Author Archives: St. James, Belvidere

Fr. Schuessler’s Reflection 9-8-24

These days various programs of religious education for children, adolescents and adults begin.   No one is too old to grow in wisdom, knowledge and faith. I hope that adults will take advantage of the many faith forming events that are offered here. I also hope that the required classes for parents and godparents for Baptism will be seen as an opportunity to grow in faith and not simply a hoop to be jumped through.  Religious education classes for children andContinue reading “Fr. Schuessler’s Reflection 9-8-24”

Fr. Schuessler’s reflexión para el 9-8-24

Nadie es demasiado viejo para crecer en sabiduría, conocimiento y fe. Espero que los adultos aprovechen de los muchos eventos de formación de fe que se ofrecen aquí. También espero que las clases obligatorias para los padres y padrinos para el Bautismo sean vistas como una oportunidad para crecer en la fe y no simplementeContinue reading “Fr. Schuessler’s reflexión para el 9-8-24”

Fr. Timothy Mulcahey Letter/Carta 9-8-24

Ephphatha – “Be opened” – “ábrete” Maybe you´ve seen a strange practice at  baptism. Suddenly the priest walks up to the newly baptized child, touches the baby´s ears and mouth with his thumb while saying: “May the Lord who made the deaf hear and the mute speak grant you the grace to hear His Word andContinue reading “Fr. Timothy Mulcahey Letter/Carta 9-8-24”

Deacon Stu Dobson’s Reflection – September 6, 2024

22nd Friday in Ordinary Time, Yr 2, September 6, 20241 Cor 4:1-5; Ps 37:3-6, 27-28, 39-40; Lk 5:33-39 The Psalmist cries out today, “Turn from evil and do good, that you may abide forever; for the Lord loves what is right and forsakes not his faithful ones.”  The readings the last few weeks have beenContinue reading “Deacon Stu Dobson’s Reflection – September 6, 2024”

Fr. Schuessler’s reflexión para el 9-1-24

Hay muchas maneras de reflexionar sobre las Escrituras. Una forma es elegir un pasaje de los Evangelios. Para los “principiantes” el Evangelio según San Marcos podría ser el más fácil.   Comienza orando al Espíritu Santo.  Lee y lee de nuevo un pasaje. Trata de imaginar la escena: el entorno — los árboles —cielo— el suelo,Continue reading “Fr. Schuessler’s reflexión para el 9-1-24”

Fr. Timothy Mulcahey Letter/Carta 9-1-24

“… but their hearts are far from me.” / “… pero su corazón está lejos de mí.” It is easy to pay God lip service, but our hearts?… Today´s Gospel passage shows the tension between Christ and the Pharisees, between a pure, undivided heart and the false appearances of worship. “Their hearts are far from me.” AllContinue reading “Fr. Timothy Mulcahey Letter/Carta 9-1-24”

Symbolon Study

https://watch.formed.org/symbolon-the-faith-of-the-church/season:1/videos/symbolon-the-faith-of-the-church-trailer Coming this Fall! A Parish-wide journey featuring the new Symbolon.  Just released! Fall more deeply in love with the Faith in this beautiful and compelling examination of all that we profess to believe. Examine the Faith in light of Scripture, the teachings of the Church, and Virtual Pilgrimages to many shrines throughout the UnitedContinue reading “Symbolon Study”

Our Lady of Lourdes Statue Blessing

The Legion of Mary would like to thank the following people/groups for their contributions in helping to enshrine the Our Lady of Lourdes Statue outside of the rectory: Fr. Timothy Mulcahey, our Knights of Columbus, Charles Schanes, Roger Long, Dave Worrell, Mary Bjork, and members of the Legion Of Mary.  Please contact Lee Beback (MondayContinue reading “Our Lady of Lourdes Statue Blessing”

Religious Education Registration 2024-2025

Late Fee of $20 will be added to the Registration after August 14th.Registration is by appointment ONLY. Call the RE office at 815-547-7633 Volunteer OpportunityCatechist Needed for Wednesday 4:30—5:45 pmGrade 1—Spanish and Grade 6—English Are you being called to share and teach our Faith with children in our parish?We supply everything you need. Necesitamos voluntarios—CatequistaContinue reading “Religious Education Registration 2024-2025”

Fr. Schuessler’s Reflection 8-25-24

We have been reflecting on the proclamation of the Word of God at Mass and then as a continuation of this, in different prayer and study groups.  Another way of reflecting of the Word of God is called Lectio Divina. The guidelines for scriptural interpretation that we talked about last week also apply here. It’s always important to have aContinue reading “Fr. Schuessler’s Reflection 8-25-24”