About St. James · Rockford, Illinois
St. James Catholic Church in Rockford, Illinois, is the oldest Catholic parish in the city, founded on June 7, 1853. Its present church at 428 N. Second St. was begun in 1861, completed in 1867, and served as the Pro-Cathedral of the Diocese of Rockford from 1908 until the Cathedral of St. Peter opened. The parish has long supported a school community and was home to about 825 registered families as of its 160th anniversary in 2013. It remains a historic downtown landmark and a center of Catholic worship in Rockford.
- Established
- 1853
- Patron
- Saint James
- Diocese
- Diocese of Rockford
Why belong here
As Rockford's oldest Catholic parish and former diocesan pro-cathedral, St. James offers a historic downtown worship home with deep roots in the community and a long-standing school tradition.
Mass times at St. James
Weekly Mass schedule
History
St. James Parish traces its roots to Catholic missionaries serving Rockford's early settlers. It was formally organized in 1853, built its first church in 1852, and completed its current stone church in 1867. The parish served as the Diocese of Rockford's Pro-Cathedral from 1908 until the Cathedral of St. Peter was opened.
- 1853 — Parish founded on June 7
- 1852 — First church built by Rev. John Hampston
- 1866–1867 — Present church constructed under Rev. J. S. O'Neill
- 1908 — Designated Pro-Cathedral of the Diocese of Rockford
Visit
St. James is located in downtown Rockford at 428 N. Second St. Current Mass and confession schedules should be confirmed by contacting the parish or the Diocese of Rockford.
- 428 N. Second St., Rockford, IL