Pray for a HOly priest
Through our prayers, works, joy and sufferings of each day, and in union with the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass said throughout the world.
Wednesday, December 25, 2024
Merry Christmas!
May the joy of Christ’s birth shout out from your heart and into the streets.
Gloria In Excelsis Deo
Sung for you by the children’s choir at St. Irenaeus.
Two Masses This Week
Sunday, December 29th and Wednesday, January 1st
Wednesday, December 18, 2024
Why Are We Doing This?
Bishop Strickland: ‘It is clear that Archbishop Lefebvre walked an apostle’s path and was led to establish a safe place, a refuge, where could be found the Mass of the ages in its pure form’
Ember Days Are Upon Us
This Wednesday, Friday and Saturday are opportunities for additional sacrifice and spiritual growth.
Upcoming Projects
Your contributions are appreciated.
In the near future, efforts will be put toward:
- finishing the north steeple
- improving the downstairs restrooms
- organizing the sacristy
- replacing two exterior doors
- installing an extensive speaker system
Donations given at this time will support these projects. May God reward you!
Mail donations to:
St. Irenaeus Chapel
2811 N. 2nd Street
Clinton, IA 52732
To donate electronically, please email [email protected]
A Thank You
A carol for Christmastime – from the boys studying at LaSalette Academy.
La Salette Academy is currently accepting applications for next year. For more information, please contact St. Irenaeus Chapel, or reach out to a local parent of an 8th grade boy.
Enjoy their gift in song!
Friday Night Rosaries
The doors will be open for prayer.
St. Irenaeus will be open on the 2nd Friday of each month, beginning January 10, 2025.
Doors open at 5:00 p.m. for private prayer.
The Rosary will be led at 6:00 p.m.
Two Masses This Month
Offered by a visiting priest.
Thursday, December 12, 2024
In Memory of Maximilian
Maximilian suffered.
Suffering has merit.
It will bear spiritual fruit.
Clinton Magazine featured Maximilian and the restoration of St. Irenaeus Church this past year. View the article pages here:
Maximilian died on the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe – three years ago today. You can learn more of Maximilian’s short life and suffering here.
Wednesday, December 4, 2024
Upcoming Masses
Sunday, December 29, 2024
-Sunday within the Octave of the Nativity-
Low Mass
9:00 a.m.
Click here for the Mass Propers.
Wednesday, January 1, 2025
-Octave Day of the Nativity-
(also known as the Circumcision of Our Lord)
a Holy Day of Obligation
High Mass
9:00 a.m.
Potluck to follow in the basement.
Click here for Mass propers.
Both Masses will be said by Fr. Kurtz, SSPX – a visiting priest.
For those new to the Traditional Mass or St. Irenaeus Chapel, more information can be found here.
Wednesday, November 27, 2024
A New Year, A New Habit
Capture a few minutes each day to listen to the Daily Devotional podcast.
Subscribe to the Daily Devotional by email or on your podcast app.
Each short episode provides commentary on the Saint of the day, a Gospel meditation, a sermon preview, and a thought from Archbishop Lefebvre.
Listen in your car, at the dinner table, or during a daily task.
Crusade for Priests
Consider enrolling in a prayer campaign to support the clergy.
From a fellow benefactor:
I wanted to take a moment to encourage you to consider enrolling in the Society’s Prayer Crusade for Priests. As we continue to pray and patiently wait for a priest for St. Irenaeus, this is a concrete way to do that. As a crusader, you will be assigned a priest of the Society from anywhere in the world. You will have his name and pray for him anonymously every day. …
If you choose to enroll, send the chapel an email. A list of “local” Crusaders would be gathered for sharing resources, and maybe an opportunity to pray together at St. Irenaeus. You can email [email protected].
Mary, Queen of the Clergy, pray for your priestly sons!
Support the Restoration
Three ways to financially contribute to upcoming improvements:
1)
To donate electronically, please email for a link: [email protected]
2)
Mail donations to:
St. Irenaeus Chapel
2811 N. 2nd Street
Clinton, IA 52732
3)
Sign up for SCRIP, and send a portion of your regular spending directly to St. Irenaeus. Use enrollment code: HB1NP57YIZRC
Momento Mori
It is still November – dedicated to praying for the dearly departed.
Please remember to pray for the repose of Bishop Tissier De Mallerias.
Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord, and let Your perpetual light shine upon him. May the souls of the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.
Read Bishop Tissier’s funeral sermon here.
Thursday, October 17, 2024
May He Rest In Peace
Please pray for the repose of His Excellency Bishop Bernard Tissier De Mallerais, auxiliary bishop of the Society of St. Pius X, who died on October 8, 2024 at 10:08 p.m., having received the sacraments of Holy Mother Church.
H. E. Bishop Tissier’s death notice can be viewed here.
A short biography can be read here.
His funeral will be livestreamed here from Econe, Switzerland on Friday, October 18th at 9:30 a.m. CEST. (2:30 a.m. CST)
A Solemn Requiem Mass was also said for Bishop Tissier here on October 9th.
For the FUture
Please pray for these local young men as they form themselves for the future.
“The formation of Catholic men through a spirit of academic excellence, the fulfillment of duty, and the unrelenting pursuit of discipline and holiness.” – the La Salette Mission
“The purpose of the St. Thomas Aquinas Seminary is to form holy priests according to the traditions of the Church. What does this formation entail? Sacerdos alter Christus — “The priest is another Christ” — and so his formation will be to become another Christ. Prayer life, studies, work, recreation — all harmonize at the Seminary to make the seminarian like to Christ.” See the 28 new seminarians here.
For the Country
Join the US District in a novena leading to the elections here.
Thursday, September 26, 2024
Pray for the Bishop-Elect
Upcoming Conference
Real Life and The Restoration
Recently, there have been many babies born and baptized! The work continues!
In August, several young men traveled to an SSPX camp in California, and more women attended an Ignatian retreat in Minnesota. A lively bunch of benefactors hiked and prayed together on Holy Hill Pilgrimage – a 33 mile walk to Holy Hill Basilica in Wisconsin.
Around St. Irenaeus, altar servers have been practicing for their next opportunity to serve the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass. Men built a new wall in the basement gathering space. The grounds have been kept beautiful by volunteers. Thank you!
This month, three young men embarked on a new adventure – now studying at LaSalette Academy in Illinois. Others have returned to St. Mary’s College in Kansas. Next month, there will be a new seminarian at St. Thomas Aquinas Seminary in Virginia who welcomes your prayers!
For your fun: The 30’x 50′ Sacred Heart flag held by the Boys’ Camp attendees was the same flag flown here.
Monday, August 12, 2024
This Thursday
Thursday, August 15, 2024
-the Feast of the Assumption, a holy day of obligation-
High Mass
9:00 a.m.
with a sung Rosary procession following Mass. (approx. 45 min)
Rolls and drinks provided on the church lawn after.
Contributions of additional baked goods, fruit, and snack foods are welcome.
Click here for the Mass Propers.
This Sunday
Sunday, August 18, 2024
-Thirteenth Sunday After Pentecost-
High Mass
9:00 a.m.
Picnic to follow on church grounds after Mass.
Please bring your own food and drinks.
Lawn chairs and yard games are encouraged.
Click here for Mass propers.
Then Next Week
Thursday – Saturday, 8/22-8/24
Three days. Thirty-three miles. To Restore All Things in Christ.
Join brothers and sisters in Christ on a pilgrimage to Holy Hill Basilica.
Saturday, July 27, 2024
All For His Glory
“May many souls sit in this pew and gain their eternal salvation.” – a note from a pew benefactor
The recessed pews in the front are to accommodate the casket and candles for a Requiem Mass.
Tuesday, July 23, 2024
Pray The Mass
There are two High Masses planned for August, plus a Rosary procession.
Wednesday, July 17, 2024
On Solid Ground
The new floor was installed!
The center aisle showcases a herringbone pattern, and the nave floor color matches the sanctuary.
Anticipated Installation
Pews are planned for installation next week by New Holland Church Furniture from Pennsylvania.
Thank you to the many benefactors who contributed to the floor and pew campaign this past year!
Deo gratias!
Upcoming Masses
Holy Mass is planned for
Thursday, August 15th – the feast of the Assumption,
and Sunday, August 18th.
(this has been updated to reflect the correct dates)
Friday, June 28, 2024
155 Years ago
It was this week 155 years ago, on June 27, 1869, that St. Irenaeus was dedicated by Bishop Hennessy. The new church was dedicated on the eve of the parish feast day. This is an image from that year. St. Irenaeus’s feast day was June 28 at that time, and is now July 3rd on the Traditional liturgical calendar.
(The north steeple was finished years later and was drawn into this image.)
A Lofty Transformation
The details surrounding the choir loft were improved this week.
This photo is as it was before:
In progress:
The finished work! Well done!
Prepare to Pilgrimage
Three days. Thirty-three miles.
Every step is a prayer to Restore All Things in Christ.
The 2024 dates are August 22-24. Register now.
Thursday, June 20, 2024
On the Level
The crew of volunteers plus one company representative began the project by dividing the nave into quarters. The first pour of leveling compound was on the north side.
Meanwhile, others prepared for the next pour by drilling boards onto the floor to wall up the wet mix.
Next, screws were drilled into the floor to show the level of the pour. Then, the surface was vacuumed and primed.
You can see here how the screws are drilled to confirm the level height.
The walls were also taped prior to pouring, any gaps were sealed with caulk, and the HVAC vents were temporarily filled.
The leveling compound had the consistency of water. Note the spiked shoes worn by the workers to avoid marking the surface.
Each pour required five gallons of water, two units of compound and a one of fiberglass (for strength), then mixing with a power drill.
There were two mixing teams to keep it all moving smoothly.
Behind them were more volunteers – hosing off messes, opening boxes, and disposing of trash.
Check it out – in action!
The floor set up quickly. Shown here is the end of the second day.
Next up is to prepare the vestibule for leveling compound.
Tomorrow, five priests will be ordained at St. Thomas Aquinas Seminary. Please pray for them.
Wednesday, June 19, 2024
All in A WorkDay
Coming up quick is the pouring of a leveling compound to prepare the floor for a new surface and pews.
Volunteers work to secure compromised areas prior to the big week.
Much consideration has gone into the selection and plans for the floor – overall strength, finished results, added weight, cost, time and more.
The floor will be leveled in three pours from the sanctuary to the vestibule.
Here you can see the section of the floor that was too high to be corrected by the leveling compound. This part of the floor was cut out and made lower.
Behind the busy work crew, young ladies gathered to learn a new song for the schola, or choir.
This couple visits St. Irenaeus Catholic Church each year on their anniversary. Most years, they’ve only been able to access the front steps, as the church was locked up.
On this anniversary, they found the doors propped open and a bustle of activity inside! They were able to renew their vows on the altar.
The happy husband’s great-grandparents were married by the church builder, Father F.C. Jean.
Friday, May 31, 2024
Mary, Our Queen
Happy Feast of the Queenship of the Blessed Virgin Mary!
Mary, Virgin Most Powerful, ora pro nobis!
Today’s Epistle (Ecclesiasticus 24: 5, 7, 9-11, 30-31)
I came out of the mouth of the Most High, the firstborn before all creatures. I dwelt in the highest places, and my throne is in a pillar of cloud. And I have stood in all the earth and in every people, and in every nation I have had the chief rule. And by my power I have trodden under my feet the hearts of all the high and low. He that harkeneth to me shall not be confounded, and they that work by me shall not sin. They that explain me shall have life everlasting.
Today’s Gospel (Luke 1:26-33)
At that time, the angel Gabriel was sent from God into a city of Galilee, called Nazareth, to virgin espoused to man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David: and the virgin’s name was Mary. And the angel being come in, said unto her: Hail, full of grace, the Lord is with thee: blessed art thou among women. Who having heard, was troubled at his saying and thought with herself what manner of salutation this should be. And the angel said to her: Fear not, Mary, for thou hast found grace with God. Behold thou shalt conceive in thy womb and shalt bring forth a Son; and thou shalt call his name Jesus. He shall be great and shall be called the Son of the Most High, and the Lord God shall give unto Him the throne of David His father: and He shall reign in the house of Jacob forever, and of His kingdom there shall be no end.
Mary, Assumed Into Heaven
Mass is planned for August 15, 2024, on the Feast of the Assumption – a holy day of obligation. Watch for details to come later.
A Joyous Update
Maximilian “Irenaeus” John Pio’s suffering simultaneously secured St. Irenaeus Chapel for restoration. His Mass of the Angels was the first said at St. Irenaeus Catholic Church in over a decade.
This past month, Maximilian’s baby brother was born healthy, and baptized at St. Irenaeus Chapel. Deo gratias!
In two years
While we await the new floor and pews, take a look back at the condition of St. Irenaeus in 2021, before the restoration.
As Always
While we wait for a priest to be assigned to St. Irenaeus Chapel – according to God’s time, let us:
pray for vocations
By the prayers of the mothers in Lu, Italy, 323 vocations came out of their community. May parents, grandparents and Godparents raise up children so that they might say “yes” to His call.
O God, grant that one of my children may become a priest or religious! I myself want to live as a good Christian, and want to guide my children always to do what is right, so that I may receive the grace, O God, to be allowed to give You a holy priest or religious! Amen.
To be offered daily, along with Holy Communion on the First Sunday each month. It may be prayed at the communion rail after Mass.
talk about vocations
Get questions answered about the priesthood and religious life, and ask: “How can one be generous with his or her life?”
Rebuild Catholic Culture
Attend the “Rebuilding the City of God in the Age of Modernity” conference taking place in October, or look for the talks when they become available.
Wednesday, May 1, 2024
St. Joseph, the worker
Happy Feast of St. Joseph, the Worker!
When tackling projects at St. Irenaeus Chapel, St. Joseph is invoked under this title – asking “all for Jesus, all through Mary, all in imitation of Thee.”
This prayer is posted in the St. Irenaeus kitchen.
St. Joseph, ora pro nobis!
Recent Accomplishments
During this Easter season, some quiet tasks have been done:
- A major support beam was secured in the basement.
- Volunteers ripped up carpet in the nave and moved pews, again!
- The plumbing for a downstairs restroom is awaiting city permit.
- An entry door was improved.
- The new steeple crosses were repainted for a uniform finish.
- And always…mowing and trimming – nearly a city block worth!
Looking Toward Summer
These are the big things to anticipate in the near future:
- New flooring installed in the nave
- New oak pews installed in late July
- Mass planned for August 15 – the Assumption
A Glance Back In Time
This photo was submitted by a Clinton native. It is joy to see old photos come in, as they help to put history and details together. The son of the couple shared this story:
“At the end of WWII my father came home from the war and my parents got married. Only, twist was that my mother did not want to get married that first year as everyone was getting married and she wanted to be different. When they went to get married, St. Irenaeus was in the process of [see below]. Of course no services were being held at the church do to the ongoing construction. My mother spent one afternoon talking to the priest and somehow she changed his mind for her wedding to be held in the church. Attached is a photo from the wedding with scaffolding in the background.”
May God Reward You
A small amount is still needed for the pew and flooring project.
This restoration is done all for the glory of God, and all by you, its generous benefactors. Thank you.
Wednesday, March 27, 2024
Come To Mass
Easter Wednesday, April 3rd at 6:00 p.m.
Easter Thursday, April 4th at 7:00 a.m.
A simple supper with cold meat sandwiches will follow in the basement on Wednesday evening. Please bring a side dish to share.
Wednesday, March 20, 2024
Come for stations
Pray the last Stations of the Cross of this Lenten season. This Friday at 6 p.m. at St. Irenaeus Chapel.
Go to confession
As we approach the Easter season, we recall the precepts of the Church, instructing the faithful to:
1) To assist at Mass on all Sundays and holydays of obligation.
2) To fast and abstain on the days appointed.
3) To confess our sins at least once a year.
4) To receive Holy Communion during Easter time.
5) To contribute to the support of the Church.
6) To observe the laws of the church concerning marriage.
Before approaching the tribunal of Penance, the penitent must make an examination of conscience, with a carefully effort to remember all the sins committed since his last confession. It is particularly necessary to confess the mortal sins committed after Baptism that have not yet been directly forgiven by the power of the keys.
In order to make a good examination of conscience, the penitent will invoke God’s help:
O Holy Ghost, eternal source of light, dispel the shadows that hide from me the ugliness and malice of sin. Give me so great a horror for sin, O my God, that I may hate it, if possible, as much as Thou dost hate it, and that I may fear nothing so much as to commit it again.
He will carefully recall to mind the sins he has committed by thought, word, action or omission against the commandments of God and of the Church, and against his duty of state. He will mention the circumstances that could make a venial sin mortal, the number of times the sins were committed, the harm caused, etc.
If he has any trouble entering into his inner self, the penitent will not hesitate to seek help, either by using a missal or prayer book or by asking the priest to help him, always asking God and especially the Holy Ghost to help him see his faults and negligence more clearly.
Source: FSSPX.news, 11-15-2018
For those in the Clinton area, confessions are regularly heard at Jesus Christ, Prince of Peace:
Monday 7:00 AM
Friday 7:00 AM
Saturday 4:00 PM
First Saturday of the month 8 AM and 4 PM
Second Sunday of the month (with Spanish available) 2:30 PM
or by appointment by calling the parish office: 563-242-3311
plan to attend Mass
Easter Wednesday, April 3rd at 6:00 p.m.
Easter Thursday, April 4th at 7:00 a.m.
Thursday, March 7, 2024
Two HOly MasseS
in the Octave of Easter
Holy Masses will be said at St. Irenaeus Church by Fr. Bernard Bevan, SSPX, during the Octave of Easter on:
More details forthcoming.
One Row to Go!
Monday, February 19, 2024
The Way of the Cross
Join us on Fridays during Lent, 6 - 7 p.m.
You are invited to St. Irenaeus Catholic Church on Friday evenings during Lent at 6 p.m. to pray the Stations of the Cross – “to weep and atone for our sins, understand Our Lady’s sorrow, pray with the Church, contemplate Our Lord as Eucharistic Victim, accept the Will of God, prepare for judgment, and love our neighbor.”
We will be using the St. Alphonsus version, similar to pages 1-18 found here.
A Look Back to May 27, 2022
The Third Station: Jesus Falls the First Time
The Twelfth Station: Jesus Dies on the Cross
Just a little left to fill!
Monday, February 12, 2024
Smiles All the Way Around
From serving and entertaining guests, to demo and detail work, there is joy in the work done at St. Irenaeus – all for the greater glory of God.
valentine Supper
The St. Irenaeus Youth Group organized a formal supper for benefactors, and as a fundraiser for new pews. The young adults prepared the menu, decorated the venue, served tables and entertained their guests – with smiles all throughout.
A big, big thank you to The Dutch Oven Co. for their good guidance, contributions and encouragement in the project!
RECENT PROGRESS
While we pray and wait for a priest to be assigned, we work to make St. Irenaeus Catholic Church Mass-ready for future generations.
How can you help? See the current PEW CAMPAIGN at bottom of this post!
For a Night View
The Crucifixion scene window received its own ceiling light and automatic timer. It will now be illuminated during the night-time hours and visible to North 2nd Street.
Hidden Work
Much time has been spent above the nave to arrange wiring for additional lights and ceiling fans. In addition, volunteers constructed a catwalk to span the length of the building to better navigate the rafters. More time will be spent in this area for smoke and fire alarm necessities.
Paint, Paint, Paint
Volunteers spent many, many hours freshening up St. Irenaeus with new paint. The old paint was from 1947; it was aged, cracked, and had accumulated decades of dust. With careful preparation, patience and good help, the painting was done well and for a fraction of the potential cost.
Ceiling Fans
Three 80″ ceiling fans were hung to keep air circulating in the nave. This will keep heat from being lost at the ceiling level.
Uh-Oh
Upon inspection, this pillar in the basement was in very poor condition. It was not steel like the others. Outside it appeared to be sturdy block, but inside it was failing limestone.
Temporary Support
A temporary structure was built to carry the weight while the old pillar is removed. You can see here that it must support two, large weight-bearing beams.
A Great Workday
Ten men volunteered 50 hours to demo the failing, limestone pillar. It was sectioned off with plastic to control debris. Noteworthy: On this workday there were three father/son teams, and souls from California to Chicago!
Heavy Lifting
The scale of the building doesn’t accurately show the amount of debris that was hauled out in buckets. It was a lot!
A Clean Cut
A wet saw and vacuum was used to neatly cut the floor and to dig one foot below the pillar area. New concrete will be poured for reinforcement.
Going Forward
A portion of the ladies bathroom wall was also removed in the demo. This will allow better door placement and use of space. Here, three toilets are being marked on the floor.
Professional Help
A father/son team gave 16 hours of labor to move an electrical box out of the kitchen and into a more practical place. This amount of skill, strength and effort is greatly appreciated!
THANK YOU!
New in a Sacristy
A new exterior door in the south sacristy took two professionals most of the day to install, and adds much light to the once-dark corner.
Tuesday, January 30, 2024
Stephen Jeffrey and Helene Zielinski were married at St. Irenaeus Catholic Church on June 1, 1968.
Do you have St. Irenaeus photos or stories to share?
Please send them to [email protected]
First Sundays: To Pray for Vocations
By the prayers of the mothers in Lu, Italy, 323 vocations came out of their community. May parents, grandparents and Godparents raise up children so that they might say “yes” to His call.
O God, grant that one of my children may become a priest or religious! I myself want to live as a good Christian, and want to guide my children always to do what is right, so that I may receive the grace, O God, to be allowed to give You a holy priest or religious! Amen.
To be offered daily, along with Holy Communion on the First Sunday of each month. It may be prayed at the communion rail after Mass.
