30 p.m.; St. Edward Parish Catholic Charismatic Renewal. Deadline: 10 days before 8:30 a.m. seating; D'Andrea 815/625-0500, development@ Praise and worship with Catholic publication. Community Center, 3004 11th Banquets and Conference newmancchs.org evangelist Bill Richart; healing St. Bring owers for and photos Center, 4419 Northwest Hwy. Online: Use the form at http:// Mass with Father Christopher WOODSTOCK of deceased family members for Sponsor: Magni cat McHenry. observer.rockforddiocese.org/ the All Souls altar. Hot dogs and Kuhn, pastor, St. Mary in Elgin. Open house: 1-3 p.m.; Marian Speaker: Dr. Margarett Schlientz, contact-us. Click on Submit chips; saint costume contest; Pre-registration appreciated. Central Catholic High School, assistant director, Institute for Events and News. “Canonize the Saint,” Pin the Priestly Formation at Creighton Cost: $10 per person; $25 per 1001 McHenry Ave. For Sword on St. Michael” and more University. Topic: Healing and family. Info: 815/264-3240 or potential students and their By Mail: Send to The Observer, games; candy and prizes. Info: deliverance. Register by Oct. 31. [email protected] families. Presentations, tours, P.O. Box 7044, Rockford, IL 61125. 815/229-0282 Cost: $20. Info: 815/893-4061; magni catmchenry.com Wed Nov 1 SOMONAUK Christmas garage sale: 8 a.m.-1 All Saints Day — p.m.; St. John the Baptist Parish Holy Day of Obligation Center, 130 W. LaSalle St. Deadline for Nov. 10 What’s Up SPRING GROVE (for events Nov 13-19) Craft show: 9 a.m-5:30 p.m. (also 8 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Nov. 5); Thu Nov 2 St. Peter, 2118 Main St. Info: 815/675-2288. AURORA Open house: 5:30-7:30 p.m.; Sun Nov 5 Aurora Central Catholic High School, 1255 N. Edgelawn Dr. AURORA Guided tours with student Open house: 12:30 p.m.; ambassadors, student activity Marmion Academy, 1000 and athletic fairs, application Butter eld Road. For fth- station and more. Info: Mackenzie through eighth-grade boys and Livingston, 630/907-0095, ext. their families. Meet faculty, sta 109, mlivingston@auroracentral. and students. RSVP requested. com Drawing for $500 tuition 12 | FRIDAY OCTOBER 27, 2017 | The Observer LEFT SIDE PAGE
PAID ADVERTISEMENT My Day in a Nicaraguan Garbage Dump An Eyewitness Report by Rachael Joyner
The following is a field report from not an exaggeration. Rachael Joyner, a writer for Cross The first thing that hit me as I Catholic Outreach. During a trip to walked through the dump was the Nicaragua she experienced the harsh overwhelming smell and the smoke, realities facing hundreds of families a kind of thick haze that engulfs struggling to survive the horrifying everything. It stung my eyes and, conditions of a city garbage dump. with each breath, burnt my throat. It reminded me of Dante’s I didn’t know which was worse: the description of the Inferno in his smell of burning tires and decomposing book, “The Divine Comedy.” There trash or seeing a 3-year-old, with were people everywhere digging no shoes and a dirty face, digging through mounds of garbage and little through that trash. My stomach sank children rifling through bag after bag as I held back tears. I had only been in of trash. I watched one little boy, Chinandega’s garbage dump for a few who couldn’t have been older than 4, hours and I was desperate to leave. pull a rotting banana peel from a bag I had seen developing-world poverty and chew on it. He had probably not before in Haiti and east Africa, but it eaten yet that day because his family paled in comparison to what I saw in was too poor to buy food, and now Rachael Joyner (photo at left) waits with this 20-acre garbage dump in northern he was turning to garbage to ward children beside a dump truck full of trash. Nicaragua. Maybe it was the hopeless off his hunger. When it empties its load, the scavengers look in their eyes, or the immediacy It was hardest seeing the children will go to work, searching for food and useful items. of their poverty that sent me reeling. in the dump. Most of them had no It’s hard to get much lower than living shoes. Their clothes were tattered, in a garbage dump. Left without jobs, and a thick layer of dirt covered their thought, ‘Why not me?’” houses, or help, these families turned bodies. When I first got to the dump, Since its founding, Amigos to the dump for survival. a crowd of people were gathered has helped hundreds of poor Today, they live in dilapidated around a young boy, who was Nicaraguans in a variety of ways. shacks made from scraps of cardboard, maybe 8 or 10. He had a hole in his In addition to sturdy new houses, wood, and tin collected from the foot the size of an orange. Though Amigos has provided clean water, dump, which offer little protection he was shaking from the pain, he health care, education for their during the rainy season. Their days are didn’t make a sound. Like many in children, vocational training and spent scavenging the dump for plastic the dump, he didn’t have shoes and micro-credit loans to begin small bottles, aluminum cans, bits of steel made the mistake of stepping in a businesses — all the things these and glass, and pieces of paper to sell to pile of trash that was still burning are especially susceptible. As the families need to rebuild their own recycling companies so they can feed underneath. The heat burnt the families pick through the garbage, lives. Bland also mobilized the local their families. Some of the children skin right off of his foot, leaving they inhale toxic fumes from Catholic church, which now works attend school, but most work alongside the large, oozing sore we were all routine waste burning, which cause closely with Amigos to tend to the their parents in the dump. staring at. Finally, his father carried respiratory problems such as asthma, spiritual needs of the people. The area next to the dump where him home to “put some cream” on chronic bronchitis, and pneumonia. As Bland led me through the dump these families live is called El Limonal, his foot. (They were too poor to go Parasites from the garbage cause that day, he explained that none of but people in Chinandega have to the clinic.) I spent the rest of the intestinal problems and bleeding. this life-changing work would be another name for it: the Triangle trip wondering if that boy would lose Bugs burrow into their skin, causing possible without the financial support of Death. It gained this nickname his foot or spend the next six months rashes and sores. Though most of of organizations such as Cross because the triangular piece of land dealing with an infection that could these are treatable ailments, the Catholic Outreach and its generous where they live is surrounded by the have been prevented with something majority of families are too poor to Catholic donors in the U.S. dump, an overflowing cemetery, and as simple as a pair of shoes. go to a clinic or buy medicine, so “We could not do this work a contaminated river where the city’s Health hazards such as these they suffer for years and some die. without Cross Catholic Outreach. sewage is dumped. The nickname is abound in the dump, and children That’s when I realized the We need help with the resources desperation of these families’ to accomplish the work, and that’s situations. As one woman put it, “I one of Cross Catholic Outreach’s work in the dump because I have strengths. Working together is no other options. I live in a house tremendous... because something made of cardboard because it is all I very positive that glorifies our have.” These people have nothing. I awesome God comes out of it.” hardly lasted four hours in the dump, As we discussed Amigos’ ongoing and these families have been living poverty relief efforts, Bland was here for years. overjoyed that Cross Catholic The desperation of the families Outreach’s donors were willing to and the graphic images of the dump support him in his life-changing work. are what led John Bland, founder I felt a lift from the conversation too. and executive director of Amigos for It made that terrible day bearable. Christ, to quit his job in the U.S. and To make a tax-deductible devote his life to helping them. contribution to Cross Catholic “I had never seen such hopelessness Outreach and its work with Catholic until I came here,” said Bland, a devout ministries overseas, use either the Catholic whose Nicaragua-based enclosed postage-paid brochure or organization has been ministering to the send donations to: Cross Catholic poor for more than a decade. “These Outreach, Dept. AC01355, PO Box people desperately needed help. And I 97168, Washington DC 20090-7168. The Observer | FRIDAY OCTOBER 27, 2017 | RIGHT SIDE PAGE 13
PAID ADVERTISEMENT Called by God to Rescue the Poor American Catholics are embracing God’s economy as they help the poor in Latin America
Sandra Maria goes to work each day even though she knows it is slowly killing her. Maria, a mother of five and a grandmother, spends each day scavenging in a city garbage dump in northern Nicaragua for recyclables, which she later sells for money to buy food. The work is hard — toxic fumes rising up from the mounds of putrid garbage sting her eyes and burn her throat as hordes of mosquitoes buzz around her body — but not having food for her family is harder. “The smoke is killing us and we bathe in dirty water,” says Maria, who lives in the shanty town inside the garbage dump with her family. “We would do anything to get away from the dump, but right now it is the only way for us to make money to survive.” Maria’s family is one of hundreds who scrape out a living each day in Chinandega’s 20-acre garbage dump. In many Latin American countries, the poor flock to city garbage dumps because it is often the only steady work they can find and they can at least earn enough to guarantee their children a meal. Still, the pay is with her in the dump, which she a hundred poor, malnourished meager — the equivalent of between hated because it made them sick. children who they find abandoned $2 and $10 U.S. dollars a week. Maria Elena is now part of a in garbage dumps and in the streets. The dire situation in Chinandega jewelry-making program run by Cross Catholic Outreach also feeds is just one example of the intense a local Catholic ministry where thousands of poor children through poverty plaguing Latin America. A she earns enough money making the support of school feeding programs 2011 World Bank study found over 13 necklaces and bracelets from recycled and food shipments to countries such percent of Latin America’s population material to help support her family — as Ecuador, Peru, and Bolivia. living on less than $2.50 a day, while even send her children to school. “It is amazing what God can do 26 percent lacked access to basic “This program has been a great when you trust him,” said John Bland, sanitation. The fact that families are help,” she says. “I don’t know what executive director of Amigos for turning to garbage dumps for survival, we would have done without it.” Christ, a Nicaraguan ministry serving shows the severity of the need. The simple program that changed the rural poor and people living in “Garbage dumps and dirty streets Maria Elena’s life is one of several Chinandega’s city garbage dump. are terrible playgrounds for children to projects in Latin America supported With help from Cross Catholic be growing up in,” says Jim Cavnar, by Cross Catholic Outreach. Thanks Outreach, his ministry built homes for president of Cross Catholic Outreach, to contributions provided by its U.S. families living in the dump — families whose ministry supports several aid donors, Cross Catholic Outreach who have spent much of their lives In a poor community aided by Cross Catholic programs across Latin America for is able to partner with Catholic wondering if they’d be able to collect Outreach, many dump scavengers are families struggling to survive intense ministries in the field who are running enough plastic bottles to buy food. children. Parents fear for their children poverty. “If we don’t do something great programs but don’t have the “The poor have unbelievable faith, who work on the smoky, dangerous site to break the vicious cycle of poverty funds to sustain them. Support from as do these Catholic ministries serving and they pray for a better future for them. these children are trapped in, they are American Catholics keeps these in the field, helping them each day,” doomed to become adults still living in important projects up and running. Cavnar says. “We count it a privilege with Catholic ministries overseas, either the same deadly environment.” “We’re amazed by the unwavering to help them and, in doing so, live out use the enclosed postage-paid brochure Despite the dismal statistics and compassion and generosity of these our faith.” or send donations to: Cross Catholic fear over the future of an uncertain donors. Even at a time when people To make a tax-deductible contribution Outreach, Dept. AC01355, PO Box economy, dozens of local outreach are hurting here in the U.S. because to Cross Catholic Outreach and its work 97168, Washington DC 20090-7168. ministries run by strong Catholic of the economy, they are still giving missionaries are tapping into God’s to help the poor around the world,” economy to help the poor in Latin says Cavnar. “They show great faith, America. And, already, they’ve seen and we are seeing the positive returns How to Help great returns as lives are being restored. of that faith in the lives of the poor.” To fund Cross Catholic Outreach’s effort to help One such life is that of Maria Those positive returns are the poor worldwide, use the postage-paid brochure Elena. The mother of four used to especially visible in the fight inserted in this newspaper or mail your gift to Cross work in the horrific 42-acre garbage against world hunger. For example, Catholic Outreach, Dept. AC01355, PO Box 97168, dump in Managua, Nicaragua. She monthly financial support from Washington DC 20090-7168. barely made enough money to feed Cross Catholic Outreach allows If you identify a specific aid project with your gift, 100% of the proceeds will be restricted to be used for that specific project. However, if more is raised for the project her children, let alone send them to Las Mercedes Nutrition Center than needed, funds will be redirected to other urgent needs in the ministry. school. They often came to work in Honduras to feed more than 14 | FRIDAY OCTOBER 27, 2017 | The Observer The Junior Observer Vol. 32, No. 2 Published by The Observer, Official Catholic Newspaper of the Diocese of Rockford [email protected]
A Good News Story Q Pharisees Question Jesus & Catholic News Service Caesar or not?” they asked, referring ust a few days before his cruci- to the Roman emperor who ruled Israel fixion, Jesus was teaching the at the time. A J people in Jerusalem’s temple. Jesus knew he was being tested. He told the parable of two sons If he said it was unlawful to pay Cae- Who whose father asked them to work in sar’s tax, he would be turned in to the wanted the field. One son refused but changed Romans as a traitor. If he said it was his mind and went, while the other said “Whose image is this and lawful to pay the tax, he would be ac- to trick he would go but did not. The crowd whose inscription?” cused of being disloyal to Israel. Jesus into agreed that the first son had done his (CNS) “Show me the coin that pays the father’s will. census tax,” Jesus said. saying Jesus also told the parable of ten- Bible Trivia The Pharisees handed him a Roman something ants who did not give produce to their Who was the Roman emperor coin, which was the only currency that
wrong? landlord. The landlord tried to collect during Jesus’ ministry? Caesar Tiberius the Roman Empire would accept for the produce, each time sending a dif- the census tax. Jesus then said that those who re- To whom ferent servant. The tenants beat the first “Whose image is this and whose servant, killed the second and stoned jected him would have the kingdom inscription?” Jesus asked. was the the third. The landlord then sent his of God taken from them and given to “Caesar’s,” the Pharisees replied. census tax son, whom he thought would be re- those who would produce its fruit. Jesus paused and looked intently at spected, but the son was killed as well. The Pharisees had been listening the Pharisees. owed? Jesus asked the people what the to Jesus the whole time. They plotted a “Then repay to Caesar what belongs Read more landlord would do. The people said he way to trick him into saying something to Caesar and to God what belongs to about it in would put the tenants to death and lease wrong in front of the people. God,” he said. Matthew 22 his land to tenants who would give him “Tell us, then, what is your opinion: All who heard Jesus were amazed his produce. Is it lawful to pay the census tax to by his perfect answer. Fall Goings-on in Our Catholic Schools
On Sept. 30, St. Patrick School Stu- dents of Service club celebrated National Public Lands Day by vol- unteering at Dick Young Forest Preserve in Batavia. They planted more than 300 trees, watering and mulching, collecting seed pods, St. Charles Borromeo School in Hampshire sent one cross country and many other projects. team and one individual to the Illinois Elementary Sports Association State meet in Normal this fall. See more Goings-on with Catholic Kids in Around the Diocese
(Photos provided) St. Margaret Mary School stu- St. Mary School students in Woodstock, as a part of their evangaliza- dents are praying daily with their tion effort, invited public school children to attend school with them. parish priests, who are taking Fifty students came for a teaching Mass with Father Louie Tosto. Dea- turns greeting them each morn- con Dennis Hollihan of McHenry brought his “Animals of the Bible.” ing. Father Witold Adamczyk, Children got to touch a goat and “put their sins on it.” The deacon also The Sauk Valley Saints boys cross country team placed 12th out of 27 OFM Conv, prays with third grad- released doves to remind the children of God’s promise to Noah. The teams in Division 1A at the meet in Peoria, on Oct. 14. ers. school is hosting a second Bring a Friend to School Day on Nov. 10. Around the Diocese The Observer | FRIDAY OCTOBER 27, 2017 | 15
(Photo courtesy Alex T. Paschal, Sauk Valley Media) (Photo provided) Dixon Holds Rosary Procession on Fatima Anniversary Lee Parish, Children Plant Crosses for Life St. Anne School sixth-grader Christopher Accardi leads the Knights of Columbus and others in a procession The Respect Life Ministry and children of St. James Parish in Lee, with around John Dixon Park Oct. 13 in Dixon during a Rosary Rally in celebration of the 100th anniversary of the Father Bonaventure Okoro, pastor, build, paint and erect 60 crosses in Miracle of the Sun in Fatima, Portugal. After the procession, attendees prayed the rosary together. memory of 60 million aborted babies in the years since Roe v Wade.
St. Charles Team Supports Cancer Awareness Efforts St. Patrick School boys’ football team in St. Charles begins each game day with an all team Mass, put- ting God first in everything they do on and off the field. The football team is dressing in pink during the month of October to bring awareness and support to those struggling with a breast cancer diagnosis. On behalf of the team a $5,000 donation has been made to the Kelly Cares Foundation. (Photo provided)
St. Charles Student Makes State Elementary Band Marian Central Catholic High School St. Patrick School eighth-grader Cali Papez made the District 9 ILMEA Junior Honor Band. She not only OPEN HOUSE plays in the St. Charles school’s Green Band, but also for the weekly school Mass choir. She takes time out Sunday November 5th, 2017; 1:00pm - 3:00pm of her schedule to play at area nursing homes, enter- taining the residents. (Photo provided) Tuesday December 5th, 2017; 6:00pm - 8:00pm
The class of 2017 earned $24.9 million in scholarships.
37 members of the Class of 2017 were recognized as Illinois State Scholars. (21% of the class)
(Photo provided) Our average ACT composite score of 25.7 is the highest Charities Team Cooks in Sterling Fundraiser of any high school in McHenry County. For the second year in a row, a team from Catholic Charities partici- pated in the annual United Way Chili Cook-Off fundraising event in Sterling. This year’s team included (from left) Julie Schuppner, Long Catholic Education at Marian Central Catholic High School focuses Term Care Ombudsman; Joe Trujillo, Immigration Program director; Luka Bilijeskovic, Refugee Program volunteer; Sandy Arneson, fiscal upon equipping each student with the tools they will need to develop manager; (not pictured) Hailey Bilijeskovic, Boylan Central Catholic their future to its full God-given potential. High School student. 1001 McHenry Ave. Submit News Woodstock, IL 60098 815-338-4220 Online: Use the form at http://observer.rockforddiocese.org/ www.marian.com contact-us. Click on Submit Events and News. @MarianCentral By Mail: Send to The Observer, P.O. Box 7044, Rockford, IL 61125. 16 | FRIDAY OCTOBER 27, 2017 | The Observer Around the Diocese Going on now Don’t Miss Oct 27 AURORA Bishop Bible study: 7 p.m. ( rst of six Friday sessions); St. Therese of Malloy’s Jesus, 271 N. Farnsworth Ave. Spanish group meets in the TV Messages church; English group meets in Chevalier Room. Info: 630/898- 5422 Weekday Refl ection (about 6:58 a.m.) Send Advent on WREX-TV, Channel 13, Rockford Activities Parishes, schools and Catholic Top o’ the organizations: Send information about prayers, talks, retreats, Morning bazaars, craft fairs and other Advent activities by Nov. 8 in order with (Photo provided) to be included in the annual Worth Dixon School Plants Tree for Kindergartener Who Died the Wait sections of The Observer. Bishop See submission information on On Oct. 13, students and sta of St. Anne School in Dixon planted a tree in memory of kindergartener page 11. Malloy Christopher Michaels who died, Sept. 18. Policemen, remen, and rst responders of the city of Dixon also attended the memorial service. Listen to archives anytime at http://observer.rockfo rddiocese.org. Save the Date Click on Bishop Malloy on the top left Nov 7 side of the page. NORTH AURORA Brought to you by Bible study: 6:30-8 p.m. ( rst of six sessions); Blessed Sacrament, Savant Capital 801 Oak St. Leader: Father Max Management Lasrado, pastor. Topic: First Fitzge rald Funeral Homes Corinthians: Living as Christians. Illinois Bank & Trust Register by Oct. 29. Cost: $8. Info: 630/897-1029, psecretary@ Diocesan Offi ce of blessedsacrament-na.org Communications and Nov 11 Publications The Observer (Photo provided) AURORA Offi ce of Charitable McHenry County Notre Dame Club Hosts Red Mass Christmas bazaar: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Giving, Diocese of Rock ford (also 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Nov. 12); St. A Red Mass celebrated on Sept. 28 at St. Mary Church in Woodstock was sponsored by the Notre Dame Club Therese of Jesus parish hall; 271 N. of McHenry County. Judges and attorneys from parishes in McHenry County who attended the Mass pose Farnsworth Ave. with Father Louis Tosto (fourth from right), parochial vicar at St. Mary. JOHNSBURG Holiday bazaar: 9 a.m.-4 p.m.; St. John the Baptist, 2302 Church St. Info: Diane Gebhardt, 815/675- 9207; [email protected] OREGON Christmas bazaar: 9 a.m.-2 p.m.; St. Mary, 881 Mongan Dr. Bake sale, craft booth, treasure chest, ra es, silent auction, vendors. Prizes include a handstitched quilt by St. Mary’s Quilters, a handmade table, a professional photograph, And Don’t Miss a framed print of an original oil painting. Cost: co ee and dessert His Column bar -- $5 adults, $4 senior citizens, $3 children; ra e tickets -- $1 each; (Photo provided) $5 for six. Info: Laryssa Kramer, Weekly in 815/677-1284, laryssak74@gmail. Catholic Daughters of the Americas Meet in DeKalb com THE The Catholic Daughters of the Americas held a Leadership Workshop at St. Mary Parish in, DeKalb on Sept. Nov 12 30. Members from DeKalb, Oregon, Glen Ellyn, West Chicago and Champaign, pose with state chaplain, LOVES PARK OBSERVER Father Bonaventure Okoro, pastor of St. James Parish in Lee. Parish mission: 7-8:30 p.m.; St. Bridget, 600 Cli ord Ave. Speaker: Father Dave Pivonka, TOR. Free; child care available. Subscribe Info: Pam Harold, 815/633-6311, [email protected]; www. Today! stbridgetlovespark.org Nov 15 CARY Select print, digital Mental health forum: 7-9 p.m.; or both for just SS. Peter and Paul, 410 N. First St. Speakers: Father Charles Ruby, $28 per year. founder, Catholic Charities LOSS program; representatives of Call 815/399-4300, McHenry County Health Board, ext. 383 or go online at Catholic Charities, Thresholds of McHenry County, Alexian Brothers http://observer. mental health program, NAMI of McHenry County. RSVP requested. rockforddiocese.org (Photo provided) Free. Info: Laura Nick, lnick@ Woodstsock Knights Raise Funds with Tootsie Rolls ssppcary.org Members of the Woodstock Knights of Columbus Council 776 recently participated in the annual Tootsie Nov 16 Roll Drive throughout the community, Sept. 15 and 16. Golden Eagle Community Bank in Woodstock AURORA assisted the Knights with the drive. All funds raised stay within the community and go to organizations Open house: 6:30 p.m.; Rosary that help serve the physically and mentally handicapped residents of McHenry County. This year money High School, 901 N. Edgelawn will go to NISRA, the Adult and Child Rehab Center in Woodstock and Pioneer Center. Drive participants Dr. Short presentations for and bene ciaries included (from left) Jim Wiseman, NISRA; Knight Joel Lenart; Dave Byrnes, Adult and prospective students and families. Info: 630/896-0831, www.rosaryhs. Child Therapy Board member; Grand Knight Greg Rokus; District Deputy Knight Robert Salgado; and Amy com. Hernon, Pioneer Center. Around the Diocese The Observer | FRIDAY OCTOBER 27, 2017 | 17 Save the Date Nov 17 AURORA Fish fry: 4-7 p.m.; Marmion Academy, 1000 Butterfield Road. Drive-through only on Circle Drive behind cafeteria. Proceeds for Marmion fishing team. Catered catfish and fixings. Order before Nov. 15. Cost: $12 per meal. Info: marmion.org/fish fry WOODSTOCK 8th-grade visits: Marian Central Catholic High School, 1001 McHenry Ave. Eighth-graders at Catholic schools in McHenry (Photo provided) (Photo provided) County will be bused to Marian Central for a day-long visit. Students Mark Father Leake’s 75th Birthday Msgr. Brady Honored for 90th Birthday Students from public and other Students of St. Joseph School in Aurora mark the 75th birthday of Fa- Members of St Peter Parish, South Beloit, as well as guests from oth- private schools are also welcome. ther Jerry Leake, pastor, after a school Mass. The students created a er parishes, gather to honor Msgr. Thomas Brady (seated) as he cel- Pre-registration required. Info: canvas tree (in background) using their fingerprints as the leaves. The ebrates his 90th birthday. Msgr. Brady entertained his avid listeners Laurie DiSilvio, 815/338-4220, students also had a dress down day in honor of Father Leake’s birthday with stories from his time as an Air Force Brigadier General — many [email protected] and brought in enough money to purchase him a gift certificate for times dropping into an Irish brogue — as well as times spent within Nov 18 Southwest Airlines to take a trip whenever he would like. his service as a Catholic priest in the Rockford Diocese. AURORA Vendor fair: 9 a.m.-3 p.m.; St. Joseph School, 722 High St. Crafts and food. BATAVIA Retreat day: 8 a.m.-3 p.m.; Holy Cross, 2300 Main St. Speaker: Father Dominique Faure. Topic: The Apocalypse, four talks. Cost: $25 (includes meals, snacks). Info: frdominique.eventbrite. com; Simone Romanos, 630/770- 6712, [email protected];
Laura Kosmach, 630/879-4750, (Photo provided) [email protected] DEKALB Marmion Adds Eucharistic Ministers 23rd GLC men’s conference: 8:50 Twenty-four Marmion Academy seniors were commissioned Extraor- Noah Gayford, Patrick Glanville, Tim Hoying, Andrew Jankowski, Jon a.m.-4 p.m.; NIU Holmes Student dinary Ministers of the Eucharist at the Abbey church in Aurora in Sep- Paul Jochum, Keith Mokry, Jacob Molenhouse, Jesus Ponpa, Thomas Center, 340 Carroll Ave. Speakers, tember. They are Christian Altner, Adam Auchstetter, Sam Augustyn, Powell, Kyle Riggs, Michael Ronzone, Ben Schwartz, Tyler Surges, Nick music, adoration, confession, Sam Baranick, Jack Caton, Austin Flanagan, Ryan Fletcher, Sean Galle, Ward, Sam Wehrli and (not pictured) Zach Orpilla. rosary and Mass with Bishop David Malloy. Cost: $35 adult (if mailed by Oct. 30); $40 adult (after Oct. 30); $15 students through college; Boylan Hosts Annual $5 deacons; free priests. Info: your parish; www.thetalk.org, 888/849- Red Ribbon Fair 2282 LEFT: Students from St. Rita School in Rockford hoist a sign from a Spin the Wheel game at the Red Ribbon Elsewhere Fun Fair held at Boylan Central Cath- Oct. 27-28 olic High School, Oct. 7. MUNDELEIN RIGHT: St. Rita students Ainsely Healing conference: times vary; Bridge, Madeline Nelson and Lyla Mundelein Seminary Conference Koop pose with Loves Park Po- Center, 1000 E. Maple Ave. Topic: lice School Resource Officer Jerry Soul Ties and Angelic Protection. Guetschow and Loves Park Police Speakers: Kyle Clement, consultant Chief Chuck Lynde (also a St. Rita Pa- to Pope Leo XIII Institute; Father Bob Sears, S.J.; and Vicki Thorn rishioner) at the annual fair, which of Project Rachel. Vigil Mass promotes healthy lifestyles. (Observer photos/Lynne Conner) and healing service. Sponsors: WSFI 88.5 FM Catholic Radio and Catholic Financial Life. Cost: varies. Info: 224/206-8455, http:// ST. EDWARD wsficatholicradio.org/events- tickets/ Nov 5 CENTRAL CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL SINSINAWA, WIS. Mazzuchelli concert: 2 p.m.; Sinsinawa Mound, County Road Stewardship Z, off Wisconsin Rte. 11. Handel to Hollywood by the Isthmus Brass of Tradition Madison, Wis. Free. Info: 608/748- 4411; www.sinsinawa.org Excellence Nov 10-12 BARABOO, WIS. Discipleship Rachel’s Vineyard retreat: Durward’s Glen Retreat Center. Worship Sponsor: Diocese of Madison. Confidential, post-abortion retreat. Funding available; no Academics one will be turned away. Cost: $150. Info: www.rachelsvineyard. Religion org or Mary Mead, 608/221-9593; [email protected] Devotion JOLIET Rachel’s Vineyard retreat: Diocese of Joliet. Info: www. OPEN HOUSE rachelsvineyard.org or Kay Corcoran, 866/994-4483, corcoran- SUNDAY, NOV. 5, 2017 | 1 - 3 PM [email protected] 335 Locust St., Elgin, IL | stedhs.org | 847.741.7535 18 | FRIDAY OCTOBER 27, 2017 | The Observer Around the Diocese It’s Homeco Aurora Central Introduced at the Home- coming football game, the Aurora Central Cath- olic High School court includes (from left) Juan Pablo Alanis, Carina Vazquez, Brennan Hare, Toriana Turk, King Kyle Czerak, Queen Mary Catherine May, Zack Smith, Alyssa Lech, Oscar Ferrer and Sharika Been. (Photos provided) Boylan, Rockford LEFT: Members of the Boylan Central Catholic High School Homecoming court are (from left) Michael Perino, Adrienne Kisting, Adam Budd, Lily Johnston, Andres Garcia, Sophia Sankaran, David Snyder, Fiona Fulling, King Nathan Droessler, Anne Flanagan, Jacob Washington, and Queen Hannah Breault.
Marian, Woodstock RIGHT: The Homecom- ing court for Marian Central Catholic High School in Woodstock includes (back, from left) Traison Deidrich, James Lydon, Harrison Beck, Joseph Paffrath, King Augie Rafie, Dante Aquin, Freeport Bucci, (front) Lucca Kanyon, Queen Mallory Aquin Central Catholic Junior/Senior High Gehrig, Tori DiSilvio, School in Freeport Homecoming corona- Ella Tegtman, Marianna tion was Sept. 25, after the Homecoming Lamoutte and Hannah parade. Georgia James was named queen Villont and Keegan Koester, king. The theme for homecoming week was ‘The Avengers of EXPECT MOREAquin.’ FROM YOUR EXPECT MORE FROM YOUR FINANCIAL ADVISOR FINANCIALEXPECT ADVISOR MORE FROM YOUR RIGHT: St. Charles pastors, Msgr. Stephen KnoX of St Patrick Parish and Father Carlos Saligumba of St. EXPECT MORE FROM YOUR John Neumann Parish, poseFINANCIAL with ADVISORPARTNER WITH A FINANCIAL ADVISOR WHO UNDERSTANDS YOUR membersPARTNER of St.WITH Charles A FINANCIAL Knights ADVISOR WHO UNDERSTANDS YOUR FINANCIAL ADVISOR of CHALLENGESColumbus Council AND HELPS12947 asYOU DEVELOP A STRATEGY TO STAY ON TRACK. CHALLENGES AND HELPS YOU DEVELOP A STRATEGY TO STAY ON TRACK. they present a check to Kimberly Bikulcius and Marci Wirtz of Feed PARTNER WITH A FINANCIAL ADVISOR WHO UNDERSTANDS YOUR With Associated Bank, you have access to a team of local specialists My Starving Children. (SeePARTNER story WITH A FINANCIAL ADVISOR WHO UNDERSTANDSWith Associated YOUR Bank, you have accessCHALLENGES to a team AND ofHELPS local YOU specialistsDEVELOP A STRATEGY TO STAY ON TRACK. onwho page will 19.) work together on your behalf to coordinate an aligned strategy who will work together on your behalf to coordinate an aligned strategy and deliver unbiased, independent advice. We provide a full line of CHALLENGES AND HELPS YOU DEVELOP A STRATEGYand TO deliverSTAY ON unbiased, TRACK. independent advice.With Associated We provide Bank, you have a full access line to a teamof of local specialists personal and business financial services to meet your needs. who will work together on your behalf to coordinate an aligned strategy personal and business financial servicesand deliverto meetunbiased, your independent needs. advice. We provide a full line of • Financial Planning • Risk Management • Private Banking personal and business financial services to meet your needs. With Associated Bank, you have access to a team of local specialists • Trust & Estate Planning • Investment Management • Financial Planning • Risk Management• Financial Planning • •Private Risk Management Banking • Private Banking • TrustEXPECT & Estate Planning MORE • InvestmentFROM YOURManagement EXPECTwho will work MORE together on your FROM behalf to coordinate YOUR an aligned• Trust strategyFINANCIAL & Estate Planning • Investment ADVISOR ManagementFINANCIAL ADVISOR Contact us for a complimentaryand deliver financial unbiased, review. independent advice. We provide a full line of Contact us for a complimentary financial review. PARTNER WITH A FINANCIAL ADVISOR WHO UNDERSTANDS YOUR CHALLENGES AND HELPS YOU DEVELOP A STRATEGY TO STAY ON TRACK. personal and business financial services to meet your needs.Contact us for a complimentary financial review.Brecken Haak • Vice President Private Banking PARTNER WITH815-987-3538 A FINANCIAL • [email protected] ADVISOR WHO UNDERSTANDS YOUR With AssociatedBrecken Haak Bank • Vice Presidentyou have Private access Banking to a team of local specialists who will work together on your behalfCHALLENGES toRockford ANDcoordinate HELPS • 612 YOU N. DEVELOPMain St. A STRATEGY an TO STAYaligned ON TRACK. 815-987-3538 • [email protected]• Financial Planning • Risk Management • Private Banking NMLS ID: 503302 With Associated Bank, you have access to a team of local specialists strategy andRockford deliver • 612 N. Main unbiased, St. independent advice. We provide a full line of personal and business financial serviceswho will work together onto your behalfmeet to coordinate youran aligned strategy needs. Brecken Haak • Vice President Privateand deliverBanking Amyunbiased, Sola independent • Assistant advice. Vice We provide President a full line Private of Banking NMLS ID: 503302 • Trust & Estate Planning • Investment Management 815-987-3538 • [email protected] and815-987-3550 business financial • [email protected] services to meet your needs. • Financial PlanningRockford • •612 Risk N. Management Main St. • Private Banking l l l l Rockford • 612 N. Main St. l • Trust & EstateNMLS Planning ID: 523642 • Investment Management Financial PlanningContact usRisk for a complimentaryManagement financialPrivate review. Banking Trust & Estate Planning Investment Management Amy Sola • Assistant Vice President Private Banking NMLS ID: 503302 Contact us for a complimentary financial review.
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(6/17) 10418 Associated Bank, N.A. (“AB”) is a Member FDIC and Associated Banc-Corp (“AB-C”). Equal Housing Lender. Equal Opportunity Lender. Loans are subject to credit approval. AssociatedBank.com Fiduciary, administrative and planning services are provided by Associated Trust Company, N.A. (“ATC”). Investment management services are provided to ATC by Kellogg Asset Management, LLC® (“KAM”), an SEC-registered investment adviser. Insurance products are offered by licensed agents of Associated Financial Group, LLC (“AFG”). ATC, KAM, and AFG are affiliates of AB-C. Securities and insurance products:
Associated Bank, N.A. (“AB”) is a Member FDIC and Associated Banc-Corp (“AB-C”). Equal Housing Lender. Equal Opportunity Lender. Loans are subject to credit approval. (6/17) 10418 Fiduciary, administrative and planning services are provided by Associated Trust Company, N.A. (“ATC”). Investment management services are provided to ATC by Kellogg Asset Management, LLC® (“KAM”), an SEC-registered investment adviser. Insurance products are offered by licensed agents of Associated Financial Group, LLC (“AFG”). ATC, KAM, and AFG are affiliates of AB-C. Securities and insurance products:
(6/17) 10418 Around the Diocese The Observer | FRIDAY OCTOBER 27, 2017 | 19 ming 2017
(Photos provided) Newman, Sterling The 2017 Homecoming court at Newman Central Catholic High School in Sterling in- (back row) Katie Noble, Elle Koerner, Maddy Jacobs, Kassidy He el nger, Matt Hodge, cludes (front, from left) “junior attendants” Aidan Phelps and Rachel Ravlin, (second row) Brad Fritts, King Travis Williams, Cade Bianchi, Brentin Erickson, Cael Sanders, Jacob Rude, Jaedin Canterbury, Lizzie Oswalt, Queen Bailey Boesen, Jillienne Roe, Kirsten Tunink, Conner McBride, and Jake Ackman. Marmion Academy, Aurora LEFT: The court at Marmion Academy in Aurora in- cludes (from left) Queen Maddie Gilmore, King Seth Groom, rst attendants Maddie Powers and Andrew Jankowski; second attendants: Nicole Casey and Zach Dietz; third attendants Nick Ward and Maya Sullivan. The court was announced at Marmion’s Homecoming Kick O Party, Oct. 7, which included a parade, bon re, reworks and more.
St. Edward, Elgin RIGHT: The St. Edward Central Catholic High School, Elgin, Homecoming court includes (from left) Queen Mary Catherine Kelly, King Matthew Schimbke, Mackenzie Wilson, Brett Kruska, Mallory Rejman, A.J. Franklin, Ashley Treiber, Will Gaston, Noelle Dela Cruz, and Reno Domel.
St. Charles Parishes to Prepare 100,000 Meals for the Starving ACADEMY A Catholic & Benedictine ST. CHARLES—On Oct. Five hundred children and 28, members of St. John Neu- adults from the two parishes College Prep High School for Young Men mann and St. Patrick parishes, will work through shifts to as- here, will work together to semble the meals. assemble 100,000 meals for The meals will be distributed starving children. to children in third world coun- The event, organized by the tries with the assistance of the St. Charles Knights of Colum- Feed My Starving Children or- bus Council 12497, is being ganization. coordinated through Feed My For information about volun- Starving Children. teering or donating to the Mer- Meal packing will take place cy for the Starving event go to All 5th-8th grade boys and their families are invited to our at St. Patrick Parish. www.mercyforthestarving.org. FALL OPEN HOUSE Aurora’s Marmion Sunday, November 5, 2017 at 1 PM Commended Students (Doors open at 12:30 PM, please use Regole Field House Door #7) Academy seniors Jack Caton (left), RSVP to attend our OPEN HOUSE and you could win a Matthew Lagman Marmion Academy tuition voucher* worth $500!!! and Eric O’Brien were named Nation- RSVP online at MARMION.ORG/OPENHOUSE al Merit Commend- *Tuition voucher drawing to be held at the Open House on Sunday, Nov. 5, 2017 at 1:00 PM sharp (doors open at 12:30 PM). ed Students in the Must be present to win. Eligible for new students only. 2018 National Merit Scholarship compe- For additional information call 630-897-6936 or visit us at MARMION.ORG tition. (Photos provided) MARMION ACADEMY • 1000 BUTTERFIELD ROAD • AURORA, IL 60502 20 | FRIDAY OCTOBER 27, 2017 | The Observer Our Catholic View Editing Embryos is Wrong
This past August several Ethically Speaking several years ago in the 2008 news outlets reported a document, Dignitas Personae scientific breakthrough by Father (The Dignity of a Person). regarding human genetic Kenneth In that document it makes manipulation. Wasilewski it clear that interventions Researchers at Oregon’s Diocesan Ethicist aimed at altering the genetic Health and Science [email protected] makeup of future generations University claimed to have cannot be approved of — at (CNS photo/Karen Callaway, Chicago Catholic) success in removing a harmful gene from a least currently with our limited knowledge and Bishop Mitchell T. Rozanski of Springfield, Mass., address- person’s genetic makeup through a technique the techniques available — even with good es the congregation alongside Lutheran Bishop Donald abbreviated as “CRISPR” (Clustered Regularly intentions. Kreiss, chair of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Amer- Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats). It’s With this, the Vatican document raises a ica’s ecumenical and interreligious relations committee, been compared to a type of “scissors” at the basic ethical question that was essentially during a March 2 prayer service in Chicago. molecular level enabling scientists to select ignored by nearly all the reporting done about specific genes for removal. Those genes are this breakthrough. Namely, what are the ethics Food for Thought then replaced with normal functioning ones. involved in actually doing these experiments in As the technology progresses, many in the the first place? Revisiting Reformation scientific community hope it will have the No one would question the intention of potential to make possible genetic alteration eliminating harmful genetic diseases. But Catholic and Lutheran bishops gathered in Chi- previously unimaginable. The experiments are as is always the case, ethics must always cago March 2 for a prayer service commemorat- still at an early stage, yet the initial successes look beyond intention or even outcome. The ing the 500th anniversary of the Reformation. were greeted with great questions must also involve In a joint statement, the bishops said, “While exuberance. how those good intentions are One thing that sets these uman beings put into action. the past cannot be changed, we rejoice in the experiments apart from other were brought into “What” is being done can healing of memories we have already seen, and techniques attempting to H never be overlooked because we ask God’s guidance toward a transformed correct genetic problems, is existence with the sole of “why” it is being done. future, renewed in our relations to one another that these alterations would be For example, the and in our witness to the world.” passed on to future offspring. purpose of conducting experiments in question The bishops met during a joint meeting of the This is one reason they an experiment on were conducted by creating a U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops Committee garnered such attention. human embryo with the sole intent of destroying him or on Ecumenical and Interreligious Affairs and the Genetic manipulation of them. this sort has been done for her after the experiment was Evangelical Lutheran Church in America Confer- some time in animal models, finished. Human beings were ence of Bishops Committee for Ecumenical and but these current experiments were the first brought into existence with the sole purpose of Interreligious Relations. successful ones reported in the U.S. to have conducting an experiment on them. “We join our work, our prayers and our com- been done with humans. And yet, few voices seemed to offer an mitments to the efforts of Christians around the Not surprisingly, as soon as they were made objection to this fact, instead focusing on the world who this year are commemorating the public, there was tremendous debate over the potential good or harm the future may hold. 500th anniversary of the Reformation,” the bish- ethics involved. However, nearly all the debate But as Christians we cannot overlook the was future orientated: what it might mean for serious moral problem that the experiments ops continued. developing further techniques, or the potential themselves represent. Real harm was done to Lutherans and Catholics in the U.S., the bishops Pandora’s box of genetic manipulation that real human beings. It is a textbook case of the said, “have long affirmed the ecumenical prin- might be opened. worst kinds of objectification and exploitation ciple that ‘what unites us is greater than what If humans could control which genes were imaginable. divides us,’” and that the work of reconciliation not only expressed, but passed on to future Creating human beings intending only to is for “the sake of healing in the whole body generations, would we stop at eliminating conduct experiments on them and then destroy of Christ, into which all of us are incorporated unhealthy genes? Or would we use the them is an extremely grave sin which can never same techniques to ensure that only certain, be condoned. The fact that this seemingly went through baptism.” desirable traits would be passed on? And who unquestioned as an ethical issue is perhaps “We see ourselves already ‘on the way’ togeth- would have the power to decide these things? even more troubling than some of the future er, even in the complex and unfinished areas such All of these are very pertinent ethical questions that so many wanted to focus on as church, ministry and Eucharist. We continue to questions to ask for sure. And there is no doubt instead. grow in the relationships of friendship and trust,” that we should even now be having those kinds While those future issues may well arise which the bishops noted, are as essential to unity of ethical discussions. one day, they only will if current ones, like the as is theological dialogue. In fact, these, and similar bioethical creation and destruction of human embryos for questions, are ones that the Vatican wrote about experiments, go ignored and unchallenged.
Scripture Reflection for Sunday, Oct. 29, 30th Sunday in Ordinary Time There’s No Need to Read Any Further By Kevin Perrotta working in town for many years. Why should the Israelites be good to resident aliens Catholic News Service When my pastor touched on these situations in a in their midst? Because “you were once aliens homily, a parishioner told him to avoid such matters, yourselves in the land of Egypt” (Ex 22:20). ome Sundays in church I sit and listen to the because Sunday Mass should be an opportunity for The Israelites had been aliens in Egypt without Scripture readings waiting for something to inspiration and getting on higher spiritual ground. legal protections, forced to do the hardest manual strike me, but nothing does. All of it is good This week’s first reading indicates that facing the work. Now that God has rescued them from that and important, but nothing shouts “this is suffering of aliens is an opportunity for inspiration, situation, how unfair it would be if they, of all people, Smeant for you here and now!” an invitation to get ourselves to higher ground. were unkind to their own resident aliens! But today I only have to The first reading continues, “You shall not wrong Years ago, my grandfather came here from Italy. get to the beginning of the any widow or orphan” (Ex 22:21). Those two My mother came from England. Do the needs of first reading: “You shall not deportations didn’t produce any literal widows or today’s immigrants raise an issue of fairness for me? molest or oppress an alien, orphans. But they did break up two families. Am I hearing a “this is meant for you” in this biblical text? Yes, I am. for you were once aliens Today’s reading is an excerpt from lengthy In the Gospel reading, Jesus says, “You shall yourselves in the land of instructions God gave the Israelites at Mount Sinai love your neighbor as yourself” (Mt 22:39). The Egypt” (Ex 22:20). What about how they were to live with each other when immigrants among us, documented and not, seem to could be more “here and they got to the promised land — a kind of civil and be crowding toward the front of the line of neighbors now” than that? criminal code. Basically, the instructions call for the who call for my attention. This year, two members Israelite villagers to treat each other — and others — of my parish have been deported — the father of one with fairness. Reflection questions: What is God saying to you family, the mother of another, both after living and The issue of fairness is explicit in today’s excerpt. about immigrants and their needs? Our Catholic View The Observer | FRIDAY OCTOBER 27, 2017 | 21 Di erent View CNS/Joe Heller Technology: An Unknown Pilgrimage
Last month marked a signifi cant anniversary in the history of technology: It was the 10-year anniversary of the iPhone. Apple celebrated by unveiling yet another iPhone, this one called the iPhone X. And what was the new iPhone’s crowning technological achievement? Facial recognition software that takes your facial movements and animates them on the poop emoji. How far we’ve come. Apple’s captivating products are a ready reminder of the signifi cant place that personal technology occupies Guest Column in our culture. Global media outlets by Brett fl ock to northern California anytime Robinson Apple is ready to put something new Notre Dame McGrath on off er. Institute for Church Life Millions around the planet watch live online as the CEO performs the quasi- Catholic News Service liturgical act of unveiling the newest gadget. It is a pilgrimage of sorts for many who desire to connect with something that seems to connect us all. It used to be that a pilgrimage would put us in contact with something Price Gouging after Disasters spiritual — the birthplace of a saint or a place that seems to allow a deeper connection to the divine. It’s a “going away” to discover As Hurricane Charitably Speaking from Puerto Rico something about our tradition and something about ourselves that feels Charlie cut a swath so that people could like home. of death — 22 lives by Patrick Winn evacuate. But because In 1994, Microsoft launched an ad campaign for its PC that asked, — and destruction Director, Rockford Diocese planes fi lled up “Where do you want to go today?” There was a sense in the early — $11 billion — Catholic Charities quickly, it was more days of the internet that we were headed somewhere new, down Al across Florida in diffi cult for those Gore’s “information superhighway.” It was a place of speed and utter 2004, politicians, [email protected] islanders who could convenience — no more trips to the bank, the store or even the front economists, and aff ord tickets to leave. porch to grab the newspaper. It was all at our fi ngertips. philosophers began debating the Some passengers overbooked thus This technological sense of travel or pilgrimage ushered in by the morality of price gouging. leaving seats empty which, in turn, internet has sapped travel of its travail. How do we recover or renew There were $2 bags of ice, $23,000 could have been fi lled by residents who our desire to move through the world in a way that is not frictionless but tree removals (for two trees), and hotel were then forced to stay in Hurricane actually invites uncertainty and asceticism? prices jumping from $40 to $160 per Marie’s deadly path. Shortly after St. James the Greater was beheaded by Herod in the fi rst night hit the news. Was this naked Our thirst for justice, our gut- century, his body was miraculously transferred to Spain. In the centuries greed or the free market at work? Was wrenching objection to vultures who that followed, visiting the saint’s relics in Spain became one of the most this immoral, ominous-sounding price prey upon the oppressed or injured, famous pilgrimages in the world. Tens of thousands continue to make the gouging or merely charging what the must have a deeper base than merely journey by foot every year over hundreds of miles on the famous Camino market would bear? lashing out with “just do something” de Santiago, the Way of St. James. The aftermath of a storm does not anger. Let’s ask ourselves instead, what Before pilgrims reach the majestic cathedral, there is a stretch of road embody an antiseptic free market is the better vision and better action? that lies between Burgos and Leon in Spain known as the meseta. It is a matching willing buyers with willing If we can pull together for the 100-mile stretch of windswept plains and dry dirt roads that is extremely sellers exchanging currencies of value. common good after disasters; if we can hot in the summer months and excruciatingly boring to travel through. Opportunistically infl ated prices are not make donations of food, clothing, water Pilgrims have described the meseta as mind-numbing, dreary and what people expect or accept for long. or dollars in response to catastrophic tedious. Hurricanes across the Gulf States events like hurricanes, earthquakes, Strangely, others refer to the journey from Burgos to Leon as a and Puerto Rico, fi res in California and tornados and fi res, why can’t we be as “walking meditation” and “soul-reviving.” One pilgrim said it was “quiet, earthquakes in Mexico drive similar generous in the name of the common serene, warm, sometimes bare and, surprisingly, full of surprises.” economic results. No less a pro- good when things are going smoothly? Another put it this way: capitalism publication What is the right thing “The emptiness of the meseta off ers little entertainment for our than the Wall Street to do? overstimulated senses. This part of the camino can be a wonderful option Journal reported he conviction that Not every disaster to empty yourself and create a new mindset. The wonderful meseta has a critically that a gallon ‘Tjustice involves evokes emotional lot of beauty to off er. This beauty does not like to be so obvious but will of gas sold for nearly responses. Think reveal itself after a few days walking. The beauty of the meseta may not $6 per gallon — up virtue as well as choice of the genocides of be seen with the eyes in the fi rst place.” from $2.49 — after runs deep.’ Bosnia, Myanmar, So there’s a paradox here. Same stretch of road, totally diff erent Hurricane Harvey, and the Holocaust and reactions. So which is it, mind-numbing root canal or soul-reviving a 24-pack of bottled — Michel J. Sandel Somalia. Think of surprise? water was selling for the slow, twisting The answer seems to lie in the imagination. $99.99 in advance of trauma of human There are some that take the trip because it’s a trendy, unique, off the Hurricane Irma. traffi cking, or even identity theft. What beaten path type of vacation. They are tourists who enjoy collecting The ironic eff ect of these scarcity- is it that keeps us from holding special experiences. They go places to say they’ve been and take lots of pictures driven price hikes was a reduced collections, tag days, pledge drives to post on Facebook. They ride the air-conditioned buses past the meseta demand for gasoline. Less available fuel and GoFundMe accounts for those and count themselves among the proud denizens of our digital culture of ultimately discouraged unnecessary tragedies? speed and convenience. trips, thereby making gasoline more Jiminy Cricket is not available to And there are others who take the camino pilgrimage because of a available. Fewer trips made money more serve as our conscience in every deep spiritual hunger. They are there with others, but their focus is on available for food and water rather than situation. And “justice” may be diffi cult their relationship with God. gasoline hoarding. to defi ne. But knee jerk reactions They seem to know something that the tourists don’t know — that the When victims suff er, people haven’t solved what Mother Nature and ascent of the mind to God requires a certain level of detachment from the of conscience feel a need to “do our fellow humans throw at us. So what world and its trappings like air-conditioned buses and iPhones. something.” At the demand of will? Some suggestions to ponder in Without passing through the arid and dusty windswept plains, there is politicians, airlines reduced air fares next month’s column. less appreciation for the glorious mountain at the end.
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 22 | FRIDAY OCTOBER 27, 2017 | 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—St. Joseph: Rodolfo may also request death and wedding postcards by calling 815/399- Jaquez, 76, Oct. 14; 4300, ext. 383. We encourage you to send the information as soon as DEKALB—St. Mary: Angel you receive it. Thank you. Pena, 81, Oct. 14; FREEPORT—St. Joseph: Geral- Michael the Archangel Cemetery Borromeo: Jillian Peterson and dine Marsh, 89, Sept. 21; in Palatine. John Mayer, Sept. 30; St. Mary: Peter Joseph Scibona, Sister Josette Pahl, OP SUGAR GROVE—St. Peter: 94, Sept. 26; SINSINAWA, Wis.—Sister Jo- Jessica Kerns and Michael Or- HAMPSHIRE—St. Charles sette Pahl, OP, died Oct. 18, 2017, lowski, Oct. 14. Borromeo: Donald Engel, 94, at St. Dominic Villa. Oct. 9; Sister Josette was born Aug. 8, Stewardship Moment 1919, in Minneapolis, the daugh- ROCKFORD—Cathedral of St. ter of Herman and Dolores (St. God the giver of all: God has Peter: Dorothy Ann Mikleton, 97, filled our lives with good things. Oct. 5; Catherine Ann Gaffney, 79, Martin) Pahl. They are for us to enjoy. They are Oct. 12. Sister Josette made her first reli- gious profession as a Sinsinawa also for us to share. Even when we Patricia M. Manno Dominican Aug. 5, 1938, and her share a generous portion of them, HUNTLEY—Patricia M. Man- final profession Aug. 5, 1941. we still have more than we can use. no, 68, Huntley, formerly of Pala- She taught for 46 years and The Bible calls this “proportion- tine, died Oct. 19, 2017, surround- served as principal for two of ate giving.” it is the reality that all ed by her children, who include those years. Sister Josette minis- we have comes from God, and as Father Kyle Manno. tered at St. Dominic Villa for 24 stewards of these gifts, God asks She was born on June 23, 1949, years. us to return and to share a portion in Chicago to the late Frank and She served in Illinois, Wisconsin, of them, just a small portion. Margaret (nee Rezba) Simek. New York, Minnesota, Iowa and She married Ronald S. Manno at South Dakota. Courtesy of Parish Publications St. Emily Parish in Mt. Prospect. In the Diocese of Rockford, Sis- “Stewardship” newsletter He preceded her in death after 38 ter Josette ministered at Nativity years of marriage. BVM School in Menominee as Mass Meditation She is survived by four children, principal and teacher, 1980-1982. Nicki (Tony) Lis, Cory (Pam), Her parents; two sisters, Sister Sunday, Oct. 29 (30th Ordi- Mario (Dara); and Father Kyle Marian Pahl, MM, and Eileen nary): We fulfill the command- Manno; seven grandchildren; sib- Somers; and three brothers, Ger- ment to love our neighbor when lings, Bob (Joy) Simek, Rich (An- ald Pahl, Brother George Pahl, we exercise good stewardship — toinette) Simek, Carrie Simek, FSC, and Brother Cyril Pahl, joyfully sharing our gifts of life, and Nancy (Terry) Wojcik; FSC, preceded her in death. abilities, and resources to meet our brother-in-law, Anthony (Diane) She is survived by nieces, neph- neighbor’s need. Manno; aunt, Ameriga Cesaroni; ews and her Dominican Sisters many nieces and nephews; and with whom she shared 79 years of Courtesy of Sharon Hueckel her dog, Holly. religious life. If you or someone you know Visitation was Oct. 23, at Daven- The funeral Mass was held at the Life Moment has been the victim of sexual port Family Funeral Home and Dominican motherhouse, Sinsin- abuse by an employee or mem- Crematory, Crystal Lake. Visi- awa, Oct. 23, 2017, followed by Pray: For the youth of the world, ber of the clergy of the Rockford tation continued at the funeral burial in the Motherhouse Cem- as they search for the living God, Diocese, report the matter to home Oct. 24 before processing etery. that they may grow in faith and be Newspapers • Catalogs • Mail Service law enforcement in the county to St. Thomas the Apostle Parish living witnesses to the power of Business Cards • Magazines • Brochures in which the conduct occurred in Crystal Lake, for the funeral Weddings the risen Christ. 815-758-5484 and then please call the hot-line Mass at 10:30 a.m. Father Manno 121 Industrial Drive • DeKalb, IL 60115 number: 815/293-7540. officiated. Burial followed at St. HAMPSHIRE—St. Charles Courtesy of www.priestsforlife.org Media /Arts The Observer | FRIDAY OCTOBER 27, 2017 | 23 Memoir Tells Lives of Syrians, Nation in Peril ‘Acceptable “The Home That Was Our political context. family as a child. Country: A Memoir of Syria” In sharing the stories of her Malek starts her family story Risk,’ Streaming is as much an account of Syria friends and families, author with her great-grandfather, a as it is a beautifully crafted nar- Alia Malek is sharing the story powerful and wealthy land- On Acorn TV rative of a Syrian family and of a nation. owner from Hama with influ- an independent first-generation Malek, a Christian whose ential ties to power players as NEW YORK (CNS)—As of Syrian-American woman. parents’ professional careers well as to women other than his Oct. 23, four of the six episodes as a physician and pharmacist wife. Malek’s great-grandfa- It breaks through the single- of the outstanding, immersive lensed generalizations and lead them to settle in Balti- ther’s style and personality in- suspense drama “Acceptable headline tickers and dives more, had long had a nostalgic fluenced Malek’s grandmother, Risk” are already available on deeply into the lives of Syr- desire to return to her parents’ a brazen, independent and sav- the streaming service Acorn. ians with stories that smoothly homeland to which she was ex- vy woman. The remaining episodes will weave in and out of a complex posed during long visits with “The Home That Was Our Country” challenges readers debut Oct. 30, after which the entire series can be streamed at to think about these and other (CNS photo) Read full reviews of this and more books at contradictions in human nature “The Home That Was Our Coun- viewers’ convenience. http://observer.rockforddiocese.org/book- and history. try: A Memoir of Syria” by Alia Despite its high aesthetic club-blog. — Reviewed by Regina Lordan for Malek. Nation Books (New York, qualities, this is not a good op- CNS 2017). 334 pp., $27.99. tion for all. The violent show contains several murders, depictions of adultery, a suicide, some mild At the Movies sexuality and such sights as ex- humed remains. But this mate- Geostorm its unconvincing mystery story. Needlessly shocking visuals rial is critical to the story, and punctuate the stilted proceedings while the killer’s motiva- (Warner Bros.) the series’ producers don’t sen- tion springs from the sordid personal lives of his victims as A-III After a network of sationalize it. well as his traumatic childhood. So, too, do subplots involving PG-13 weather-controlling Ron Hutchison’s excellent an abortion mill and the perverse behind-the-scenes behav- satellites designed script, moreover, is commend- ior of a high-profile public figure, who poses as a champion to overcome the effects of ably free of the progressively of traditional values. global warming is sabotaged commonplace and gratuitous (CNS/Warner Bros.) PARENTS: THIS FILM CONTAINS gory violence and grue- its designer (Gerard Butler), his vulgarity that mars too many some images, a suicide, strong sexual content, including estranged brother (Jim Sturgess), a State Dept. official, and the TV shows. aberrant behavior, an adulterous bedroom scene and nudity, bureaucrat’s live-in girlfriend (Abbie Cornish), a Secret Service Distinguished by its re- abortion, domestic abuse and cohabitation themes, profan- agent, team to uncover and defeat the conspiracy. This is best strained storytelling, “Accept- ity, rough and crude terms. suited to easily satisfied grown-ups. able Risk” is fit viewing for PARENTS: THIS FILM CONTAINS gunplay and other stylized Tyler Perry’s Boo 2! discriminating grown-ups. violence with minimal gore, cohabitation, profanity, milder After her second husband A Madea Halloween Lee’s (Paul Popowich) murder oaths, crude and crass terms. (Lionsgate) during a trip to Canada, Sarah Only the Brave A-III In this follow-up to Manning (Elaine Cassidy) dis- PG-13 (Columbia) the 2016 original, covers unsettling truths about A-III Heartbreaking true writer-director Tyler him. She also uncovers disturb- ing secrets about the Dublin- PG-13 story of the “Granite Perry’s long-running muumuu- (CNS/Lionsgate) based multinational pharma- Mountain Hotshots,” draped moral force — played by Perry himself in drag — sets out to rescue her grand-niece ceutical company at which they the elite Arizona firefighting (CNS/Columbia) both worked. team which raced into a rag- (Diamond White) from a fraternity party held at a campground Adults not averse to some ing inferno in 2013 to save a neighboring town from destruc- where several people had been murdered some years before. challenging content will ap- tion. Although the ending is well known, the impact is no The result is very much along the lines of a live-action Scooby- preciate “Acceptable Risk” as less profound on screen, and the striking real-life examples of Doo cartoon with the manic matriarch’s familiar companions. an intelligent, sophisticated heroism, brotherhood and self-sacrifice are both timely and She at least had some moral lesson to convey about the power and handsomely shot addition inspiring. of family ties and the importance of children obeying their to the seemingly ever-growing PARENTS: THIS FILM CONTAINS scenes of extreme peril, ma- elders. pool of viewing choices. ture themes, drug use, nudity, an out-of-wedlock pregnancy, PARENTS: THIS FILM CONTAINS scene of marijuana use, profanity, crude language, sexual banter, obscene gestures. crude language, instances of the N-word. — Chris Byrd, Catholic News — Catholic News Service Service Same Kind of Different as Me (Paramount) A-III Uneven recounting Increase your business by advertising PG-13 of the real-life events (Observer/Paramount trailer) through which a wealthy art dealer (Greg Kinnear) formed a seemingly unlikely friendship with a volatile but your products and services to our loyal fundamentally decent homeless man (Djimon Hounsou). Though the other headliners of the cast — Renee Zellweger and dedicated Catholic audience. and Jon Voight — bring their own formidable resumes to the project, they are less successful in overcoming the limitations Restaurants/Banquet Facilities Bridal Shops of the script, adapted from the book penned by the actual amigos, Ron Hall and Denver Moore, by director Michael Car- Gift, Floral and Specialty Stores Travel Agencies ney, Alexander Foard and Hall. Probably acceptable for older Health, Fitness, Salons Legal Services teens. PARENTS: THIS FILM CONTAINS nonlethal violence, a scene Financial Institutions Health Care/Retirement of marital intimacy, mature themes, including adultery and racial hatred, sexual references, innuendo. Automobile Sales/Repair Landscape/Snow Removal The Snowman Website ~ Newspaper ~ Television (Universal) O Director Tomas — Contact — R Alfredson’s adapta- tion of Jo Nesbo’s Kevin McCarthy @ 815-399-4300 ext. 385 best-selling crime novel oc- or email The Offi cial Newspaper of the Catholic Diocese of Rockford [email protected] casionally dabbles in penny- (CNS/Universal) dreadful sensationalism, then ALENA REEPORT TERLING OCKFORD E ALB RYSTAL AKE LGIN URORA returns to plodding wearily across the frozen landscape of G - F - S - R - D K - C L - E - A 24 | FRIDAY OCTOBER 27, 2017 | The Observer
THE Prayer Intentions and Scripture Readings OBSERVER http://observer.rockforddiocese.org 815/399-4300 November 2017 SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY Key to listings Join the Holy Father in praying for these special 1 2 3 4 Daily Scripture Readings intentions this month: All Saints All Souls Martin de Porres, religious Charles Borromeo, bishop † Pray for the priests who Christians in Asia — That Christians in Asia, Holy Day of Obligation Wis 3:1-9; Ps 23:1-6; Rom Rom 9:1-5; Ps 147:12-15, Rom 11:1-2a, 11-12, 25- have served the Rockford bearing witness to the Gospel in word and deed, Rv 7:2-4, 9-14; Ps 24:1bc- 5:5-11; Jn 6:37-40 19-20; Lk 14:1-6 29; Ps 94:12-13a, 14-15, Diocese and who died this may promote dialogue, peace, and mutual 4b, 5-6; 1 Jn 3:1-3; Mt † Father Nicholas J. Berg, † Father William R. 17-18; Lk 14:1, 7-11 understanding, especially with those of other month on the days listed. 5:1-12a 1959 Warner, 1960 † Father Hubert Fegers, religions. Please pray for these men † Father Lawrence Pope Emeritus Benedict Bishop David Malloy 1921; † Father William F. London, 2009 XVI Morrissey, 2000 and women who have a —http://www.apostleshipofprayer.org religious vocation. Pope Francis Father Jorge Loaiza
5 6 7 8 9 10 11 31st Ordinary Time Rom 11:29-36; Ps 69:30- Rom 12:5-16b; Ps Rom 13:8-10; Ps 112:1b-2, Dedication of the Lateran U.S. Veteran’s Day Martin of Tours, bishop Mal 1:14b-2:2b, 8-10; Ps 31, 33-34, 36; Lk 14:12-14 131:1cde, 2-3; Lk 14:15-24 4-5, 9; Lk 14:25-33 Basilica Diocesan O ces Closed Rom 16:3-9, 16, 22-27; Ps 131:1-3; 1 Thes 2:7b-9, 13; Father Robert Sherry † Father Joseph P. Joyce, † Father J. K. Nilles, 1950 Ez 47:1-2, 8-9, 12; Ps 46:2- Leo the Great, pope, doctor of 145:2-5, 10-11; Lk 16:9-15 Mt 23:1-12 1941 Father Geoffrey Wirth 3, 5-6, 8-9; 1 Cor 3:9c-11, the Church Father Godwin Asuquo Sisters of St. Francis of Priests of the Aurora Father John Earl 16-17; Jn 2:13-22 Rom 15:14-21; Ps 98:1-4; Active and retired the Holy Family Deanery Father Carlos Monsalve, Lk 16:1-8 military chaplains OCD † Father John F. Kinney, 1910 Father Joel Lopez Father David Reese 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 32nd Ordinary Time Frances Xavier Cabrini, virgin Wis 2:23-3:9; Ps 34:2-3, Albert the Great, bishop, Margaret of Scotland Elizabeth of Hungary, religious Dedication of the Basilicas of doctor of the Church Gertrude, virgin SS. Peter and Paul, Apostles Wis 6:12-16; Ps 63:2-8; 1 Wis 1:1-7; Ps 139:1-10; Lk 16-19; Lk 17:7-10 Wis 13:1-9; Ps 19:2-5; Lk Rose Philippine Duchesne, Thes 4:13-18; Mt 25:1-13 17:1-6 † Father James D. Burke, Wis 6:1-11; Ps 82:3-4, 6-7; Wis 7:22b-8:1; Ps 119:89- 17:26-37 virgin Lk 17:11-19 91, 130, 135, 175; Lk † Father P. H. McKeon, † Bishop Raymond P. 1968; † Father Charles Nov. 15: † Father Myles J. Wis 18:14-16, 19:6-9; Ps † Father William T. 17:20-25 1917; † Father John J. Hillinger, 1971; † Father R. Kelly, 1968; † Msgr. Hoare, 1970 105:2-3, 36-37, 42-43; Lk Whearty, 1924; † Father Nov.15: † Father Edward McCann, 1920 Ronald J. Conro, 2000 Joseph T. Healey, 1999 Sisters of the Third Order 18:1-8 Julian Burzynski, 1927 W. Berthold, 1964 Priests of the DeKalb Father Andrew Skrobutt Father Bernard Mullane of St. Francis, East Peoria Priests of the Elgin U.S. Bishops Diocesan seminarians Deanery Deanery
19 20 21 22 23 24 25 33rd Ordinary Time 1 Mc 1:10-15, 41-43, Presentation of the Blessed Cecilia, virgin, martyr Thanksgiving Andrew Dung-Lac, priest, Catherine of Alexandria, Prv 31:10-13, 19-20, 54-57, 62-63; Ps 119:53, Virgin Mary 2 Mc 7:1, 20-31; Ps 17:1, Clement I, pope, martyr; martyr, and his companions, virgin, martyr martyrs 30-31; Ps 128:1-5; 1 Thes 61, 134, 150, 155, 158; Lk 2 Mc 6:18-31; Ps 3:2-8; Lk 5-6, 8, 15; Lk 19:11-28 Columban, abbot; Bl. Miguel 1 Mc 6:1-13; Ps 9:2-4, 6, 16, Agustin Pro, priest, martyr 5:1-6; Mt 25:14-30 18:35-43 19:1-10 Msgr. Gerald Kobbeman 1 Mc 4:36-37, 52-59; (Ps) 1 19; Lk 20:27-40 † Father John J. Hackett, † Father Joseph J. Reikas, Priests of the Freeport Father Michael Morrissey 1 Mc 2:15-29; Ps 50:1-2, Chr 29:10-12; Lk 19:45-48 † Msgr. Clemens 1960 1979; † Father William A. Deanery Msgr. Stephen Knox 5-6, 14-15; Lk 19:41-44 † Father Clement W. Kalvelage, 1930; Father Msgr. James McLoughlin Kriegsmann, 2006 Father Yovanny Dorado † Father Edward A. Cerny, Caine, 1987 Peter Cichozki, 1961 Father Sylvester Nnaso Father Akan Simon SS, 1962 Priests of the McHenry Father Thomas Burr † Father John Vuc, 1973 Deanery Vocations
26 27 28 29 30 Fly the Flag Diocese of Christ the King Dn 1:1-6, 8-20; (Ps) Dn Dn 2:31-45; (Ps) Dn 3:57- Dn 5:1-6, 13-14, 16-17, Andrew, Apostle Nov. 10 — Rockford Ez 34:11-12, 15-17; Ps 23:1- 3:52-56; Lk 21:1-4 61; Lk 21:5-11 23-28; (Ps) Dn 3:62-67; Lk Rom 10:9-18; Ps 19:8-11; Marine 3, 5-6; 1 Cor 15:20-26, 28; † Father Thomas L. Father Richard Kramer 21:12-19 Mt 4:18-22 Corps Birthday You have Mt 25:31-36 Walsh, 1956; † Father † Father Russell J. Father Thomas Doyle Father Leonardo Francis A. Kilderry, 1958; † Guccione, 1952 Nov. 11 — an app! Maldonado Father Paul A. Tuchlinsky, Priests of the Sterling Veterans Day Get ready for 1984 Deanery Nov. 23 — Download Priests of the Rockford Thanksgiving Weekend Deanery Day Nov. 18-19 Zechariah and Elizabeth Demetrian First century — feast day Nov. 5 ca. 912 — feast day Nov. 6 The fi rst chapter of Luke’s Gospel tells the story of John the Baptist’s parents. After Demetrian’s young wife died after three months of marriage, he entered Elizabeth, a cousin of Mary, is old and childless; her husband, Zechariah, is a a monastery on Cyprus dedicated to St. Anthony. There he was ordained a priest priest in Jerusalem. Zechariah is praying in the Temple when an angel reveals and ultimately served as abbot for four decades. When Demetrian was chosen Elizabeth will bear a son named John. When he doesn’t believe the angel, he is bishop of Khytri, he fl ed to a cave. But a friend persuaded him to accept the struck dumb until he confi rms the name John at his son’s circumcision. Before appointment. In Demetrian’s twenty-fi fth year as bishop, Saracens invaded Cy- John’s birth, Mary, who is pregnant with Jesus, visits Elizabeth; their prayerful prus and took many Christians captive. He interceded with the invaders for their greetings became the “Hail Mary” and “Canticle of Mary.” Luke also credits freedom. Moved by the example of his courage and selfl essness, the Saracens Zechariah with a canticle of praise. Elizabeth is the patron saint of pregnant released the prisoners. St. Demetrian is the patron of prisoners. He is sometimes women and infertile couples. invoked with this prayer: “Loving Father, through the intercession of St. Deme- trian, rescue me from the anxieties that hold me captive.”
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