St. Patrick Church
Rooted in Faith. United in Community.
St. Patrick Church is a vibrant and faith-filled Catholic community where people of all ages come together to grow in faith, serve others, and celebrate God’s love. Whether you’re new to the area, returning to your faith, or looking for a parish to call home, you are welcome here.
At St. Pat’s, you’ll find a place where the sacraments are celebrated with reverence, where children and teens are nurtured in their spiritual journeys, and where adults of all stages are encouraged to live their faith more deeply. We’re committed to fostering meaningful connections and sharing Christ’s love through worship, prayer, education, and outreach.
We invite you to join us for Mass, explore our ministries, and become part of a welcoming parish family rooted in tradition, strengthened by community, and alive in the Spirit.
Saint Patrick: Patron Saint of Ireland
Saint Patrick is one of the world’s most well-known saints, celebrated for bringing Christianity to Ireland. Born in Roman Britain, he was kidnapped by Irish raiders at age 14 and enslaved as a shepherd. During those years, he turned deeply to God, praying constantly despite harsh conditions.
At age 20, he escaped after a dream led him to the coast and back home. Soon after, he received a vision calling him to return to Ireland and share the Gospel. He entered the priesthood, was ordained a bishop, and arrived in Ireland in 433 A.D.
A Mission of Faith
Patrick faced great challenges, but his message spread. He baptized thousands, built churches, and used the shamrock to explain the Holy Trinity. Over 40 years, he helped transform Ireland from a pagan land into a Christian nation.
Patrick died on March 17, 461, in Saul, where he had built his first church. He is believed to be buried in Downpatrick.
His Legacy
Patrick’s life was marked by humility, courage, and complete trust in God. His prayer, known as The Breastplate, is still recited today:
"Christ be within me, Christ behind me, Christ before me...
Christ in hearts of all that love me, Christ in mouth of friend and stranger."
A Short History of St. Patrick Church
The story of St. Patrick Church in Washington, Illinois, began in the mid-1800s, when Catholic families in the area gathered for Mass wherever they could — sometimes walking miles to attend. A chapel was first established in 1863, and by 1876, a small white church stood on Jefferson Street. Known fondly as “The Little White Church,” it served a growing Catholic community for nearly a century.
As the parish expanded, so did the need for space. The church was remodeled in 1896 and eventually became a mission of East Peoria until St. Patrick was formally established as its own parish. By the 1960s, the congregation had outgrown the original building, and in 1968, the present-day church was completed across the street. Built with love and local craftsmanship — including altar pieces from walnut trees on a parishioner’s farm — the church became a spiritual home for generations.
In 2013, a devastating tornado struck Washington. While many parish families lost their homes, St. Patrick Church became a hub of relief efforts and a beacon of hope in the recovery that followed. Today, as part of Mary, Mother of God Parish, St. Patrick Church continues to be a place of worship, service, and community for more than 1,000 Catholic families — a testament to over 150 years of faith and resilience.
