SLICE: 24 HOUR CHURCH IN SO BELOIT

 

Faith

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The Rockford Register Star

For Steven Sabo, an all-access church is all-access to spiritual health

A decision to leave St. Peter Catholic Church open to the public 24/7 may be questionable to many, but the Rev. Steven Sabo is confident that it is the right thing to do.

The building, 620 Blackhawk Blvd. in South Beloit, will serve as a "spiritual ER clinic."

"I want people to get to Jesus when they need him the most. When you have a crisis, you go straight to the King."

As for the potential of theft and vandalism, "we trust in the holy angels to protect us, and we have exterior cameras on the church. We'll know who is entering and leaving."

Other changes include making the church handicapped-accessible in hopes of drawing senior citizens back to the church.

"I want them know St. Peter is their home, and I want them to feel comfortable here."

Sabo, pastor of St. Peter and of Church of the Holy Spirit in Roscoe, is a former Rockford police and fire chaplain, a job he reluctantly gave up because of time constraints. The chaplain's primary function is to provide support and assistance to police officers, firefighters, other city employees and their families during a crisis.

They also assist first responders in helping victims and the victims' families during calls for service involving a death or serious injury.

"I love chaplain work. It's near and dear to my heart. It's a civic duty to assist police officers and firefighters. I have a brother in law enforcement and an uncle who is a Canadian Mountie.

Sabo said chaplain work is a reminder to pray daily for those who put themselves in harm's way and who are willing to make the ultimate sacrifice to protect others.

-- Chris Green

Coach for Christ: St. Peter Catholic Church welcomes new priest

Posted: Tuesday, January 10, 2012 4:00 pm

Will O'Brienbeloitdailynews.com

Coach for Christ: St. Peter Catholic Church welcomes new priest

If personal endorsements are any indication, Sabo has the tools to sort out St. Peter's recent troubles, which include declining school enrollment and a canceled new building project that the Rockford Diocese axed due to a lack of funds.

 

Read the entire Beloit Daily News by clicking on the following:  http://www.beloitdailynews.com/news/coach-for-christ-st-peter-catholic-church-welcomes-new-priest/article_88ea3a76-3b9a-11e1-9d02-0019bb2963f4.html#user-comment-area

Where is Father Nicholas Federspiel?

Father Federspiel was the center of much controversy in South Beloit.  He returned to St. John Neumann, St. Charles now in the role of associate pastor.

 

Beloit Daily News, 12-16-2011: St. Peter parish priest reassigned by Diocese

By Will O'Brienwobrien@beloitdailynews.combeloitdailynews.com | 1 comment

 

The following is taken from: http://www.beloitdailynews.com/news/st-peter-parish-priest-reassigned-by-diocese/article_492e8dac-2802-11e1-8576-001871e3ce6c.html

After a brief, and at times difficult stay as parochial administrator at St. Peter Catholic School and Parish in South Beloit, the Rev. Nicholas Federspiel has been reassigned by the Diocese of Rockford and will return to St. John Neumann Parish in St. Charles, Ill. where he previously served.

He performed his last mass at St. Peter Thursday morning.

His replacement, the Rev. Steven Sabo, comes from Christ the King Parish in Wonder Lake, Ill. Federspiel described Sabo as a good friend he's known since their days together in seminary and said their relationship should make the transition of leadership easier.

Federspiel's reassignment is not necessarily indicative of his performance, said Diocese spokesperson Penny Wiegert, as "a little shuffling" of priests is done annually and is considered routine. These moves are decided upon and approved by the Diocesan Bishop Thomas Doran, and a panel called the Vicar for Religious and Clergy. Administrators, like Federspiel, are more likely to have brief assignments than full pastors, she said.

"We have to look at what the needs of a parish are overall and who can best fill those needs," Wiegert said.

But others, former parishioners and former grade school parents who pulled their children from St. Peter before this academic term, are sure to read into the matter a bit further.

In late July, the Diocese pulled the plug on a multi-million dollar new school and parish project for which about $2.2 million in donations had been raised over the course of several years. Donors were given the opportunity to reclaim their financial gifts, but for many of those involved, the campaign was never about money, but rather, the dream of building up a faith community.

St. Peter's school enrollment had climbed for several years, and the parish had drawn in increasing numbers families from the Roscoe area, where the new church and school building were to be built.

Just days after the Diocese announced its decision to cancel the project, a town hall-style meeting was held in the church basement of St. Peter. More than 100 were in attendance, and many of those who took time to publicly address the crowd expressed frustration over the project's cancellation, casting blame on Federspiel and Diocesan administrators for a lack of communication and lack of leadership.

Federspiel has been at St. Peter for less than two years. Some who defended him at the town hall conference in July said he inherited a mess, but others said his decisions only made matters worse. According to multiple accounts, Federspiel disbanded several of the congregation's popular social groups and was nearly impossible to contact via phone or in person.

According to a July Beloit Daily News article, Tom McGinniss, who served on the fundraising committee, said "the change in leadership in this parish really caused this project to fail."

School enrollment there was 114 in 2009-10, according to a spreadsheet provided by St. Peter School Principal Ed O'Brien. Since then, enrollment has dwindled and is now about half the previous figure.

Still, those currently at the school say Federspiel's not at fault. Wiegert emphasized his move was "nothing unusual."

"People can fill in the blanks however they want," she said, but at any given parish, some members like the priest and others will not. It's impossible to please everyone, she said.

After Thursday morning's mass, Federspiel gathered with school children, teachers and a few special guests for a farewell reception in the school's gymnasium. He was welcomed with a strong round of applause and received hand-written notes from nearly all in attendance.

He led the children in cheers of "hip-hip-hooray" and appeared upbeat throughout the appearance. He received many hugs.

"I love you all so much," he said.

O'Brien, who has a long history in academia and previously served at Beloit's Brother Dutton school, had only positive things to say about Federspiel.

"I'm speaking about this year, my time working with him," O'Brien said. "We have worked very well together."

An exact starting date for incoming pastor, the Rev. Sabo was not given, but Federspiel said he's confident Sabo will be a good fit for St. Peter. He will work alongside current parochial vicar there, the Rev. Robert McClellan.

Despite some of the negativity that surrounding Federspiel's tenure, he insisted he would fondly remember his time at St. Peter.

"It's been a real privilege to be part of the parish and school," he said.

Little known facts regarding Rev. Federspiel, pastor of St. Peters in South Beloit

CCI August 10 Lunch Forum Features Fr. Nicholas Federspiel of St. Edwards Church in Rockford: "Evidence That Demands a Verdict: The Existence of Satan in Evil"
8/3/2007 11:23:00 AM - CCI
Catholic Citizens of Illinois invites you to join us for a timely and informative discussion by Fr. Nicholas Federspiel, priest of the Diocese of Rockford, parochial vicar of St. Edwards Church in Rockford. The topic of Rev. Federspiel's talk will be "The Existence of Satan", and ow the evidence of Satan's influence on this world be examined and acted on. CCI's monthly luncheon forums are held on the second Friday of every month, from 11:45 AM To 01:30 PM, at a new location, the Union League Club 65 W Jackson Blvd, Chicago, 60604 - (312) 427-7800. Ticket price includes for a full course meal, and are $30.00. Reservations required. Call Maureen at 708-352-5834. The public is welcome.
###
Fr. Nicholas Federspiel, priest of the Diocese of Rockford, parochial vicar of St. Edwards Church in Rockford. He has a M. Div. from Kenrick Seminary in St. Louis, a BA in Russian History and a B.A. in English from Texas Tech University. He was formerly analyst with the Federal Election Commission, was responsible for congressional campaigns in Illinois and also worked on Capitol Hill as a summer intern. His personal chalice was used by Pope John Paul II for his 25th Jubilee as Pope in 2003.

The above is taken from:  http://www.google.com/gwt/x?gl=us&client=ms-android-verizon&q=father+nicholas+federspiel&hl=en&ei=oyroTtiMDoKgywGNpgE&ved=0CAgQFjAAOAo&start=10&source=m&rd=1&u=http://www.catholiccitizens.org/platform/platformview.asp?c%3D41558

Are communion rails coming back to churches in the Rockford Diocese?

The following picture of St. Peter’s Beloit is taken from:  http://www.stpeterschool.net/

 

The Observer’s official story of the St. Peter’s , Beloit building campaign

The following is taken from the Diocesan website: http://observer.rockforddiocese.org/Archives/2011Archives/August52011/South%20Beloit/

South Beloit Ends Building Fund Effort

By Penny Wiegert, Editor

SOUTH BELOIT—About 100 parishioners met in the basement of St. Peter Church for a town hall-style meeting July 25 to hear for themselves the status of a building fund campaign started in 2007.

The meeting was called by Father Nicholas Federspiel, parochial administrator of St. Peter Parish, to tell parishioners that the capital campaign to raise funds for a proposed new church and school in the Rockton-Roscoe area was being cancelled.

The campaign was halted because sufficient funds had not been raised in order for the project to gain approval to move forward from the Diocesan Building Commission, he explained.

Father Federspiel provided a timeline dating back to April 16, 2007, when the project began. The parish’s original plan was to construct a new Catholic school for pre-kindergarten through eighth grade and a chapel on approximately 15 acres of land owned by the Rockford Diocese off Elevator Road in Roscoe. Initial plans were to finish the school and chapel, then build a church with seating capacity for 1,000.

Due to a diocesan building moratorium, the parish and its pastor at the time, Father Jerome Koutnik, were informed they would need 100 percent of the cost of building in pledges, cash and savings before the project could be approved for construction.

The timeline documented financial progress of the campaign and the repeated cautions from the Diocese that “of critical importance for the Diocese is the parish’s ability to fund the entire project in its construction and then in its maintenance, while not failing to maintain its other diocesan assessments and commitments.”

Attendees also were provided the financial history of the building fund and a dated listing of all withdrawals made to the building fund.

Joining Father Federspiel at the meeting were members of the parish finance council, Tim Wick, Ed Froening and Kevin O’Grady; the director of finance and administration for the Rockford Diocese, Dr. Wayne Lenell and Superintendent of Schools for the Diocese of Rockford, Michael Kagan. Together the group shared information about the options regarding money donated to the building fund.

Father Federspiel explained that since the project was cancelled, all pledges and donations would be refunded. Donors are being given two options:

Option one: The donations would be refunded (IRS income tax implications may apply to some)

Option two: Allow St. Peter Parish to keep the donation for needs of the parish and school.

Dr. Lenell helped explained in general terms how the Internal Revenue Service Tax laws might apply to the refunds and advised everyone present who might choose a refund “to consult your personal tax preparer as to your specific situation.” Forms for refunds were available at the meeting and were mailed to all donors.

Prior to the meeting, packets including a letter explaining the cancellation of the building project, the options for refunds, project timeline and financial information were mailed to all parishioners of St. Peter. The information was also printed in the July 24 bulletin along with an invitation to the meeting.

After almost two hours of sometimes tense and emotional discussion Father Federspiel offered apologies for any shortcomings he may have had in his first year of taking on the pastorate at St. Peter. “I’m sorry for falling short in some areas, but with your help and advice, I hope to do better,” Father said. Father Federspiel also recognized and thanked all those who worked on the building campaign over the years.

He promised the group better communication and asked for their help in moving the parish forward and ended the evening with a prayer

Old 2009 article on St. Peter, South Beloit’s building campaign

St. Peter's continues to collect funds for expansion

St. Peter's continues to collect funds for expansion

A sign outside St. Peter’s Catholic Church in South Beloit is a reminder of the parish’s expansion plans. Phase One includes a new grammar school and chapel in Roscoe at a cost of $3.75 million.Staff photo by Ashley Rhodebeck

 

Posted: Wednesday, April 1, 2009 12:00 am

St. Peter's continues to collect funds for expansionBy Ashley Rhodebeck
arhodebeck@beloitdailynews.combeloitdailynews.com | 0 comments

Next fundraiser dinner/auction set for May 2 and will feature speakers, update on project

The economic recession hasn't stalled one Stateline Area church's plans for expansion.

St. Peter's Catholic Church in South Beloit has collected more than $2 million in cash to build a one-story grammar school and chapel in Roscoe. Another $1.2 million has been pledged, the Rev. Jerome Koutnik said.

“We haven't really seen a slow down in giving to the building fund,” he said.

The church also is working with businesses, such as ABC Supply, to secure about $300,000 of in-kind donations, he said.

With those material donations, Koutnik said, the church would be about $250,000 short of its $3.75 million goal.

“As soon as the money comes in we're building,” he said.

Fundraising began in 2007. Two dinners last year brought in about $93,000, which Koutnik described as “hugely successful.”

He was also the subject of a DVD recorded last March about the expansion plans and financial needs. The 41-year-old school leaks, and one grade level receives lessons in a temporary structure resembling a mobile home.

Koutnik cannot gauge how much money the video brought in, but said it continues to draw good attention to the project.

The second expansion phase includes a $10 million church that can seat 1,000 and the capacity to add another 500. The parish's current facility holds 380.

Moving the school to Roscoe makes sense because about 80 percent of St. Peter's congregation lives in the Rockton-Roscoe area, Koutnik has said.

Furthermore, the Catholic Diocese of Rockford has owned the 15.8-acre site across from the Hilander shopping center on Hononegah-Elevator Road for 20 years.

St. Peter's put the expansion plans in action after seeing Roscoe's, Rockton's and South Beloit's populations rise.

Renderings of the future school have been drafted, and plans regarding the sewer, roads and water have already been negotiated.

“We're in many ways well ahead of this project,” Koutnik said.“The funds just need to catch up.”

Rockford Mayor Larry Morrissey and Winnebago County State's Attorney Joseph Bruscato will speak at the Radisson Hotel in Rockford during the church's next fundraiser dinner and auction. It is scheduled to begin at 6 p.m. May 2. Tickets are $100 and can be purchased by calling 815-389-2024.

An update on the project will be given then, Koutnik said.

Aftermath of South Beloit’s failed Catholic church/school pledge drive?

The following story appeared in the Rockford Register Star’s September 9, 2011th edition.  I have included several comments from the on-line-version.

 

COMMENTS from on-line article:  http://www.rrstar.com/news/schools/x219208293/St-Peter-Catholic-School-opens-with-half-the-enrollment

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I cant point to one thing or another and say this is why enrollment is down, said Penny Wiegert. Really? Perhaps the priest not allowing the CATHOLIC students to PRAY on the parish grounds was a reason? Just saying.

seniorita

 

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I am one of the families who has left the school and I'd like to comment on one statement in this story that reads: 'During the past year, the school dissolved its parent advisory council, marketing committee, tuition-assistance program, fundraising committees and student prayer groups. A food pantry that had been operating for years out of the parish's bingo hall was closed.' It's true this all happened but a bit misleading. The school itself did not dissolve anything. It was the doing of one man, Father Federspiel--and all without input from any parishioner or parent. There isn't one reason he could give to us parents to explain why he dissolved all committees (I was one of the those committee members who was dismissed, without a reason given), or why he wouldn't allow the school to have a functioning Home & School Association and parent advisory council (like every other school in the diocese), or why he discontinued the tuition assistance (which is unheard of in the Catholic school system). What reason could a priest have for ending a student prayer group? These were tuition paying students, studying to become good Catholic adults, who were praying after school all on their own. The priest decides for whatever reason of his own, without input from the parent running the program, that he's ending it. No reason, no discussion, no communication with school parents. What reason could a priest give for turning away a man who came to get food from the pantry? This priest has single handedly brought St. Peter's school and church to it's knees. The economy played no role in the decision for families to leave, because all but a few are now at other Catholic schools, paying higher tuition than they were paying at St. Peter's! It's a fabulous school with devoted teachers and I pray that it will make a come back. The children deserve it!

Here is a July story from WREX Channel 13 on St. Peter’s and some interesting comments. [http://www.wrex.com/story/15144908/south-beloit-church-offer-parshioners-donations-back]

Click on the photocopy to enlarge.

 

Comments on WREX article

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parishioner
I think many people fell the way I do when I say we felt like we were taken advantage of. We donated money to a fund that we were told was going to build a new school and chapel. We also donated countless hours of time in fundraising. We thought we were very close to our goal when all of a sudden our parish and our school was turned upside down. I hope this was not the plan from the beginning, but it makes me wonder. Fundraise, get rid of pricipal, get rid of pastor, drive away parishoners and school families, bring in new admin with new agendas. Then you can say "because of declining enrollment we were forced to shut down the school". If there is no longer interest in a new school then the money can be used for other things right? I feel the only reason the diocese officially took this project off hold and decided to return the money is because lawyers and media got involved. Its too bad that it had to get to that but I understand why it did. Lack of communiication. Yes, many things do need to change at St. Peter's. But it's my church and we will get through this with lots of forgiveness and prayer.

Tuesday, July 26, 2011, 11:18:00 AM

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Guest
I can understand how these people feel. I too belong to St. Peter's. However, it was money already given to the church without being expected back. I am very sad to hear the building has stopped completely. There is alot, I agree that needs to change there. However, we go to church for God. He will always make sure we are taken care and we must not forget this.

Tuesday, July 26, 2011, 10:00:21 AM

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Guest

guest
I like the letter that says "there is alot that needs to change at St. Peters" and I hope that the prayers of the faithful will be answered and that God will send us a shepherd to love us and lead us and trust us. We are a family and alot of our members have now gone elsewhere, but the remnant remains and all the memories of the good days will be with us always.

Tuesday, July 26, 2011, 10:39:44 AM

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Boone County Journal Devotes Pages to St. James Zoning

September 2, 2011’s Boone County Journal is out at retailers across the county.  Seven Letters to the Editor, a half page advertisement and an editorial are all devoted to the St. James zoning request.  This coverage again illustrates the divisiveness of the issue and how important it maybe to the future of not only St. James Parish but to the Boone County community.

Shown below are photocopies of the BCJ articles.  In addition to being available at news outlets across the county, an electronic version will be available soon at: http://www.boonecountyjournal.com/  Please check these sources for many other interesting articles and support BCJ advertisers.

 

 

 

 

 

 

On the photocopies below click to enlarge: 

 

More questions than answers at St. James meeting

The controversy surrounding the construction plans of a new church building continued last week when a “St. James informational meeting” regarding the rezoning and building of the church and was held at the Boone County Community Building Complex.

Parishioners and other interested parties began filling the stands early in the artfully refurbished auditorium/gymnasium on West 1^st Street. Ten panelists sat at long tables facing the stands, their first names printed in bold caps on colorful place cards in front of each person. It lent a friendly touch to a highly charged atmosphere in the huge room. …..

Much was speculated upon; some issues were explained, and some were left up in the air. Most were in agreement that another meeting should be scheduled, hopefully with Father Geary present to address the many unanswered questions.

Click on the following to read the complete Belvidere Daily Republican story:  http://www.belvideredailyrepublican.net/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=6912:more-questions-than-answers-at-st-james-meeting&catid=106:belvidere&Itemid=508

Viewership for the month of August

Readers viewed  1313 pages in the month of August 2011 since the blog’s establishment in June over 2108 pages were viewed.

 

Click on the following photocopy to enlarge:

 

August 23 Meeting at Community Building

The following full page ad appears in today’s  (8-19-2011) Boone County Journal. Please come and join us.

 

 

“Collateral” Damage: What was a widow’s intent regarding her gift to our parish?

On July 21, 1998 Mary Elizabeth Bracken conveyed 22.75 acres of farm land at the Southeast corner of Squaw Prairie and Town Hall Roads to St. James Church of Belvidere.  I was a newcomer to the parish (coming from Cary, Illinois just 9 years before) but I remember all the talk about Chuck Popp, the church’s attorney and parish member. He was “going to make sure” that this land would not be taken from the parish like some parcels in the distant past and how this would be the site of the new church.  Remember—all of this was but the story told at “coffee and donuts” and at other informal social functions around the parish.

Below are photocopies of a picture of Mrs. Bracken, her land, the deed and transfer documents.  Now this land will be held as collateral for a loan from the  Diocese and when times are better maybe sold.  Is this what Mr. Bracken intended?

 

Click on the Photocopies to Enlarge:

 

Observer reports South Beloit Church Fundraiser Cancelation

The following is taken from the Rockford Diocese’s newspaper, August 5, 2011 edition.

 

Click on the photocopy to enlarge: