St. James, Belvidere

33 Days to Morning Glory

This week the focus of our preparation for Marian Consecration to Jesus draws from the words and deeds of St. John Paul II. We will meet this Wednesday evening at 6:30 pm in Connolly Hall.

This week we take a bit of a turn in our weekly meetings with Fr. Geary. We have been focusing on what we as the Church profess to believe, and now we turn to how we as Catholics live what we believe. At the center of this Catholic life are the Sacraments. This Tuesday, atContinue reading “RCIA”

Pro-Life Baby Shower

Thank You to all who donated to the Respect Life’s BABY SHOWER during the month of October ! Items have been delivered to the Pregnancy Care Center of Rockford, the St. Elizabeth’s Center, and Catholic Charities. Monetary gifts received have been made to the Madonna Renewal Center in Freeport, and Gianna’ House in Rock Falls. ThankContinue reading “Pro-Life Baby Shower”

Fr. Geary’s Letter, 11-28-2021

Dear Parishioners of St. James: Praised be Jesus Christ! The holy season of Advent is a time dedicated to penance and preparation. The Holy Mass requires the clerics to wear purple vestments which connote repentance for our sins. We also prepare for the Lord Jesus Christ’s return in glory to bring justice rememberingContinue reading “Fr. Geary’s Letter, 11-28-2021”

Carta de P. Geary, 11-28-2021 – Español

Estimados feligreses de la Parroquia de Santiago Apóstol: ¡Alabado sea Jesucristo! El tiempo santo de Adviento es un tiempo dedicado a la penitencia y a la preparación. La Santa Misa requiere que los sacerdotes usen ornamentos de color morado que simbolizan arrepentimiento por nuestros pecados. También nos preparamos para el regreso del Señor Jesucristo en gloriaContinue reading “Carta de P. Geary, 11-28-2021 – Español”

Deacon Stu Dobson’s Reflection 11-26-21

Deacon Stu Dobson’s Reflections34th Friday in Ordinary Time, November 26, 2021Dn 7:2-14, Dn 3:75-81, Lk 21:29-33 The apocalyptic writing style of the book of Daniel was very popular during the time it was written, and it mirrors perfectly with the writing style of the book of Revelations. The style was used to grab people’s attentionContinue reading “Deacon Stu Dobson’s Reflection 11-26-21”

Deacon Steven Johnson’s Reflection 11-25-21

Deacon Steven Johnson’s Reflection – November 25, 2021Reflection for the 34th Week of Ordinary Time, Thursday, 11-25-21, Year BReadings: Dn 6:12-28, Dn 3:68-74, Gospel Lk 21:20-28Optional Mem: St. Catherine of Alexandria-Virgin and MartyrTheme: Redemption of True Faith As Jesus comes closer to Jerusalem, the scene is one of an ecstatic crowd, much like one where fansContinue reading “Deacon Steven Johnson’s Reflection 11-25-21”

Deacon Stu Dobson’s Reflection 11-19-21

Deacon Stu Dobson’s Reflection33rd Friday in Ordinary Time, November 19, 2021Mc 4:36-37, 52-59, 1 Chr 29:10-12, Lk 19:45-48 It is time to celebrate! The temple has been purified and rededicated, so we should celebrate and praise God for all the good things He has done! And can you imagine doing this for eight days straight?Continue reading “Deacon Stu Dobson’s Reflection 11-19-21”

Thanksgiving – Office Closed

In recognition of the Thanksgiving Holiday,the parish office will be closed on Thursday, November 25th (Thanksgiving Day) and Friday, November 26th. The parish office with re-open at 8:00 a.m.on Monday, November 29th. Happy Thanksgiving!

Thanksgiving – Mass Times

Fr. Geary, Fr. Schuessler, Deacon Jim, Deacon Steven, Deacon Stu and the parish staff wish you and your families a very Blessed Thanksgiving! Mass times on Thanksgiving Day are:7:30 a.m. – English9:00 a.m. – Spanish

Woman of the Year

CONGRATULATIONS BARB OLSON,ST. JAMES WOMAN OF THE YEAR ! ! !Women of the Year from parishes throughout theDiocese of Rockford were honored at a banquet heldNovember 7th at Franchesco’s Ristorante in Rockford.Thank you to our Woman of the Year, Barb Olson,for your continued dedication to our Catholic faith andto the parishioners of St. James Parish!

First Confessions

Children who will be receiving the Sacramentof First Holy Communion this year will be making their first Confessions on Saturday, November 20th.Beginning at 9:00 a.m. on Saturday,there will be seven priests available tohear your Confession if you would like to receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation.All Are Welcome!

33 Days to Morning Glory

This week, the focus of our preparation for Marian Consecration to Jesus draws from the words and deeds of St. John Paul II. We will meet on this Wednesday evening at 6:30 pm in Connolly Hall to continue our group preparation. Our daily readings from 33 Days to Morning Glory are now in the middleContinue reading “33 Days to Morning Glory”

RCIA

There will be no study group withFr. Geary this Tuesday evening. Please enjoy the extra time with your family with hearts filled with gratitude for all we have been given.His blessing abound. Give thanks!

Deacon Steven Johnson’s Reflection 11-18-21

Deacon Steven Johnson’s Reflection – November 18, 2021Reflection for the 33rd Week of Ordinary Time, Thursday, 11-18-21, Year BReadings: Mc 2:15-29, Ps 50:1b-2,5-6,14-15, Gospel Lk 19:41-44Optional Mem: Dedication of the Basilicas of Saints Peter and Paul, ApostlesTheme: Unwavering Faith As Jesus comes closer to Jerusalem, the scene is one of an ecstatic crowd, much likeContinue reading “Deacon Steven Johnson’s Reflection 11-18-21”

Fr. Geary’s Letter, 11-21-2021

Dear Parishioners of St. James: Praised be Jesus Christ Our King! Jesus Christ is king of the universe. No one has more authority than Him. Jesus Himself declared: “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me” (Mt. 28:18). He reigns seated at the right hand of the Father andContinue reading “Fr. Geary’s Letter, 11-21-2021”

Carta de P. Geary, 11-21-2021 – Español

Estimados feligreses de la Parroquia de Santiago Apóstol: ¡Alabado sea Jesucristo Nuestro Rey! Jesucristo es el rey del universo. Nadie tiene más autoridad que Él. Jesús mismo declaró: “Toda autoridad en el cielo y en la tierra me ha sido dada” (Mt. 28:18). El reina sentado a la diestra del Padre y en la SantísimaContinue reading “Carta de P. Geary, 11-21-2021 – Español”

Deacon Steven Johnson’s Reflection 11-11-21

Deacon Steven Johnson’s Reflection – November 11, 2021Reflection for the 32nd Week of Ordinary Time, Thursday, 11-11-21, Year BReadings: Wis 7:22b-8:1, Ps 119:89,90,91,130,135,175, Gospel Lk 17:20-25Mem: St. Martin of Tours, BishopTheme: False Prophets Without Wisdom On November 18th, 1978, in Jonestown, Guyana, Jim Jones, leader of the Peoples Temple, would instruct his followers, 900 totalContinue reading “Deacon Steven Johnson’s Reflection 11-11-21”

Phase II of the Window Restoration Project has Begun!

Work began Wednesday replacing the restored stained glass windows in the church. When the work is completed, the restored windows will add even more beauty to our worship space . . .just in time for Advent and the Christmas Season!

Fr. Geary’s Letter, 11-14-2021

Dear Parishioners of St. James: Praised be Jesus Christ! Jesus Christ will come again to judge the living and the dead. All people on the face of the earth will experience it. His second coming will happen on a certain day known only to God. He will manifest the intentions and actions of every single person, and HeContinue reading “Fr. Geary’s Letter, 11-14-2021”