The parish of St. Francis de Sales wishes to offer our most sincere congratulations to Msgr. Malloy.

Msgr. David J. Malloy appointed Bishop of the Diocese of Rockford

Congratulations to Bishop-Elect David J. Malloy on his appointment as Bishop of the Diocese of Rockford.

The parish of St. Francis de Sales wishes to offer our most sincere congratulations to Msgr. Malloy.

Msgr. Malloy has been a blessing to our parish during the course of the last year. He has truly been a shepherd to our people, and we will miss him and his presence here at our parish. We are proud and honored to have had a pastor who teaches and lives the faith through all that he does. We pledge to pray for him and for the Diocese of Rockford in the coming months.

With the appointment of Monsignor Malloy as Bishop-elect of Rockford, members of the parish have been asking if a date has been set for the consecration and whether it will be possible to attend. The answer to both is YES! Bishop Malloy’s consecration will take place on Monday, May 14th at 2 p.m. at the Metro Center in Rockford. He will be consecrated by Cardinal Francis George, OMI, Archbishop of Chicago, Bishop Thomas Doran, Bishop Emeritus of Rockford, and our own Archbishop Jerome Listecki. The parish is making arrangements for transportation to and from the consecration ceremony. Buses will be departing at 11:30 a.m. from the parish parking lot on May 14th. They will take us to the Metro Center for the Mass at 2 p.m. and will depart about 6:30 p.m. to allow time for parishioners to attend the reception after the Mass.

If you would like to go, please contact Judie in the Parish Office (262-248-8524 or parish@sfdslg.org) to make your reservation, as we need a head count and names for the tickets. The only cost will be $10 to defray the cost of the bus. The deadline for reservations is April 25. ALL ARE MOST WELCOME!

Below is a letter from Archbishop Listecki on Msgr. Malloy’s appointment.

Love One Another
March 20, 2012

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

Today, the Archdiocese of Milwaukee received with joy the news that Pope Benedict XVI has named Msgr. David Malloy, currently pastor of St. Francis de Sales Parish, Lake Geneva, as the new bishop of Rockford Ill. He will replace the retiring Bishop Thomas G. Doran.

Bishop-elect Malloy’s appointment is a tribute to his dedication and priestly service to the Church. After ordination to the priesthood, Bishop-elect Malloy was assigned to diplomatic service for the Vatican. He was stationed in Pakistan, Syria and, in addition, his assignments included the Papal Mission to the United Nations, and the Prefecture of the Papal Household in Rome. Most recently, he was the associate and then general secretary of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops in Washington, D.C.

Upon returning to the Archdiocese of Milwaukee in 2011, he was appointed administrator of St. Francis de Sales Parish, Lake Geneva, and later became pastor. When I appointed him to that faith-filled congregation, I could sense the excitement in the parishioners and the parish staff, who couldn’t help but envision their congregation moving forward in partnership with this energetic priest. His mother and immediate family, present at the celebration, were happy to have their son, brother and uncle so close to home and enjoying his assignment.

I know that even with the joy of this announcement for Bishop-elect Malloy, there is sadness in a community which has so quickly embraced him and the direction he offered as their new pastor. Every time I would see Msgr. Malloy and ask how he was adjusting to parish life, he would respond without hesitancy that he couldn’t be happier, and was loving ever minute of parish life. Like a proud “father,” he would boast about his parishioners, telling me of their commitment to the parish and the depth of their faith.

Bishop-elect Malloy’s proficiency in Spanish helped to create a bridge to the growing Hispanic population at St. Francis de Sales Parish. His associate pastor, Fr. Angel Anaya, told me that he personally learned much from Bishop-elect Malloy’s leadership style and that they worked collaboratively to make sure that the Hispanic community was always included in all the activities, with the understanding that they worked as one parish.

I first met Bishop-elect Malloy when he was a theologian at the North American College. We shared a love for basketball and would play one-on-one. Eight years younger, he was quick and agile, with a good shot to offset his ability. I myself would depend upon the wisdom that comes with age, my cunning deception, physical intimidation and unlimited timeouts just to stay in the game!

Back then, neither of us at that time envisioned the episcopacy. Our discussions usually revolved around the priesthood and our love for the Church. Through these experiences and discussions of faith, a friendship developed which has managed to last for over 30 years.

Bishop-elect Malloy’s appointment is a tribute to the priests and people of the Archdiocese of Milwaukee. We serve Christ and his Church and Pope Benedict honors us by selecting one of our own to be a successor of the Apostles. As his friend and archbishop, I am proud of this appointment. However, I know that we in the archdiocese will be losing a talented pastor, who serves with the heart and mind of the Church. In spite of that, I also know that the Holy Spirit will challenge us to step forward to fill the leadership role, and assume our responsibility to LOVE ONE ANOTHER.

In His Name,

Most Reverend Jerome E. Listecki
Archbishop of Milwaukee