About Us
Welcome to St. Dominic Parish
We are excited to share the Good News of Jesus Christ with you and your family!
- We invite you to join us for our daily and weekend liturgies or stop by church for quiet prayer and reflection. You can also take advantage of our beautifully maintained Notre Dame Prayer Garden adjacent to the church property.
- Our parish family welcomes you and your family, and we urge you to join us at the various church functions, such as the parish picnic, chicken dinners, rummage sale, and more.
- Spiritual growth opportunities abound at St. Dominic’s and our partner parishes. We invite you to learn more about our numerous ministries and to seek something that best suits you and your family’s needs and schedule.
If you have questions, or would like to learn more about becoming a member of St. Dominic Parish, please contact us at (618) 526-7746, or download a parish registration form and return it to the parish office or drop in the collection basket at Mass.
Our History
The first church of St. Dominic was blessed by Bishop Henry Juncker of the Diocese of Alton on October 18th, 1858. It was a 40’ x 60’ building that stood directly behind our current church. At the time, about eighty Catholic families lived in Breese and the immediate area.
During the next ten years, a large number of German immigrants settled in the area. Bishop Juncker recognized the need, and granted permission, to build a larger church.
Using local stone, lime, and sand, a new Gothic style church was completed in December 1869. It is the same building that unites our 900 family faith community today.
- 1858 – 1909 Rev. August Reineke
- 1909 – 1926 Rev. John F. Meifuss
- 1926 – 1941 Rt. Rev. Msgr. Joseph Kaup
- 1941 – 1970 Rev. Henry Aydt
- 1970 – 1985 Msgr. John Fellner
- 1985 – 1987 Rev. Dan Jurek
- 1987 – 1995 Rev. Paul Harbough
- 1995 – 2024 Rev. Patrick Peter
- 2024 – present Rev. James Nall
Our Patron Saint
Saint Dominic de Guzmán was the founder of the Order of Preachers, also known as the Dominicans. Born in Spain on August 8th, 1170, to a devout family, he was ordained a priest at age 24.
At age 34, while traveling with Bishop Diego de Acebo through southern France, he encountered the Cathars, a religious sect that challenged the authority of the Catholic Church through heretical teachings.
Soon after, he began a campaign to reconvert the Cathars to Christianity. This effort failed until he realized that he could only influence them if he also led an austere life.
Dressed in sackcloth and walking the countryside, Dominic soon gained a band of followers that, with the approval of the Pope in 1216, became known as the Dominicans.
Dominic died in 1221 at age 50. He was canonized thirteen years later in 1234. He is considered the patron saint of astronomers.
Parish Staff
Fr. Jim Nall
Pastor
Fr. Jim grew up in Centralia, Illinois. After graduating from Centralia High School, he attended college at St. Meinrad College/Seminary. He went on to complete his priesthood studies at St. Meinrad School of Theology in St. Meinrad, Indiana, and later earned a degree in Canon Law in Rome, Italy, at the Pontifical University of St. Thomas Aquinas (Angelicum).
Before his arrival at St. Dominic Parish in 2024, Fr. Jim served as pastor at St. Stephen in Flora, St. Bruno in Pinckneyville, St. Agatha in New Athens, and Holy Trinity in Fairview Heights.
In addition to his pastoral work, he also serves as the Judicial Vicar for the Diocese of Belleville. In his free time, Fr. Jim enjoys traveling, walking, and cycling.
Helen Essenpreis
Office Manager
John Hilmes
Office Assistant
Jason Keilbach
Custodian
Mrs. Jill Tasker
Principal, All Saints Academy
Dan Robben
Certified Religious Educator for Youth Faith Formation