STATEMENT BY THE DIOCESE OF ROCKFORD IN REGARD TO HOLY CROSS PARISH, BATAVIA
As previously announced in the May 31 statement by the Diocese of Rockford, as part of the number of changes of priest assignments in the Diocese of Rockford that are typically announced at this time of year, Father James Parker was informed that his time as pastor at Holy Cross Parish in Batavia would conclude.
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Bishop David Malloy advised priests of the Diocese of Rockford in a June 11 letter, that the dispensation from the obligation of attending Mass on Sundays and holy days of obligation (per canons 85 and 87 in the Code of Canon Law of 1983) will be lifted July 1, 2021.
Read the Press Release Here
Bishop David Malloy issued new ‘Back in His Presence’ guidelines for parishes as Illinois enters Phase 5 of reopening.
Read the entire letter in English
On Saturday, June 5, at 11 a.m., Bishop David Malloy will ordain three men to the holy order of priesthood for the Diocese of Rockford.
Read the full Press Release
STATEMENT FROM THE DIOCESE OF ROCKFORD
REGARDING CLERGY ASSIGNMENTS AND REV. JAMES PARKER
Recently, as part of the number of changes of priest assignments in the Diocese of Rockford that are typically announced at this time of year, Father James Parker was informed that his time as pastor at Holy Cross Parish in Batavia will soon conclude. Father Parker was appointed pastor in 2014 for a six-year term, and he was, in fact, allowed a seventh year.
At that same time, Father Parker was not given a subsequent assignment at this time. Since last February, efforts have been made to address with Father Parker in a private manner various concerns that have arisen regarding his service as pastor. Father Parker refused to engage in that dialogue and so a just resolution of those concerns has not been possible.
At the same time that Father Parker was informed that his time as pastor was concluding, he was given the option of accepting a diocesan offer of residence which he has declined. Contrary to public commentary, at no point was Father Parker ever going to be left without residence. Additionally, contrary to further public speculation, Father Parker was never informed that either his compensation or insurance would be terminated.
The Diocese of Rockford asks for prayers for Father Parker and for all the priests of the Diocese who are in the process of engaging changes in their ministry at this time.
Deacon Robert Plazewski
ELGIN—Deacon Robert E. Plazewski, 83, of Elgin, Illinois, died on Saturday May 15, 2021, with his family around him.
He was born on March 19, 1938, to Helen (Grogan) and Edward Plazewski in Chicago.
After his discharge from the U.S. Air Force Veteran, he married his wife, Mary Jane, in 1964. They raised three children.
Deacon Plazewski was a life-long public servant, and retired owner of a delivery service.
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Bishop David Malloy tells priests in a new letter that “Registration is no longer required for Mass attendance."
Read the entire letter in English and Spanish
For the Fully Vaccinated
Bishop David Malloy tells priests in a new letter that “In accordance with the current guidelines of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the State of Illinois, fully vaccinated laity and clergy are no longer required to wear masks or social distance. This applies to both sacramental and non-sacramental gatherings. “ Read the entire letter in English and Spanish
Back in His Presence Guidelines updated
As the State of Illinois moves into the Bridge Phase of its COVID-19 mitigation recommendations, the Diocese of Rockford has updated its guidance for parishes, schools and related activities.
See the new May 13, 2021 updates here.
To Be Livestreamed May 15, 2021
Bishop David Malloy will ordain Mr. Stewart Dobson to the permanent diaconate on Saturday, May 15 at 11 a.m. in the Cathedral of St. Peter, Rockford. In the same celebration, Mr. Nathan Pacer will be ordained a transitional deacon in preparation for ordination to the holy diocesan priesthood in 2022. The Rite of Ordination for deacons will be LIVESTREAMED on Facebook and on the Diocese of Rockford YouTube Channel. Include these two men and their families in your prayers of thanks for saying yes to God's call for them.
The six Catholic Bishops of Illinois have issued a letter urging Catholics to contact their legislators to help preserve the value of the Invest In Kids Act.
Read the full letter here in English and Spanish.
