Worship

Worship

A Heritage of Faith

eginning with a strong Roman Catholic and Protestant influence in the city's early days, Belleville was and continues to be the spiritual center of Southern Illinois. There are more than 80 churches and religious organizations here, including a Jewish synagogue, Islamic mosque, a Greek Orthodox church, several Roman Catholic parishes, churches of many Christian denominations and Illinois' largest cathedral. The religious influence extends to the education of Belleville's children with a strong representation of private Jewish, Christian, Lutheran and Roman Catholic schools.

"Religion plays a major part in Belleville's culture and community."

The National Shrine of Our Lady of the Snows, the largest outdoor shrine in North America, also serves as a worship center for visitors and residents. Daily, Saturday evening and Sunday Masses; Masses in Spanish; and Masses focusing on cancer, healing and reconciliation are celebrated at the Shrine's Church of Our Lady of the Snows. The annual Healing Novena, held from July 28 to August 5 for more than 50 years, draws thousands from the United States and Canada. Each of the nine nights of prayer focuses on a different aspect of healing and culminates in a candlelight rosary procession.

"Belleville is rich in spiritual education and services."

The Diocese of Belleville welcomed a new bishop in 2005, Bishop Rev. Edward K. Braxton. Ordained as a priest in 1970 and as a bishop in 1995, Braxton works to make the ministry of bishop a visible reality in the church and community. Belleville has eight parishes, as well as seven diocesan grade schools and one high school. School Sisters of Notre Dame have begun serving as consultants to the diocese, directing the planning and implementation of Catholic education in Belleville.