August 27, 2021  Diocese implementing response to governor's mandate order:  Beginning on Monday, August 30, 2021, all individuals, regardless of vaccination status, age two or over and able to medically tolerate a face covering (a mask or cloth face covering) are required to cover their nose and mouth with a face covering when indoors on the premises of our churches, schools, and Diocesan facilities. Face coverings may be removed temporarily while actively eating or drinking, and may be removed by workers at workplaces when they can consistently maintain six feet of distance (such as when workers are in their office or cubicle space). Masks are to be worn by all at Masses, as well as inside the Church building. Masks may be removed during Mass by priests, deacons, and lectors when they read at the ambo, proclaim the gospel, and preach. The faithful may remove or lower their masks when receiving Holy Communion. Choir members may remove their masks during Masses when singing, although pastors may use their judgment, if the choir is located close to the faithful attending Mass, in deciding whether Masses should include a choir at this time. Musicians who play mouth instruments may remove their masks during Masses when playing those instruments. Masks must also be worn inside buses and other vehicles when transportation is provided by a parish, school, or the Diocese, such as students on a bus taking a school field trip, a parish trip to visit a shrine, high school team players on a bus going to a track meet. I thank you for your continued cooperation.

June 14, 2021  Diocese of Rockford lifts Dispensation for Mass
ROCKFORD— 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. Bishop Malloy granted the dispensation on March 17, 2020 at the beginning of the COVID outbreak. The unprecedented action was taken in view of the guidance of health authorities to stem the spread of the virus and was to be a short-term, provisional measure. “Little did we know of the course and toll the virus would take on the health and wellbeing of our society, thus requiring a longer time of dispensation for our most vulnerable brothers and sisters in Christ,” Bishop Malloy said. In his announcement, Bishop Malloy asked priests of the diocese to help make this full return to the Mass, “a joyful moment and one to thank God for His blessings in seeing us through the pandemic and in lessening its impact among us. It will also be a time during the Mass to pray for those who have suffered so much and even lost loved ones.” “We must never lose the essence of our Eucharistic faith which is to meet Christ personally in the Blessed Sacrament, especially in the worthy reception of Holy Communion as part of Mass,” Bishop Malloy said. As the dispensation is lifted, Catholics are reminded in the days and months ahead to use their consciences for any decision about not attending Mass or continuing to follow it virtually and to ask for pastoral guidance from their parish priests if needed

June 2, 2021  We are starting First Saturday devotions in reparation to the Immaculate Heart of Mary.  It will include Fatima prayers and the rosary.  This will take place in the church at 7:45 am.  Please refer to the website calendar.

May 27, 2021  Mass registration is no longer necessary.  Wearing of masks is optional.

May 18, 2021  In accordance with the current guidelines of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the State of Illinois, fully vaccinated laity and clergy are no longer required to wear masks or social distance.  This applies to sacramental and non-sacramental gatherings.  Priests, deacons, and Extraordinary Ministers of the Eucharist should continue to wear a mask as they distribute Holy Communion.  No one is to be asked about their vaccination status or to document that status.  The cooperation and good will of all is presumed in this matter.

We are continuing to take Mass reservations for the Weekend Masses only (not weekday).  This can be done on the parish website or by calling the church office.