One Bread, One Body
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.
Donated in Memory of Mr. & Mrs. James Ryan Sr.
4. The Assumption of Mary
5. Christ Knocking at the Door
These words form the basis for the beginning of Mother Teresa’s “I Thirst” meditation, in which Christ confirms His yearning for the soul: It is true. I stand at the door of your heart, day and night. Even when you are not listening, even when you doubt it could be Me, I am there: waiting for even the smallest signal of your response, even the smallest suggestion of an invitation that will permit Me to enter.
St. Michael is an angel, and the leader of all angels and of the army of God. This is what the title "Archangel" means, that he is above all the others in rank. St. Michael has four main responsibilities or offices, as we know from scripture and Christian tradition. The first is to combat Satan. The second is to escort the faithful to heaven at their hour of death. The third is to be a champion of all Christians, and the Church itself. And the fourth is to call men from life on Earth to their heavenly judgment.
Symbolism. St. Michael is depicted with a sword and scale, symbolizing the defeat of satan in the form of a dragon. The sword indicates protector.In the Circular Window
Harp musical instrument representing the heavenly praise & worship of God.
Donated by Miss Catherine Murphy
Luke 1:26-38
In the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God to a city of Galilee named Nazareth, to a virgin betrothed to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David; and the virgin’s name was Mary. And he came to her and said, “Hail, full of grace, the Lord is with you!” But she was greatly troubled at the saying, and considered in her mind what sort of greeting this might be. And the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus. He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Most High; and the Lord God will give to him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there will be no end.” And Mary said to the angel, “How can this be, since I have no husband?” And the angel said to her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you;
therefore the child to be born will be called holy, the Son of God. And behold, your kinswoman Elizabeth in her old age has also conceived a son; and this is the sixth month with her who was called barren. For with God nothing will be impossible.”
And Mary said, “Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word.” And the angel departed from her.
Through Mary’s fiat, her “yes” to God, she made the Divine Plan of salvation effective in history. As Eve disobeyed and set humanity on a path of sin, Mary was perfectly obedient and set us on the path of grace. As Eve was the “Mother of All the Living” (Gen. 3:20), Mary is the Mother of All those Living “in Christ.” We owe her a debt of justice, and a filial obligation of love.
Symbolism
This window depicts Mary kneeling before the angel, Gabriel, receiving the news with humility and grace. The dove represents the Holy Spirit and is depicted with a descending ray of light, giving a sense of movement or passage, touching the Virgin’s head in the moment of Incarnation. The three lilies point to the Trinity and to Mary's pureness.
In the Circular Window
The dove of peace represents God's grace. Just as the olive branch was a symbol of God's forgiveness to Noah, this olive branch is a symbol of the forgiveness being offered by the Incarnation.
Donated In Memory of Mr. and Mrs. Daniel Reardon
Fr. Andrew A. Stapleton (1909-1917) was a native of Ireland and was a principal of a school in India before coming to Peoria and being ordained as a Catholic priest. He was appointed pastor of St. Mary, Delavan, in 1905. In 1909, he organized St. Joseph Parish, Hopedale, and the church was built under his direction in 1911.
He served as pastor of both St. Mary and St. Joseph until August of 1917.
Fr. Michael Adrie, SMA (2022-2023) was born in Ave-Afiadenyigba, Ghana and ordained in 1992. He served as Administrator for a short time. He brought a unique style to the Parishes and enjoyed sharing stories and food from his home country.
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February 26, 2023
Food Pantry suggested item for March is paper products. Contact Janice Allgood, 309-244-8685 with ???
February 19, 2023
ADA Update: Goal: $20,656 Pledged: $22,165
The Delavan Food Pantry is open every Thursday from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m., located at 212 South Locust, Delavan Township Building. February’s suggested item is canned fruit. Contact Janice Allgood, 309-244-8685 with ???
Our Music Director is retiring as of April 30, 2023. If you know of someone who can play the organ or piano have them contact the office at 309-244-8516 on Mondays or Thursdays or email [email protected].
January 15, 2023
Five First Saturday Devotions insert from today's bulletin.