In September 1879, a group of Precious Blood Sisters from Ruma, Illinois, opened an orphanage, Pio Nono Orphan Asylum in Piopolis, Illinois. In 1884 Bishop Peter J. Baltus of the Alton Diocese requested the sisters to relocate the orphanage to the City of Alton to serve more children in the Diocese. As the number of children increased under the care of the Sisters, so did the need for a larger residence. Then Bishop James Ryan, realizing the need for more accommodations for the growing number of children implemented the plans of establishing a larger home. The people of the Diocese responded generously to Bishop Ryan’s appeal and the new building was ready in the fall of 1923. That building located at 1400 State Street is the current location of the Catholic Children’s Home.

Since Bishop Ryan’s appeal, the types of services needed for the children entrusted in our care continue to change. With the changing needs, the people of the community, Diocese, city, county have continued to respond generously.

In honor of 146 years of service to needy children and many years of your continued support, you are invited to the Catholic Children’s Home Pancake Breakfast and Open House. The Open House will be held Saturday, September 27, pancake breakfast from 8:00 a.m. 11:00 am and open house from 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at 1400 State Street, Alton, Illinois.Refreshments will be served during the Open House and you will have the opportunity to meet Children’s Home staff and take a tour that outlines programs and services offered.

For more information on the Catholic Children’s Home 146th Year Celebration, please contact Michael Shelton-Montez or DeAnna Gleason at (618) 465-3594.