2026 – Saint Irenaeus Chapel

Saturday, August 29, 2026

Nearly Done

The final steps will be completed after the installation of copper by a contractor.

Please pray for a quick, safe and complete end to this steeple project.

For the Mass

The next project is finishing the sacristies and installing cabinetry.

Please consider helping make it happen. May God reward you for your contribution!

To mail a donation:
St. Irenaeus Chapel
2811 N. 2nd Street
Clinton, IA 52732

If you’d like to donate electronically, please email the chapel for the link: [email protected]

Have questions?
Please call 563-503-6320.

St. Irenaeus Chapel is a corporation which is incorporated under Chapter 504 of the Iowa Code, and operating within meaning of 501 (c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.

Wednesday, August 19, 2026

A Look Back

The restoration of St. Irenaeus Chapel is bigger than here and now.

A reflection from the Vice President of St. Irenaeus Chapel:

In the fall of 2021, Matthew Gabbard asked if I could join the board of directors with him on a new project called St. Irenaeus Chapel. Since saying yes, I have been involved in many ways, such as communications, fundraising, demolition, lawncare, accounting, paying bills, painting, building and tearing down scaffolding, snow removal, wiring, cleaning the toilets, etc.

Sometimes the biggest challenge is perseverance. Continuing with the restoration. To completely rebuild a church without a guarantee of a priest takes a leap of faith. However, God continues to bless us with many graces that give us much hope and encouragement for the future. The community of Catholics who pray and fast for this restoration is a huge part of the success so far. We couldn’t do anything without this community. So many sacrifices have been made to make St. Irenaeus a beacon for the future. So we continue on – for the future. For the souls that need to be saved. The conciliar Church continues to consolidate and retreat. This is what going on offense for Our Lord looks like.

Memories? There are so many. The first seven months were very memorable. From preparing for Maximilian’s funeral, to building a new sanctuary floor, to installing an HVAC system, putting on a new roof, then hosting the U.S. District Superior of the SSPX for a tour and a Holy Mass. That was a very memorable period. But we continue to make great memories! Watching our kids grow up and learn how to serve at Holy Mass, lead a choir, play organ, become sacristan…this is very fulfilling!

This is the project of a lifetime. What is so great is that it will last beyond mine. It’s a project worth doing.

–Keith Dexter, Vice President

A Busy Week

The steeple roof has shape and the next project is drawn up.

Thank you to everyone who helps continue this important work!

Next Up!

The plans were drawn for the necessary sacristy cabinets.

It takes a lot to make all this happen. May God reward you for your contribution!

To mail a donation:
St. Irenaeus Chapel
2811 N. 2nd Street
Clinton, IA 52732

If you’d like to donate electronically, please email the chapel for the link: [email protected]

Have questions?
Please call 563-503-6320.

St. Irenaeus Chapel is a corporation which is incorporated under Chapter 504 of the Iowa Code, and operating within meaning of 501 (c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.

Monday, August 10, 2026

Energy On The Roof

Local seminarians, their brothers and cousin work to ready the roof transition.

Click the picture for a short video and to hear about the progress this past week:

You can view previous videos at the St. Irenaeus Chapel YouTube Channel.

In the Background

The icons that belong on the altar are being prayerfully and patiently restored off-site.

We thank this volunteer and the benefactors of this initiative!

The Last Things

Effort is currently going into the roof transition, then onto finishing and furnishing the sacristies!

Thank you for your support. May God reward you!

To mail a donation:
St. Irenaeus Chapel
2811 N. 2nd Street
Clinton, IA 52732

If you’d like to donate electronically, please email the chapel for the link: [email protected]

Have questions?
Please call 563-503-6320.

St. Irenaeus Chapel is a corporation which is incorporated under Chapter 504 of the Iowa Code, and operating within meaning of 501 (c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.

Friday, July 3, 2026

On the Feast of Our Patron Saint

St. Irenaeus of Lyons (ear-ra-NAY-us)

St. Irenaeus was born about the year 120 A.D., of Christian parents. As a young man, he listened to the preaching of St. Polycarp, and went on to learn much from him. After studying in Rome, he was ordained a priest by Bishop Pothinus of Lyons, France, and was sent right back to Rome, with two letters for Pope St. Eleutherius.

Because of this journey, Irenaeus escaped the awful persecution of the Church in Lyons, in which the bishop and many others became martyrs. When he returned, he was chosen to become the next bishop of Lyons. By his preaching, he converted most of that country to the Faith. A great theologian, this Saint wrote several brilliant works, which were translated into many different languages. These are the most well-known: Demonstration of the Apostolic Preaching, a work of apologetics, and Against Heresies, refuting the Gnostic heresy. Irenaeus suffered a glorious martyrdom around the year 200 A.D, and was recognized as a Father of the Church.
St. Irenaeus – Destroyer of Heresies, Defender of the Faith, ora pro nobis!

“The Church, having received this preaching and this faith, although scattered throughout the whole world, yet, as if occupying but one house, carefully preserves it. She also believes these points [of doctrine] just as if she had but one soul, and one and the same heart, and she proclaims them, and teaches them, and hands them down, with perfect harmony, as if she possessed only one mouth. For, although the languages of the world are dissimilar, yet the import of the tradition is one and the same. For the Churches which have been planted in Germany do not believe or hand down anything different, nor do those in Spain, nor those in Gaul, nor those in the East, nor those in Egypt, nor those in Libya, nor those which have been established in the central regions of the world.” – St. Irenaeus, Against Heresies

*In 1869, the new St. Irenaeus Church was dedicated on the vigil of its feast day. At that time St. Irenaeus was celebrated on June 28th. In the 1960 reforms of the Roman breviary, St. Irenaeus’s feast day was moved to July 3rd and the vigil of Ss. Peter and Paul took the previous date.

Traditio

If you haven’t watched the new series yet, now is a great time to enjoy it!

Watch the new documentary film series presenting the life and apostolic work of the priests of the SSPX throughout the world.

Produced over a period of two years, from June 2024 to May 2026, the project was carried out by two young students from Switzerland and Germany in collaboration with the General House of the SSPX.

The purpose of this series is to present the worldwide apostolate of the Society today and to bear witness to its profound attachment to the Catholic Church and to the Successor of Saint Peter.

(Reference: TRADITIO: A New Documentary on the SSPX to Be Released Soon)

Pray and Walk

The three-day Holy Hill Pilgrimage will be August 20-22, 2026.

“A Catholic pilgrimage is simply a group of Catholics traveling to a holy place to implore God for graces.”

Visit Holy Hill Pilgrimage for more information and to register.

Holy Mass in July

A picnic and pickleball will follow. Please see the graphic below for details.

“Graciously grant to us, we beseech Thee, O Lord, the spirit to think and do always such things as are rightful: that we, who cannot exist without Thee, may be enabled to live according to Thy will.” Collect for the Eighth Sunday After Pentecost

Special Intentions This Sunday

Please pray for vocations.

Pray the Mothers of Lu devotions on the first Sunday of the month- July 5th, along with your intention while receiving Holy Communion.

Roof Now, then Sacristies

The roof transition is the next effort before we get off the steeple. Then onto finishing and furnishing the sacristies!

Thank you for your support. May God reward you!

To mail a donation:
St. Irenaeus Chapel
2811 N. 2nd Street
Clinton, IA 52732

If you’d like to donate electronically, please email the chapel for the link: [email protected]

Have questions?
Please call 563-503-6320.

St. Irenaeus Chapel is a corporation which is incorporated under Chapter 504 of the Iowa Code, and operating within meaning of 501 (c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.

Friday, June 26, 2026

For the Love of the Church

Watch the new documentary film series presenting the life and apostolic work of the priests of the SSPX throughout the world.

Produced over a period of two years, from June 2024 to May 2026, the project was carried out by two young students from Switzerland and Germany in collaboration with the General House of the SSPX.

The purpose of this series is to present the worldwide apostolate of the Society today and to bear witness to its profound attachment to the Catholic Church and to the Successor of Saint Peter. (Reference: TRADITIO: A New Documentary on the SSPX to Be Released Soon)

Recent Ordinations

Seven priests and ten deacons were ordained at St. Thomas Aquinas Seminary.

Click to view more photos or watch the full ceremony.

Note: Traditio – Part I: A Work of Faith showcases the making of a priest up through ordination day.

Families gathered around the livestream to witness the ceremonies from afar.

Episcopal Consecrations

Four new bishops will be consecrated in Econe, Switzerland on July 1st.

Question: “What will be the enormous change that is going to happen [on July 1st]? asked Bishop Fellay in his sermon on June 19th. (59:06)

Answer: “It is a simple change of number. We go from two to six. That’s the only change.”

The Open Letter to His Holiness Pope Leo XIV and to the Cardinals of the Holy Church was released recently. Read it here.

For more information and a schedule of the events, visit the official webpage for the Episcopal Consecrations.

To watch the consecrations live from Switzerland on July 1st at 9:00 a.m. CEST, follow these links.

To watch the consecrations later, visit the featured stories on the SSPX News You Tube Channel

To read about The Coat of Arms and Motto of the Future Bishops and more, visit SSPX News.

Holy Mass in July

A picnic and pickleball will follow. Please see the graphic below for details.

Up in the Steeple

The cupola is finished!

The bell was improved, the final window was installed, and the workspace was reorganized to begin roof transition construction. Click over to the St. Irenaeus Chapel YouTube channel to see short videos from the project.

Shown below, a volunteer worked to preserve the bell for another 150 years. He prepared the surface and painted the cast iron bell hanger with a two-part, industrial epoxy to prevent further rust.

An eight-year-old girl spent a day working with her dad and taking photos. She shares some activity observed from the steeple: three trains, a tug boat, a passenger boat, the gold dome of the ADM processing plant – plus a helicopter and two sirens.

Five young men donated their Saturday to help the steeple project move forward. The next step will be constructing a roof from the eight-sided cupola to the four-sided stone tower.

Click over to the St. Irenaeus Chapel YouTube channel to see short videos from the project.

As Always, Pray

Please continue to pray:

1) For the safe and successful completion of the steeple project.

2) A priest to be assigned to St. Irenaeus, in God’s good time.

3) For vocations. (Please remember the Mothers of Lu devotions on the first Sunday of the month- July 5th, along with your intention while receiving Holy Communion.)

4) The prayer for the bishops to be consecrated on July 1st.

Roof Now, then Sacristies

The roof transition is the next effort before we get off the steeple. Then onto finishing and furnishing the sacristies!

Thank you for your support. May God reward you!

To mail a donation:
St. Irenaeus Chapel
2811 N. 2nd Street
Clinton, IA 52732

If you’d like to donate electronically, please email the chapel for the link: [email protected]

Have questions?
Please call 563-503-6320.

St. Irenaeus Chapel is a corporation which is incorporated under Chapter 504 of the Iowa Code, and operating within meaning of 501 (c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.

Thursday, June 4, 2026

On The Feast Of Corpus Christi

We adore His Real Presence in the Blessed Sacrament.

Collect of today’s Mass:

“O God, Who under a wonderful Sacrament hast left us a memorial of Thy Passion: grant us, we beech Thee, so to venerate the sacred mysteries of Thy Body and Blood that we may ever feel within us the fruit of Thy Redemption. Who livest and reignest.”

Today’s Gospel: John 6: 56-59

Holy Mass in July

To Stay Fresh

Bookmark these resources that are made for you!

Please Keep Praying

Please continue to pray:

1) For the safe and successful completion of the steeple project.

2) A priest to be assigned to St. Irenaeus, in God’s good time.

3) For vocations. (Please remember the Mothers of Lu devotions on the first Sunday of the month, along with your intention while receiving Holy Communion.)

4) The priests to be ordained at St. Thomas Aquinas Seminary later this month.

5) The prayer for the bishops to be consecrated on July 1st.

Nearly Done

But not yet! Please help to finish this great restoration!

The siding on the cupola is almost finished. Up next, to reconstruct the transition roof.

Your contribution -big or small – is greatly appreciated. May God reward you!

To mail a donation:
St. Irenaeus Chapel
2811 N. 2nd Street
Clinton, IA 52732

If you’d like to donate electronically, please email the chapel for the link: [email protected]

Have questions?
Please call 563-503-6320.

St. Irenaeus Chapel is a corporation which is incorporated under Chapter 504 of the Iowa Code, and operating within meaning of 501 (c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.

Monday, May 18, 2026

Holy Mass This Sunday

on the Feast of Pentecost

Sunday, May 24th – Pentecost

Mass offered by Father Frank Kurtz, SSPX.

8:30 a.m. Confessions

9:00 a.m. Mass

Fellowship after Mass will be in and around the SOUTH shelter at Eagle Point Park in Clinton.

We thank this visiting priest for choosing to spend his vacation time near Clinton!

Holy Mass in July

Sunday, July 19 – 8th Sunday after Pentecost

Mass offered by Father John Young, SSPX.

A Declaration of Faith

Addressed to His Holiness Pope Leo XIV by Fr. Davide Pagliarani Superior General of the Priestly Society of Saint Pius X

“We have no other desire than that of living and being confirmed in the Roman Catholic Faith.”

Read the full declaration here.

Shined and With Siding

Things are looking really nice in the bell tower.

Hear Mr. Gabbard explain the progress in the most recent video at St. Irenaeus Chapel YouTube channel.

Just A Little More

This project is near completion. Please help finish the work!

May God reward you.

To mail a donation:
St. Irenaeus Chapel
2811 N. 2nd Street
Clinton, IA 52732

If you’d like to donate electronically, please email the chapel for the link: [email protected]

Have questions?
Please call 563-503-6320.

St. Irenaeus Chapel is a corporation which is incorporated under Chapter 504 of the Iowa Code, and operating within meaning of 501 (c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.

Saturday, April 25, 2026

He Has risen as He said, Alleluia!

May your Easter season be filled with the hope of eternal life.

Resurrexit sicut dixit, Alleluia!

TWO Upcoming Masses

Mark May 24th and July 19th on your calendar.

Sunday, May 24th – Pentecost

Mass offered by Father Frank Kurtz, SSPX.

8:30 a.m. Confessions

9:00 a.m. Mass

Fellowship after Mass will be in and around the SOUTH shelter at Eagle Point Park in Clinton.

Sunday, July 19 – 8th Sunday after Pentecost

Mass offered by Father John Young, SSPX.

Smile with the Sisters

In the USA, two young ladies received habits and new names, while 46 Sisters of the SSPX renewed their vows.

“In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost.

In the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ, of the Blessed Virgin Mary, of my Holy Guardian Angel, of the Patrons of the Society and of all the Celestial Court, I, Sister _____, make to God until Low Sunday, the vows of Poverty, of Chastity and of Obedience in the Congregation of the Sisters of the Society of Saint Pius X and in conformity to her Constitutions.”

Please pray for all priests, seminarians and religious as they make the generous offering of self in service of God.

be the Sisters' StudentS

Enroll your children into Our Lady of Fatima Correspondence Catechism, an apostolate of the Sisters of the SSPX.

The students will receive personal feedback from a Sister each month and be well-formed in the teachings of the Church.

Into the Future

Click on the images to learn about the Episcopal Consecrations and how they are being done for the salvation of souls.

Waterproof

The floor under the bell was sealed by a local contractor.

See today’s progress video at St. Irenaeus Chapel YouTube channel.

Prayer Intentions

Please continue to pray:

1) For the safe and successful completion of the steeple project.

2) A priest to be assigned to St. Irenaeus, in God’s good time.

3) For vocations. (Please remember the Mothers of Lu devotions on the first Sunday of the month.)

Your Help Is Appreciated!

Every contribution – big or small – will help to complete the steeple project.

Thank you in advance!

To mail a donation:
St. Irenaeus Chapel
2811 N. 2nd Street
Clinton, IA 52732

If you’d like to donate electronically, please email the chapel for the link: [email protected]

Have questions?
Please call 563-503-6320.

St. Irenaeus Chapel is a corporation which is incorporated under Chapter 504 of the Iowa Code, and operating within meaning of 501 (c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.

Wednesday, March 25, 2026

Happy Feast of the Annunciation

“Be it done unto me according to Thy word.” Luke 1:38

On Prayer and Penance

Why do we do what we do?

“So, my dear Faithful, if we wish to see the restoration of the Church and of Christian civilization, if we wish to see the conversion of our families and if we wish to work efficiently for the sanctification of our own souls, we know what we have to do. Let us believe in the efficacy of prayers and penance so that we might generously enter upon this work of salvation, for ourselves, for our families and for the whole world.” – Father Jacques Emily

Stations on Fridays

Join us this Friday, March 27th, from 6-7 p.m.

You are invited to St. Irenaeus Chapel 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 short sermon will be played following Stations of the Cross.

You are welcome to bring a sack supper and stay for fellowship afterwards.

On Good Friday, April 3rd, we will pray the Stations at 2:30 p.m.

Prepare for Easter

Make a good examination of conscience. Make a good confession.

“Attend” the parish mission, and find a priest in a confessional near you.

Upcoming Masses

Sunday, May 24th – Pentecost

Mass offered by Father Frank Kurtz, SSPX.

Sunday, July 19 – 8th Sunday after Pentecost

Mass offered by Father John Young, SSPX.

We thank these two visiting priests for choosing to spend their vacation time near Clinton!

Raising the Bell

The 2500 pound giant was hoisted for work underneath.

See the recent work explained at the St. Irenaeus Chapel YouTube channel.

Almsgiving During Lent

Your contribution will help get us off the south steeple!

To mail a donation:
St. Irenaeus Chapel
2811 N. 2nd Street
Clinton, IA 52732

If you’d like to donate electronically, please email the chapel for the link: [email protected]

Have questions?
Please call 563-503-6320.

St. Irenaeus Chapel is a corporation which is incorporated under Chapter 504 of the Iowa Code, and operating within meaning of 501 (c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.

Tuesday, March 10, 2026

Stations on Fridays

Pray the Way of the Cross during Lent.

Join us on Fridays during Lent, 6-7 p.m.

We will be using the St. Alphonsus version, similar to pages 1-18 found here.

You are welcome to bring a sack supper and stay for fellowship afterwards.

Upcoming Masses

Sunday, May 24th – Pentecost

Mass offered by Father Frank Kurtz, SSPX.

Sunday, July 19 – 8th Sunday after Pentecost

Mass offered by Father John Young, SSPX.

We thank these two visiting priests for choosing to spend their vacation time near Clinton!

Summer Opportunities

Youth camps, Ignatian retreats, pilgrimages and more!

Embark on a faith-filled adventure.

For closer opportunities for women’s retreats, please contact St. Irenaeus Chapel.

Shims, Furring and Windows

Lots of tedious details go into making old things strong & true again.

Recent work included finishing the AZEK windows, crafting a plumb baseplate, and reinforcing the original cupola frame. Upcoming work will include a floor/roof inside the steeple and under the bell to divert rain and snow. This tower will have open windows because of the bell.

See the recent work explained at the St. Irenaeus Chapel YouTube channel.

Help Finish the Steeple

More resources are needed to complete the project. What you do matters!

To mail a donation:
St. Irenaeus Chapel
2811 N. 2nd Street
Clinton, IA 52732

If you’d like to donate electronically, please email the chapel for the link: [email protected]

Have questions?
Please call 563-503-6320.

St. Irenaeus Chapel is a corporation which is incorporated under Chapter 504 of the Iowa Code, and operating within meaning of 501 (c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.

Tuesday, February 24, 2026

Pray, Pray, Pray

In addition to our Lenten practices, there are many reasons to pray this week.

EMBER DAYS – Wednesday, Friday and Saturday

These three days are additional days set aside for fasting and abstinence.

You can read a bit more about Ember days here.

STATIONS OF THE CROSS – Friday

You are invited to St. Irenaeus Chapel on Friday evenings during Lent at 6 p.m. to pray the Stations of the Cross and listen to a recorded sermon.

We will be using the St. Alphonsus version, similar to pages 1-18 found here.

You are welcome to bring a sack supper and stay for fellowship afterwards.

*No Stations on Friday, March 6th*

Stations will resume Friday, March 13th at 6 p.m.

FOR VOCATIONS – Sunday

Mothers are encouraged to gather at the communion rail after Mass (wherever attending) on the first Sunday of each month and pray for vocations. In addition, an Our Father, Hail Mary and Glory Be should be offered, along with Holy Communion.

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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.

EPISCOPAL CONSECRATIONS – Everyday through July

Please pray for “the greatest good to follow this situation”, and for the important work of the Society of St. Pius X.

“By doing this, with the grace of God and the help of the Blessed Virgin Mary, and that of St. Joseph and St. Pius X, we are assured of remaining faithful to the Roman Catholic Church and to all the successors of Peter.” – Archbishop Lefebvre

Up in the Steeple

The cupola is sitting level and is secure!

The warm weather made conditions optimal to resurface the top of the steeple tower. The rest of the wall was formed, reinforced and poured with new grout.

Here you can see the reinforced beams, the metal c-channel that runs alongside all eight beams, that they are bolted together, and sitting on the now level and smooth tower wall. Rods also go through the beams and are anchored into the tower wall.

See short videos of the work at the St. Irenaeus Chapel YouTube channel.

For the Salvation of Souls

Stay informed about the upcoming Episcopal Consecrations.

“The Society cannot abandon souls. The need for the sacraments is a concrete, short-term need for the survival of Tradition, in service to the Holy Catholic Church.”
General Council of the SSPX

Help Keep It Going

The steeple work is progressing nicely.

Please continue to pray for its safety and success of the project.

Upcoming restoration goals include restoring the south steeple, finishing 12 bathroom stalls, finishing two sacristies, purchasing hymnals for the pews and finishing the basement.

To mail a donation:
St. Irenaeus Chapel
2811 N. 2nd Street
Clinton, IA 52732

If you’d like to donate electronically, please email the chapel for the link: [email protected]

Have questions?
Please call 563-503-6320.

St. Irenaeus Chapel is a corporation which is incorporated under Chapter 504 of the Iowa Code, and operating within meaning of 501 (c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.

Thursday, February 12, 2026

The Way of the Cross

Join us on Fridays during Lent, 6-7 p.m.

We will be using the St. Alphonsus version, similar to pages 1-18 found here.

You are welcome to bring a sack supper and stay for fellowship afterwards.

A Look Back to May 2022

Volunteers lovingly prayed and patiently painted the Stations of the Cross.

These Stations were from the mid-1900s remodel and very monochromatic.

The Third Station: Jesus Falls the First Time

The Twelfth Station: Jesus Dies on the Cross

To Prepare for Lent

Get yourself a game plan with practical tips from Father Goshie.

How can we clear away our own obstacles to God’s grace?

Episcopal Consecrations

It was announced that new bishops will be consecrated on July 1st.

Be informed from direct sources here:

Giving Alms

St. Irenaeus Chapel will gladly put your almsgiving to good use – to restore all things in Christ.

To mail a donation:
St. Irenaeus Chapel
2811 N. 2nd Street
Clinton, IA 52732

If you’d like to donate electronically, please email the chapel for the link: [email protected]

Have questions? Please call 563-503-6320.

St. Irenaeus Chapel is a corporation which is incorporated under Chapter 504 of the Iowa Code, and operating within meaning of 501 (c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.

Thursday, February 5, 2026

A Higher Aim

A local seminarian received the cassock on February 2nd, while another local seminarian looked on.

He put “aside the vanity of secular garb” and puts on the cassock, “and in so doing may [he] likewise put on Thee, and be recognized as men dedicated to Thy ministry.” From the Blessing of the Clerical Cassock

“The first ceremony which marks the seminarians profoundly is the taking of the cassock. On that day, they express the total gift of themselves to our Lord Jesus Christ by setting aside worldly clothing forever and taking on the clothing of the Church.” Priestly Holiness by Abp. Lefebvre (notes of Rev. Fr. Troadec)

You can watch the Pontifical High Mass with Clerical Tonsure and Reception of Cassock here. (The cassock ceremony is prompted at 1:14:38.)

View the gallery of images from the ceremony by clicking here.

Please pray for these young men and all the seminarians, as they prepare themselves to serve in persona Christi.

See the Seminary

Walk into the life of a seminarian.

Hear about their formation, see inside the American seminary, and learn about the past fifty years.

A February Frenzy

Younger students get a good formation at Catholic schools.

Three young men from St. Irenaeus Chapel appreciate your encouragement and support while they study at La Salette Academy.

If you’d like to contribute toward their education and make a pledge in their February Frenzy, please email [email protected] for more information.

Support the Steeple

Please pray for the safety and success of the steeple restoration.

If you are able, your efforts and resources can help, too!

To mail a donation:
St. Irenaeus Chapel
2811 N. 2nd Street
Clinton, IA 52732

If you’d like to donate electronically, please email the chapel for the link. [email protected]

Have questions? Please call 563-503-6320.

St. Irenaeus Chapel is a corporation which is incorporated under Chapter 504 of the Iowa Code, and operating within meaning of 501 (c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.

Tuesday, January 27, 2026

Pray for Vocations

It’s the first Sunday of the month again.

Pray like the Mothers of Lu, Italy this Sunday. Unite your intentions with reception of Holy Eucharist.

Mothers are encouraged to gather at the communion rail after Mass (wherever attending) and pray for vocations. In addition, an Our Father, Hail Mary and Glory Be should be offered, along with Holy Communion.

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Secure & Clean

The steeple work is moving along well. Thank you for your prayers!

Recent steeple work included:

a crane lifting materials
lumber hauled up
a temporary wall built for shelter
four beams lifted by sixteen jacks
replacement beams constructed
more debris hauled
surfaces blasted with glass abrasive media
the roof valley re-sheeted
plumbing vented out of the basement bathrooms
and more!

You can see this and more by visiting the St. Irenaeus Chapel YouTube Channel.

See the work, step-by-step!

Click to watch this crane lift the scaffolding support structure into place.

Click to watch how lumber is hoisted using a choker chain and sheave.

A temporary wall was built to shelter the work zone. Click the photo to hear more about this.

The four beams were jacked up to start the “Jenga” game. Click the photo to hear it explained.

Click to hear how and why these replacement beams were made.

Click and watch this abrasive glass media blasts away many years of debris.

See BEFORE and AFTER the glass bead blasting.

The roof valley was re-sheeted with plywood and will be ready for copper at the end of the project.

Inside the basement, all of the plumbing was vented into the attic. It will be vented through the roof at a later date.

Subscribe to the St. Irenaeus Chapel Youtube channel for short videos during the project.

Please continue to PRAY FOR THE SAFETY of the workers and success of the restoration! Thank you.

Tour Inside a Tower

Get a personal tour of the north tower from bottom to top – through the sacristy and up to the cupola.

The north steeple was completed last year. It is strong, secure and sealed.

Become a Benefactor

It costs about $300 per day to rent the scaffolding. Could you sponsor a day, a week, a month?

To mail a donation:
St. Irenaeus Chapel
2811 N. 2nd Street
Clinton, IA 52732

If you’d like to donate electronically, please email the chapel for the link. [email protected]

Have questions? Please call 563-503-6320.

St. Irenaeus Chapel is a corporation which is incorporated under Chapter 504 of the Iowa Code, and operating within meaning of 501 (c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.

Tuesday, January 13, 2026

Join the Crew at the Top!

Work began this week on the south steeple.

The first efforts were to inspect the structure, add another layer of scaffolding, remove all the old materials, and eliminate ALL debris before going forward.

Take your own tour of the worksite, but first, please SAY A PRAYER FOR THE SAFETY of the workers.

Click the photo to climb the stairs.

Watch (and hear) the trash chute work.

The trash will have to be cut to smaller sizes to avoid plugging the chute. It will land directly into the dumpster. This eliminates the extra work of cleaning it up off the ground.

See the elevator in action.

Here the elevator hauls up the two 18′ LVL planks that will steady the cupola while it is being restored.

At the top, examine the previous condition of the south steeple.

All of this wood siding, plywood and tin was removed, cut and thrown down the trash chute.

An additional layer of scaffolding was built to access all around the steeple. There are now three platforms to work on.

Then, deconstructing and cleaning away all the bird debris, dust and decaying materials.

See what was exposed.

Did you catch that?

The old roof valley was removed. It will be replaced with copper.

The last piece of tin was removed. A final scaffolding plank awaits a crane.

Everything was blown clean with a BIG air compressor. Click to watch.

Check back often for photos and updates, and look at the St. Irenaeus Chapel Youtube channel for short videos during the project.

Please continue to PRAY FOR THE SAFETY of the workers and success of the restoration.

Recent Work Inside

Improvements have also been made inside the steeples.

Work continued inside while the scaffolding was put into place.

Looking Back at Christmas

Simply beautiful. Lovingly made. All for the greater glory of God.

Each pew was lit by candlelight, and each candleholder was custom-made for the holy night.

Want to Help?

Your contributions make a big difference. Please help “Restore All Things in Christ.”

To mail a donation:
St. Irenaeus Chapel
2811 N. 2nd Street
Clinton, IA 52732

If you’d like to donate electronically, please email the chapel for the link. [email protected]

Have questions? Please call 563-503-6320.

St. Irenaeus Chapel is a corporation which is incorporated under Chapter 504 of the Iowa Code, and operating within meaning of 501 (c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.

Friday, January 2, 2026

Joy to the World!

Enjoy these Christmas carols sung by the St. Irenaeus choir before Midnight Mass:

Good Christian Men, Rejoice

First Noel

Come, All Ye Faithful (Processional)

Supporting Vocations

A collection was taken at Christmas to benefit Holy Angels Novitiate.

“Our seminary in Virginia is now full and the Brothers Novitiate in Winona has been taking in the overflow. This is a good problem to have. We continue to expand but cannot keep up with the demand for our priests. There are many locations calling for traditional priests to care for them. Hence, we need more priests and will need more religious vocations to aid them.” Fr. Ward, Rector, excerpt from the Fall 2025 newsletter

Retreats in 2026

Holy Angels Novitiate will be hosting the following retreats for men in 2026. Contact the novitiate for more information.

Ignatian Retreats
June 15-20, 2026
August 24-29, 2026

Vocations Retreat
July 6-11, 2026

Many more retreat opportunities are posted here for men and women.

Pray for Vocations

Pray like the Mothers of Lu, Italy this first Sunday of the month. Unite your intentions with reception of Holy Eucharist.

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Make An Impact

These are the restoration priorities for 2026:

Restoring the TALL south steeple
Finishing 12 bathroom stalls
Finishing two sacristies
Purchasing hymnals for the pews
Finishing the basement

It will take a lot to make this happen. Please help make an impact. God bless you!

To mail a donation:
St. Irenaeus Chapel
2811 N. 2nd Street
Clinton, IA 52732

If you’d like to donate electronically, please email the chapel for the link. [email protected]

Have questions? Please call 563-503-6320.

St. Irenaeus Chapel is a corporation which is incorporated under Chapter 504 of the Iowa Code, and operating within meaning of 501 (c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.