Father in heaven, the day draws near when the glory of your Son will make radiant the night of the waiting world. May the lure of greed not impede us from the joy which moves the hearts of those who seek him. May the darkness not blind us to the vision of wisdom which fillsContinue reading “Fourth Sunday of Advent”
Author Archives: St. James, Belvidere
Fr. Geary’s Letter, 12-20-2020
Dear Parishioners of St. James: Praised be Jesus Christ! This Christmas will be unlike any other in our lifetimes. People are unsure of their plans, caring for sick loved ones, and feeling anxious about the pandemic. But Christmas will still come on December 25th. We still must celebrate the Lord’s birth Who cameContinue reading “Fr. Geary’s Letter, 12-20-2020”
Carta de P. Geary, 12-20-2020 – Español
Estimados feligreses de la Parroquia de Santiago Apóstol: ¡Alabado sea Jesucristo! Esta Navidad será diferente a cualquier otra en nuestras vidas. La gente no está segura de sus planes, cuidando a sus seres queridos enfermos y sintiéndose ansiosa por la pandemia. Pero la Navidad seguirá llegando el 25 de diciembre. En todas maneras debemosContinue reading “Carta de P. Geary, 12-20-2020 – Español”
Deacon Jim Olson’s Homily – 12-14-20
187 12-14-20 3rd WOA St John of the Cross A man of very small physical stature, as a poet and mystic, is among the giants. What was rare about him was the combination of deep poetic sensitivity and articulateness with the rigorous thought-training of a Thomist philosophy and theology. Written as commentaries on his pomes,Continue reading “Deacon Jim Olson’s Homily – 12-14-20”
Year of St. Joseph
Year of St. Joseph
Christmas Mass Schedule
December 24th: 4:00 and 5:30 p.m. in English; 7:00 p.m. in SpanishDecember 25th: 7:30 and 10:00 a.m. in English; 12:00 p.m. in Spanish
RCIA
What if the celebration of the Mass and the reception of the Eucharist is more than just something we do on Sundays? In the Bread of Life Discourse of John 6, Jesus points us backwards to the Hebrew wanderings in the desert where God fed his people with manna from heaven and at the sameContinue reading “RCIA”
Fr. Geary’s Letter, 12-13-2020
Dear Parishioners of St. James: Praised be Jesus Christ! The readings and prayers for Mass this Sunday share one common theme: Rejoice! “In all circumstances give thanks, for this is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus” (1 Thess. 5:16). The Lord Jesus is here in the Most Blessed Sacrament of the Eucharist. Continue reading “Fr. Geary’s Letter, 12-13-2020”
Carta de P. Geary, 12-13-2020 – Español
Estimados feligreses de la Parroquia de Santiago Apóstol: ¡Alabado sea Jesucristo! Las lecturas y oraciones para la Misa de este domingo comparten un tema común: ¡Alégrate! “En todas las circunstancias den gracias, porque esta es la voluntad de Dios para Uds. en Cristo Jesús” (1 Tes. 5:16). El Señor Jesús está aquí enContinue reading “Carta de P. Geary, 12-13-2020 – Español”
Deacon Jim Olson’s Homily – 12-7-20
181 12-7-20 2nd WOA St Ambrose Ambrose was of a noble family, and was governor of Milan A.D. 374, when a bishop was to be chosen for that great see. As the Arian heretics were many and fierce, he was present to preserve order during the election. Though only a catechumen, it was the willContinue reading “Deacon Jim Olson’s Homily – 12-7-20”
The Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe
The Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupeis on Saturday, December 12th.St. James Church’s Mass Times are:7:30 a.m. in SPANISH (note change for this morning Mass only),4:00 p.m. in ENGLISH and6:30 p.m. in SPANISH
The Immaculate Conception of The Blessed Virgin Mary
The Immaculate Conception of The Blessed Virgin Maryis on Tuesday, December 8th anda Holy Day of Obligation.St. James Church’s Mass Times are:7:30 & 8:45 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. in Englishand 7:00 p.m. in Spanish
Second Sunday in Advent
“O holy, patient, and loving God, in this season of grace-filledlonging, we await the coming of your Son and our Savior.In the midst of our busy world, our busy lives, weneed your help to remind us of what is important and necessary.The one gift that will last comes from you alone, Gracious God,as we growContinue reading “Second Sunday in Advent”
RCIA
We begin our focused look at the sacraments beginning with two of the Sacraments of Initiation: Baptism and Confirmation, two most powerful encounters with the Holy Spirit. Led by Father Geary, all are welcome to join us this Tuesday at 6:30 PM over ZOOM. Joining us for the first time? Text 815-543-4738 with your nameContinue reading “RCIA”
Fr. Geary’s Letter, 12-06-2020
Dear Parishioners of St. James: Praised be Jesus Christ! Within the Season of Advent the Church celebrates two great feasts in honor of the Blessed Virgin Mary: The Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception on December 8th and Our Lady of Guadalupe on December 12th. Mary is the Immaculate Conception. She was conceived in her parents’Continue reading “Fr. Geary’s Letter, 12-06-2020”
Carta de P. Geary, 12-6-2020 – Español
Estimados feligreses de la Parroquia de Santiago Apóstol: ¡Alabado sea Jesucristo! Dentro del tiempo de Adviento la Iglesia celebra dos grandes fiestas en honor a la Santísima Virgen María: La solemnidad de la Inmaculada Concepción el 8 de diciembre y Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe el 12 de diciembre. María es la InmaculadaContinue reading “Carta de P. Geary, 12-6-2020 – Español”
Deacon Jim Olson’s Homily – 11-30-20
Monday, November 30, 2020 Saint Andrew was one of the fishermen of Bethsaida, and brother of Saint Peter, and became a disciple of Saint John the Baptist. He seemed always eager to bring others into notice; when called himself by Christ on the banks of the Jordan, his first thought was to go in searchContinue reading “Deacon Jim Olson’s Homily – 11-30-20”
Deacon Steven Johnson’s Homily 12-3-20
Homily for Advent Time-1st Week Thursday, 12-3-20, Year BREADINGS: 1st Reading Is, 26:1-6; 2nd, Gospel Mt 7:21, 24-27Theme: Prepare to Meet Christ The old Scouting mantra, “be prepared,” not only means to be trained and ready to meet any challenge in the wilderness, but can have even farther reaching meaning in being ready for whenContinue reading “Deacon Steven Johnson’s Homily 12-3-20”
Fr. Geary’s Letter, 11-29-2020
Dear Parishioners of St. James: Praised be Jesus Christ! As we begin the Season of Advent the Church directs our minds and hearts to the second coming of Our Lord Jesus Christ to judge the living and the dead. Themes of preparation and readiness abound in the readings and prayers in the Holy Sacrifice ofContinue reading “Fr. Geary’s Letter, 11-29-2020”
Saint James Catholic Church 