Bishop Malloy's Public Schedule
April 27, 2024
CRYSTAL LAKE - 9 a.m. and 11 a.m. (two ceremonies), Confirmation, St. Thomas the Apostle Church
April 28, 2024
WOODSTOCK - 2 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. (two ceremonies), Confirmation, St. Mary Church
April 28, 2024
ROCKFORD - 7:30 a.m., Sunday Mass, Cathedral of St. Peter
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April 29, 2024
ELBURN - 5:30 p.m., Confirmation for St. Gall-Elburn, St. Mary-Maple Park, and SS. Peter and Paul-Virgil, at St. Gall Church
May 4, 2024
ELGIN - 9 a.m., 11 a.m., 1 p.m. (three ceremonies), St. Joseph Church
May 5, 2024
ROCKFORD - 7:30 a.m., Sunday Mass, Cathedral of St. Peter
May 5, 2024
ST. CHARLES - 2:00 p.m., Confirmation, St. John Neumann Church
May 7, 2024
LOVES PARK - 5:30 p.m., Confirmation, St. Bridget Church
May 9, 2024
FREEPORT - 2:00 p.m., Baccalaureate Mass for Aquin Central Catholic High School, St. Joseph Church
May 10, 2024
ROCKFORD - 11:00 a.m., Baccalaureate Mass for St. Anthony School of Nursing, Holy Family Church
May 11, 2024
BATAVIA - 10:00 a.m., Confirmation, Holy Cross Church
May 13, 2024
CARY - 5:30 p.m., Confirmation, SS. Peter and Paul Church
May 14, 2024
ROCKFORD - 5:30 p.m., Catholic Charities Mental Health Ministry Mass/Feast of St. Matthias and Feast of St. Dymphna Diocesan Mass, Cathedral of St. Peter

Reflection for Advent - Week 3
Preparing the Path for Baby Jesus


By: Father Johnson López

Our Advent journey began a few weeks ago. So, only a few days separate us from Christmas! Do you know what to do with those remaining days of Advent? Sacred Scripture might give you light in this regard.

In the book of the prophet Isaiah (40:3) we read, “A voice proclaims: In the wilderness to prepare the way of the Lord! Make straight in the wasteland a highway for our God!” It is very simple. You need to prepare your spirit for Christmas. Let your hearth be a highway for welcoming baby Jesus. Christmas is all about welcoming Him, the king of kings.

There is no better way for us to prepare than doing the things that please Jesus. In general as Catholics we do not improvise for these celebrations. As Church we already have a whole tradition of devotions for this special liturgical time; devotions that includes novenas, rosaries and music.

At the same time, we extend the opportunities for you to be part of the sacraments of confession and holy Eucharist.
The token of festivity is also noticed with our food. It is very common to host family gatherings during the cool afternoons of December and enjoy typical Christmas dishes. I invite you to prepare yourself to welcome baby Jesus and that He may find a place in your heart.

Merry Christmas 2014!

-Father López is Parochial Vicar at St. Mary Parish in Woodstock

Click Here to Read "Worth the Wait - A Guide for Advent"