Parish Information
St. Michael, Galena
Freeport Deanery
Rev. Howard C. Barch, Pastor
Deacon Jay Achino
Address:Deacon Jay Achino
227 S. Bench Street (Church)
Galena, IL 61036
227 S. Bench Street (Mailing)
Galena, IL 61036
231 S. Bench Street (Office)
Galena, IL 61036
Website:
www.CatholicGalena.com
Email:
StMichael-Galena
| Phone: | (815) 777-2053 |
Mass Times:
| Sunday: | 8:00 a.m., *^5:00 p.m. |
| Tuesday: | 5:00 p.m. |
| Thursday: | 8:00 a.m. |
| Saturday: | 5:30 p.m. |
| Holy Day: | See church bulletin or website. |
* Spanish Mass
^ Beginning 12/3/2023
^ Beginning 12/3/2023
Sacrament of Reconciliation:
Saturday: 8:00 a.m. - 9:00 a.m. (at St. Mary, Galena)
Or by appointment
To submit corrections, please use your @rockforddiocese.org email account to
send an email to [email protected].
Founded: 1832
Built: 1863
Registered Families: 343
Church Capacity: 600
History:
Galena is one of the oldest settlements in Illinois and St. Michael Parish in Galena is the oldest parish in the Diocese of Rockford. Bishop Rosati of St. Louis appointed a pastor there in 1832, five years before the parish was established in the Chicago Diocese. In 1832 Father John McMahon was appointed as the first resident pastor in Galena. With the establishment of a new diocese in 1908, St. Michael became part of the Diocese of Rockford.
The Church of St. Michael was completed in 1842 at a cost of fourteen thousand dollars. In 1856 a fire broke out which destroyed a large section of Galena, including St. Michael Church. The building of the new church was completed in 1863. In 1871 new altars were installed, paintings of the Stations of the Cross were hung and the cathedral glass windows were installed. In 1884 the square towers were finished. Renovations to the interior, including pews, painting, lights and kneelers have continued over the years.
No history of St. Michael Parish would be complete without a mention of St. Mary Parish, Vinegar Hill. This Irish community north of Galena was a regular stop for missionaries in the area prior to the establishment of St. Michael Parish. Mass was regularly celebrated as early as 1824 in the home of John Furlong there.
The Church of St. Michael was completed in 1842 at a cost of fourteen thousand dollars. In 1856 a fire broke out which destroyed a large section of Galena, including St. Michael Church. The building of the new church was completed in 1863. In 1871 new altars were installed, paintings of the Stations of the Cross were hung and the cathedral glass windows were installed. In 1884 the square towers were finished. Renovations to the interior, including pews, painting, lights and kneelers have continued over the years.
No history of St. Michael Parish would be complete without a mention of St. Mary Parish, Vinegar Hill. This Irish community north of Galena was a regular stop for missionaries in the area prior to the establishment of St. Michael Parish. Mass was regularly celebrated as early as 1824 in the home of John Furlong there.
