Congratulations Deacon Kyle Manno! 

Check out this video of Father Tom Coughlin, O.P. receiving an honorary Doctorate degree!

David Zarembski Ordained a Deacon!

On October 6, 2012, David Zarembski knelt in front of Bishop David Malloy in the Cathedral of St. Peter in Rockford, IL. and was ordained a Deacon in the Catholic Church. It was a wonderful experience to witness.  As a Deacon, David Zarembski has been assigned to serve the Deaf Apostolate!  He will be assisting Msgr. Nelson in meeting the Sacramental and Spiritual needs of the Catholic Deaf and Hard of Hearing Community of the Diocese of Rockford. He can preach at Sunday Mass, assist in Sacramental preparation, visit the sick, lead Bible Studies, Baptize, or witness Weddings.  As a Deacon he CANNOT hear confessions, annoint the sick or celebrate Mass... this is only done by a Pope, Bishop or Priest. We congratulate Deacon Dave, his wife, Beth Ann, and his whole family on this wonderful occaision.  Thank you Dave for answering God's call to serve the Church!  We will pray for you as you begin this new ministry and may God bless you!

Sue Gudenkauf became a Consecrated Virgin!

It is with great joy that we receive the news that Bishop Morlino, the bishop of the Diocese of Madison, Wisconsin, has accepted the petition of Sue Gudenkauf to become a Consecrated Virgin.  The custom of consecrating women to a life of virginity has been around since the beginning of the early Church.  "Those who consecrate their chastity under the insipiration of the Holy Spirit do so for the sake of more fervent love of Christ and of greater freedom in the service of their brothers and sisters." (Rite of Consecration to a Life of Viriginty)  Sue was consecrated on December 11, 2011 in Madison Wisconsin.  We thank her for her committment to Christ and to His Church and we pray for her and wish her all the best as she becomes a Bride of Christ!

A Letter to the Editor of Northwest Herald, Crystal Lake Newspaper
October, 11, 2011

Wonderful Gift
To the Editor:
     We are writing to bring your attention to the efforts fo a wonderful member of our community - County Board member Mary Donner.
     At 9 a.m. Mass in St. Thomas Church each Sunday, Mary donates her sign language skills to those who need help interpreting the Mass.  This is where we met Mary more than five years ago.
     Our daughter, Leah, has a number of communication challenges, and when Mary signs the Mass, Leah understands so much more.  As Mary signs the priest's words, Leah is engaged, attentive and really loves attending church.
     Mary has a wonderful gift in being able to bridge the gap between the spoken Mass and those who need sign language to understand.  We feel it is important to recognize and thank Mary Donner for her contribution to our congregation and to our family's participation in the Mass.

Michael and Mary Fisher
Crystal Lake

Saturday, May 21, 2011, Deacon Christopher Klusman was ordained into the priesthood in the Archdiocese of Milwaukee at St. John Cathedral by Archbishop Jerome Listecki. Monsignor Nelson had the special honor of concelebrating and interpreting the ordination Mass. Newly-ordained Father Klusman celebrated his first Mass of Thanksgiving on Sunday, May 22, 2011, at St. Matthias Catholic Church in Milwaukee. Many of you know Fr. Klusman in our Rockford Deaf Apostolate family and many people went to his first Mass. Mass.

Fr. Klusman has been assigned to St. Roman Parish, 1710 W. Bolivar Avenue in Milwaukee on a half-time basis beginning June 21, 2011. Fr. Klusman attended Neeskara Elementary and Sholes Middle School, St. Thomas More High School and University of Wisconsin-Madison before entering St. Francis de Sales Seminary.

Fr. Klusman has a special gift from God in serving as a priest and we thank God for giving us Fr. Klusman....Congratulations!