About St. Clare · Altamont, Illinois
St. Clare Catholic Church is a Roman Catholic parish in Altamont, Illinois, belonging to the Diocese of Springfield in Illinois and currently clustered together with St. Mary (St. Elmo) and St. Anne (Edgewood) as the Tri-Parish community. Established in the 1830s as a log church, the parish survived fires in 1848 and 1873 before building a frame church in 1875 and the present Gothic-style church, dedicated on June 10, 1923. With about 150 families (380 parishioners), St. Clare continues a legacy of worship, faith formation, and community service under the pastoral leadership of Fr. Ron Maldo Lorilla, who was appointed pastor of the tri-parish in 2024.
- Established
- 1830s
- Patron
- St. Clare of Assisi
- Rector
- Rev. Ron (Ronnie) Maldo Lorilla
- Diocese
- Diocese of Springfield in Illinois
Why belong here
St. Clare offers the warmth of a small, multi-generational Catholic community rooted in nearly two centuries of faith in the Altamont area, paired with the resources and reach of a tri-parish cluster that includes St. Mary in St. Elmo and St. Anne in Edgewood. Parishioners enjoy weekday and Sunday Masses, Saturday confessions, the Parish School of Religion (PSR) for children, RCIA/OCIA for adults discerning the Catholic faith, youth ministry, and a robust music program — all under the pastoral care of Fr. Ron Lorilla, ordained in 2017 and appointed pastor in 2024. The parish is currently investing in its future through a Centennial Capital Campaign running 2025–2027, inviting families to grow together in worship, formation, and service.
Mass times at St. Clare
Weekly Mass schedule
Confession times
- Saturday: 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. (or 11:15 a.m. – 12:00 p.m., per the parish website) at St. Clare Church, Altamont
- The Sacrament of Reconciliation is also available anytime by appointment — contact the parish office to schedule.
Adoration times
- Adoration is offered on special occasions. Check the parish bulletin or contact the parish office for current dates and times.
About St. Clare Catholic Church
St. Clare Catholic Church is a Roman Catholic parish in Altamont, Illinois, in the Diocese of Springfield in Illinois, serving about 150 families (roughly 380 parishioners). It is the lead church of the Tri-Parish community, which also includes St. Mary in St. Elmo and St. Anne in Edgewood. Together the three parishes share pastoral leadership, faith-formation programs, and a common mission: 'a worshiping, evangelizing, and serving community of intentional disciples, centered in the Eucharist and rooted in Catholic Tradition, with Mary as our model.'
- Diocese of Springfield in Illinois
- Tri-Parish cluster with St. Mary (St. Elmo) and St. Anne (Edgewood)
- About 150 families / 380 parishioners
- 216 N. 9th St., Altamont, IL 62411
History of St. Clare Parish
The parish traces back to the 1830s, when Catholic settlers — many of them Kentuckians — built a log church near present-day St. Elmo. The first Mass within what is now St. Clare Parish boundaries was celebrated in 1839 by Rev. E. J. Durbin of Kentucky, who visited twice a year. The parish endured fires in 1848 and again on Christmas Day 1873; in 1874 a new frame church (33 by 68 feet) was begun and dedicated in 1875. Under Fr. James P. Walsh (pastor from October 1912), construction of the present Gothic-style church began in fall 1921, the cornerstone was laid in June 1922, and the building was solemnly dedicated on June 10, 1923, by Very Rev. Dean Louis W. Lammert of Effingham.
- 1830s — original log church near present-day St. Elmo
- 1839 — first Mass by Rev. E. J. Durbin of Kentucky
- 1848 — first fire destroys the church
- 1859 — Franciscan Friars (O.F.M.) of Teutopolis begin serving the parish
- 1873 — second fire destroys the church on Christmas Day
- 1874–1875 — new frame church built and dedicated
- 1882 — parish school added
- October 1912 — Rev. James P. Walsh becomes pastor
- 1921–1923 — present Gothic-style church built and dedicated June 10, 1923
Our Pastor — Fr. Ron (Ronnie) Maldo Lorilla
Fr. Ron Maldo Lorilla was appointed pastor of the tri-parish (St. Clare, St. Mary, and St. Anne) in 2024. Born December 16, 1979, and ordained May 27, 2017, for the Diocese of Springfield in Illinois, he began in the Philippines as a market researcher and lay missionary before entering seminary and earning his seminary degrees in St. Louis. He previously served as Parochial Vicar at St. Anthony of Padua, Effingham, and Annunciation, Shumway (2017–2018); Blessed Sacrament, Springfield (2018–2020); Parochial Administrator of the New Berlin / Alexander / Franklin / Waverly cluster (2020–2023); and chaplain of Jacksonville State Correctional Facility (2020–2023), before being named Parochial Administrator (2023–2024) and then Pastor (2024–present) of the tri-parish.
- Born: December 16, 1979
- Ordained: May 27, 2017
- Pastor of St. Clare / St. Mary / St. Anne since 2024
- Cell: (217) 697-7110
- Email: [email protected]
Parish Staff
In addition to the pastor, St. Clare is supported by lay staff in the tri-parish office.
- Jill Koester — Administrative Assistant / Bookkeeper
- Katie (Katrina) Bauer — PSR Coordinator (cell 217-821-5239; [email protected])
- Austin Stout — Music Director
Faith Formation & Religious Education (PSR)
The Parish School of Religion (PSR) at St. Clare provides religious education for the children of the parish to grow in their Catholic faith. Classes meet every Wednesday at 6:00 p.m. at St. Clare Church. The program includes preparation for First Holy Eucharist (typically in 3rd grade) and Confirmation, which requires at least one year of PSR participation. Registration and inquiries are handled by PSR Coordinator Katie (Katrina) Bauer.
- PSR classes: Wednesdays at 6:00 p.m. at St. Clare Church
- First Communion / First Holy Eucharist: once a year for 3rd graders
- Confirmation preparation: at least one year of PSR participation
- PSR Coordinator: Katie (Katrina) Bauer — 217-821-5239, [email protected]
RCIA / OCIA — Becoming Catholic
Adults discerning the Catholic faith or seeking full initiation through Baptism, Eucharist, and Confirmation are invited to participate in the parish's RCIA / OCIA program. Inquiries can be directed to the parish office.
- RCIA / OCIA preparation for adults
- Contact the parish office for details
Youth Ministry
The tri-parish offers teenage ministry focused on nurturing the spiritual growth of young people and guiding them to live their faith in today's world. Programs are coordinated across St. Clare, St. Mary, and St. Anne.
- Teen / youth ministry across the tri-parish
Music & Liturgy
Liturgical music at St. Clare is led by Music Director Austin Stout, supporting the sung prayer of the Sunday and weekday Masses as well as special celebrations such as the annual patron feast and the dedication anniversary.
- Music Director: Austin Stout
Centennial Capital Campaign 2025–2027
In 2025 the Tri-Parish of St. Clare, St. Mary, and St. Anne launched a three-year Centennial Capital Campaign running from May 2025 through July 2027 to support the parishes' shared mission and facilities. Parishioners are invited to participate through prayer, pledges, and ongoing stewardship.
- Three-year campaign: May 2025 – July 2027
- Supports the tri-parish mission and facilities
Contact & Visit
St. Clare is located in the heart of Altamont, Illinois. The parish can be reached by phone or email, and visitors are warmly welcomed at any Mass or by appointment for confession, adoration, or a tour of the historic 1923 Gothic-style church.
- Address: 216 N. 9th St., Altamont, IL 62411
- Office Phone: (618) 483-5346
- Diocesan office line: (618) 483-9709
- Pastor email: [email protected]
- Website: https://www.triparishil.org/st-clare-church
Pastors & rectors through the years
- Rev. E. J. Durbin1839
First priest to celebrate Holy Mass within the confines of what is now St. Clare Parish; visited the scattered flock twice a year from Kentucky.
- Franciscan Friars of Teutopolis (O.F.M.)from 1859
After a parishioner walked from Howard's Point to St. Joseph's College, the Franciscans took over pastoral care of the parish.
- Rev. James P. Walshfrom October 1912
Began the present Gothic-style church in fall 1921; cornerstone 1922; church dedicated June 10, 1923; he was celebrant of the dedication Mass.