St. Patrick's Catholic Church
Serving in Momence, IL
Online Liturgy for the 25th Sunday in Ordinary Time - September 24, 2023
Celebrated at the Our Lady of Lourdes Grotto at St. Patrick's Church - Momence, IL (The Picnic Mass!!!)
Fr. Pete Jankowski has been celebrating all Masses on behalf of the parishioners of St. Patrick's Church (Momence) and St. Anne's Church (St. Anne) who are not able to church. Feel free to invite others to join our Masses if they are not able to join their own parish communities – we will never get large enough to worry about too many people that come and join us (and what a wonderful dilemma it would be if they did!).
Please continue to support our local parishes – we need your support to continue spreading God’s mercy during these difficult times.
To support the mission of St. Patrick's Church, please contact us at (815) 472-2864 or write us at 119 North Market Street - Momence, IL 60954.
St. Patrick's Church Highlighted in The Momence Progress Reporter!!!
The Momence Progress Reporter was nice enough to publish this article on May 3, 2023 about the work in our parish to help the needy and to upgrade our property. The attached pictures were used with this article...
Sometimes help comes in a form that is not expected. St. Patrick’s Church has been working on updating/improving the gymnasium for quite a while now. The costs for all of the updates and repairs needed was pretty steep. They were given a price of $60,000 just to replace the roof.
While celebrating Latin Masses in Minooka, Father Pete Jankowski met a gentleman named Nick Skokna. Nick seems to be well connected and willing to help where help is needed. Nick made it possible to deliver over 200 cases of chips to the needy of the Kankakee County area, which is worth about $10,000 or so. None of this food is sold; all of this is distributed to the needy.
Nick was also instrumental in finding a plumber that did all the plumbing work in the gymnasium bathrooms.
Last Thursday, thanks to Mr. Skokna, 198 cases of Carl Buddig sliced salami (worth about $35,000) was distributed to local food pantries in Momence, St. Anne, Martinton and also to local schools, Good Shepherd Manor, the Camino y Esperanza retreat house on Wichert Road and other needy of our area.
This food distribution is not directly helping get the updates done, but indirectly, many who hear of the good work or who may have received some of the donated food, and have the skills to complete some of the renovations, do so for a reduced cost or for free, as thanks for the charitable work being done by the Church.
If you have not driven by St. Patrick’s Gymnasium on Hill Street, now would be a good time to see the beautiful new windows that were installed.
The gymnasium is so much more to the Momence area. It is a meeting place, community center, emergency shelter, and the list goes on. The renovations are needed and any and all help is appreciated.
Irish Mass & Appreciation Dinner
at St. Patrick's - Momence
March 11, 2023
On March 11, 2023 - the faithful at St. Patrick's in Momence gathered for the annual bagpipe Mass, followed by a Corned Beef Cabbage / Irish Stew Dinner, cooked by the Knights of Columbus. Much thanks to all who made this wonderful event possible!!! Much thanks to Brian McKee on the Bagpipes and Liz Berg & Anna Gillan (aka "The Galway Gals") for their musical talents for our event!!!
Border Town Mass & Appreciation Dinner - February 11, 2023
The St. Anne and St. Patrick Community honor those who have served our parishes at our Annual Mass & Appreciation Dinner on February 11. Food was provided for over two hundred fifty souls - pans of JR Chicken and side dishes as well as pasta, pizza and three types of Mexican dishes, rice and potatoes as well. Outside of a pan of beans... all the food was gone by the end of the night!!! Thanks to everyone who made this event such an important one for our parish communities.
Confirmation Liturgy
St. Patrick's Church - June 4, 2022
CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE PICS!
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First Communion LiturgyOn May 7th, the students from both St. Patrick's and St. Anne's Churches celebrated their respective First Communion Liturgies. John Rehmer, Stacy & Sophia West as well as so many others (including the parents, the primary educators of these children!) were invested in this two-year process of formation for the sake of saving souls. Much thanks to everyone who made a difference providing the Lord's grace to this wonderful, young souls!!! |
| On March 19, 2022 - the faithful at St. Patrick's in Momence gathered for a bagpipe Mass, followed by a Corned Beef Cabbage / Irish Stew Dinner, cooked by the Knights of Columbus. Much thanks to all who made this wonderful event possible!!! |
Congratualtions to the Students of the Border Town (or, at least, those who could
weather the Snowstorms!) for Receiving Their First Confessions in February 2021!!!
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Previous Online Masses, Blessings and Services...
To View all Our Previous Masses
(Starting with the 3rd Sunday of Lent 2020),
PLEASE CLICK HERE!!!
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St. Anne NovenaFor the 141st time, St. Anne's Church hosts this special nine-day devotion in honor of the Mother of the BVM and the relic that has cured scores of faithful throught the world. |
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CONGRATULATIONS to our students receiving First Communion at St. Patrick's Church (May 2, 2021). Thanks to John Rehmer , as well as the catechists, for their really holy work during some very trying times!!! |
For First Communion Pictures at St. Patrick's, CLICK HERE!
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Congratulations to our Confirmandi and Newly Baptized who
Received Their Sacraments at St. Patrick's Church on Easter Weekend!!! To View Photos, CLICK HERE!!!
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At the "Our Lady of Lourdes" Grotto at St. Patrick's Church in Momence, a family of First Communion children gather to celebrate this sacrament OUTDOORS on June 21, 2020. Much thanks to DRE John Rehmer and the First Communion Catechists for helping our students receive this most sacred gift! |
NEW! CLICK HERE to Read the
March 2023 Edition of the
St. Patrick's Alumni Newsletter!
CLICK HERE to Read the March 2022
Edition of the St. Patrick's Alumni Newsletter
CLICK HERE to Read the Alumni Fall Festival Letter!
CLICK HERE to Read the September 2021
Edition of the St. Patrick's Alumni Newsletter!
CLICK HERE to Read the July 2021 Edition of the St. Patrick's Alumni Newsletter!
CLICK HERE to Read the June 2021 Edition of the St. Patrick's Alumni Newsletter!!!
CLICK HERE to Read the March 2020 Edition
of the St. Patrick's Alumni Newsletter!
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St. Patrick's ChurchPhoto DirectoriesThanks to Anne Andrade & Joanne Hermann for assembling, scanning and editing the following Photo Directories from the Church History of St. Patrick's in Momence! |
1973 St. Patrick's Church Photo Directory
1981 St. Patrick's Church Photo Directory
1986 St. Patrick's Church Photo Directory
1993 St. Patrick's Church Photo Directory
2004 St. Patrick's Church Photo Directory
2010 St. Patrick's Church Photo Directory
2016 St. Patrick's Church Photo Directory
2023 St. Patrick's Church Photo Directory - NEW
Much thanks to an anonymous donor who, in part, chose to donate their "Trump Money" to help purchase the 70" Divine Mercy image that now adorns the St. Patrick's sanctuary.
Another group of donors wishes to help Sacred Heart Church wil their "Trump Money" in serving the poor through special projects on the property. We are most grateful for the charitable spirit of our parishioners and benefactors. Please continue to help support our local parishes - with your help... and your PRAYERS... we will be able to get through our struggles together!
Say Hello to our Upgraded St. Patrick's Statue
Thanks to artist Marlo Steinle coming out of "retirement" to help our cause, Marlo took a paint-soaked statue of St. Patrick's (donated by Bishop McNamara School), stripped the paint, fixed it and repainted it for our outdoor grotto!
Over at St. Patrick's Rectory, the house has been cleaned, pergo floors have been laid, the house has now been painted and beautified for parishioner use!
Say Hello to St. Patrick's Rectory Upgrades! The house has been cleaned, pergo floors have been laid, the house has now been painted and beautified for parishioner use!
We are a welcoming Catholic community called by God to live out the message of Christ in love and service to all people. These parishes east of Kankakee, IL served as "border town" churches in the mid-1800s, welcoming immigrants from throughlout the world. Our missions today is to do the same. St. Patrick's Church (the old border town from 1834) serves the Spanish and English-speaking communities of an old Dutch town. St. Anne's Church is the home of the National Shrine of St. Anne, brought to the states from France to Canada and then the US in the 1850s. Sacred Heart Church just celebrated its 80th anniversary; it is the poorest Church in the Joliet Diocese, the poorest city in Illinois and is the diocesan mission in great need of your help.
St. Patrick Parish was formed in 1859 with only thirty families, who then held Mass in their homes. From 1859-1890, it was a mission parish served by priests in neighboring St. George and St. Anne. It is said that the priests who tended the mission parish in those early days encountered many hardships since the means of travel were challenging. The Rev. E. LePoint first ministered to this little flock, choosing first one home, then another, for the locale of his services. As early as 1860, Fr. LePoint proposed to build a stone church but when Fr. P. Paradis began his supervision of the parish in 1862, he decided to erect a framed church instead and sold the excess stone that had been quarried from the rive, for the sum of twenty-two dollars.
The first chapel, thirty feet long and twenty-six wide, dedicated to Saint Patrick, started in September 1862, with the permission of the Most. Rev. Jason J. Dugan (then bishop of Chicago). Father Paradis was pastor of St. George at that time and had Momence as an out-mission.
It is interesting to find the following names among the first to help in erecting the first chapel – Savary, Hughes, Murphy, Bernier, Halpin, Paradis, Kirby, Fitzgerald, Malone, Campbell, Gelino, Sweeny and Tharien. The origin of the greater proportion of the first Catholic settlers of Kankakee explains the dedication of the parish to the glorious St. Patrick, apostle of Ireland.
Fr. Paradis was in charge from 1862-1872. From St. George, he was appointed to the pastorate of' St. Rose in Kankakee. In 1872, the Rev. Michael Letellier, pastor of St. Anne, took charge of the St. Patrick’s Mission. Through the courtesy of the C&EI railroad, he made his monthly trips on a handcar.
In fact, it is said that Rev. Joseph LeSage (1878-1886), used a hand car on the Chicago and Eastern Illinois Railroad to get from St. George, where he was the pastor, to Momence.
Rev. P. Paradis had the first church built in 1862 by Catholic settlers who hauled logs and lumber from timber on the Kankakee River. The small timber structure measured 30 by 26 feet and was built where the present-day church stands today.
Rev. Joseph Lesage of St. George, next took care of the mission from 1878-1886, when the Rev. Z.S.P. Berard, pastor of St. Anne, was also given charge of Momence. The Rev. George Keraton was the first resident pastor of St. Patrick, coming in 1890.
By the 1880s, the parish outgrew the small chapel and Rev. Berard had a second larger frame church built. In 1886, the first rectory was built just south of the church.
In 1890, Rev. George Kerston was appointed the first resident pastor of St. Patrick’s, which then had 100 families in the parish.
The greatest development of the parish was witnessed under the incumbency of the Rev. A.L. Labrie (1896-1922) who, besides taking care of the spiritual needs of the flock, erected the St. Patrick's rectory as well (1896). He was instrumental in bringing the Sisters Servants of the Holy Heart of Mary (1906), who built the spacious and beautiful St. Patrick Academy. It was under Fr. Labrie, likewise, that the present commodious and artistic St. Patrick Church was built (1915), with the cornerstone being laid May 8.
The first Mass was held July 4, 1915. The cost of the church was $31,969, plus $7,633 for furnishings. The stained-glass windows, which are still present today, were donated by parishioners. Records show the windows were purchased in 1915 from John J. Kinsella & Co, in Chicago, makers of Art Glass. Original bills show the large transept window, “The Assumption” was $450; “St. John the Baptist” was $90 and “Our Lady of Lourdes,” $250. It is said that Rev. Labrie needed money for one last window and walked seven miles on a hot summer day to a parishioner’s house, in hopes of getting a donation.
In 1926, the grotto was erected in honor of the Virgin Mary, in the spirit of Our Lady of Lourdes. An altar was added for outdoor Masses in 2000.
Fr. Labrie was succeeded by the Rev. A.L. Girard (1923-1933) who through the generosity of M&M Harry B. Shaw put in the new marble altar, decorated the church and caused the landscaping to be done, which really makes, together with the Academy, a Catholic unit of which the citizens of Momence may be justly proud. Fr. Girard was appointed to St. John the Baptist, Chicago, in June 1933 and was replaced by the Rev. Telasfore U. Demarais, the present incumbent.
As years went on, there became a need for a church in Hopkins Park. Rev. Demarais, then pastor at St. Patrick’s and Sister Mary Adelaide Gagnon started a mission there in 1939. Men from St. Patrick’s donated time and material to help build Sacred Heart Mission, which is still operating today.
Former pastors Rev. AL Labrie, Rev. Telastore U. Demarais, Msgr. George Halpin, as well as Mr. Henry Halpin (the architect of our present church building) are all buried around the circle at St. Patrick’s Cemetery.
In 1980, the interior of St. Patrick’s was completely renovated through parishioner donations and in 1985 the old rectory was razed and a new one built.
St. Patrick Academy
The cornerstone for St. Patrick Academy was laid in 1906, under the direction of Rev. La Brie, who invited the Sister Servants of the Holy Heart of Mary to serve as teachers and administrators. It opened Aug. 8, 1907, and the sisters hosted an “open house” inviting everyone from the parish and surrounding area. People brought gifts, including dishes, pots, pans, towels, etc.
The school began as a small parish school and boarding school for girls and boys in elementary school, and girls in high school. The first year, there was 75-80 day-school pupils and six boarders. In those first years, there was no money for hired help so the sisters would rise at 3:00 a.m. to do wash. They spent their summers housecleaning, scrubbing and painting.
In 1924, with growing enrollment, came a new addition which included a chapel, new classroom and dormitories. In 1931 a gymnasium was built.
The last year for grade school boarders was 1961 and the last year for the all-girls high school was 1965. The sisters taught until 1972. The following year, the academy was purchased from them. In 1986, the unused convent portion was demolished and a new front exterior wall, complete with decorative cross, was built the following year. The school chapel was renovated in 1987. Unfortunately, the academy closed in 2009.
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Help support our parishes buy purchasing copies of Fr. Pete's Homiletic Books! You can purchase them at the parishes or online at Amazon.com!
Cycle A Homilies
Cycle B Homilies
Cycle C Homilies
CLICK HERE to watch Fr. Pete's Videos that Walk Through the Liturgy, produced for the University of Dayton
CLICK HERE to watch Fr. Pete's Twelve Part Series "Stories on the Journey," Broadcast on Shalom World TV!
Join us for a Two Minute Video Tour of both St. Patrick's Church and the Our Lady of Lourdes Grotto at St. Patrick's as part of the "Heritage Days" online tour of the city.
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.jpg) CLICK HERE TO ORDER YOUR OWN APOSTOLIC BLESSING!!! |
Acquiring a Papal BlessingThe Vatican provides a wonderful opportunity to receive an Apostolic Blessing for Birthdays, Baptisms, First Communions, Confirmations, Weddings, Religious Professions, Ordinations and Anniversaries of these sacraments. For weddings and such, Fr. Pete offers a special blessing on the first Sunday weekend of each month and is willing to purchase an Apostolic Blessing for anyone who asks (and if he can afford it... since he pays out of pocket!!!If you are interested in receiving an Apostolic Blessing, you can do so by clicking the link to the left or by calling the parish offices. |
/ReligiousEducation_grey.png) Religious Education |
/OurFaith_grey.png) Our Faith |
/Sacraments_grey.png) Sacraments |
/Photos_polaroid_grey.png) Parish Photos |
/Calendar_grey.png) Events Calendar |
/Directions_google_grey.png) Maps & Directions |
Support St. Patrick's Church by Giving Online!
Join Us at Our Community Picnic!!!
Sunday,September 24
Starting with a 10:30
Bilingual Mass!!!
CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR SEPTEMBER 24 VENDOR FAIR!!!
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50/50 St. Patrick's Progressive "Split the Pot" Raffle - $10 a ticket, 6 for $50. Winning Tickets will be Picked at the Parish Picnic on September 24! Contact St. Patrick's Office at (815) 472-2864 for more info!
Featured Musical Acts at the Parish Picnic
Saddle Shoe Sisters 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
The Fender Benders 1:30 - 3:30 p.m.
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2023 St. Patrick's Golf Outing - CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE PICS!
2023 Memorial Day Highlights at the Border Town Parishes
2023 Holy Week Highlights at the Border Town Parishes
2023 Easter Vigil Homily at St. Patrick's Church, Momence
2023 Holy Thursday Homily at the Border Town Parishes
WHY DO WE COVER STATUES FOR LENT? CLICK THE VIDEO TO FIND OUT!!!
CLICK ON VIDEO TO WATCH THE UPDATE ON THE ST. PATRICK ACADEMY GYM RENOVATION PROJECT - UPDATED MARCH 16, 2023
Click Here to View the Growth of the Spanish Mass at St. Patrick's Church in Momence from 2019-2023!!!
Fr. Pete Jankowski came to realize that this form of "Virtual Evanglization" has resulted in almost 350 Videos that has been produced for the St. Anne & St. Patrick Communities, resulting in over 1050 hours of work for the sake of helping souls at the Border Town Parishes... that is almost FORTY FOUR DAYS of constant producing in helping souls reach heaven at the Border Town! Thanks to all who have contributed to this cause of evangelization for the good people of Momence and St Anne, IL!
Highlights from the Border Town Parish Picnic on August 21, 2022!!!
CLICK HERE FOR THE PICTURES OF THE EVENT!!!
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Listen to Timothy Cardinal Dolan's interview with Fr. Pete Jankowski, who heard 24 hours of confessions in 2014!!!
CLICK HERE
to enter the
St. Anne Novena Page
Fr. Dan Hessling
1956-2022
Final Commendation at His Funeral Mass on May 25, 2022
CLICK HERE for
Fr. Dan's Obituary
CLICK HERE for
Fr. Dan's Funeral Program
In-Church Homily for Divine Mercy Sunday and the Blessing of Seeds and Fields - April 24, 2022
HIGHLIGHTS FROM OUR MASS AND APPRECIATION DINNER ON FEBRUARY 19!
In 2014, Timothy Cardinal Dolan interview me on April 17 about Fr. Pete's experience sitting in the confessional for 24 hours, in honor of St. John Vianney. We added pictures of some of our recent parish activities (Novenas, Confirmations, etc.) and just overlaid them on the audio.
Adoration
St. Patrick's - Thursdays at 10:00 a.m.
Watch St. Patrick's Our Lady of Guadalupe Celebrations from December 11-12!
Parishioner Jean Gibson invites you to experience what is called “Eucharistic Miracles of the World.” This website offers a great deal of information, with a “Virtual Tour” of various places around the globe that have encountered Christ in the most sacred of ways.To access this Website, CLICK HERE!!!
In a two-minute video, Three Masses are highlighted on May 23, 2021 at the Border Town Parishes ... Weather permitting, Sunday OUTDOOR Masses take place at St. Anne's Church (St. Anne, IL)at 9:00 a.m.and at St. Patrick's Church (Momence, IL) at 10:30 a.m. Please bring Your Own Chairs to the Mass!
An Online Memorial Day Service at St. Patrick's Cemetery in Momence
VIDEO EASTER HIGHLIGHTS AT ST. PATRICK'S CHURCH IN MOMENCE - APRIL 3-4
FR. PETE'S
ORDINATION MASS FROM JUNE 1, 1996
Fr. Pete was ordained twenty-five years ago at the Cathedral of St. Raymond. Please continue to pray for his ministry to the folks of the border town parishes.
HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE OUR LADY OF GUADALUPE SERVICES DEC 12, 2020
Fr. Pete celebrated TWO Masses on December 12, 2020 - one outdoor Mass at the Camino & Esperanza Retreat House & Grotto in St. Anne, IL and the other at St. Patrick's Church in Momence. Thanks to everyone who made these wonderful events possible!
VETERANS' DAY MESSAGE
from the Border Town Parishes For the Benefit of the Manteno Veterans' Home. If you would like to support their cause, please CLICK HERE!
CONFIRMATION AT ST. PATRICK'S CHURCH IN MOMENCE
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On September 6, twenty-two students from St. Patrick's Church received the sacrament of Confirmation at two special Masses iwith Fr. Pete Jankowski. Congratulations to our students and their families!!!
CLICK HERE to view the pictures from the 10:30 a.m. Mass
CLICK HERE to view the pictures from the 12:00 noon Mass
CLICK HERE to read a short history of St. Patrick's Church
CLICK HERE to Read the Final Words of Fr. Dennis White to the People of Faith!
CLICK HERE to read St. Patrick Academy's 100th Anniversary Booklet
CLICK HERE
to View the
St. Patrick's Academy Page!!!
CLICK HERE to Access the "Rembember St. Pat's Academy" Facebook Page!
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Take a Nostalgic Tour of the Old St. Patrick Academy
CLICK HERE to read the story about St. Patrick's Academy and its Subsequent Closure
CLICK HERE to view pictures from the Academy Days!
A Greeting from Our St. Patrick's Staff to our Parishioners...
Fr. Pete found a way to help a grieving family who loved a lost one celebrate their funeral service on April 22. Thanks to the folks at Camino y Esperanza for helping Fr. Pete in this cause!
Easter Family Resources for Prayer (Courtesy of the Diocese of Joliet)
Resources in English
Resources in Spanish
Either Fr. Pete's dog Gabby is preparing to be baptized at the Easter Vigil on April 12th (which not only isn't going to happen anymore but wasn't going to happen to a dog anyway) or Fr. Pete does a lousy job giving his dog a bath! Poor Gabby...
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St. Patrick's Church
119 North Market Street
Momence, IL 60954
(815) 472-2864
Daily Mass: Wed - Fri 9:15 a.m.
Adoration Th 10:00 - 11:00 a.m.
Sat Confessions at 3:30 p.m.
Saturday Mass: 4:00 p.m.
Sun Mass in English: 10:30 a.m.
Sun Mass in Spanish: 12:00 p.m.
The Rosary is Prayed
Prior to Every Mass
Spanish Rosary and Catechesis on Fridays and the 12th of Each Month at 6:30 p.m.
Office Hours: Mon, Wed & Thu
9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Parish Staff
Fr. Pete Jankowski, Administrator
Fr. Dan Hessling, Pastor Emeritus
Ema Elvir, Secretary
Kathy Griffiths, Business Manager
John Rehmer, Dir. of Religious Ed.
For only $100, you can dedicate a brick to someone special at St. Patrick's Outdoor Grotto (where the Our Lady of Lourdes Outdoor Masses are celebrated)!!! call (815) 472-2864.
For only $25, you can dedicate a Journeysongs Pew Book from either parish. Please call (815) 472-2864 for more information!
Catholic News & Perspective
