Catholic church already flourishing in Sugar Grove
The new Catholic parish in Sugar Grove is without a church building, but already flourishing.
About 400 people attend weekend services at St. Katharine Drexel Catholic Church, the newest parish in the Rockford Diocese in 20 years. Masses have been held since late November at 4:30 p.m. Saturdays and at 10 a.m. Sundays in the multipurpose room at John Shields Elementary School on Main Street. Mass is also held at 7:30 a.m. Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday at the parish office at 264 Main St.
"A Catholic church was really needed in Sugar Grove," said the Rev. Robert W. Jones, church pastor. He is known as "Father Bob." "Catholics here were going off in different directions, to churches in Elburn, Batavia, Oswego and other places.
"Now, people who live in the same neighborhood are getting to know each other through church," he added.
It is likely the parish will not have a building for about two years, although Jones hopes there is a groundbreaking later this year. The parish will build on 20 acres donated by the Jerry Rich family at Dugan and Prairie roads in Sugar Grove Township. The family also donated $2.8 million to jump start a fundraising campaign.
Jones says that phase I of the building plans include a chapel that will seat about 250, a community center and parish offices.
The parish is named after Katharine Drexel, who was born into a prominent Philadelphia family in 1858 and died in 1955. She devoted her life to the poor and worked chiefly with children from Native American and black families.
"She was born into wealth but she had a heart for the poor," Jones said. "She captured the spirit of the gospel."
Jones was born and raised in Elmhurst. He earned a business degree from Northern Illinois University and worked in management for five years before studying for the priesthood. He was ordained in 1992. For information, call (630) 466-0303 or visit stkatharinedrexel-sugargrove.org. Hear former mob figure: Michael Franzese will speak at 6 p.m. Saturday and at 9 and 11 a.m. Sunday at Christ Community Church, Bolcum and Randall roads in St. Charles.
Once a leading mob figure, and the son of John Franzese who worked for the Columbo family, Franzese is now an inspirational speaker.
He is the author of "Quitting the Mob" and relates a story of personal transformation.
The public is invited to hear Franzese at no charge. For information, visit ccclife.org and michaelfranzese.com.