St. Monica Church
A Legacy of Faith and Perseverance
St. Monica Church is a warm and welcoming Catholic community in East Peoria where faith, family, and fellowship thrive. Whether you're seeking a place to deepen your relationship with Christ, raise your children in the faith, or reconnect with the Church, you'll find a home here.
At St. Monica’s, we celebrate the sacraments with reverence, support lifelong faith formation, and strive to live out the Gospel through prayer, service, and community. From Sunday Mass to parish ministries and special events, there are countless opportunities to grow spiritually and connect with others.
We invite you to join us for worship and discover the peace and purpose that come from a life rooted in Christ. As part of Mary, Mother of God Parish, we are a community steeped in tradition, guided by prayer, and inspired by our patroness, St. Monica.
Saint Monica: Patron Saint of Mothers and the Faithful
St. Monica, our patroness, was a model of perseverance, prayer, and unconditional love. Born in the 4th century in Tagaste, North Africa, she is best known as the mother of St. Augustine. Despite years of heartache over her son’s rejection of the faith and her husband’s pagan beliefs, Monica remained steadfast in prayer. Her tireless devotion eventually led to her husband's conversion and Augustine's return to Christianity — a transformation that changed the course of Church history.
St. Monica died in Italy while traveling home with Augustine, comforted by the knowledge that her prayers had been answered. Her story reminds us of the power of patient, faithful love — especially for those who seem far from God.
A Short History of St. Monica Church
Founded in 1898, St. Monica Church in East Peoria has long been a cornerstone of faith and community. Before its establishment, Catholic families in the area traveled across the river to Peoria for Mass and sacraments, often in difficult conditions. A small group of determined parishioners petitioned Bishop John Spalding to establish a local parish, and with the help of Fr. Francis O’Reilly, St. Monica’s was born. The original church, built near the top of Spring Street, was dedicated on October 9, 1898, with a crowd of more than 1,500 people in attendance.
From the beginning, St. Monica Church was a symbol of hope and resilience. Built largely by the hands of parishioners, the modest white structure at the foot of the bluff served the faithful for decades. Under the leadership of Fr. Joseph Fennen, who served for nearly 62 years, the church saw many changes, including a new rectory, a mission in Creve Coeur, and the installation of a new altar in 1952. As East Peoria grew, so did the parish, prompting the construction of a new church building in the 1960s. The current church was completed in 1966, with its bells dedicated to St. Monica, St. Joseph, and the Blessed Virgin Mary.
The Grotto at St. Monica Church
In 1998, as part of the parish’s centennial celebration, St. Monica’s honored its roots by building a grotto dedicated to the Blessed Mother. Designed and constructed under the guidance of the parish’s Grotto Committee, this peaceful space was created as a permanent place for prayer and reflection. Visitors are invited to stop by, light a candle, and lift their intentions to God through Mary’s intercession.
Today, St. Monica Church continues to be a welcoming and prayerful home for generations of Catholic families. As part of Mary, Mother of God Parish, it carries forward a rich legacy of faith, service, and community life — always grounded in the powerful witness of its namesake saint.
