St. Mary's Church in Downs

12/25/2024

On behalf of Fr. Schultz, Fr. Matt, Fr. Derick, the deacons, and the parish staff, we wish you all a very Merry Christmas!

11/28/2024

10/03/2024

We are approximately five weeks from Election Day.

As Catholics, we are to engage in the political process and to vote our conscience. Once again, the bishops of Illinois have prepared a guide to help Catholics discern the issues. The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops also has some excellent resources. Together, let us pray for our nation and for all the candidates who are willing to be considered for public office.

https://www.usccb.org/issues-and-action/faithful-citizenship/upload/forming-consciences-for-faithful-citizenship.pdf

09/15/2024

Have you seen this year's Annual Diocesan Appeal video? Maybe you could use another viewing to be moved and motivated all over again? View the video and make your pledge to this year's appeal at the link below. Our parishes have lofty goals and we need your help to make them!

(Spoiler alert: there is a VERY familiar face in this video!)

www.cdop.org/ada
https://youtu.be/lxIeLn4ZK3k

Catholic Diocese of Peoria 2024 Annual Diocesan Appeal

08/10/2024

Last chance to RSVP!

Come walk with Jesus! Join us for a Eucharistic Procession through Downs on Saturday, August 17th, following the 5:30pm Mass at St. Mary Church in Downs. We will process a few blocks, concluding at Dooley Park, with refreshments provided by the Knights of Columbus and Ladies Auxiliary.

Please RSVP by August 12th to help us plan by visiting stpatrickmerna.org/procession. In case of inclement weather, we will pray a Holy Hour in the Church, followed by refreshments.

07/29/2024

Don't forget to RSVP!

Come walk with Jesus! Join us for a Eucharistic Procession through Downs on Saturday, August 17th, following the 5:30pm Mass at St. Mary Church in Downs. We will process a few blocks, concluding at Dooley Park, with refreshments provided by the Knights of Columbus and Ladies Auxiliary.

Please RSVP by August 12th to help us plan by visiting stpatrickmerna.org/procession. In case of inclement weather, we will pray a Holy Hour in the Church, followed by refreshments.

07/20/2024

Come walk with Jesus! Join us for a Eucharistic Procession through Downs on Saturday, August 17th, following the 5:30pm Mass at St. Mary Church in Downs. We will process a few blocks, concluding at Dooley Park, with refreshments provided by the Knights of Columbus and Ladies Auxiliary.

Please RSVP by August 12th to help us plan by visiting stpatrickmerna.org/procession. In case of inclement weather, we will pray a Holy Hour in the Church, followed by refreshments.

06/16/2024

A Father's Day blessing to all fathers - biological fathers, stepfathers, adoptive fathers, spiritual fathers! Thank you for your love and guidance!

For those struggling with grieving and heavy hearts this day, know that we hold you in prayer and ask the Lord to give you comfort and strength.

05/20/2024

The Growing Disciples announcements were made this weekend. If you missed hearing the Bishop's letter read at Mass, here is a link to view it: https://www.growingdisciplescdop.org/letters

You can also find answers to frequently asked questions on this website. We will share more information as it becomes available, but in the meantime, join us in welcoming Fr. Derick Mwesiga to our parish!