St. Mary

About St. Mary's Parish

St. Mary's Catholic Church in El Paso, Illinois is a parish of the Diocese of Peoria, established in 1863 and located at 79 W. 3rd Street in the heart of El Paso. The parish has a broad demographic of families — including many young families — and offers a full sacramental and devotional life. It is pastorally linked with nearby St. John's in Benson, and the two parishes share a pastor, faith formation staff, and joint activities such as Vacation Bible School and a parish picnic.

History

St. Mary's was established in 1863 and grew through the late 19th and 20th centuries under a succession of pastors. Father Quinlan oversaw construction of the present brick church at West Third and Elm, dedicated by Bishop J. L. Spaulding on May 22, 1899; the church was later fitted with a pipe organ and accompanied by a brick rectory. Father James J. Kerrins, who began his pastorate October 12, 1950, directed extensive 1953 renovations including a new parish hall, tuck-pointing, insulation, and a new vestibule and entrance.

• 1863 — Parish established
• May 22, 1899 — Present brick church dedicated by Bishop J. L. Spaulding of Peoria
• 1953 — Major renovations under Father James J. Kerrins
• 1895 — Baptism of Fulton J. Sheen in the original wood church

Venerable Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen

St. Mary's holds a singular place in American Catholic history as the baptismal parish of Archbishop Fulton John Sheen, born just minutes from the church in El Paso on May 8, 1895 and baptized at St. Mary's on May 12, 1895 in the original wooden structure that once stood where the parish hall is now. Sheen went on to become one of the most influential American Catholics of the 20th century — a theologian, author, and pioneer of Catholic television — and his cause for beatification has been opened in Rome. His tomb is venerated at St. Mary's Cathedral in Peoria, where pilgrims are welcome to pray.

• Baptized at St. Mary's El Paso on May 12, 1895
• Cause for beatification open in Rome; declared Venerable
• Tomb located at St. Mary's Cathedral, Peoria

Parish Staff

The parish is currently served by Father Justin Ramza (ordained 2023) as pastor, with Father Robert Rayson also referenced as pastor on the Parish Life page. Jessica Heineke serves as parish secretary for both St. Mary's and St. John's, with office hours Monday and Wednesday 8:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and Friday 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Allison Malcom is the Director of Religious Education (DRE) for St. Mary's, while Stephanie Harms serves as DRE for the linked St. John's parish.

• Father Justin Ramza, MD — Pastor (ordained 2023)
• Father Robert Rayson — Pastor (Parish Life page)
• Jessica Heineke — Parish Secretary
• Allison Malcom — DRE, St. Mary's

Faith Formation & Religious Education

St. Mary's CCD program, led by DRE Allison Malcom, welcomes children from Pre-K (4-year-olds, potty-trained) through young adults. Classes meet on Sundays from 8:45 to 9:45 a.m. in the parish hall, beginning the third Sunday of September. First Communion and First Penance are prepared in 2nd grade (Allison Malcom at St. Mary's, Erica Heineke at St. John's). Confirmation is a two-year preparatory class following the Diocese of Peoria guidelines. Families must be registered parishioners and provide baptismal certificates for all students.

• CCD: Sundays 8:45–9:45 a.m. in parish hall
• 1st Communion & 1st Penance: 2nd grade (Allison Malcom)
• Confirmation: 2-year program (Diocese of Peoria guidelines)
• Contact: [email protected]

Parish Ministries & Groups

The parish offers a broad range of ministries and lay organizations that help parishioners take ownership of parish life and serve others. These include sacramental preparation programs (Baptism, Marriage, RCIA), a Knights of Columbus council, the Christ Child Society, ministry to the shut-ins, and funeral luncheon teams. Two linked ministries are based at St. John's in Benson: the Altar and Rosary Society (first Tuesday of the month) and the funeral luncheon team.

• Baptism Preparation (by appointment with the Pastor)
• Marriage Preparation (6–8 months)
• RCIA — adult initiation
• Knights of Columbus — third Wednesday at St. Mary's Hall
• Christ Child Society — first Friday & last Wednesday, 9 am–12 pm, St. Mary's Hall
• Ministry to Shut-ins (Anointing & Communion calls)
• Funeral Luncheons — St. Mary's (via parish office) & St. John's (Diane Wheelwright / Mary Peterson)
• Altar and Rosary Society — St. John's (first Tuesday)

Sacraments

St. Mary's celebrates the seven sacraments of the Catholic Church with preparation tailored to each. Baptisms are scheduled by appointment after a required class with the pastor; parents must be registered and faithful in attending Mass. First Communion and First Penance are prepared in 2nd grade. Confirmation requires a two-year preparation. Marriage preparation takes 6–8 months; couples are asked to contact the rectory before making any other arrangements. Anointing of the Sick and Communion calls are available to the homebound through Ministry to Shut-ins.

• Baptism
• First Communion & First Penance
• Confirmation
• Marriage (6–8 months prep)
• Anointing of the Sick
• RCIA for adult candidates

Contact & Visiting

St. Mary's invites visitors to join them for Holy Mass, Adoration, instruction in the Catholic faith, and parish community life. The parish office (in the rectory) can be reached at (309) 527-4555 or [email protected]. Office hours are Monday and Wednesday 8:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and Friday 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. The parish asks visitors to call ahead or email to schedule a visit.

• Phone: (309) 527-4555
• Email: [email protected]
• Office hours: Mon & Wed 8:00–2:30; Fri 8:00–12:00
• Address: 79 W. 3rd St., El Paso, IL 61738