More Recent History...All Diocese of Peoria Churches were closed due to the COVID-19 Pandemic beginning March 14th, 2020. Public Masses resumed with restrictions on June 6, 2020. Capacity was limited to 20% which is 60 people for our church with + 20 overflow in the parish hall. Restrictions were discontinued as of June 1st, 2021. The COVID dispensation from the Sunday Mass obligation ended Palm Sunday, April 10th, 2022.
Diocese of Peoria Announcement on COVID-19 Safety --- WARNING about RISK ASSUMED by PARISHIONERS
While our parish staff attempts to take appropriate precautions consistent with the advice of public health authorities,
parishioners and guests should understand they assume risk of contracting COVID-19 any time they enter a public space,
since such precautions do not eliminate the risk of infection.
While our parish staff attempts to take appropriate precautions consistent with the advice of public health authorities,
parishioners and guests should understand they assume risk of contracting COVID-19 any time they enter a public space,
since such precautions do not eliminate the risk of infection.
St. Patrick parish was founded in 1853 and the first Mass was celebrated by the Rev. Bernard O'Hara in the Philip Donnigan home. Wapella was attended in the early years by priests from Bloomington. It was not until 1857 that the first church building (at a cost of $2,300) and parish house were erected and dedicated to St. Patrick.
The first resident priest was the Rev. Wendelin J. Revis, who came in 1873. The parish continued to expand during the pastorates of the priests who succeeded him and in 1882, the cornerstone of the second church was laid while the Rev. Henry P. Delbaere was pastor.
Twenty-seven years later, when the Rev. T. F. Monahan had charge of the parish, the church was enlarged and the present brick edifice was rededicated December 14, 1909. Two years later, a new rectory was built on the present location.
The priests who served pastorates since then are the Rev. E. M. Hayden, The Very Rev. F. E. Dunn, the Rev. Leo L. Henkel, the Rev. E. W. Flynn, and the Rev. F. B. Dickman. The present pastor, the Rev. Francis J. Cahill, after his return from the Navy as chaplain, was assigned to St. Patrick's in June 1946. Since then some of the improvements that have been made are a north entrance to the church, and the complete redecoration of the interior, with the symbols of the church featured in the art decoration on the walls. The predominate colors used were blue gray, rose and gold. The tapestry back of the altar has designs of IHC and XP and the cross, representing Christ as the center of the faith. The ceiling beams carry 55 small squares, each one containing a different symbol which
date back to the 1600's. Also emphasized in general decoration theme are the Fifteen Mysteries of the Rosary.
The Rev. Francis J. Cahill, pastor, and the members of the St. Patrick's parish marked the 100th Jubilee by a Centennial Celebration on March 17, 1953. The Most Rev. William E. Cousins, D.D., Bishop of Peoria, and more than 80 priests from the Diocese attended the Solemn Mass in the church, and later a dinner in Greene's Hall. This was considered the largest celebration of priests to attend any services ever held in the parish.
~ Excerpt from Souvenir Booklet - Wapella Centennial, 1854-1954; Wapella, Illinois - August 27-29, 1954 - 100 Years of Progress. ~
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1931-1970 - St. Mary Catholic Church, Downs became a mission church of the resident priest at St. Patrick, Wapella.
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--PRIEST HISTORY of SAINT PATRICK CATHOLIC CHURCH
Rev. Derick Mwesiga (June 14, 2023 - Present - Administrator)
Residing at St. Patrick, Wapella, Rectory beginning June 14, 2023
318 S Locust St
P.O. Box 116
Wapella IL 61777
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Rev. Geoffrey Horton (June 9, 2021-June 14, 2023 - Pastor)
(July 8, 2020-June 9, 2021 - Administrator)
St. Mary Catholic Church
505 E Fourth St
PO Box 769
Delavan IL 61734
Rev. Jeffrey D. Stirniman (Aug 2017-July 8, 2020 - Pastor)
Rev. Geoffrey Horton (Aug 2017-July 8, 2020 - Parochial Vicar)
Holy Trinity Church
711 N Main St
Bloomington, IL 61701
Residence at Holy Trinity
Rev. Henry Ahumaraezemma Ogu (2018-2019) resided with Fr. Stirniman and Fr. Horton at Holy Trinity Rectory, Bloomington while working on his Masters Degree at Illinois State University - not associated with the Diocese of Peoria, but given permission to say Masses at St. Patrick, Wapella; Holy Trinity, Bloomington; Historic St. Patrick, Bloomington.
Archdiocese of Owerri in Nigeria - At Washington State University August 2019, then Virginia Commonwealth University August 2021 continuing work on Doctorate in Mathematics.
Benedictine Abbey
12829 River Rd
Richmond VA 23238
Rev. Matthew D. Deptula (Jun 2017-Aug 2017)
St. Edward Church
1216 N 6th St
Chilicothe IL 61523
Rev. Michael Pica (2017 - Parochial Vicar / with Fr. Schultz at St. Patrick of Merna)
St. Patrick Church
725 4th
LaSalle IL 61301
Rev. Dustin P. Schultz (Jun 2016-Jun 2017)
St. Patrick Church of Merna
1001 N Towanda Barnes Rd
Bloomington IL 61705
Rev. Peter A. Pilon (Jun 2010-Jun 2016)
Holy Cross Catholic Church
1010 Jefferson St
Mendota IL 61342
Rev. Patrick T. Henehan (Jun 2004-Jun 2010)
St. Jude Church
10811 N Knoxville Ave
Peoria IL 61615
Rev. Donald Roszkowski (Jun 2003-Jun 2007)
Assistant chaplain OSF HealthCare St. Francis Medical Center in Peoria (2020)
930 NE Glen Oak Ave, Apt 3
Peoria IL 61603
Fr. Gordon John Pillon (Jun 2000-Jun 2003)
Removed from public ministry May 24, 2006
Died 2012
Rev. Robert H. Hoffmann (Jun 1989-Jun 2000)
343 Hickory Ct
Oakwood IL 61858
Senior Status and Pastor Emeritus 2000
Rev. Richard W. Brunskill (1986-1989)
In residence only - chaplain of Central Catholic High School, Bloomington.
Senior Status 2010
Died Jan 18, 2022
Fr. M. Duane LeClercq (Jun 1983-Jun 1989)
Removed from public ministry 2018
Fr. Michael R. Van Acker (Jun 1982-Jun 1986)
In residence only - chaplain of Central Catholic High School, Bloomington.
Removed from public ministry June 7, 2002
Fr. Robert J. Creager (Jun 1975-Jun 1983)
Removed from public ministry May 30, 2002
Died 2008
Msgr. Paul E. Showalter (1975-1980)
In residence only - chaplain of Central Catholic High School, Bloomington.
Senior Status 2018
St. Bernard Church
509 E Kansas St
Peoria IL 61603
Rev. Robert H. Hoffmann (1970-1975)
Senior Status and Pastor Emeritus 2000
Rev. Richard E. Fitzsimmons (1968-1970)
Senior Priest Status and Pastor Emeritus, 2000
Died Jun 16, 2014
--- Tornado hit the church - Wednesday, May 15, 1968.
Rev. Maurus Charles Bernabei (1957-1968)
Died Mar 6, 1972
Rev. Francis J. Cahill (Jun 1946-1957)
Died Jun 21, 1985?
Rev. Francis B. Dickman (Jul 1935-Jun 1946)
--- Hitching posts were removed from south side of the church 1932.
Rev. Emmett W. Flynn (fall 1930-Jun 1935)
Rev. Leo L. Henkel (Jul 1929-Sep 1930)
Died Feb 21, 1989
Very Rev. Edward S. Dunne (Jul 1924-Mar 1929)
* Rev. J. Vincent Greene
Parishioner - celebrated his first Mass in Wapella on November 30, 1916.
Died Feb 6, 1933
Rev. Edmund M. Hayden (Jun 1915-Apr 1924)
Died May 27, 1932
Rev. Timothy F. Monahan (Oct 1906-Jun 1915)
Built an addition to the church, added a steeple tower and rededicated the church December 14, 1909.
Built a new 2-story rectory 1911.
Died Dec 12, 1939
Rev. Michael Angelo Dooling (Jan 1891-Nov 1906)
Built house in Clinton Jul 4-Nov 26, 1893. Moved there and continued serving Wapella. Also donated the round Saint Patrick stained glass window to the church.
Died Jan 28, 1912
Assisted by - Rev. Jeremiah Donovan and Rev. Lawrence Hackett
Rev. Patrick A. Conerty (Apr 1889-1891)
Rev. B. J. Corley (Sep 1887-Apr 1889)
Rev. Thomas J. O'Callaghan (Aug 1884-1887)
First parish house burned, so replaced it with a 2-story structure.
--- Cornerstone of second church laid September 28, 1882.
Rev. Henry Polydore Delbaere (Jul 1882-Aug 1884)
Also established churches in Deland and Weldon.
Rev. Patrick McGrath (Jul 1881-Apr 1882)
Died Jul 21, 1882
Rev. Francis Recouvreur (Nov 1878-Jun 1881)
Also built first church in Farmer City 1880.
Rev. Francis Xavier Schreiber (1877-Oct 1878)
Residence at St. Mary's, Bloomington - attended Wapella.
Credited for starting a movement to establish a Catholic hospital in Bloomington - Saint Joseph Hospital founded 1880.
First resident priest - Rev. Wendelin J. Revis (Dec 1873-Mar 1877)
Rev. Joseph Cartan and Rev. J. A. O'Connor
Assistants to Holy Trinity's Rev. James J. McGovern, D.D.
Outmission of Bloomington 1870-Dec 1873
Rev. Francis A. Keenan (1864-1870)
Pastor of El Paso - attended Wapella.
--- First church building (at a cost of $2,300) and parish house erected and dedicated to Saint Patrick (1857).
--- According to old Catholic Directories, Wapella was attended by priests from Holy Trinity, Bloomington, from 1853-Nov 1864.
--- Rev. Bernard O'Hara (1853) celebrated the first Mass at Philip Donnigan home.
Rev. Derick Mwesiga (June 14, 2023 - Present - Administrator)
Residing at St. Patrick, Wapella, Rectory beginning June 14, 2023
318 S Locust St
P.O. Box 116
Wapella IL 61777
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Rev. Geoffrey Horton (June 9, 2021-June 14, 2023 - Pastor)
(July 8, 2020-June 9, 2021 - Administrator)
St. Mary Catholic Church
505 E Fourth St
PO Box 769
Delavan IL 61734
Rev. Jeffrey D. Stirniman (Aug 2017-July 8, 2020 - Pastor)
Rev. Geoffrey Horton (Aug 2017-July 8, 2020 - Parochial Vicar)
Holy Trinity Church
711 N Main St
Bloomington, IL 61701
Residence at Holy Trinity
Rev. Henry Ahumaraezemma Ogu (2018-2019) resided with Fr. Stirniman and Fr. Horton at Holy Trinity Rectory, Bloomington while working on his Masters Degree at Illinois State University - not associated with the Diocese of Peoria, but given permission to say Masses at St. Patrick, Wapella; Holy Trinity, Bloomington; Historic St. Patrick, Bloomington.
Archdiocese of Owerri in Nigeria - At Washington State University August 2019, then Virginia Commonwealth University August 2021 continuing work on Doctorate in Mathematics.
Benedictine Abbey
12829 River Rd
Richmond VA 23238
Rev. Matthew D. Deptula (Jun 2017-Aug 2017)
St. Edward Church
1216 N 6th St
Chilicothe IL 61523
Rev. Michael Pica (2017 - Parochial Vicar / with Fr. Schultz at St. Patrick of Merna)
St. Patrick Church
725 4th
LaSalle IL 61301
Rev. Dustin P. Schultz (Jun 2016-Jun 2017)
St. Patrick Church of Merna
1001 N Towanda Barnes Rd
Bloomington IL 61705
Rev. Peter A. Pilon (Jun 2010-Jun 2016)
Holy Cross Catholic Church
1010 Jefferson St
Mendota IL 61342
Rev. Patrick T. Henehan (Jun 2004-Jun 2010)
St. Jude Church
10811 N Knoxville Ave
Peoria IL 61615
Rev. Donald Roszkowski (Jun 2003-Jun 2007)
Assistant chaplain OSF HealthCare St. Francis Medical Center in Peoria (2020)
930 NE Glen Oak Ave, Apt 3
Peoria IL 61603
Fr. Gordon John Pillon (Jun 2000-Jun 2003)
Removed from public ministry May 24, 2006
Died 2012
Rev. Robert H. Hoffmann (Jun 1989-Jun 2000)
343 Hickory Ct
Oakwood IL 61858
Senior Status and Pastor Emeritus 2000
Rev. Richard W. Brunskill (1986-1989)
In residence only - chaplain of Central Catholic High School, Bloomington.
Senior Status 2010
Died Jan 18, 2022
Fr. M. Duane LeClercq (Jun 1983-Jun 1989)
Removed from public ministry 2018
Fr. Michael R. Van Acker (Jun 1982-Jun 1986)
In residence only - chaplain of Central Catholic High School, Bloomington.
Removed from public ministry June 7, 2002
Fr. Robert J. Creager (Jun 1975-Jun 1983)
Removed from public ministry May 30, 2002
Died 2008
Msgr. Paul E. Showalter (1975-1980)
In residence only - chaplain of Central Catholic High School, Bloomington.
Senior Status 2018
St. Bernard Church
509 E Kansas St
Peoria IL 61603
Rev. Robert H. Hoffmann (1970-1975)
Senior Status and Pastor Emeritus 2000
Rev. Richard E. Fitzsimmons (1968-1970)
Senior Priest Status and Pastor Emeritus, 2000
Died Jun 16, 2014
--- Tornado hit the church - Wednesday, May 15, 1968.
Rev. Maurus Charles Bernabei (1957-1968)
Died Mar 6, 1972
Rev. Francis J. Cahill (Jun 1946-1957)
Died Jun 21, 1985?
Rev. Francis B. Dickman (Jul 1935-Jun 1946)
--- Hitching posts were removed from south side of the church 1932.
Rev. Emmett W. Flynn (fall 1930-Jun 1935)
Rev. Leo L. Henkel (Jul 1929-Sep 1930)
Died Feb 21, 1989
Very Rev. Edward S. Dunne (Jul 1924-Mar 1929)
* Rev. J. Vincent Greene
Parishioner - celebrated his first Mass in Wapella on November 30, 1916.
Died Feb 6, 1933
Rev. Edmund M. Hayden (Jun 1915-Apr 1924)
Died May 27, 1932
Rev. Timothy F. Monahan (Oct 1906-Jun 1915)
Built an addition to the church, added a steeple tower and rededicated the church December 14, 1909.
Built a new 2-story rectory 1911.
Died Dec 12, 1939
Rev. Michael Angelo Dooling (Jan 1891-Nov 1906)
Built house in Clinton Jul 4-Nov 26, 1893. Moved there and continued serving Wapella. Also donated the round Saint Patrick stained glass window to the church.
Died Jan 28, 1912
Assisted by - Rev. Jeremiah Donovan and Rev. Lawrence Hackett
Rev. Patrick A. Conerty (Apr 1889-1891)
Rev. B. J. Corley (Sep 1887-Apr 1889)
Rev. Thomas J. O'Callaghan (Aug 1884-1887)
First parish house burned, so replaced it with a 2-story structure.
--- Cornerstone of second church laid September 28, 1882.
Rev. Henry Polydore Delbaere (Jul 1882-Aug 1884)
Also established churches in Deland and Weldon.
Rev. Patrick McGrath (Jul 1881-Apr 1882)
Died Jul 21, 1882
Rev. Francis Recouvreur (Nov 1878-Jun 1881)
Also built first church in Farmer City 1880.
Rev. Francis Xavier Schreiber (1877-Oct 1878)
Residence at St. Mary's, Bloomington - attended Wapella.
Credited for starting a movement to establish a Catholic hospital in Bloomington - Saint Joseph Hospital founded 1880.
First resident priest - Rev. Wendelin J. Revis (Dec 1873-Mar 1877)
Rev. Joseph Cartan and Rev. J. A. O'Connor
Assistants to Holy Trinity's Rev. James J. McGovern, D.D.
Outmission of Bloomington 1870-Dec 1873
Rev. Francis A. Keenan (1864-1870)
Pastor of El Paso - attended Wapella.
--- First church building (at a cost of $2,300) and parish house erected and dedicated to Saint Patrick (1857).
--- According to old Catholic Directories, Wapella was attended by priests from Holy Trinity, Bloomington, from 1853-Nov 1864.
--- Rev. Bernard O'Hara (1853) celebrated the first Mass at Philip Donnigan home.
March 17, 1953 - 100th Anniversary -
Bishop William E. Cousins on steps of St. Patrick rectory. In front to L of Bishop, Pastor Francis J. Cahill. At Bishop's L - Rev. Francis B. Dickman who acted as Deacon; at R - Rev. Emmett W. Flynn who acted as Subdeacon. From lower L going clockwise - Rev. Henry Schubert, Rt. Rev. Monsignor B. J. Sheedy, Very Rev. Monsignor Leo L. Henkel, Rt. Rev. Monsignor C. J. Higgins, Rt. Rev. Monsignor T. F. Cleary (both behind Bishop), Rt. Rev. Abbot Lawrence Vohs, O.S.B., Rt. Rev. Monsignor J. B. Reidy, P.A., V.G., Rev. J. M. Fitgerald, Rev. R. O. Barnett. Photo from Peoria's "Register".
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Rev. Maurus Charles Bernabei at St. Patrick, Wapella 1957-1968. (born 30 May 1916 - died 6 Mar 1972)
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SAINT PATRICK - MARCH 17 (Optional Memorial)
This day is not all about leprechauns, shamrocks and green beer. This is a day to honor and pray to Saint Patrick. He was an influential saint who, 1500 years ago, brought Christianity to the small country of Ireland. He was born about 385 in the British Isles, was carried off while still very young during a raid on Roman Britain by the Irish and sold as a slave. At the end of 6 years, he escaped to Europe, became a monk and was ordained. He then returned to Ireland to preach the Gospel. During the 30 years that his missionary labors continued, he covered the island with churches and monasteries. In 444, he founded the metropolitan See of Armagh. Saint. Patrick died in 461. After 15 centuries, he remains for all Irishmen the great bishop whom they venerate as their father in the Faith. ...from catholicculture.org |