Dear brothers and sisters in Christ,

Habemus Papem! Yesterday, we received the joyful news that we have a Pope, and to add to the excitement he was born and raised in Chicago, IL!

Thanks be to God for Pope Leo XIV! Let us together keep him in our ongoing prayers as he takes on this great responsibility as chief shepherd of the Universal Church. 

Bishop Malloy has issued a statement after the announcement of our New Holy Father. He is inviting all the priests and the lay faithful of the Diocese of Rockford to a special Mass for our new Pope Leo XIV, tonight, Friday, May 9, at 6:30pm at the Cathedral in Rockford. Please read Bishop Malloy's Statement on the election of Pope Leo XIV. I plan on attending.

We also still have a few spots for the 1-Day Pilgrimage to St. Rita's Shrine and St. Rita's Parish in Chicago on Tuesday May 13. It will be a great day of fellowship, prayer, reflection, food, and grace. Fr. McCarthy knows the new Pope well, as he is an Augustinian Priest from Chicago as well. It will be great to hopefully speak to Fr. Tom and experience the joy at St. Rita Shrine over this historic news. Only a few spots remain open, please sign up in the Parish Office or through the link below by Monday May 12. 

After all the Masses this weekend, St. Vincent de Paul will be selling Fannie May Chocolates and Respect Life Ministry will be selling carnation flowers. We invite all to stop by after Mass so they can satisfy their sweet tooth, get a flower for mom, and help us provide support to our Neighbors in Need as well as our ongoing Respect Life efforts. It's a win-win! Thank you for your support! 

Please join us for a prayerful evening on May 15th at 7pm with our Mental Health Ministry as we honor St. Dymphna, the patron saint of mental health, and ask for her powerful intercession. We will begin with prayer in the outdoor garden, followed by a short film reflecting on her life and witness, and conclude with light refreshments in the McKinstra Room. 

We have officially begun our 2025 Diocesan Stewardship Campaign. I will share more information in the coming weeks and in the bulletin. Here is a DSA Video that was produced as we commemorate the 50th Anniversary of the establishment of this Appeal which has helped so many people over the years. It gives you a nice overview of our life as a Diocese. You will see pledge envelopes in the pews and in the Narthex. There is also the option to make an Online Pledge. Thank you for supporting this important yearly appeal!

Happy Mother's Day to all our moms! Thank you for showing us God's love!

Blessed are you,

Fr. John