Bishop Thomas John Paprocki | Diocese of Springfield

On July 20, Bishop Thomas John Paprocki will join the congregation of St. Thomas the Apostle Parish in Decatur to commemorate a century of parish history with a Mass and dinner. This milestone offers an opportunity for reflection on both past achievements and future aspirations.

The parish was established in early 1925 by Bishop James A. Griffin, who recognized the need for a new parish due to Decatur's rapid growth. The location was set at the 2100 Block of North Edward Street, targeting areas expected to expand with Catholic residents.

Father Andrew Smith, born and ordained in Ireland, became the first pastor on January 25, 1925. He utilized his experience from St. Patrick Church in Decatur to lead the newly formed community of about 800 parishioners.

Construction began on April 1 for a temporary building costing $7,000 and measuring 36 feet by 96 feet; it was completed in nine and a half days. The first Mass took place on Easter Sunday, April 12, followed by its dedication that afternoon.

Plans soon emerged for a more permanent structure—a Romanesque-style church made of brick and stone—with its cornerstone laid in August 1925 before an audience exceeding 3,500 people. This church was dedicated on September 5, 1926.

In subsequent years under Father Smith's leadership until his death in April 1948—and continued by fewer than twelve pastors since—St. Thomas flourished despite challenges such as school closures or declining enrollment figures over time.

Current pastor Father Jason Stone notes that many religious vocations have emerged from this community over decades while emphasizing ongoing engagement through events like trivia contests or publications celebrating collective memories shared among families today numbering around three hundred strong within its fold.

"We sent out invitations to all former priests from St. Thomas," said Father Stone regarding upcoming festivities planned throughout July featuring items like T-shirts commemorating anniversaries alongside ornaments available during Christmas season celebrations later this year.

Reflecting upon vibrant attendance rates at daily services compared against those held weekly each Sunday morning brings satisfaction expressed best perhaps via words spoken recently when he observed: "One thing striking me since beginning here involves seeing how much larger size daily mass attendance appears relative proportionally speaking."

As preparations continue ahead towards unveiling contents stored inside sealed time capsule originally placed back during earlier anniversary celebration marking seventy-five years elapsed thus far—the ordination chalice belonging once unto Father John Moore remains ready usage occasioned amidst solemnity surrounding Mass scheduled same day honoring centennial achievement realized collectively now reaching full fruition across multiple generations gathered together anew united purposefully yet again just few short days away...