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We are in the midst of several Sundays of Gospel readings from St. John’s great sixth chapter which focuses on Jesus’ teaching about the Eucharist. This is especially important at this time in history when more and more Catholics are reported to be people who do not believe in the Church’s doctrine that the Holy Eucharist is truly the Body and Blood of Jesus Christ. The situation is such that the American Catholic bishops “voted overwhelmingly to issue a teaching document on the beauty and power of the Eucharist” (Archbishop Jose Gomez of Los Angeles, president of the US Conference of Catholic Bishops) at their recent meeting.

Surveys tell us that the second largest Christian group in the United States is made up of people who were baptized Catholic and no longer practice the Catholic Faith. It is obvious that Mass attendance has fallen off dramatically in the last 50 years. If we put those findings together with the lack of belief in the Real Presence of Jesus in the Holy Eucharist, we it should not be surprised at the situation of the Church in our country and our parishes.

Vatican II, which is too often blamed unfairly for the fall-off of Catholic practice and belief today, stated that the Holy Eucharist is the source and center of Catholic life. If the center falls apart in someone's life, then there is no reason not to expect that the rest of the Faith will also fall apart. If someone doesn’t believe that we truly encounter the reality of Jesus Christ at Mass in the consecrated bread and wine, then there is no reason to expect that person to consider Mass anything special, or to attend Mass regularly.  

When the devout Catholic author Flannery O’Connor was once told by a fallen-away Catholic writer (Mary McCarthy) that the Eucharist was a “nice symbol,” O’Connor replied, “If that’s all it is, then to hell with it.” I think that is one of the clearest and greatest statements of faith ever made in the Real Presence of Jesus in the Eucharist.

As we hear once again these weekends the teaching of Jesus about Himself in the Eucharist as the Bread of Life, may our own faith be strengthened, and our love for the Mass be deepened. May we receive our Lord in this holy sacrament with the greatest devotion of which we are capable. Pray for those Catholics who do not believe that the Holy Eucharist is truly “the Body and Blood, soul and divinity” of our Lord, Jesus Christ.

Important Messages from Bishop David J. Malloy

Dispensation from Mass attendance ended July 1

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 would be lifted July 1, 2021. Both Bishop Malloy and St. Mary's ended live-streaming Masses on June 27. It's time to come back to Mass in church!

Read the Press Release Here

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Other News Items

• Fr. Antillon's Installation - You are invited to the Installation Mass of Fr. William Antillon as pastor of St. Mary of the Assumption and Sts. Peter & Paul parishes. This will be held at Sts. Peter & Paul Church on Wednesday, August 18, 2021 at 5:30 PM. A reception will follow in the Sts. Peter & Paul parish center. Please RSVP to the parish office if you plan to attend so we can get a count for food.
• Latest COVID-19 Guidance - To view the latest guidance given to us by Bishop Malloy, please visit the diocesan website at www.rockforddiocese.org.
• Anchor - Anchor sessions are on summer vacation. You can view previous sessions on Facebook.
• Daily Mass: We are celebrating daily Mass here on Mondays and Tuesdays at 8 AM.

• Confessions: Tuesday 8:30-9:30 am; Wednesday 11:00 am-12:00 noon; Saturday 11:00 am-12:00 noon.
• Year of St. Joseph - In celebration of the 150th anniversary of Blessed Pope Pius IX’s declaration of St. Joseph as Patron of the Universal Church, Pope Francis has proclaimed a special “Year of St. Joseph.”  It is a wonderful opportunity to increase our love for St. Joseph and knowledge, “to encourage us to implore his intercession and to imitate his virtues and his zeal" (Patris Corde). Fr. Ariel has assembled a prayer aid and we encourage you to download it here and use it during the year. You may also pick-up a printed copy at church.

 

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Religious Education

It's time to sign-up for the 2021/2022 Religious Education Program.  You can choose in-person classes following appropriate safety guidelines or homeschool. Download the RE Calendar and Combined Registration Form here.

If you have questions, please call our RE Coordinator Leila Rivers at 815-827-3205 x3.
 

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2021 Diocesan Appeal

Every parish in our diocese participates in the 2021 Diocesan Appeal. This important campaign has a tremendous impact on the ministries and programs that are offered in each parish throughout the diocese. This year’s Diocesan Appeal theme is “Bear Much Fruit.” As Jesus teaches us, he is the vine and we are the branches. When we remain close to him, we are capable of incredible things in this world. Every year, the Diocesan Appeal raises money that directly supports many ministries, programs, and services throughout the diocese. These programs include Catholic Charities, seminarian formation, Catholic Schools, and so much more. Please prayerfully consider making a gift to the 2021 Diocesan Appeal. Every gift makes a profound difference in the life of our parish and entire diocese. We invite you to watch the Diocesan Appeal 2021 video which can be found near the top of this page.  Click here to donate or make a pledge online.

Celebration of the Eucharist

Sunday Masses -
Saturday 4:00 PM
Sunday 9:30 AM

Weekday Masses -
Mondays & Tuesdays 8:00 AM 

Confessions- 
Saturdays: 11:00 AM-12:00 (Noon)
Tuesday: 8:30 AM-9:30 AM during Adoration
Wednesday 11:00 AM -12:00 (Noon)

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