| Contact Us |
| St. John the Baptist Catholic Church |
| 2302 W. Church St. |
| Johnsburg, IL 60051-5912 |
| 815.385.1477 |
| Sacrament of the Eucharist |
| Weekend Obligation |
| Saturday - 4:00pm |
| Sunday - 7:00am, 9:00am, 11:00am |
| Eve of Holy Day - 7:00pm |
| Weekday Masses (School Year) |
| Mon/Tues/Wed/Thurs - 8:00am |
| Rosary before Mass - 7:40am |
| Friday - 9:00am |
| Sacrament of Reconciliation |
| Celebrated Saturdays 3:00 - 3:45pm and by appointment |
| Communal Penance |
| celebrated during Advent and Lent |
| Click here for more Sacramental Life |
Parish History |
St. John the Baptist is one of the oldest parishes in the Diocese of Rockford. Our journey of faith began on August 2, 1841, when three young men, having immigrated from their German homeland, arrived on the banks of the Fox River. They had left their families behind in Chicago as they searched for a place to settle that had adequate land for raising crops and where they could establish their homes.
The first church was built of logs and measured 20’x28’ in size. As more families joined the parish, it became necessary, in 1850, to construct a larger 33’x75’ frame church building. In 1867, a third building was begun, a larger brick building of gothic architecture 50’x133’ like that remembered by those from their German homeland. Then, on February 18, 1900, the entire church was destroyed by fire. The present church was completed in 1902 and renovated in 1978 to its present form. In 1984, the present church building was honored with Landmark status by the McHenry County Historical Society.
St. John the Baptist Catholic School is the oldest in the area, founded in 1843. The present facility serves students in Preschool through Grade 8.
Alongside and around our beautiful church is St. John the Baptist Cemetery, dedicated to the first settlers who organized the parish and a fitting tribute to our deceased love ones.