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massES at St. Mary
SATURDAY AT 4:00 PM
THURSDAY AND FRIDAY AT 9:00 AM
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Where to find st. mary
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The Early History of St. Mary
In 1859, early Catholics, James Ryan, George Leoni, and Daniel Reardon initiated meetings with Fr. Maher of Lincoln to start organizing a parish. Meetings were held in the homes of members and Mass was celebrated in the community building, Delavan House, until the first church was built.
St. Mary of the Immaculate Conception Church in Delavan, Illinois, was established in 1867. The first church was built on the northeast corner of Second and Cedar streets on land donated by James and Margaret Hayes-Ryan. The first parish house stood on Fourth Street near Locust. The second parish house was built on Cedar Street across from the first church.
The current church was built in 1906 and dedicated on May 5th, 1907, under the direction of Rev. A. A. Stapleton, Pastor and the Most Rev. E. M. Dunne, Bishop of Peoria. Final cost of the church was $18,570.13. A credit balance of $102 was set aside for a new residence to be built later. That was built in 1910. Funds to build the church came from Catholic and non-Catholic donations, 1905-1909 Thanksgiving Festivals, a 1906 chicken supper, and a 1906 Winkel party.
The church was renovated and remodeled in 1959 and the chime system was added. The basement was excavated in 1961 to house the parish center. As a result of Vatican II, the interior underwent major renovation in the 1970's including a new altar with the priest facing the congregation, removal of the statues, new pews, new Stations of the Cross, and carpeting. In the late 1990's, Deprato Rigali Studios of Chicago, was commissioned to paint the church. The depictions of the 4 Gospel authors in the Sanctuary were added at this time. The latest renovation was in January, 2025. The approach to the altar was made even and tiled and the nave was re-carpeted.
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There are 9 Beautiful Windows in the Nave of St. Mary's
Since the middle ages, multi-colored stained glass windows have been used in churches to enhance worship. The beautiful art, formed from bible readings and the lives of the saints, provided meaningful visual aids to people who could not read or write or those with different languages. The windows helped people to meditate and pray then and continue to do so today.
The Catholic Church is rich with symbolism. Every action, word, piece of art is deliberate and has a greater meaning. As you make your way through this stained glass window review it is our hope that you not only enjoy the beauty of the art but also gain a greater understanding of the Catholic faith and of Christ's great love for you.
The journey begins as you enter the nave (main body of the church) from the vestibule. Take notice of the circular window at the top of each arched window. That symbol has meaning related to the larger panel.
1. St. Peter the Apostle
Jesus asked His disciples this question, "Who do you say that I am?"
Matthew 16:16-19
Simon Peter answered, "You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God." And Jesus answered him, "Blessed are you, Simon, son of Jonah! For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my Father in heaven. And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not prevail against it. I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven."
Peter was the first Pope. As Vicar of Christ and Successor of Peter, the Pope serves as a tangible link between apostolic times and today.
The sacred roots and traditions of our Catholic Faith live on in the authority handed on from Christ to Peter to the Pope today.
Symbolism. The obvious symbolism in this window are the keys in Peter's hand - one gold, one silver, of equal size. The gold represents the power to bind and loose in heaven, spiritual authority. The silver represents the power to bind and loose on earth, temporal authority. The book St. Peter is holding represents the Gospel that Jesus assigned the responsibility of delivering to others.
In the circular window
The crossed gold and silver keys is one of the oldest emblems of the Pope.
Donated in memory of Mr. and Mrs. Andrew McGough2. St. Joseph
Matthew 1:18-23
Now the birth of the Messiah took place in this way... The angel of the Lord appeared to St. Joseph in a dream and said to him, "Joseph, son of David, have no fear in taking Mary as your wife. It is by the Holy Spirit that she conceived this child. She is to have a son and you are to name him Jesus because He will save his people from their sins." Joseph did as the Lord directed him.
After the Blessed Virgin Mary, St. Joseph is the greatest of the saints. He is the one “into whose custody God entrusted his most precious treasures,” Jesus and Mary. St. Joseph was unfailingly obedient to God’s commands. When the angel told St. Joseph to not be afraid to bring Mary his espoused wife into his home, he obeyed. When he was warned to escape to Egypt, he obeyed. He continually provided for his family and protected them—even in the face of great danger. Even though he was not the father of Jesus biologically, St. Joseph was a devoted father to the Word Incarnate, taking the place on earth of His Father in heaven.
People sometimes think of St. Joseph as a quiet, kindly old man, but not very effectual. Nothing could be further from the truth. God himself picked St. Joseph to defend the Son and his Mother. They were the targets of great demonic assaults as well as human assaults, especially those of Herod. Next to Our Lady, he is the greatest of saints in defending against Satan. The demons are terrified of him. In the Litany of St. Joseph, the earthly father of Jesus is invoked under a number of titles, including "Terror of Demons".
Symbolism.
The flowering staff symbolizes that Joseph was chosen. Joseph wasn’t just a random man that happened to pick Mary for his wife. God had chosen and prepared Joseph with special graces to care for the Holy Family. This symbol calls upon the imagery of the flowering staff of Aaron showing he had been chosen by God (Numbers 17:23 and also Isaiah 11:1). The lily symbolizes the purity of Joseph. He has the most chaste heart.
A carpenter's square with 3 white lilies. The gospel indicates that Joseph was a carpenter: “Is he [Jesus] not the carpenter’s son?” (Mt 13:55). The lilies point to St. Joseph, who is usually depicted holding a lily, representing his purity and chasteness.Donated by Mrs. Barbara Griesemer
3. Jesus, the Sacred Heart, Appearing to Saint Margaret Mary Alacoque
Christ revealing His Sacred Heart.
Behold the Heart which has so loved men that it has spared nothing, even to exhausting and consuming Itself, in order to testify It's love; and in return, I receive from the greater part only ingratitude, by their irreverence and sacrilege, and by their coldness and contempt they have for me in the Eucharist." (Revelation of the Sacred Heart to St. Margaret Mary, June 1675).
St. Margaret Mary Alacoque, a French nun, had a series of visions of Jesus between 1673-1675. In these visions, Jesus revealed to her His concern about the indifference and coldness of the world in response to his deep love for humanity and His desire for a special devotion to be established in honor of his Sacred Heart.
In these visions Jesus showed her the "form of the devotion, the chief features being reception of Holy Communion on the first Friday of each month, Eucharistic adoration during a 'Holy hour' on Thursdays, and the celebration of the Feast of the Sacred Heart."
Through St. Margaret Mary's efforts and the support of her Jesuit confessor, St. Claude de la Colombiere, the devotion to the Sacred Heart became widespread. In 1765, Pope Clement XIII officially approved the devotion, and in 1856, Pope Pius IX extended the Feast of the Sacred Heart to the entire Catholic Church.
Symbolism.
Jesus is shown with a tri-radiant halo or nimbus (reserved for depictions of the Holy Trinity, it has three rays emanating from its center), intimating a cross, symbolizing that he is the Son of God. His Sacred Heart, with rays extending out in all directions, is exposed for all to see. It is a visual expression of his intense love for all humanity. The cross and the crown of thorns on his heart remind us that Jesus was willing to suffer and die for all people. The gold halo on Saint Margaret Mary symbolizes sainthood (canonized May 13, 1920). The Rosary at the foot of Christ represents her love of praying the rosary. As a young child, she would kiss the ground at each Hail Mary. The book possibly represents the Word made flesh.
In the circular window
The roses are from a vision in which she saw a cross covered with flowers. Little by little the petals fell away revealing thorns that represented the suffering she would have to go through.
Donated in Memory of Mr. & Mrs. James Ryan Sr.
4. The Assumption of Mary
The bodily assumption of Mary at the end of her life.
At her death, Mary, the mother of Jesus, was assumed body and soul into heaven. This could happen, did happen, and indeed, had to happen because Jesus himself is risen from the dead in his human body. The Eternal Father did not allow his faithful Son to undergo corruption. This Jesus who was crucified — God has raised him up and exalted him at his right hand in glory. (cf. Acts 2:22-36) And so it was fitting, indeed necessary, that the divine Son should in the first place associate with himself in glory the woman from whom he took his human soul and body as the instruments of our salvation.
And since here below Mary was associated so intimately with all the mysteries of our salvation, at her Assumption into heaven Jesus crowned her not only with glory but also with power; He has placed His Mother on His right hand and has given her the power, in virtue of her unique title of Mother of God, to distribute the treasures of eternal life.
We do not worship Mary. Worship belongs to God alone. However, just as we honour our own mothers, we honor Mary the mother of Jesus, and seek her prayers on our behalf.
Symbolism.
This panel of Mary's assumption into heaven, reminiscent of Revelations 12:1, depicts Mary clothed with the sun and the moon under her feet. The snake at her feet represents the crushing of the head of the serpent promised in Genesis. Jesus directly crushed the serpent and was directly struck by the serpent, while Mary indirectly crushed it and was indirectly struck by it, due to her cooperation in becoming the mother of Christ (for it is by her seed, Jesus Christ, that the woman crushes the serpent's head).
Her posture of arms outstretched as she peers towards heaven give the viewers the impression that she is ready to receive this miraculous gift from God.
The crown symbolizes Mary's protection.
Donated in Memory of Mr. and Mrs. Michael Mulcahy5. Christ Knocking at the Door
Revelation 3:20
Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, then I will enter his house and dine with him, and he with me.These words form the basis for the beginning of Mother Teresa’s “I Thirst” meditation, in which Christ confirms His yearning for the soul: It is true. I stand at the door of your heart, day and night. Even when you are not listening, even when you doubt it could be Me, I am there: waiting for even the smallest signal of your response, even the smallest suggestion of an invitation that will permit Me to enter.
Symbolism.
Christ is depicted as the Good Shepherd. He knocks on the "door" of our heart. The absence of any outside knob or latch on the door indicates that one must open one’s heart to Christ from within — He will not force His way inside. There is an opening of grillwork in the door "revealing the darkness within," so that the individual may see who is at the door, and see that He is good and kind.
In the circular
window
John 1:29 The next day, John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, "Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!"
This symbol is rich in significance. Seated with a banner, the Agnus Dei (Latin for "Lamb of God") represents the risen Christ who triumphs over death. Seated on a book with seven seals (Revelation 5-8), it represents the final judgement when Christ returns in glory.
Donated by Mrs. Anna Steinmetz6. St. Michael the Archangel
Revelation 12:7-9
Michael Defeats the Dragon
And war broke out in heaven; Michael and his angels fought against the dragon. The dragon and his angels fought back, but they were defeated, and there was no longer any place for them in heaven. The great dragon was thrown down, that ancient serpent, who is called the Devil and Satan, the deceiver of the whole world - he was thrown down to the earth and his angels were thrown down with him.St. Michael is an angel, and the leader of all angels and of the army of God. This is what the title "Archangel" means, that he is above all the others in rank. St. Michael has four main responsibilities or offices, as we know from scripture and Christian tradition. The first is to combat Satan. The second is to escort the faithful to heaven at their hour of death. The third is to be a champion of all Christians, and the Church itself. And the fourth is to call men from life on Earth to their heavenly judgment.
Symbolism.St. Michael is depicted with a sword and scale, symbolizing the defeat of satan in the form of a dragon. The sword indicates protector.
In the Circular Window
Harp musical instrument representing the heavenly praise & worship of God.
Donated by Miss Catherine Murphy7. The Annunciation
Luke 1:26-38
In the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God to a city of Galilee named Nazareth, to a virgin betrothed to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David; and the virgin’s name was Mary. And he came to her and said, “Hail, full of grace, the Lord is with you!” But she was greatly troubled at the saying, and considered in her mind what sort of greeting this might be. And the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus. He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Most High; and the Lord God will give to him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there will be no end.” And Mary said to the angel, “How can this be, since I have no husband?” And the angel said to her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; therefore the child to be born will be called holy, the Son of God. And behold, your kinswoman Elizabeth in her old age has also conceived a son; and this is the sixth month with her who was called barren. For with God nothing will be impossible.” And Mary said, “Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word.” And the angel departed from her.
Through Mary’s fiat, her “yes” to God, she made the Divine Plan of salvation effective in history. As Eve disobeyed and set humanity on a path of sin, Mary was perfectly obedient and set us on the path of grace. As Eve was the “Mother of All the Living” (Gen. 3:20), Mary is the Mother of All those Living “in Christ.” We owe her a debt of justice, and a filial obligation of love.
Symbolism
This window depicts Mary kneeling before the angel, Gabriel, receiving the news with humility and grace. The dove represents the Holy Spirit and is depicted with a descending ray of light, giving a sense of movement or passage, touching the Virgin’s head in the moment of Incarnation. The three lilies point to the Trinity and to Mary's pureness.
In the Circular Window
The dove of peace represents God's grace. Just as the olive branch was a symbol of God's forgiveness to Noah, this olive branch is a symbol of the forgiveness being offered by the Incarnation.
Donated In Memory of Mr. and Mrs. Daniel Reardon
8. THE RESURRECTION OF JESUS
Matthew 28:1-10
After the sabbath, as the first day of the week was dawning, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to see the tomb. And suddenly there was a great earthquake; for an angel of the Lord, descending from heaven, came and rolled back the stone and sat on it. His appearance was like lightning, and his clothing white as snow. For fear of him the guards shook and became like dead men. But the angel said to the women, "Do not be afraid; I know that you are looking for Jesus that was crucified. He is not here; for He has been raised, as he said. Come, see the place where he lay. Then go quickly and tell his disciples, 'He has been raised from the dead, and indeed he is going ahead of you to Galilee; there you will see him.' This is my message for you." So they left the tomb quickly with fear and great joy, and ran to tell his disciples. Suddenly Jesus met them and said, "Greetings!" And they came to him, took hold of his feet, and worshiped him. Then Jesus said to them, "Do not be afraid; go and tell my brothers to go to Galilee; there they will see me.
Depicting the Resurrection is a huge challenge-how do you do justice to such a moment? The decisive, unique moment of divine intervention, when the power of God destroys the power of death. The composition of this panel of Christ's resurrection is focused on the victorious, risen Christ.
Symbolism
Jesus is depicted wearing a rose garment. Rose is the color of joy and happiness. It is also the color used by medieval Christianity to symbolize marriage. So what may be suggested here is the spiritual marriage of heaven and earth, the marriage of Christ and his Bride on earth, the coming together of the human and the divine. He comes forth from the tomb bearing the cruciform banner of victory. Christ holds his hand in blessing to the world. The clouds foreshadow the Ascension of Christ into Heaven.
In the Circular Window
The white lilies symbolize purity and rebirth, thus connecting them to Jesus and his resurrection.In Memory of Mr. and Mrs. Jeremiah Connell
9. The Ascension of Jesus
Then he led them out as far as Bethany, and lifting up his hands, he blessed them. While he was blessing them, he withdrew from them and was carried up into heaven. And they worshiped him, and returned to Jerusalem with great joy; and they were continually in the temple blessing God.
Luke 24:50-53Forty days after his Resurrection, Jesus ascended into heaven. His ascension does not mean that heaven is somewhere up in space. This was a way of making clear that He was leaving the present mode of existence. St. Paul in Colossians 3:1 urges us to live our lives now as if we had already died, had risen, and had ascended with Him. In a mystical sense we have done that, in that our Head has done that. In the physical sense it is still in the future.
He ascended to receive the glory due to Him as conqueror of sin and death (Philippians 2:8-11); to be our Mediator and advocate with the Father (Hebrews 9:24); to send the Holy Spirit as He had promised at the Last Supper (John 16:7); and to prepare a place for us as He also promised (John 14:2).
Now He is seated at the Father's right hand, which means that, as He said, "all power has been given to Me in heaven and on earth (Matthew 28:18). He always had that power as God, but now He exercises it as man, as King of the Universe, with His Mother beside Him as Queen of the Universe. (Taken from EWTN/The Basic Catholic Catechism)
Symbolism
The radiant figure of Jesus is depicted wearing a white garment, flowing neither up nor down but sideways, because the Ascension prefigures the second Coming. Jesus is leaving, but He will return.
In the Circular WindowIn Memory of Mrs. Christopher Winkel
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Pastors Who Have Served St. Mary's
Fr. Andrew A. Stapleton (1909-1917) was a native of Ireland and was a principal of a school in India before coming to Peoria and being ordained as a Catholic priest. He was appointed pastor of St. Mary, Delavan, in 1905. In 1909, he organized St. Joseph Parish, Hopedale, and the church was built under his direction in 1911.
He served as pastor of both St. Mary and St. Joseph until August of 1917.
Fr. W.J. Burke (1917-1926) came to pastor the church in 1917 and served until his death in February, 1926. Then, Fr. Stanislaus Pryzbysz (1926) acted as pastor until August of that year, when the newly appointed Bishop H. Schlarman assigned a permanent pastor to the parish.
Fr. W.M. Graham (1926-1940) With the help of the Sisters of Notre Dame, from St. Patrick's in Peoria, Fr. Graham started catechism classes that were taught for 2 weeks during the summer for the children of St. Mary and St. Joseph. He would drive to Hopedale to transport children to Delavan Grade School. Because there were so many, some would ride on the running boards of his car.
Fr. Graham was succeeded by Fr. R.O. Barnett (1940-1957) who had been serving as an assistant pastor at St. Patrick's in Lincoln. During his 17 years, the parishioners came to love him for his zeal and faithful service to the church. The people in the community also had a great respect for him due to his work with the Boy Scouts. In 1950, he was among the speakers at the annual Confraternity of Christian Doctrine that was held in Peoria. He was assigned to St. Mark's Parish in East Moline in 1957.
Fr. James J. Fay (1957-1961) was very quiet, an excellent spiritual counselor.
For a short period of 9 months, Fr. John H. Schwarz (1961) served as Administrator for the parish.
When Fr. Louis M. Condon (1962-1971) was appointed pastor, both parishes were in a state of insolvency. Within a year, all debts were liquidated.
During his 10 years, Fr. Condon was the Catholic Chaplain to the patients at the Hopedale Medical Complex. He spent much of his time visiting folks of all faiths. He was a member of the Delavan Rotary Club, an active member of the Peoria Duplicate Bridge Association, and the Peoria YWCA. He was also a protagonist in the Ecumenical Movement and on special occasions participated in joint services with other churches. In 1971, he was assigned to St. Joseph's in Kewanee.
Fr. David F. Roche (1971-1973) who was born in Peoria, was pastor until he was assigned to be Chaplain at Mercy Hospital in Urbana.
Fr. Thomas R. Brajkovich (1973-1977)was born in Cleveland, Ohio, and ordained in the Peoria Diocese in 1961.
Fr. Brajkovich was succeeded by Fr. William Ryan (1977-1979). Fr. Ryan was born in Chicago and ordained in 1959. He left to co-pastor St. Patrick's in Ottawa.
Fr. Paul J. Meismer (1979-1985)was born in Peoria and ordained in 1969. He was an avid hunter and ourdoorsman. He left in 1985 to pastor St. Patrick's in Sheffield.
Fr. Kevin J. Zerull (1985-1990) served the parishes until 1990 when he was assigned to OSF St. Francis Hospital in Peoria.
Charles R. Robards (1990-1992)
For a short period of time, Fr. David Kipfer (1992), was assigned to the parishes. He was born in Peoria and ordained in 1988. He was reassigned as pastor at the Cathedral in Peoria, where he was also the Director of Vocations.
Fr. Donald R. Henderson (1993-1995) was born in Peoria and ordained in 1970. He left to pastor St. Philomena in Peoria.
Fr. Edward S. Kopec (1995-1997) was born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and ordained in 1992. He was assigned to St. Joseph's in Colfax in 1997.
Fr. Gregory J. Jozefiak (1997-2000) was born in Chicago and ordained in 1992. He was instrumental in revitalizing a youth group and worked well with the younger generation. In 2000, he was assigned to the Pekin Federal Prison as Asst. Chaplain.
Fr. Gerald J. Verdun (2000-2012) was born in Pontiac, IL and ordained in 1972. He was an avid traveler and has told many stories about the trips he has made to the Holy Land.
Msgr. Timothy Nolan (2012-2022)was born in Wenona and ordained in 1992. During his time serving as Pastor, he also served the Peoria Diocese as the Episcopal Vicar for the Diaconate. In 2022 he was assigned to St. Mary's in Canton.
Fr. Michael Adrie, SMA (2022-2023) was born in Ave-Afiadenyigba, Ghana and ordained in 1992. He served as Administrator for a short time. He brought a unique style to the Parishes and enjoyed sharing stories and food from his home country.
Fr. Geoffrey Horton, (2023-present) was born in Norman, Oklahoma, and ordained in 2008. He currently serves as pastor for the newly formed Parish of St. Isidore consisting of worship sites at St. Mary (Delavan), St. Joseph (Hopedale), and Immaculate Conception (Manito).
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