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WELCOME LETTER
Dear Friends,
You may be a parishioner or a visitor. I welcome you to the Web
pages for Immaculate Conception and Saint Denis parishes.
In 1834, Maximilian Schneider built the first home in Millhousen.
There Father Joseph Ferneding celebrated the first Mass. In 1840
Maximilian Schneider deeded 40 acres of land to Bishop de la
Hailandiere, Bishop of Vincennes for a Catholic Church. The first
church was erected and dedicated in the spring of 1840. It was
placed under the patronage of Saint Boniface.
In 1867 the cornerstone was laid for the third church in
Millhousen. The pastor Father Ferdinand Hundt dedicated this church
to Mary Immaculate, thus the parish name was changed from Saint
Boniface to Immaculate Conception.
In 1891 Father Matthias Gilllig came to Immaculate
Conception parish as the pastor. At the request of the bishop he
was made to share, as assistant, the care of Immaculate Conception
parish with his brother, Father John Gillig.
In 1894, Father John Gillig received permission from
Bishop Joseph Chatard to establish a new parish. In February of that
year, Thomas, Emma and Mary Woods in the name of the late Denis
Woods donated approximately ten acres of land for the church. In
gratitude the parish was name Saint Denis.
In 1972, Immaculate Conception and Saint Denis parishes
were placed under the administration of the same pastor, Father
Patrick Commons. The parishes continue to share the same
administrator. In 1995, Sister Christine Ernstes, OSF was appointed
to serve as the Parish Life Coordinator.
Saint Denis and Immaculate Conception are small, but
strong parishes. Saint Denis has 46 households with 97 members who
live in Jennings and Decatur Counties. Immaculate Conception has 216
households with 540 members who live in Decatur, Ripley and Jennings
Counties. As you can see our doors are open to people in the three
county areas.
You are welcome to visit us.
Peace and all good.
Sister Christine
Sister Christine Ernstes
Parish Life Coordinator
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