Press Releases | StandWithFrParker

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

June 15, 2021

Vigil Extended at Holy Cross Rectory in Batavia

Batavia, IL – What began as a 24-hour vigil at the Holy Cross Catholic Church Rectory in Batavia, has been extended several more days due to increasing concerns about the physical safety of beloved pastor, Fr. James Parker. This follows an announcement that he will not be leaving the parish on Wednesday, June 16, despite a verbal request from The Rockford Diocese in late May.

According to a statement made by Fr. Parker today, “…I have read the provisions of the law itself, consulted with some of the world’s foremost experts in canon law based in Rome, and prayed earnestly for guidance from the Lord above. I have formed a decision in conscience that I am juridically and therefore morally obligated to remain as your pastor if and until the provisions of the law of the Church have been duly observed and determined otherwise.”

Parishioners and supporters from all over the diocese have been gathering around the clock to keep watch over Fr. Parker while he continues maintaining his responsibilities within the parish. Now they are concerned about Bishop Malloy’s reaction to this news. The extreme measures that have taken place throughout the country to remove priests from their assigned parishes, which include forcibly putting a priest in a vehicle and admitting them into a rehabilitation center without just cause.

That was the case in 2018 when two men confronted Fr. Paul Kalchik, on behalf of Cardinal Balse Cupich, saying that he would be sent to St. Luke Institute, a mental health facility, due to alleged “psychiatric issues.” Holy Cross parishioners fear something like this might happen to Fr. Parker and are determined to prevent it.

“There is strength in numbers and already over 300 people have taken a turn keeping watch and standing up for what they believe in. The laity is no longer going to be tolerant of the removal of good, traditional priests. Talking to the volunteers, it’s clear many are giving back for the blessings they received as a result of the counsel and spiritual guidance that Fr. Parker has provided over the past six years. If something happens to him, all eyes will be on the Rockford Diocese,” said an anonymous source.

Although there is a formal sign-up for people who are interested in participating, countless families have stopped by at all hours of the day and night to lend their support. Coolers filled with ice and bottled water have been dropped-off, children play in the grassy area, and adults talk quietly about what they plan to do next--while keeping a watchful eye on everything.

A GiveSendGo page has been setup to help cover Fr. Parker’s legal costs, and t-shirts are being sold via the website: www.standwithfrparker.org. For more information visit our Facebook page @WeStandwithFrParker

To make a donation: GiveSendGo - Father Parker Support Fund: The #1 Free Christian Fundraising Site.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

June 9, 2021

24 Hour, Peaceful Assembly Scheduled in Batavia

Batavia, IL – Starting on Tuesday, June 15, supporters of Fr. James Parker, Pastor at Holy Cross Catholic Church in Batavia, will be taking one hour shifts, for a 24 hour period, outside the priest’s office and home. The Rockford Diocese told him to leave the parish on that date without explanation, which is against Canon laws that govern the church.

“Fr. Parker is trying to resolve this situation with the diocese, but to date they have been unresponsive. Canon law dictates he can’t leave unless he receives notice in writing. He is required to stay with us because a sheperd can’t leave his flock,” explained Roxanne Malley, a Holy Cross parishioner. “We don’t know what Bishop Malloy will do on June 15, but we’re going to be there as witnesses to anything that might happen.”

In the past few weeks, many people have shared their experiences and encounters with Fr. Parker and the impact he has had on their lives. This event is a peaceful, outward way to show love for a faithful, traditional priest who is being canceled by the Rockford Diocese. Participants were asked to sign-up for a timeslot in advance, but additional supporters are welcome to come at any hour, to sit quietly with the group.

“There is really nothing we can do except pray at this point, and we hope our physical presence will give him strength. We stand with Fr. Parker,” said Malley.

Several additional events have taken place over the past few weeks including rosary vigils at Holy Cross Church and at St. Peter Cathedral in Rockford. A GiveSendGo page has also been setup to help cover his legal costs, and t-shirts, buttons and blue ribbons can be seen throughout communities in the diocese to increase awareness of this situation.

To make a donation: GiveSendGo - Father Parker Support Fund: The #1 Free Christian Fundraising Site.

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