History

Like any other parish, S.S. John and Catherine had its humble beginnings. It started way back in 1881 when Fr. Anthony Buetter, the pastor of St. Wendelin Church of Shannon came to visit Catholic families of Mt. Carroll to celebrate Masses. It started in the home of Leo Phillips every fifth Sunday of certain months.

Irregular services continued until 1917 when Fr. John Clifford, the pastor of St. Wendelin was directed by Bishop Muldoon to provide regular services for the Catholic residents. Again, there was no place of worship except in the homes of the Stuart's, the Canavan's and the Isenhart's..

In 1939, the church became a mission of St. John the Baptist Parish, Savanna, Illinois and its pastor was Fr. Edward O'Brien. He was succeeded by Fr. Walter Ryan in 1945, followed by Fr. Edward McIsaac (1952 - 1963). Fr. Edward redecorated the church and added a basement hall to the facility. The digging was performed by volunteer parishioners. Briefly, Fr. Francis Kennedy became pastor from 1963 - 1966 for both parishes until Fr. Henry Weckerle succeeded him. It was a grace-filled event for the Catholic community when in 1972, the S.S. John and Catherine Church was elevated into a parish by Bishop Arthur Joseph O'Neill and Fr. James Weber of Shannon. was its pastor. He succeeded Fr. Matthew Rudden, who served briefly as parish administrator.

The following served as pastors for the newly erected parish: Fr. Aloysius Piorkowski (1975-1977), Fr. Joseph Schlade (1978-1980), Fr. Willis Bradley in 1981 and Fr. Charles McCarren in 1982. In 1983, Fr. McCarren initiated the purchase of the present structure of Catholic Church which was owned and used originally by the Church of God congregation.

At once, the parish community heartily supported the major renovation of the building and its facilities. The office, classrooms for religious education, a spacious parish hall and a kitchen brought new fervor, beauty and joy to everyone. Then, Fr. David Beauvais was assigned as pastor in 1986, followed by Fr. Robert Sweeney in 1987 while both had tasks at the Chancery Office. Thus, Sr. Mary Jo Federspiel, SSND assisted as full-time pastoral minister.

In 1991, Fr. Frank Wasser briefly served as pastor. The following year Bishop O'Neill designated Fr. Joseph Jarmoluk (now Monsignor) pastor of both S.S. John and Catherine and St. John the Baptist parishes. With his administrative skills he established more pastoral ministries and led the parish in a major interior church remodeling. The new altar and surroundings offered comfort, and a good blend of modernity and solemnity.

Fr. Tim Siegel started his tenure in 1998 and initiated Thursday evening mass. The current pastor, Fr. Moises Apostol came in July of 2001. He has introduced a regular office time or visitations on Thursdays. The parish continues to grow with active organizations like the Ladies Society and Knights of Columbus to name a few. S.S. John & Catherine Catholic Church stands as light of faith to others, and gained other Churches' respect, love and friendship. Led by the Pastoral Council and its various Ministries, the parishioners pray for God's continuous blessings to the wonderful community of Mt. Carroll.