St. Joseph
Prairie du Rocher, Illinois
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St. Joseph Church, Prairie du Rocher, Illinois, was established in 1722 as a chapel dependent upon the royally endowed church of Ste. Anne at Fort Chartres. King Louis XIV of France had dreamed of a great French empire in Mid America, but died before he could bring his dream to reality. Following his death in 1715, the regent, Philip of Orleans, ruling for the boy king Louis XV, commissioned Pierre Duque Boisbriant to found Fort Chartres in 1718 on the mighty Mississippi, midway between Quebec and New Orleans, to be the capital of the new French empire in Mid America.
The fort was named after the Duc de Chartres, son of the regent, and was the functioning capital of the Illinois Country, then a French possession. From the beginning of the fort a church was established in the village of Nouvelle Chartres outside the walls. It was staffed by two Jesuit priests, Father Le Boullenger and Father De Beaubois, who cared for the spiritual needs of the soldiers garrisoned in the fort, and the French families of the area surrounding the fort. Soon the swampy condition of the soil near the fort prompted some of the French settlers to move to higher ground at the foot of the picturesque rock bluffs. Jean St. Therese Langlois, the nephew of Pierre Duque Boisbriant, commandant of the king, received from his uncle, the commandant, a grant of land for a village beneath the bluffs. They called it "La Belle Prairie du Rocher," namely, The Beautiful Meadow Beneath the Rock. A chapel of logs in what is the present and original cemetery was erected for the convenience of the people, so that they would not have to travel the muddy three miles to Ste. Anne at the fort. In 1734 this small chapel was replaced by a larger log church. A similar chapel was established at St. Philipe near what is now Renault and Harrisonville, and was called Our Lady of the Visitation. The river washed away completely the settlement and chapel at St. Philipe. In 1765, two years after all the rest of the Mississippi valley had been surrendered to the British, Fort Chartres likewise surrendered. It was a sad day for the French, and this surrender was the final blow that destroyed forever the power of the French in Mid America. Fort Chartres was the last place in America to fly the Bourbon flag of France, the three golden fleur-de-lis on a background of blue. When the Bourbon flag was hauled down and the British flag was hoisted in its place, an era had ended. Great changes were in the making. The royal church of Ste. Anne was abandoned and soon fell into disrepair. St. Joseph Chapel alone survived, and became the parish church of the area, supplanting or rather continuing the mother church of Ste. Anne. In 1767 the records and sacred vessels of Ste. Anne were transferred to St. Joseph at Prairie du Rocher. The few remaining French at Nouvelle Chartres demanded them back, and a civil suit was entered in the British court. The court awarded them back to Ste. Anne. But by that time the church was without roof, and no priest was stationed there, and for safekeeping these priceless treasures were returned to St. Joseph at Prairie du Rocher, where they remain to this day and are the marvel and admiration of historians. St. Joseph Church and the village of Prairie du Rocher are thus the only living remnants of the French Empire in Mid America. Founded under the royal patronage of the Bourbon kings of France, both parish and town have survived the Bourbon kings themselves, the British rule, and finally the founding and development of the United States of America. St. Joseph Church, venerable in its antiquity, and the ancient village of Prairie du Rocher, are thus the only living monument of the French power in Mid America, and the sacred vessels inherited from the mother church of Ste. Anne are the only usable relics of a colorful epoch that ended on a note of tragedy. The present church building dates from 1850, and was inspired by the churches of Rome. Two residents of Prairie du Rocher, returning from the Holy Year of 1850, agitated for a new church. The foundations were laid to the right of the old log church, but in 1851 came the great flood. The site of the new church was surrounded by water and cut off by the flood. It seemed imprudent to continue to build the new church where it could be menaced by floods, so the foundations were abandoned, and the church built at this higher spot, which has never suffered from floods. The Romanesque style of architecture and especially the flat ceiling were inspired by the famous basilicas of Rome. The corner stone was laid July 19, 1858. St. Joseph Church was never an Indian mission, as were the churches at Kaskaskia and Cahokia, but was for the French. It is thus the only truly French parish in the Diocese of Belleville, founded under patronage of the king. Find the list of priests who have served at St. Joseph's here: 
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St. Leo
Modoc, Illinois
On the edge of the bluffs, overlooking the Mississippi River, lay the grounds of St. Leo the Great Parish. St. Leo’s Church is located eight miles east of Prairie du Rocher, Illinois in the rural Modoc area and is the focal point of St. Leo’s parish. Although the parish was founded as a mission church of St. Joseph parish in late 1892, the first church was blessed and the first Mass was celebrated in 1893.
The first resident pastor did not come until 1907. In 1961 the status of the parish reverted back to a mission status, with the parish priest living in St. Patrick’s parish in Ruma. In July of 2009, Fr. Daniel Jurek, the pastor of St. Joseph parish in Prairie du Rocher, became the parish priest of St. Leo’s. Thus, St. Leo’s circle of travel has been completed.
Originally our ancestors wanted to name our parish after the pope who was in office at that time; but they were not allowed to do that. They did the next best thing. They named the parish after Pope St. Leo the Great. We appreciate that our ancestors did that. Pope St. Leo the Great labored constantly to protect the integrity of the Faith, to pursue truth and unity, and to fill people with love and humility.
Throughout our existence as a parish, we have striven to do the same: to improve our relationship with God and one another, to live a more balanced and complete faith-filled and moral life, to deepen our parish-familial connections, to possess a deep humility, and to celebrate our sacramental life. For us, the Sacraments are extremely important. As one parishioner says: the celebration of the Sacraments “keeps me zoomed in on how I should be living my life”!
In a parish of our small size, vocations to the priesthood and religious life are difficult to cultivate. We have had one priestly and three religious women vocations. We have in place a program called “The Chalice and Paten” program. As a community we pray every Sunday for vocations during the General Intercessions and after Communion; and are encouraged to pray privately every day for vocations.
Our mission statement says we are to serve our neighbor. We do that service in many different ways. We have had toy, coat, clothing, and food drives. We have collected gifts for the homebound and for those in healthcare centers.
We, at St. Leo’s, are more than just a Church; we are a family that is guided by the Gospel of Christ, and the writings of Pope St. Leo the Great.
The first resident pastor did not come until 1907. In 1961 the status of the parish reverted back to a mission status, with the parish priest living in St. Patrick’s parish in Ruma. In July of 2009, Fr. Daniel Jurek, the pastor of St. Joseph parish in Prairie du Rocher, became the parish priest of St. Leo’s. Thus, St. Leo’s circle of travel has been completed.
Originally our ancestors wanted to name our parish after the pope who was in office at that time; but they were not allowed to do that. They did the next best thing. They named the parish after Pope St. Leo the Great. We appreciate that our ancestors did that. Pope St. Leo the Great labored constantly to protect the integrity of the Faith, to pursue truth and unity, and to fill people with love and humility.
Throughout our existence as a parish, we have striven to do the same: to improve our relationship with God and one another, to live a more balanced and complete faith-filled and moral life, to deepen our parish-familial connections, to possess a deep humility, and to celebrate our sacramental life. For us, the Sacraments are extremely important. As one parishioner says: the celebration of the Sacraments “keeps me zoomed in on how I should be living my life”!
In a parish of our small size, vocations to the priesthood and religious life are difficult to cultivate. We have had one priestly and three religious women vocations. We have in place a program called “The Chalice and Paten” program. As a community we pray every Sunday for vocations during the General Intercessions and after Communion; and are encouraged to pray privately every day for vocations.
Our mission statement says we are to serve our neighbor. We do that service in many different ways. We have had toy, coat, clothing, and food drives. We have collected gifts for the homebound and for those in healthcare centers.
We, at St. Leo’s, are more than just a Church; we are a family that is guided by the Gospel of Christ, and the writings of Pope St. Leo the Great.
St. Mary Help of Christians
Chester, Illinois
1842 – The first emigrant Catholics settle in Chester.
1847 – The first Mass is celebrated in Chester by the Rev. Nicholas Perrin, pastor of Kaskaskia. He would offer Mass once a month in a family home.
1850 – The first church was built, a 25x50 feet brick structure. On October 6, 1850, the Most Rev. Oliver Van de Velde, Bishop of Chicago (the only Bishop in Illinois at the time), laid the cornerstone.
1850 – a one-acre site was donated to the parish for a cemetery (located on what is now the Niermann farm).
1853 – On July 29, Bishop Van de Velde returned and blessed the church, dedicating it to Mary Help of Christians. Seven parishioners received the Sacrament of Confirmation.
1863 – The first parochial school opened. A lay teacher instructed 40 pupils in the basement of the church.
1869 – Construction of the main body of the present church began.
1871 – Construction on church was completed. The new church measured 44x72 feet and was built at a cost of $10,000.
1873 – The first Mass in the new church was celebrated by Rev. Clemens Rhode on August 15th. After the new church was completed, the original church was converted into a two-room school and sisters’ residence.
1876 – a five-acre site for a new cemetery was purchased for $450.
1894 – The Blessed Virgin Mary Sodality is established.
1904 – Enrollment in school climbs to 95 students. Plans are made to build a new school building.
1905 – The new school opens in October (the brick structure currently in use).
1906 – The first six students graduate from 8th grade (students had attended Jr. High at the public school prior to this time).
1913 – A major renovation of the church is undertaken, which included the addition of the transept, a larger sanctuary, and two sacristies. The beautiful stained-glass windows in the transept and sanctuary were completed a short time later.
1925 – The crucifixion group is erected and dedicated in the current cemetery.
1925 – Rev. Charles J. Eckert, who had served as pastor since 1892, died on November 24th as a result of a car accident.
1930 – The current rectory is built.
1938 – Enrollment in the school reaches 178 students. Two extra classrooms are built and the dining room/cafeteria is completed in the basement.
1940 – the ballfield known as “the bowl” was created.
1942 – Our parish celebrates its 100th anniversary. On September 7th (Labor Day), this milestone was marked by a pontifical field Mass at the high school stadium, a chicken dinner, and a sacred concert in church.
1942 – The Holy Name Society was established, and served the parish until 1991.
1946 – The building currently known as the Parish House (formerly the convent) was purchased and remodeled to provide living space for the seven sisters serving the parish at that time.
1951 – The school gymnasium is built.
1952 – The Catholic Youth Organization is established.
1954 – St. Mary’s Knights of Columbus Council is instituted.
1957 – The current Knights of Columbus Meeting Hall is built.
1963 – Rev. Anthony B. Lehmen, pastor for 37 years, passes away on May 13.
1964 – High school students participate in the May Crowning ceremony, a tradition which continues to this day.
1965 – School enrollment reaches 300, the largest in history.
1967 – The school library and recreation room is built. The Parent Teacher Organization (PTO) is formed.
1987 – Preschool and kindergarten classes are formed in the school. The first Parish Council meeting is held.
1992 – The parish celebrates its 150th anniversary. Year-long activities include a vespers service/parish dinner, a parish mission, a prayer service at the original cemetery, a living rosary, and a Mass of Celebration with Bishop Keleher.
2006 – A state of the art playground is built for the school. The playground was built strictly with volunteer help.
1847 – The first Mass is celebrated in Chester by the Rev. Nicholas Perrin, pastor of Kaskaskia. He would offer Mass once a month in a family home.
1850 – The first church was built, a 25x50 feet brick structure. On October 6, 1850, the Most Rev. Oliver Van de Velde, Bishop of Chicago (the only Bishop in Illinois at the time), laid the cornerstone.
1850 – a one-acre site was donated to the parish for a cemetery (located on what is now the Niermann farm).
1853 – On July 29, Bishop Van de Velde returned and blessed the church, dedicating it to Mary Help of Christians. Seven parishioners received the Sacrament of Confirmation.
1863 – The first parochial school opened. A lay teacher instructed 40 pupils in the basement of the church.
1869 – Construction of the main body of the present church began.
1871 – Construction on church was completed. The new church measured 44x72 feet and was built at a cost of $10,000.
1873 – The first Mass in the new church was celebrated by Rev. Clemens Rhode on August 15th. After the new church was completed, the original church was converted into a two-room school and sisters’ residence.
1876 – a five-acre site for a new cemetery was purchased for $450.
1894 – The Blessed Virgin Mary Sodality is established.
1904 – Enrollment in school climbs to 95 students. Plans are made to build a new school building.
1905 – The new school opens in October (the brick structure currently in use).
1906 – The first six students graduate from 8th grade (students had attended Jr. High at the public school prior to this time).
1913 – A major renovation of the church is undertaken, which included the addition of the transept, a larger sanctuary, and two sacristies. The beautiful stained-glass windows in the transept and sanctuary were completed a short time later.
1925 – The crucifixion group is erected and dedicated in the current cemetery.
1925 – Rev. Charles J. Eckert, who had served as pastor since 1892, died on November 24th as a result of a car accident.
1930 – The current rectory is built.
1938 – Enrollment in the school reaches 178 students. Two extra classrooms are built and the dining room/cafeteria is completed in the basement.
1940 – the ballfield known as “the bowl” was created.
1942 – Our parish celebrates its 100th anniversary. On September 7th (Labor Day), this milestone was marked by a pontifical field Mass at the high school stadium, a chicken dinner, and a sacred concert in church.
1942 – The Holy Name Society was established, and served the parish until 1991.
1946 – The building currently known as the Parish House (formerly the convent) was purchased and remodeled to provide living space for the seven sisters serving the parish at that time.
1951 – The school gymnasium is built.
1952 – The Catholic Youth Organization is established.
1954 – St. Mary’s Knights of Columbus Council is instituted.
1957 – The current Knights of Columbus Meeting Hall is built.
1963 – Rev. Anthony B. Lehmen, pastor for 37 years, passes away on May 13.
1964 – High school students participate in the May Crowning ceremony, a tradition which continues to this day.
1965 – School enrollment reaches 300, the largest in history.
1967 – The school library and recreation room is built. The Parent Teacher Organization (PTO) is formed.
1987 – Preschool and kindergarten classes are formed in the school. The first Parish Council meeting is held.
1992 – The parish celebrates its 150th anniversary. Year-long activities include a vespers service/parish dinner, a parish mission, a prayer service at the original cemetery, a living rosary, and a Mass of Celebration with Bishop Keleher.
2006 – A state of the art playground is built for the school. The playground was built strictly with volunteer help.
