Fr. Stephen Willard

Father Stephen Willard

I was born at St. Francis Hospital in Peoria on September 9, 1966. My father is currently living in Peoria. My mother passed away 4 years ago. I have two brothers living in Peoria and my sister lives in Leroy, Illinois.  As a child, I lived in Peoria Heights and attended St. Thomas the Apostle Church and School. In 1981, I graduated from St. Thomas and went to Academy of Our Lady/Spalding Institute for my four years of high school. Immediately after high school I entered the Seminary for the Diocese of Peoria. The Diocese sent me to Immaculate Heart of Mary Seminary and St. Mary's College in Winona, Minnesota. I graduated in 1989, and then attended Mount Saint Mary's Seminary in Emmitsburg, Maryland. After my four years, I was ordained a priest for our Diocese on May 29, 1993.

In 2018, I am celebrating my 25th Anniversary this year as a priest for the Diocese. My first assignment was a Parochial Vicar at Holy Trinity in Bloomington for 4 years. My next 6 years I was named Pastor at St. Mary's in Downs, and the High School Chaplin at Central Catholic High School in Bloomington. My next 10 years I spent in the Champaign area. I was stationed as Pastor at St. Thomas in Philo, Immaculate Conception in Bongard and St. Mary's and St. Joseph's in Pesotum for 2 years. Then for eight years I was the Pastor at Holy Cross Church in Champaign. The last 5 years I have been the Pastor of St. Monica's in East Peoria and St. Patrick's in Washington.

I am looking forward to meeting all of you as I begin my new assignment at St. Vincent de Paul.

When we say yes to God's will, miracles happen. May we always trust in Jesus and let the Holy Spirit guide us.

In Christ,
Fr. Willard