Bishop David Malloy is Bishop of Rockford after Bishop Thomas Doran’s retirement. The change in diocesan leadership occurred May 14 with traditional installation ceremonies. Bishop Malloy is the ninth priest to be named bishop of Rockford, which includes 104 parishes.
Monsignor Aaron Brodeski, pastor at St. Mary’s in Woodstock and diocesan vocation director, said, “We are blessed to have Bishop Malloy in our diocese.
He clearly has a deep and authentic faith and is a man of true prayer. He has already brought an enthusiasm to his role as bishop. I think we all look forward to reaping the good fruit of his ministry.”
Brodeski announced that Bishop Malloy has appointed Father Steven Clarke to St. Mary’s as an additional parochial vicar. Brodeski’s responsibilities as vocation director for the diocese require regular trips to Rockford. Father Clarke joins Father Johnson Lopez in ministering to St. Mary’s parish.
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Although apple pie is the most popular entry in the pie-baking contest at the July 8 Heritage Fair, mixed-berry, strawberry-rhubarb and peach-blueberry have also been entered in past years. Ella Martin, chairman of the contest, thinks contestants try to improve their odds of winning by choosing an unusual ingredient for their entry. In past years, as many as 20 pies were entered in the contest. Pie bakers can register their pies for an entry fee of $2 per pie from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. July 8 before judging begins at 10:30 a.m.
The contest at the McHenry County Historical Society in Union will have three categories: apple, cherry and an open fruit pie class. Pies should have a double crust and be baked before arrival at the Heritage Fair.
No cream pies can be accepted. All pies will be sold by the slice after the judging. The grand prize-winning pie is auctioned during the antique auction.
The Heritage Fair, “Hats Off to Hometowns,” is a free, family fun event July 8 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on the museum grounds in Union.
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The Rev. Kurt Gamlin, native of Belvidere, will become pastor of the First United Methodist Church of Woodstock on July 1.
Since the First United Methodist Church was established in Woodstock in 1850, Gamlin is the 58th person to serve as pastor of this congregation.
A graduate of Belvidere High School and Illinois State University, he felt the call into the ministry his senior year in college.
He has served four churches in his 31 years of ministry. Gamlin and his wife, Betsy, have four adult children and four grandchildren. He says his favorite hobby is playing with his grandchildren. He enjoys biking, running and walking his dog, Kit.
• Don Peasley has been editor, columnist and historian in McHenry County since 1947. He began his association with Shaw Publications in 1950. He is a frequent contributor of articles and photographs. 815-338-1533.
