Deacon Stu Dobson’s ReflectionDecember 31, 20211 Jn 2:18-21; Ps 96:1-2, 11-13; Jn 1:1-18 As we approach the end of the Christmas octave, it is most appropriate that we look at the beginning. I am not talking about the beginning of the Christmas season, but the beginning that St. John is talking about, the VERY beginningContinue reading “Deacon Stu Dobson’s Reflection 12-31-21”
Author Archives: St. James, Belvidere
Fr. Geary’s Letter, 1-2-2022
Dear Parishioners of St. James: Jesus Christ is Born for Us; Come Let Us Adore Him! The magi traveled to Bethlehem from the east for one purpose: To adore Jesus Christ. When they saw Jesus, they prostrated themselves and did Him homage. They recognized Him as the king of the Jews. Thirty-three years later, even Pontius Pilate wouldContinue reading “Fr. Geary’s Letter, 1-2-2022”
Carta de P. Geary, 1-2-2022 – Español
Estimados feligreses de la Parroquia Santiago Apóstol: Jesucristo ha nacido para nosotros; ¡Vengan, adorémoslo! Los magos viajaron a Belén desde el este con un propósito: adorar a Jesucristo. Cuando vieron a Jesús, se postraron y le hicieron un homenaje. Lo reconocieron como el rey de los judíos. Treinta y tres años más tarde, incluso Pilato Poncio insistiría enContinue reading “Carta de P. Geary, 1-2-2022 – Español”
Deacon Stu Dobson’s Homily 12-26-21
Deacon Stu Dobson’s Homily Feast of the Holy Family, Sunday, December 26, 2021Sm 1:20-28; Ps 84:2-3, 5-6, 9-10; 1Jn 3:1-2, 21-24; Lk 2:41-52 (year C) Perfection, and no I am not referring to our Christmas celebrations yesterday, I am referring to the perfect family we are celebrating today. The Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph. TheContinue reading “Deacon Stu Dobson’s Homily 12-26-21”
Parish Office Closed Dates
In Celebration of the Birth of Christ and the New Year Holiday,the parish office will be closed for Christmas on Christmas Eve, and Monday, December 27th. The office will re-open on Tuesday, December 28th.In Celebration of the New Year Holiday, The parish office will be closed on Friday, December 31st and Monday, January 3rd. The office will re-open on Tuesday,Continue reading “Parish Office Closed Dates”
Legion of Mary First Wednesday Devotion
Beginning in January, 2022, the Legion of Mary (Our Lady of Good Success Presidium) will be sponsoring a First Wednesday devotion to St. Joseph. Please join us in praying the rosary on the First Wednesday of each month at 7:00 a.m. in honor of St. Joseph followed by a Litany before the 7:30 am Mass.
Year End Giving
If you itemize on your tax return:Contact your tax advisor for advice about how end-of-year charitable giving would work best in your specific situation.Contact the Office of Charitable Giving at the Diocese of Rockford to find out more about end-of-year giving options.
Christmas Music
The St. James Christmas Choir will begin singing at 3:00 p.m. on Christmas Eve – prior to the 4:00 p.m. Mass. If you are attending 4:00 p.m. Mass this Christmas Eve, please consider coming early to help bring in the Christ Child!
St. James Parish – Christmas Mass Times
Friday, December 24th, 2021 – Christmas Eve4:00 & 5:30 p.m. – English7:00 p.m. – Spanish Saturday, December 25th, 2021 – Christmas Day7:30 & 10:00 a.m. – English12:00 p.m. – SpanishNOTE: There will not be a 4:00 p.m. Mass for Sunday, December 26th Obligation. Sunday, December 26th, 20217:30 & 10:00 a.m. – English12:00 p.m. – Spanish Friday,Continue reading “St. James Parish – Christmas Mass Times”
Fr. Geary’s Letter, 12-26-2021
Dear Parishioners of St. James: Praised be Jesus Christ our newborn King! During the Christmas season the Church celebrates the Holy Family, Jesus, Mary and Joseph. Their love, unity and faithfulness form a model for us all. God became man in a poor, working class family which exuded magnificent holiness. Jesus Christ grewContinue reading “Fr. Geary’s Letter, 12-26-2021”
Carta de P. Geary, 12-26-2021 – Español
Estimados feligreses de Santiago: ¡Alabado sea Jesucristo nuestro Rey recién nacido! Durante la temporada navideña, la Iglesia celebra a la Sagrada Familia, Jesús, María y José. Su amor, unidad y fidelidad forman un modelo para todos nosotros. Dios se hizo hombre en una familia pobre de clase trabajadora que exudaba una magnífica santidad. Jesucristo creció hasta la edadContinue reading “Carta de P. Geary, 12-26-2021 – Español”
Deacon Steven Johnson’s Reflection 12-23-21
Deacon Steven Johnson’s Reflection – December 23, 20214th Week of Advent, Thursday, Year CReadings: Mal 3:1-4, 23-24-20, Ps 25, 4-4ab, 8-9, 10&14, Gospel Lk 1:57-66Optional Memorial of St. John Kanty, Priest Theme: Preparing for the Lord How wonderfully written is the Bible! It is the story of salvation history, the story of our salvation. AsContinue reading “Deacon Steven Johnson’s Reflection 12-23-21”
Fr. Geary’s Letter, 12-19-2021
Dear Parishioners of St. James: Praised be Jesus Christ! One of the key figures in the Advent Season is the Blessed Virgin Mary. Of course, we know that Jesus Christ was born of her and, therefore, she is the Mother of God. But before the Savior’s birth, Mary teaches us faithfulness and love in herContinue reading “Fr. Geary’s Letter, 12-19-2021”
Deacon Stu Dobson’s Reflection 12-17-21
Deacon Stu Dobson’s Reflection3rd Friday in Advent, December 17, 2021Gn 49:2, 8-10; Ps 72:1-4b, 7-8, 17; Mt 1:1-17 Today we begin the Octave before Christmas – the time we focus on all the prophecies declaring the coming of the Messiah, beginning with the sons of Jacob, being assured they will be blessed until the ultimateContinue reading “Deacon Stu Dobson’s Reflection 12-17-21”
Carta de P. Geary, 12-19-2021 – Español
Estimados feligreses de la Parroquia se Santiago Apóstol: ¡Alabado sea Jesucristo! Una de las figuras clave en el tiempo de Adviento es la Santísima Virgen María. Por supuesto que sabemos que Jesucristo nació de ella y, por lo tanto, ella es la Madre de Dios. Pero antes del nacimiento del Salvador, María nos enseña fidelidad y amorContinue reading “Carta de P. Geary, 12-19-2021 – Español”
Parish Office Closed Dates
Parish Office Closed In Celebration of the Birth of Christ,the parish office will be closed on Christmas Eve and Monday, December 27th. The office will re-open on Tuesday, December 28th. Merry Christmas !
Year End Giving
If you itemize on your tax return:Contact your tax advisor for advice about how end-of-year charitablegiving would work best in yourspecific situation. Contact the Office of Charitable Giving at the Diocese ofRockford to find out more about end-of-year giving options.
St. James Angel Tree
PLEASE DO NOT FORGET TO BRING YOUR ANGEL TREE GIFT TO CHURCH THE WEEKEND OF DECEMBER 18TH AND 19TH! Please put the gift card in a gift box or envelope, with tag(s) attached, and return to the church narthex the weekend of December 18th & 19th. Our volunteers will collect and prepare the cards to be pickedContinue reading “St. James Angel Tree”
Christmas Music
The St. James Christmas Choir will begin singing at 3:00 p.m. on Christmas Eve – prior to the 4:00 p.m. Mass. If you are attending 4:00 p.m. Mass this Christmas Eve, please consider coming early to help bring in the Christ Child!
St. James Parish – Christmas Mass Times
Friday, December 24th, 2021 – Christmas Eve4:00 & 5:30 p.m. – English7:00 p.m. – Spanish Saturday, December 25th, 2021 – Christmas Day7:30 & 10:00 a.m. – English12:00 p.m. – SpanishNOTE: There will not be a 4:00 p.m. Mass for Sunday, December 26th Obligation. Sunday, December 26th, 20217:30 & 10:00 a.m. – English12:00 p.m. – Spanish Friday,Continue reading “St. James Parish – Christmas Mass Times”
Saint James Catholic Church 