Month: April 2016

2018 Diocesan Appeal

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Haga clic aquí para ver en Español.

Dear Friends in Christ:

In this Holy Year of Mercy called by Pope Francis, we are asked to open the doors of our hearts and make mercy real and present by our actions. The ministries supported by the Diocesan Appeal allows us as a Catholic family to be merciful throughout our diocese.

Through your gifts to this Appeal, our schools, and religious education programs benefit from the Office of Education which helps to prepare our teachers and catechists to pass on the knowledge of our faith.  The Ministry Formation Program has trained so many adults who go back to their parishes and evangelize by proclaiming the depth of God’s mercy present in the Scripture.

You also play a crucial part in the formation of our priests and deacons who serve us throughout their lives – even in retirement.

Together, we can reach so many by pooling our resources to feed the hungry, welcome the stranger, and to lift them up through our Catholic Charities programs.  Your gift demonstrates that God’s mercy is alive today, experienced by many, and practiced by all who follow Jesus.

Let God’s mercy lead us…
To care for those who are hungry and poor
To welcome the lost and forsaken
To educate the hearts, minds, and spirits in the Catholic faith

We cannot let the love of Christ stay behind closed doors – we must open our hearts to Christ so we can spread His mercy to everyone we meet.

Please join me in giving to the 2016 Diocesan Appeal so we can help make God’s mercy a reality for people in our parishes, communities and throughout our diocese.   Thank you.

The Most Reverend David J. Malloy
Bishop of Rockford

Brochure (English)  |  Click here to give.

Brochure (Español)  |  Haga clic aquí para dar.

Catholic Guidance for End-of-Life Decision Making

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Discussing death and dying can be difficult and uncomfortable, yet perhaps no conversations are more profound or necessary for all of us. End-of-life decisions are among the most challenging we will ever face. Join us for an informative evening as we discuss topics such as ordinary and extraordinary treatments, euthanasia, nutrition and hydration. Our panel of speakers will include Fr. Ken Wasilewski, Ethicist for the Diocese of Rockford, as well as representatives from Fitzgerald Funeral Home and Calvary Cemetery. This evening will be hosted at St. Rita Parish (6254 Valley Knoll Drive in Rockford) in Wahl Hall on Wednesday, April 27th at 7:00 PM. For more information, contact Mary Kinney at (815) 519-7066.

Come Holy Spirit: Sharing the Graces of Pentecost

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On April 23rd Patti Gallagher Mansfield will speak at a Charismatic day of renewal, “Come Holy Spirit: Sharing the graces of Pentecost,” at St. Patrick Church, 244 Kelley Drive, Rochelle, IL. Registration begins at 8:30. The day is scheduled from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Early registration is $15, $20 at the door. Bring a sack lunch. There will be a love offering. The day is sponsored by the Catholic Charismatic Renewal Services for the Diocese of Rockford. Information: Linda 815-264-3240 or trumpetpraise@frontier.com

“Mission on the Family”

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International Catholic speaker, author and radio host Jon Leonetti will be hosting a Marriage Enrichment Workshop titled “Mission of the Family” on Saturday, April 16 from 9:00am – 3:30pm at St. Rita Church in Rockford. Register online at stritarockford.org or call the church office at 815-398-0853. The cost is $35, lunch included. Take advantage of this dynamic speaker and enjoy the day with your spouse!