Statements and Press Releases
STATEMENT FROM THE DIOCESE OF ROCKFORD
(Published in the March 11, 2022 Observer Catholic Newspaper)
Vatican Tribunal Upholds Suspension for Father Michael Black
DIOCESE—Father Michael Black, a priest of the Rockford Diocese ordained in 2000, is suspended following a recent decision of the Supreme Tribunal of the Apostolic Signatura, the Vatican’s highest court.
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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
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.
