About St. Pope John Paul II · Mount Olive, Illinois
St. John Paul II Parish in Mount Olive, Illinois, was created in 2011 when the Diocese of Springfield in Illinois consolidated the historic Ascension and Holy Trinity parishes into one community named for the recently beatified Pope John Paul II. The parish keeps both original church buildings open, allowing families to celebrate weddings and funerals at either Ascension or Holy Trinity Church. Rooted in the area’s coal-mining and Slovak Catholic heritage, St. John Paul II Parish continues the faith traditions that began in Mount Olive in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
- Established
- 2011
- Patron
- St. John Paul II
- Diocese
- Diocese of Springfield in Illinois
Why belong here
St. John Paul II Parish offers a small-town Catholic community with deep multi-generational roots, two historic worship sites, and a heritage shaped by both longtime Mount Olive families and Slovak Catholic immigrants.
Mass times at St. Pope John Paul II
Weekly Mass schedule
History
The parish was created in 2011 from the consolidation of Ascension Parish (established 1886, church dedicated 1891) and Holy Trinity Parish (established 1921 for Slovak Catholics). Both church buildings continue to serve the community.
Worship Sites
St. John Paul II Parish worships in two historic Mount Olive churches: Ascension Church and Holy Trinity Church.
Community Life
The parish supports traditional groups such as the Altar and Rosary Society and a choir, reflecting its long-standing devotional and cultural life.