Thank you for looking us up.  Check back often to see what's happening!

April 19, 2022
Keep these young people in your prayers.  They will be confirmed by Bishop Lou at the Cathedral on May 1.  Ellery D., Lydia L., Michaela S., and Ben Y.

February 1, 2022
Due to the inclement weather forecasted for tomorrow, Wednesday, February 2, the Family Formation Study has been rescheduled for Wednesday, February 9, 6:30 p.m., at St. Joseph, Hopedale.  The K-6 classes are also moved to the 9th.

January 11, 2022
The next Family Formation Study is Wednesday, February 2, 6:30 p.m. at St. Joseph, Hopedale.  Topic: On This Rock, I Will Build My Church. We will be learning about the transmission of Divine Revelation, Apostolic succession, the Magisterium, infallibility, and the levels of Church teaching.

December 28, 2021
The next Family Formation study is Wednesday, January 5th, 6:30 p.m. at St. Joseph.  This is open to all parishioners of St. Mary and St. Joseph.  We will be learning about the Sacrament of Matrimony and the Sanctity of Life.  Fr. Tim will be joined by Dcn. Kevin Zeeb.

December 12, 2021
All Reconciliation and Christmas Mass schedules can be viewed  by clicking on the Mass Times popup button.  They are also on the calendar, under Events & News chose Calendar.

We will be decorating the church after Mass on Sunday, December 19th.  Please join us for a coffee and a fun time decorating.

Your 2022 contribution envelopes are available for pick up in the back of the church.  If you know someone unable to pick up their envelopes (homebound, nursing home, commons, etc.) feel free to take them to them.
Please call Gayle, 244-8516, if you didn't receive envelopes.

December 5, 2021
The Angel Tree is back this year.  For a $5.00 donation, your loved one's name will be written on angel wings and placed on the angel tree.  Use the envelopes in the back of the church designated for this purpose.  Give to JoAnn Beymer or drop in the collection.  All proceeds go to St. Mary's Cemetery.

The December suggested items for the food pantry are canned meat, fruits, and vegetables. The food pantry is located at 212 S. Locust St., Delavan Township Building, and is open every Thursday from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m.

The Men's Club is selling tickets for the Bradley vs. ISU basketball game for Saturday, February 19, 1:00 p.m. Tickets are $12 each and there are 30 seats available.  See Walt Dare or email him at waltdare@sbcglobal.net.  Deadline is January 28.

We are collecting baby clothes, up to 4T, to be given to mothers is need.  Especially needed are pajamas and socks.  Place your items in the cradle in the back of the church. 

ADA Update:     Goal:  $18,417.00      Pledged:  $22,166.00

In 1859, early Catholics, James Ryan, George Leoni, and Daniel Reardon initiated meetings with Fr. Maher of Lincoln to start organizing a parish.  Meetings were held in the homes of members and Mass was celebrated in the community building, Delavan House, until the first church was built.

St. Mary of the Immaculate Conception Church in Delavan, Illinois, was established in 1867.  The first church was built on the northeast corner of Second and Cedar streets on land donated by James and Margaret Hayes-Ryan.  The first parish house stood on Fourth Street near Locust.  The second parish house was built on Cedar Street across from the first church.

The current church was built in 1906 and dedicated on May 5th, 1907, under the direction of Rev. A. A. Stapleton, Pastor and the Most Rev. E. M. Dunne, Bishop of Peoria.  Final cost of the church was $18,570.13.  A credit balance of $102 was set aside for a new residence to be built later.  That was built in 1910.  Funds to build the church came from Catholic and non-Catholic donations, 1905-1909 Thanksgiving Festivals, a 1906 chicken supper, and a 1906 Winkel party.

The church was renovated and remodeled in 1959 and the chime system was added.  The basement was excavated in 1961 to house the parish center.  As a result of Vatican II, the interior underwent major renovation in the 1970's including a new altar with the priest facing the congregation, removal of the statues, new pews, new Stations of the Cross, and carpeting.  The latest renovation was in the late 1990's by Deprato Rigali Studios of Chicago.