The Diocese of Rockford issued a statement on today’s Supreme Court’s decision which has overturned Roe v Wade. Here is the full statement:
The Supreme Court decision, released today in the case of Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization, is a moment for profound reflection for our nation.
The Catholic Church, along with many other people of faith and of good will, has long sought the reversal of the 1973 Supreme Court decision of Roe v. Wade. That tragic decision legalized abortion in the United States. The result has been over 63 million lives lost by abortion. Each of those babies were recognized by science, reason and faith as members of the human family who were made in the image and likeness of God and who had already begun their journey with us as our brothers and sisters. Roe v. Wade has caused a collective loss of recognition and love for them as human beings and for their right to life enshrined in our Constitution and our national purpose.
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WAUPACA, Wis.— Father Theodore Vincent Lewandowski peacefully died in his home in Waupaca, Wis., on June 15, 2022. He was 91 years old.
Father Lewandowski was born Aug. 31, 1930, and grew up in Chicago. He studied at Holy Ghost Mission Seminary in East Troy, Wis.; St. Mary Novitiate; St. Paul Seminary; and St. Mary Seminary in Techny.
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ROCKFORD--In the May 27 issue of The Observer, Bishop David Malloy explained, in his regular column on page 2, that “it is no secret that faith in the Eucharist has diminished today.” That is why the Bishops of the United States are sponsoring a National Eucharistic Revival.
The three-year initiative begins at the diocesan level and will start in the Rockford Diocese along with all others in the U.S. on Corpus Christi Sunday, June 19. For the next three years, The Observer and El Observador newspapers and social media sites will carry background, news and events about the national effort. Our coverage of this call to understand and renew our faith through this initiative begins in this issue.
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transitional deacon to be June 4
ROCKFORD, ILL—Most Reverend David J. Malloy will ordain Nathan Pacer, 29, as the newest priest for the Catholic Diocese of Rockford, June 4 at the Cathedral of St. Peter, 1243 N. Church St.
The Mass and Rite of Ordination will begin at 11 a.m. The ceremony will also include the ordination of Mr. Connor Orabutt, age 25 from Algonquin as a transitional deacon. The transitional diaconate is the final step before ordination to the priesthood. Orabutt is scheduled for ordination in 2023.
Pacer is a native of Batavia, Ill. and his home parish is Holy Cross there. He attended high school at Marmion Academy, Aurora. While there, he was involved in the JROTC program, student government and football, playing defensive end. He attended Ave Maria University in Naples, Florida where he studied literature and history and played rugby. Before he began seminary studies, Pacer worked for Lighthouse Catholic Media as a copywriter. He completed his seminary studies at St. Paul School of Divinity, St. Paul Seminary in St. Paul Minn.
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Date: May 31, 2022
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Date: May 25, 2022
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Click here to read the full statement
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The Diocese of Rockford continues to evaluate the COVID-19 restrictions issued by the Illinois Governor and the State agencies as well as the reported incidence of COVID-19 cases which has decreased in many communities statewide. In light of this information and the Illinois Appellate Court’s ruling against the State agencies last week, Bishop David J. Malloy sent the following updates to all priests and parishes.
Click here to read the Updates
Spanish
Calvary Cemetery, Winnebago County cooperate in corporal work of mercy
By Penny Wiegert, Editor
January 27, 2022
WINNEBAGO—What began as an idea of some folks at St. Peter Parish in South Beloit has resulted in a beautiful corporal work of mercy for 243 persons.
The cremains of those people unclaimed, unburied, and some even un-mourned, were finally put to rest with dignity and respect Jan. 24 thanks to the combined efforts of the Winnebago County Coroner’s Office and Calvary Catholic Cemetery in Winnebago.
To read more
https://observer.rockforddiocese.org/article?id=2204
Bishop David Malloy sent a letter Nov. 23, 2021, to Father Jared Twenty, parochial administrator of Holy Cross Parish in Batavia, updating him and the parishioners there regarding the former pastor, Father James Parker.
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The Diocese of Rockford issued a new document of guiding principles on human sexuality titled “Living the Truth of Our Creation.” This document was released in English and Spanish to all priests and parishes Aug. 6.
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
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
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.
