Diocese of Rockford to wrap up Centennial Year with Mass celebrated by Cardinal Francis George

WHAT: Solemn Mass to Close the Centennial Year

WHEN: Tuesday, September 23, 2008 at 2 p.m. (The Diocese of Rockford was established on this day in 1908 by Pope Pius X)

WHERE: The Cathedral of St. Peter, 1243 North Church Street, Rockford, Illinois

WHO: Guest Homilist will be Cardinal Francis George, Archbishop of Chicago. Bishop Thomas G. Doran, will be the main celebrant joined by 22 other bishops, archbishops and abbots from throughout the United States. Also Present will be representatives from every parish, school, and organization in the diocese as well as all clergy.

All diocesan schools will be closed to honor the Centennial Year along with all diocesan administrative offices.

All parishes in the diocese will mark the solemn closing with Masses the weekend of September 20-21 where they will light a specially commissioned Centennial candle.

MEDIA: Local media wanting to cover this event must be credentialed prior to the event. Due to space constraints and the scope of the event, NO ONE without the proper credentials will be admitted to the Cathedral. Credentials for the event can be obtained from the Office of Communication and Publications for the Diocese of Rockford. Send an email to the director at pwiegert@rockfordiocese.org. with the following information:

NAME OF STATION OR NEWSPAPER:

COVERAGE AREA:

NAME(S) OF REPORTER(S):

TYPE OF EQUIPMENT TO BE USED:

CONTACT INFORMATION MUST INCLUDE PHONE NUMBER AND EMAIL ADDRESS OF REPORTER AND MEDIA COMPANY

Credentials will be sent upon proper receipt of the above information.

Due to the sacred nature of the event we have issued a dress code for this event. Business attire is expected of all those covering this event.

Send questions to pwiegert@rockforddiocese.org or call Penny Wiegert at 815/399-4300 ext. 395