Holy Cross Catholic Church & School - Mendota

Holy Cross Parish has a long and eventful history that reflects the dedication and determination of it founders and those who followed. Catholic worship and Catholic education have flourished over the parishes' many generations.

It was in 1859, just prior to the Civil War, that Mendota's German-speaking Catholics established the original Holy Cross Parish. They purchased a frame building that had been a public school and moved it to the present Holy Cross property. By 1868 the parish had completed a new brick church, and the frame church then became Holy Cross School. In 1913 the parish built a new brick school.

Until 1931 Mendota was also served by St. Mary's Parish, located on the city's south side. Due to various circumstances at that time, the Most Reverend Joseph Schlarman, Bishop of Peoria, determined that the town would benefit by having a single, unified parish. Since Holy Cross was more centrally located and because it had the school, its site was chosen for the new church that would unite the two congregations. Fr. Leo J. Wissing was appointed pastor of the new parish.

Construction of the present Holy Cross Church began in 1932 although the country was suffering through The Great Depression at that time and money was extremely tight. ( Masses were held at St. Mary's during the construction of the new church.)

The church was dedicated on June 19, 1935 with a Solemn High Mass celebrated by Bishop Schlarman.

The imposing new structure had (and still has) the beautiful pronouncement, "Venite Adoremus" (Come Let Us Adore Him) inscribed above the front doors for all Mendotans to see.

The parishes' next major construction was in 1956 when the rectory was built.

Holy Cross observed its 50th anniversary on June 23, 1985, with a Mass of Thanksgiving. the Reverend John J. Myers, then vicar general for the Diocese of Peoria, was celebrant and homilist. Peoria Bishop Edward O'Rourke was present.

In 1999 Holy Cross Church was remodeled. Due to economics, the convent was taken down in 2005.

Holy Cross has had six of its sons and 12 of its daughters enter into religious life as priests, brothers or sisters. The parish is honored and grateful that God called these sons and daughters, is thankful they answered the calls, and prays that more will be called and they too will say yes.

Holy Cross Parish: Strong Catholic life...past, present, and future.