November 8, 2026
"You know neither the day, nor the hour." -Mt 25:13
Spiritual Resources
The Pope Video is an official global initiative aimed at disseminating the Holy Father’s monthly intentions. It is carried out by the Pope’s Worldwide Prayer Network.
November Video
From the Pastor's Desk
Dear brothers and sisters in Christ,
The Diocesan Tribunal is introducing a new Case Advisor Program in the Diocese of Rockford to better assist people who are interested in starting the declaration of nullity process (commonly called the “annulment” process) and to more effectively utilize Tribunal personnel and resources. Case advisors will be assigned by the Tribunal to assist people who have already applied through their parish priest or deacon to start this process. Case advisors will typically meet with such people locally in their respective deanery, to provide information on the process, help them to provide relevant testimony to the Tribunal, and help them to compose and to submit their petition to the Tribunal. The Tribunal seeks to have several case advisors in each deanery, and fluency in both English and other languages, particularly Spanish, is a plus. In order to serve as a case advisor, an applicant must have critical-thinking skills, be detail-oriented, and have completed the diocesan Ministry Formation Program. Mandatory training will be provided by Tribunal personnel, and classes will meet at the Diocesan Administration Building. If you are interested in learning more about being a case advisor, you can visit www.rockforddiocese.org/capis. To obtain an application, please contact the parish office. If you have any questions about the Case Advisor Program, please email tribunaloffice@rockforddiocese.org. Applications are due by December 31, 2026. Thank you for prayerfully considering if the Lord is calling you to serve as a case advisor for the Diocesan Tribunal.
“You Will Be My Witnesses” Update
Now that we are a few weeks into the diocesan capital campaign, “You Will Be My Witnesses”, I wanted to provide an update on where we are at. At the diocesan level, the campaign goal is $60 million, and the total funds raised as of October 30 was $30,002,829 (50%), from 6,166 decisions to contribute. At our parish, the goal is $759,008. As of October 30, we have raised $104,944 (13.8%). That is an amazing start! Thank you for your generosity. If you have any questions about the campaign or if you have not yet received your packet from the diocese, please let me know. I ask that all of us prayerfully consider how we can participate in this campaign that will do so much good throughout our diocese and here at our parish. Know of my prayers for you.
Peace,
Fr. Linkenheld
Fall Faith Formation Series
"The Grandeur of Humanity"
A Four-Week Parish Course with Fr. Twenty
What does it mean to be human in a world increasingly shaped by artificial intelligence?
Join Fr. Twenty for a four-week exploration of Pope Leo XIV's recent encyclical Magnifica Humanitas.
Together, we'll explore human dignity, Catholic social teaching, the challenges facing humanity, and how our faith guides us in building a "civilization of love."
The same weekly session will be offered on Thursday evenings and Saturday mornings:
Thursdays at 6:30pm in Memorial Hall: November 12, 19; December 3, 10
Saturdays at 10:30am in the St. Mary Room: Nov 14, 21; December 5, 12
"The Grandeur of Humanity"
A Four-Week Parish Course with Fr. Twenty
What does it mean to be human in a world increasingly shaped by artificial intelligence?
Join Fr. Twenty for a four-week exploration of Pope Leo XIV's recent encyclical Magnifica Humanitas.
Together, we'll explore human dignity, Catholic social teaching, the challenges facing humanity, and how our faith guides us in building a "civilization of love."
The same weekly session will be offered on Thursday evenings and Saturday mornings:
Thursdays at 6:30pm in Memorial Hall: November 12, 19; December 3, 10
Saturdays at 10:30am in the St. Mary Room: Nov 14, 21; December 5, 12
Religious Education
“Stay awake and be ready! For you do not know on what day your Lord will come.”
-Matthew 24:42
In today’s Gospel Jesus teaches us the importance of staying spiritually ready and keeping our faith alive through prayer, love, kindness, and good works.
Family Challenge: What can I do this week to keep the light of Jesus shining in my heart? Encourage your children to think of one way they can share God’s love at home, at school, or in their community.
RE Mass Volunteers:
Greeters: Michael Bott and Trevor Joynt
Ushers: Aoife Welp, Eva Welp, Bennett Gunderson and Brody Gunderson
First Reading: Sofia Ferrer
Second Reading: Sam Schwartz
Gifts: Adeline Renteria and Ollie Pitner
Upcoming Dates:
November 8: RE Mass at 8:00/Sacramental prep class meets at 9:00 in St. Joseph room/8th grade saint report due
November 14: Filipino Feast Fundraiser
November 29: NO CLASS
Filipino Feast Fundraiser
This fundraiser will support Vacation Bible School!Join us for a buffet style dinner along with entertainment to support bringing Vacation Bible School back to our parish. Experience the Filipino culture with music, dancing and delicious food. Our 8th graders will also have their saint projects on display. Dinner will be served following the 5:00 Mass on November 14. Meal includes chicken strips, stir fry noodles, eggrolls, rice and desserts. Tickets can be purchased in the parish office for $20/adult and $10/ child ages 12 and younger.
St. Mary School
This week was Red Ribbon Week. The theme this year was “Be A Hero. Stay Drug Free.” Monday the students wore red and tied a ribbon around a tree. Wednesday we wore a superhero costume or t-shirt. Friday we donated $1 to Unicef to wear an orange, black or Halloween shirt.
🍕 St. Mary’s Dine Out Night at Sam’s Pizza! 🍕
Mark your calendars for Monday, November 9, and join us at Sam’s Pizza for a delicious way to support St. Mary’s Catholic School!
From 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM, 10% of sales will be donated back to St. Mary’s School! Bring the family, grab dinner, and enjoy a night out while giving back to our school community.
Whether you choose to dine in, carry out, or order delivery, you can help support our school!
📣 Be sure to mention St. Mary’s when ordering so our school receives credit for your purchase!
📍 Sam’s Pizza
526 E. State St., Sycamore
Thank you for supporting St. Mary’s!
Join us for our Preschool & Kindergarten Open House on Tuesday, November 10! Come explore our classrooms, meet our teachers, and discover all the wonderful things St. Mary's has to offer for the 2027–2028 school year!
RSVP Here
RSVP Here
Diocese Parish Life Note
November Mental Health Minute
