Father David Peck was assigned as the new pastor of St. Rita Parish in Rockford as of July 1, 2011 in addition to his current work as superintendent of St. Edward Central Catholic High School in Elgin, a position he has held since July 2009.

Born in Aurora, Father Peck attended Immaculate Heart Central High School in Watertown, NY, Allentown College of St. Francis in Center Valley, PA, and Lehigh University in Bethlehem, PA, followed by a year of study at Universidad de Javaiana in Bogota, Columbia.  He studied theology at Catholic Univserity for a couple of years, then spent 10 years in business and post-graduate work at New York Univesity.  He complete is Master of Divinity degree at St. Mary-of-the-Lake Seminary in Mundelein in 1994.

He was ordained to the priesthood by Bishop Arthur J. O'Neill on May 21, 1994.

Father Peck first served as an associate at St. Mary Church in Elgin, from 1994-1997, and as a faculty member of St. Edward Central Catholic High School from 1994-1998.  After serving a year as an associate at St. Patrick Church in St. Charles, he became secretary to Bishop Thomas G. Doran and Diocesan Master of Ceremonies in July 1998.  Later that year he also became Diocesan Director of Pilgrimages and the following year also became director of the Pro-Life Office for the diocese. 

He then served at St. Catherine of Siena, Dundee, and St. Mary, Gilberts, first as administrator and moderator from July 1-Aug. 15, 2000, than as pastor until Oct. 20 that year when he became pastor of St. Patrick Parish in Rochelle, serving there until July 1, 2009.  While at St. Patrick's, on May 1, 2004, he also became spiritual director for the Office of Respect Life Activities for the diocese.  Also while in Rochelle, he served as chaplain for the Rochelle and Ogle-Lee fire departments.

Email Address:  dpeck.stritarockford.org