About Ss. James and Patrick - St. James · Decatur, Illinois
Ss. James and Patrick Parish is a Roman Catholic parish in Decatur, Illinois, formed on July 1, 2007 through the merger of the city's two oldest parishes: St. James (founded 1877) and St. Patrick (founded 1853). Part of the Diocese of Springfield in Illinois, the merged parish continues to worship in both historic church buildings — St. James Church at 742 E. Clay Street and St. Patrick Church at 407 E. Eldorado Street — and operates St. Patrick School, a state-recognized preschool through grade 8 Catholic school. With about 1,606 parishioners in 858 families, the parish lives out its mission to 'remain in Christ and reveal Christ to others' through more than fifty liturgical ministries, faith formation, OCIA, Catholic scouting, school programs, and outreach ministries such as Faith in Action and Meals on Wheels.
- Established
- 2007
- Patron
- St. James the Lesser and St. Patrick
- Rector
- Rev. Christopher J. Comerford
- Diocese
- Diocese of Springfield in Illinois
Why belong here
Ss. James and Patrick offers two historic worship sites in the heart of Decatur, a season-appropriate weekend Mass schedule, daily weekday Masses, regular confession opportunities, and a thriving Catholic elementary school. With more than fifty liturgical ministries — from adult choirs and handbell choirs to OCIA, Scouts, and outreach programs like Faith in Action and Meals on Wheels — parishioners of every age and stage can find a place to serve. Whether you are a newcomer or a lifelong Catholic, the parish welcomes you to 'remain in Christ and reveal Christ to others.'
Mass times at Ss. James and Patrick - St. James
Weekly Mass schedule
Confession times
- Monday 7:30-7:45 AM (St. James)
- Wednesday 7:30-7:45 AM (St. James)
- Friday 10:30-11:00 AM (St. Patrick)
- Saturday 10:00-11:00 AM (St. Patrick)
- Saturday 3:15-3:40 PM (St. James March-September; St. Patrick October-February)
Parish History
Saints James and Patrick Parish was formed on July 1, 2007 after the merger of Decatur's two oldest parishes — St. James (1877) and St. Patrick (1853). The 2007 merger brought together 2,868 registered parishioners and 170 students at St. Patrick School. The parish has continued to maintain both historic church buildings and has carried out many renovations through the stewardship of its people. A parish history room is open at the St. James Parish House for anyone wanting to learn more.
- St. James Church: built 1877 at a cost of $3,500; dedicated to St. James the Lesser, the first bishop of Jerusalem
- St. Patrick Parish: founded 1853, was the only Catholic parish in Decatur at the time
- St. Patrick Church: built 1908 for $125,000, dedicated November 21, 1909 to St. Patrick, apostle of Ireland
St. James Church — East Clay Street
St. James Church, the smaller of the two worship sites, sits at 742 E. Clay Street in Decatur and was built in 1877. It hosts a Sunday morning Mass, Monday and Wednesday morning weekday Masses, and the Holy Day evening Mass. Confessions are heard here Monday and Wednesday mornings and on Saturday afternoons during part of the year.
- Address: 742 E. Clay St., Decatur, IL 62521
- Sunday Mass: 8:30 AM
- Weekday Masses: Monday 8:00 AM, Wednesday 8:00 AM
- Holy Day Mass: 6:00 PM
- Penance: Monday 7:30-7:45 AM; Wednesday 7:30-7:45 AM
St. Patrick Church — East Eldorado Street
St. Patrick Church is the second worship site, located at 407 E. Eldorado Street. The present church building dates from 1908-1909, replacing the parish's earlier structure. It hosts Tuesday and Friday weekday Masses, the Sunday morning Mass at 10:30 AM, the parish mailing address, and serves as the seasonal home of the Saturday Vigil Mass during the cooler months.
- Address: 407 E. Eldorado St., Decatur, IL 62523 (also the parish mailing address)
- Sunday Mass: 10:30 AM
- Weekday Masses: Tuesday 5:30 PM, Friday 11:15 AM
- Holy Day Masses: 8:00 AM and 12:10 PM
- Penance: Friday 10:30-11:00 AM; Saturday 10:00-11:00 AM
Parish Staff
The merged parish is served by a small staff supporting the pastor, parish operations, liturgy, finances, and outreach. According to the Diocesan Pastoral Directory, the parish currently has about 1,606 parishioners in 858 families.
- Rev. Christopher J. Comerford — Pastor
- Rev. John C. Burnette — Pastor Emeritus (in private residence)
- Anita Olson — Office Manager
- Robin Canary — Office Assistant
- Carla Hahn — Financial Secretary
- Tom Prior — Office Outreach
- Sue Miller — Liturgical Scheduler
- Sarah Snuppel — Choir Director
St. Patrick School
St. Patrick School is the parish-affiliated Catholic elementary school serving preschool through grade 8 at 412 N. Jackson St., Decatur. The school is state recognized, every teacher is state certified, and its mission is to provide a quality, value-oriented Catholic education in partnership with parents and teachers. The school is supported by an active Athletic Association, Home and School Association, School Advisory Board, and S.A.V.E. (Shining Armor Volunteers for Education).
- Address: 412 N. Jackson St., Decatur, IL 62523
- Phone: (217) 423-4351
- Website: www.decaturstpatrick.org
- Principal (Elementary PK-5): Amy Yusko
- Principal (Jr. High 6-8): Jerry Spain
- School Secretary: Michelle Gillespie
- Enrollment: ~143 K-8 students and 34 preschool students
- Before and After School Programs available
Faith Formation & Religious Education
Faith formation at Ss. James and Patrick serves both children in the parish school and children whose families worship here but attend other schools. The parish also forms adults through the Order of Christian Initiation of Adults (OCIA), Scripture Study, Confirmation preparation, and Baptism classes for parents.
- OCIA — Order of Christian Initiation of Adults: weekly Tuesday evening sessions beginning in August at the Parish House at St. James; reception of sacraments at the Easter Vigil
- Confirmation: class sessions, a retreat, service work, and interviews with the pastor
- Baptism: individual classes for parents wishing to baptize an infant or small child; arranged through priest or deacon
- PreCana: marriage preparation offered at the parish and other diocesan locations
- Scripture Study: ongoing adult Bible study; dates announced in the bulletin
Liturgical Ministries — Worshiping God Together
The parish describes its liturgical life under the theme 'Worshiping God Together,' inviting parishioners to participate in any of more than fifty ministries. Music is a particular strength, with separate choirs serving each Sunday Mass and a handbell choir adding to special liturgies. All volunteers age 18 and older must complete Protecting God's Children training and a background check, per diocesan policy.
- 8:30 Choir — rehearses Wednesday evenings at St. James; sings for the 8:30 Sunday Mass
- 10:30 Choir — rehearses Thursday evenings at St. Patrick; sings for the 10:30 Sunday Mass
- Handbell Choir — Thursdays 6:00-7:00 PM at St. Patrick; high school age and older
- Children's Choir — grades 2-8; sings for special celebrations including Christmas Eve
- Cantors, Instrumentalists, Readers, Servers, Ushers, Greeters, Gift Bearers
- Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion — including ministry to the sick in hospitals, homes, and nursing homes
- Art and Environment Committee — decorates the churches for liturgical seasons
- Prayer and Worship Committee — enhances communal prayer life
Building Christian Community
Beyond the sanctuary, the parish builds community through Catholic scouting, fund-raising, and parent-school partnerships that strengthen both St. Patrick School and parish life. The Home and School Association, School Advisory Board, Athletic Association, and S.A.V.E. all provide ways for families to get involved.
- Home and School Association — general meetings twice a year; board meetings monthly
- School Advisory Board — advises the pastor on school issues, events, and policies; meets monthly
- Athletic Association — soccer, basketball, volleyball; raises funds for equipment, uniforms, and playground
- S.A.V.E. (Shining Armor Volunteers for Education) — assists students and teachers
- School Annual Fund Drive — maintains and upgrades school facilities to keep tuition low
- Auction Committee — annual Spring Auction fundraiser
- Cub Scouts of America — boys 1st-5th grades; Tuesday evenings at St. Patrick
- Girl Scouts of America — girls 3rd-5th grades; Troop 3055 meets Fridays at St. James Parish House
Pastoral Care & Outreach
Ss. James and Patrick extends the parish's care beyond its walls through Catholic Charities-supported programs that serve the elderly, homebound, and disabled of Decatur. A parish Prayer Line also lifts up individual intentions through a chain of phone calls among volunteers.
- Faith in Action — runs errands, provides transportation to medical appointments, visits the homebound, provides respite relief (Contact: 428-3458)
- Meals on Wheels — delivers hot meals to elderly and homebound members of the Decatur community (Contact: 428-3458)
- Service Projects — supports various community agencies helping people in need
- Prayer Line — volunteers pray daily for those in need; requests can be made through the parish office
Joining the Parish & Getting Involved
Newcomers and visitors are warmly welcomed at any Mass. The parish website invites people to become a member and to update their registration. With more than fifty liturgical ministries plus faith formation, school, scouting, and outreach programs, there are many ways to participate in parish life.
- Become a Member / Update Registration forms are available on the parish website
- Contact the parish office at [email protected] or (217) 429-5363 to volunteer
- Office Hours: Monday-Friday 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
- All volunteers age 18+ must complete Protecting God's Children training and a background check
Visit & Contact
The parish office serves both worship sites and can be reached by phone or email. Visitors are invited to attend any Mass and to greet parishioners when they do.
- Parish Office: (217) 429-5363
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: www.ssjpparish.com
- Mailing Address: 407 E. Eldorado St., Decatur, IL 62523
- St. James Church: 742 E. Clay St., Decatur, IL 62521
- St. Patrick Church: 407 E. Eldorado St., Decatur, IL 62523
- Office Hours: Monday-Friday 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Pastors & rectors through the years
- Fr. Jeff Grant2007-2011
First pastor of the merged Ss. James and Patrick Parish
- Fr. John C. Burnette2011-2020
Now Pastor Emeritus in private residence
- Fr. Christopher J. Comerford2020-Present
Current pastor