About St. Joseph The Worker · Chatham, Illinois
St. Joseph the Worker is a Roman Catholic parish in Chatham, Illinois, serving roughly 1,059 families (about 3,110 parishioners) in the Diocese of Springfield in Illinois. Founded in 1920 by nine English-speaking families as a mission of nearby Auburn, the parish today gathers for Mass at its 700 East Spruce Street campus, with a faith-based preschool, K-8 Faith Formation program, OCIA (Order of Christian Initiation of Adults), youth ministry, and a choir and band that support weekend liturgy. The current pastor, Very Rev. Joseph M. "Father Joe" Molloy, leads a faith family whose stated mission is to proclaim the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ through both word and action.
- Established
- 1920
- Patron
- St. Joseph the Worker
- Rector
- Very Rev. Joseph M. Molloy, V.E. ("Father Joe")
- Diocese
- Diocese of Springfield in Illinois (Bishop Thomas John Paprocki)
Why belong here
St. Joseph the Worker offers a complete parish life for Chatham-area Catholics: weekend and daily Mass, Saturday confessions, First Friday Eucharistic Adoration, and live-streamed liturgy for the homebound. Families can grow together through the K-8 Faith Formation program, Junior High and High School Youth Ministry, the Order of Christian Initiation of Adults, and a faith-based preschool led by Mrs. Jackie Viste. Music ministry, parish choirs and bands, and outreach ministries invite every member to serve and belong — all under the pastoral care of Fr. Joe Molloy in a faith family that explicitly seeks to be "a place of mercy and hope where everyone is welcomed, loved and respected."
Mass times at St. Joseph The Worker
Weekly Mass schedule
Confession times
- Saturday: 3:15 PM – 4:00 PM, or by appointment
Adoration times
- First Friday of the month: 9:00 AM – 11:30 AM (with Benediction) — per diocesan directory
- Feast of St. Joseph the Worker (May 1) when it falls on a First Friday: Adoration 7:15–8:15 AM, then after Morning Prayer until 11:30 AM, closing with Benediction
- Additional First Friday Adoration events are scheduled by the parish (e.g. July 3: 7:15–8:15 AM and 9:15–11:30 AM with Benediction)
Parish Mission
St. Joseph the Worker describes itself as a Roman Catholic faith family in Chatham, Illinois, committed to proclaiming the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Nourished by the Word of God and the Eucharist, the parish seeks to become 'a place of mercy and hope where everyone is welcomed, loved and respected.' This mission statement is featured prominently on the homepage and is the touchstone for all parish activities.
Parish History
The parish was founded in 1920 by nine English-speaking families as a mission of nearby Auburn. The cornerstone of the original brick church at 211 East Chestnut Street was laid on July 20, 1920, and Bishop James Ryan dedicated it that same month. The parish grew steadily through the mid-20th century; by the 1960s the old church was too small and Monsignor Casimir Toliusis began a capital campaign. Under Fr. Thomas O'Connor, ground was broken in 1970 for a new church at 700 E. Spruce Street, completed in 1971 at a cost of $165,000. A Community Center followed in 1990, and in 1997 'Project 2000' launched a $2.5 million capital drive that built the current worship space — dedicated September 17, 2000, with Bishops Daniel L. Ryan and George J. Lucas in attendance.
- 1920 — Parish founded; first Mass in the home of Mary Johnson (12 adults, 15 children)
- 1970 — Ground broken for new church at Spruce & Ball Streets
- 1971 — Current campus at 700 E. Spruce St. completed ($165,000); first Mass Aug. 4, 1971
- 1990 — 9,345 sq. ft. Community Center dedicated under Fr. Martin O'Hara
- 1997 — 'Project 2000' capital campaign launched
- 2000 — New church dedicated Sept. 17, 2000 (Bishops Daniel L. Ryan & George J. Lucas)
Faith Formation (K-8)
The parish's K-8 Faith Formation program meets on Sunday mornings from 9:15 to 10:15 AM. Registration for the 2026-2027 year is open, with tuition of $60 for one child or $100 for two or more. The parish states that no child will be denied participation due to an inability to pay; families needing assistance are encouraged to contact the Parish Office. Janice Anderson serves as the Faith Formation Coordinator.
- Meets Sundays 9:15–10:15 AM, grades K-8
- Tuition: $60 one child / $100 two or more
- Coordinator: Janice Anderson
Youth Ministry
St. Joseph the Worker maintains both Junior High (grades 7-8) and High School youth ministry programs as a continuation of faith formation outside the classroom. Junior High youth are asked to participate in both Faith Formation and Youth Ministry; High School youth gather for events, meetings, and service projects. Sunday youth sessions begin at 11:45 AM after Mass for grades 7–12, with light snacks provided.
- Junior High Youth Group — grades 7 & 8
- High School Youth Ministry — grades 9–12
- Weekly Sunday youth sessions at 11:45 AM
- Instagram: @stjosephtheworkeryouth
St. Joseph the Worker Preschool
The preschool offers two faith-based programs taught by Mrs. Jackie Viste and supported by aides Mrs. Dana Moomey and Mrs. Melody Clark. The 4/5-year-old class meets Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 9:00 to 11:30 AM; the 3-year-old class meets Tuesday and Thursday from 9:00 to 11:30 AM. The program emphasizes social, intellectual, physical, emotional, and spiritual development in a Christian environment centered on acceptance and respect. The preschool follows the Ball-Chatham School District calendar and admits students of any race, color, or national/ethnic origin.
- 3-year-old class — Tue/Thu, 9:00–11:30 AM
- 4/5-year-old class — Mon/Wed/Fri, 9:00–11:30 AM
- Tuition (2026–2027): $140/mo (3s); $155/mo (4/5s)
- Non-refundable $75 registration fee
- Teacher: Jackie Viste; Aides: Dana Moomey, Melody Clark
Order of Christian Initiation of Adults (OCIA)
OCIA (formerly RCIA) is the parish's process for adults seeking full initiation into the Catholic Church through Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist. Weekly sessions are held with initiation typically taking place at the Easter Vigil. Adults already baptized in another Christian tradition may also participate, making a Profession of Faith and receiving Confirmation and Eucharist at an appropriate time.
- Director of Catechumenate: Mary Carolyn (M.C.) Garriott
- Contact: [email protected] or call Fr. Joe at 217-483-3772
Music Ministry — Choir & Band
Music ministry is described as a centuries-old part of Catholic worship, providing 'a resonant backdrop to the sacred liturgy.' Choirs, organists, composers, and congregational singing enrich the spiritual experience and foster community. The parish welcomes new choir and band members; interested musicians can contact John Kennedy, Director of Music Ministry.
- Director of Music Ministry: John Kennedy
- Email: [email protected]
Sacraments & Pastoral Care
Parents wishing to have their child baptized at St. Joseph the Worker are required to attend a Baptism Preparation Class (the next class is listed on the parish website; registration is handled by calling the church office at 217-483-3772). The parish also maintains a Minister of Care who visits the sick and homebound, and coordinates weddings and other sacraments through the parish office.
- Baptism Preparation Classes — call 217-483-3772 to register
- Minister of Care: Cindy Essex
- Office Manager: Deb Howerton
Parish Staff
Day-to-day parish operations are carried out by a small staff supporting Fr. Joe Molloy's pastoral leadership. The team includes faith formation, youth, OCIA, music, preschool, and administrative roles.
- Pastor: Very Rev. Joseph M. Molloy, V.E. ("Father Joe")
- Pastor Emeritus: Rev. John H. Nolan
- Faith Formation Coordinator (K-8): Janice Anderson
- Sacramental Coordinator / Director of Catechumenate (OCIA): Mary Carolyn (M.C.) Garriott
- Youth Coordinator: Dane Roesch
- Minister of Care: Cindy Essex
- Music Minister (Director of Music Ministry): John Kennedy
- Office Manager: Deb Howerton
- Preschool Instructor: Jackie Viste
- Pastoral Associate (per diocesan directory): Sr. Judith Pfile, O.P.
Getting Involved — Ministries
The parish invites parishioners of all ages to get involved through family teams and support teams. Volunteer ministers must complete Safe Environment training, including a background check, before serving with children or vulnerable adults. Family teams — where multiple members of one household serve together — are specifically encouraged.
- Parish Council
- Christian Initiation of Adults
- Catholic Youth Organization
- Women's Guild
- Men's Club
- Music Ministry (Choir & Band)
- Faith Formation catechists
- Safe Environment / background-check training required
Visit, Park & Contact
St. Joseph the Worker is located at 700 E Spruce St, Chatham, IL 62629, and shares a parking lot with the Chatham Library. Parishioners and visitors are welcome to park in that shared area. The Parish Office is open Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM. Phone: (217) 483-3772. Fax/Hall: (217) 483-4581. Email: [email protected].
- Address: 700 E Spruce St, Chatham, IL 62629
- Phone: (217) 483-3772
- Fax/Hall: (217) 483-4581
- Office Hours: Mon–Fri, 8:30 AM – 4:00 PM
- Email: [email protected]
- Shared parking lot with the Chatham Library
Pastors & rectors through the years
- Fr. Daniel Quinn1920
Founding pastor; celebrated the first Mass in Chatham at the home of Mary Johnson with 12 adults and 15 children.
- Monsignor Casimir Toliusis1963
Began the drive to raise funds for a new church to serve the growing parish.
- Fr. Thomas O'Connor1969–
First resident pastor in Chatham; oversaw completion of the 1971 church at 700 E. Spruce St.
- Fr. Martin O'Haraby 1988–1990
Pastored the parish during construction and 1990 dedication of the Community Center.
- Fr. Robert Franzen1990–2002 (Pastor); 2002–2007 (Parochial Administrator)
Monitored Project 2000 ($2.5M new church); died October 2008.
- Fr. John H. NolanJuly 2007 – June 2013; May 25 – Dec 31, 2015; July 1, 2016 – June 30, 2021
Returned twice to the parish; now Pastor Emeritus.
- Fr. Dennis KollrossJuly 2013 – May 25, 2015
Died suddenly in office; memorialized in Kollross Hall (dedicated May 25, 2019).
- Fr. Joseph M. MolloyJuly 1, 2021 – present
Current pastor; also serves as Vicar for Senior Priests in the Diocese of Springfield in Illinois.