All those grieving the loss of a loved one are invited to attend this holiday seminar offered by our GriefShare ministry. Join us on Thursday, November 20th at 6:30pm in Room 6. This is open to the public, so feel free to share this information with others!
Parishioners born in 1950 or earlier will receive a special delivery on Saturday, December 6th from the parish. The Silver Shamrock Poinsettia delivery was started by Fr. Tom Shea many years ago and continues as a way to honor and celebrate our senior parishioners. If you are not home when the delivery comes, a note will be left and you can pick up your poinsettia at the church that weekend.
VOLUNTEERS ARE NEEDED to help with the delivery. This is a wonderful activity to do as a family! Click the button below if you would like to sign up and/or receive more details. Contact Jana Schopp or call the parish office at (309) 662-7361 with any questions.
On Wednesday, November 5th, we will commemorate the anniversary of the Dedication of St. Patrick Church of Merna, which took place in 2006. This is a special moment for our parish family, and we will mark it with a Mass at 5:30pm at St. Patrick Church of Merna. All are warmly invited to join us.
This celebration highlights the sacred role our church buildings play. They are temples, consecrated to God, built for worship and for receiving His grace. Each church is a microcosm of heaven, a holy place where heaven touches earth, and a visible outpost of God’s Kingdom in the world.
These anniversaries remind us of a profound truth: God desires to dwell among us. Though He is present everywhere, He has chosen to make His home in a special way within our churches. These are places where we encounter Him in Word and Sacrament, where we are strengthened, healed, and sent forth.
Here’s some other local Feasts to look forward to:
These feast days remind us that God is not only at work in ancient history, but here and now – in Bloomington and Downs, in our churches and in our parish.
Painting by parishioner Elyce Bishop.
All Saints Day is not a Holy Day of Obligation in 2025, however we will offer a Mass in observance of the Solemnity on Saturday, November 1st at 10am at St. Patrick Church of Merna. Please note, this Mass does not fulfill your Sunday obligation.
St. Patrick’s 21st annual Euchre Night will take place on Friday, November 21st at 6:30pm in the Shamrock Hall. Don’t know how to play Euchre? No problem! Come at 6pm for a time of instruction and practice. For planning purposes, please sign up using the button below or at the Welcome Center. Cost is $10 and includes beverages, light snacks, and prizes (pay at the door). Contact Kristie Klingler with any questions.
Come for a peaceful night of prayer on Wednesday, November 5th at 7:30pm at St. Patrick Church of Merna. Matt Faley, the Chief of Mission for our Diocese, will be leading us in a reflection and music.
Our parish is once again participating in the Annual Diocesan Appeal (ADA) for the Diocese of Peoria. As the diocese celebrates its 150th anniversary, we are reminded of our mission as Christians. We are called to proclaim the Gospel yesterday, today, and forever. The Annual Diocesan Appeal gives us an opportunity to respond by sharing our gifts which will enable and equip the Church for today’s opportunities and challenges in witnessing to our faith. There are many ministries and apostolates that the Diocese can offer that we as a single parish cannot. Recruitment and training of priests, vocation discernment program for young men, marriage preparation, ministry to our students on college campuses, evangelization, Catholic Charities programs… these are just a few of the many services we receive from the Diocese of Peoria. Your support, in prayer and through your sacrificial gift to the Annual Diocesan Appeal, makes it possible to provide these services. Please prayerfully consider making a pledge to this year’s appeal at cdop.org/ada.
View the Bishop’s annual ADA video below:
The goal for our parish, Most Holy Eucharist, is $324,278 and we can reach it only with your help.
Have you had a powerful experience with Jesus at an event? Maybe at an Encounter Night, in Adoration, or in a study? Please take a moment to share your experience with us at Witness Your Faith!
All responses go straight to our Evangelization Director, Jess Elliott, and are kept anonymous.
Introducing Ignite Student Ministry!
We are joining forces with other parishes to give you one combined High School Youth Ministry – all area teens are invited, no matter their parish!
To sign up for Youth Ministry (teens interested in participating and/or adults interested in volunteering), click the link below!
