Dear St. Philomena Parish Family,
Blessings to you all—I hope that everyone is safe and healthy in the midst of another tough winter week. As I mentioned in last week’s column, I think sometimes those special celebrations during these winter months really do help carry us through. Our Diocese of Peoria had another one of those highlights this past week—the Opening Mass for our 150th Anniversary celebration.
Last Wednesday, Bishop Lou opened this historic celebration at a special Mass at the Cathedral. Of course, if you recall, Wednesday was one of the worst weather days we have had, with snow and ice over large portions of our Diocese. Although many were not able to join because of the weather, those of us who were there enjoyed a beautiful Mass and bountiful reception afterwards. Fr. Daniel and I were asked to help distribute Communion, so we were treated to a front row seat!
I thought I would share the summary that was included in the program for the Mass, which includes some interesting notes of our early history!
“On February 12, 1875, Pope Pius IX erected the Diocese of Peoria. Carving out territory from the Diocese of Chicago, the new diocese was formed to meet the pastoral needs of the people living in north central Illinois. At the same time, the Holy Father appointed Father Michael J. Hurley as bishop of the new diocese. However, Father Hurley was not interested in serving as a bishop, so he attempted to return his letter of appointment to Rome. As circumstances would have it, the ship which carried the news of Father Hurley’s refusal sank and the Holy See was left in the dark. A new diocese with no bishop!..
Ash Wednesday is March 5, 2025, Mass with distribution of ashes at St. Philomena will be at 7:00 a.m., 8:00 a.m., 9:00 a.m. (school Mass), and 5:30 p.m. Everyone 14 years of age or older... Read More
UPDATE, FEB. 11, 2025: Due to the high number of illness-related cancellations in January, we have added two dates in March for photography of our families. The dates are Friday, March 28 and Saturday, March... Read More
Rachel’s Vineyard Retreat offers healing for those who struggle with the emotional and spiritual pain of a past abortion. This retreat is offered through the Diocese of Peoria for anyone--single or married, mothers, fathers, grandparents,... Read More
St. Ann, March 7 & April 4 Dine in and carry out meals available from 5-7:30 p.m., Parish Center Adult dinners: $15, choice of fried Alaskan-Walleye pollock or breaded shrimp dinner; includes bread, choice of... Read More
Dear St. Philomena Parish Family, Blessings to you all—I hope that everyone is safe and healthy in the midst of another tough winter week. As I mentioned in last week’s column, I think sometimes those... Read More
St. Philomena Parish is a Catholic Church with a parochial elementary grade school in an established family neighborhood in the heart of Peoria, IL.
Our mission is to proclaim our faith in Jesus Christ through worship, sacraments, education and community life. Each parishioner is invited to understand, embrace, and communicate the truth of Catholic Christianity to our culture.
Monday-Friday: 7:00 a.m.
Monday-Saturday: 8:00 a.m.
Saturday Vigil Mass: 4:30 p.m.
Sunday: 7:30 a.m., 9:00 a.m., 11:00 a.m., 7:30 p.m.
7:00 a.m., 8:00 a.m. & 5:30 p.m.
Wednesday: 5 p.m.
Thursday: 8:30 a.m.
Saturday: 8:30 a.m. and 3 p.m.
