Founding & Early Years (1868–1876)

St. Patrick Catholic Church in Parsons, Kansas, traces its beginnings to 1868 when Jesuit missionary Father Philip Colleton, SJ, began ministering to Catholics in the area as part of his work from Osage Missions. Early Catholics meetings were held in homes, including that of local grocer Ed Foley. After the founding of the town of Parsons in 1871, Bishop Louis Fink purchased land at Central and Gabriel on April 6, 1872. A small wooden church was quickly constructed, and the first Mass was celebrated in July of that year. The church was officially blessed on Trinity Sunday, June 8, 1873, and placed under the patronage of St. Patrick. Fr. Colleton served both Parsons and nearby Ladore until he died in December 1876 from injuries sustained in a railroad handcar accident.

Parish Expansion & First School (1877–1900)

Fr. Joseph Dreason succeeded Fr. Colleton and was followed by Fr. John Roos in 1881. With a growing Catholic population, a larger wooden church was built in 1883 at Central and Dirr. That same year, St. Patrick Catholic School was established by the Sisters of Loretto, making it the longest continuously operating Catholic school in the Diocese of Wichita. In 1887, Fr. John Ward—who would later become Bishop of Leavenworth—became pastor. He was succeeded in 1895 by Fr. N. Neusius, who oversaw the construction of the current church building. The cornerstone was laid in 1892, and the church was dedicated on September 2, 1900. In 1896, the Sisters of St. Joseph replaced the Sisters of Loretto, expanding the school and founding Sacred Heart Academy. The Sisters also later established Mercy Hospital in 1912.

20th-Century Growth & Service (1901–1970)

The first half of the 20th century saw continued growth in Catholic life and education in Parsons. Fr. B.J. McKernan served from 1915 to 1936 and was succeeded by Fr. Gerstenkorn, Fr. Albert H. Walsh, and then Fr. J.P. Mangen by 1940. That year, the parish opened Our Lady of Victory Church and School to serve the Mexican-American Catholic community, a mission that continued until 1950. Under the leadership of Fr. E.I. Gunning (1947–1968), a new parish school and rectory were constructed in 1950. St. Patrick High School operated until 1971, after which Catholic secondary students returned to the public school system. Elementary education continued through a partnership with St. Mary’s School.

Recent Developments in Education & Worship (1971–2016)

Fr. Peter Finnegan served the parish from 1969 to 1981, leading major building refurbishments. He was followed by Fr. Edward Steinberger (1981–1983) and Fr. Paul Alderman (1983–1988), during whose tenure the parish hall was renovated. In 1988, Frs. Leo and Leon Kerschen were appointed co-pastors. They prepared the parish for the 1995 merger of St. Patrick and Mary Queen of Peace parishes, continuing to serve the newly unified parish community. In 1996, Fr. Michael Schemm was appointed pastor. He led efforts to reopen grades 6 through 8 at St. Patrick Catholic School. The first 8th-grade class graduated in 2002, and St. Mary’s School closed shortly afterward, consolidating all Catholic elementary education in Parsons under St. Patrick. Fr. Robert Wachter (2001–2005) focused on long-term financial planning. Fr. Jason Borkenhagen (2005–2017) led a major renovation of the church interior from 2006 to 2008 and oversaw the construction of a new Perpetual Adoration Chapel, completed in 2017.

Restoration & 150th Anniversary (2017–Present)

Fr. Curtis L. Robertson served as pastor from 2017 to 2024. During his leadership, the parish navigated the COVID-19 pandemic and a major restoration project. In late 2020, structural concerns led engineers to recommend immediate closure of the church due to failing roof supports. Masses were relocated to the school gym. A $4.3 million capital campaign was launched to fund extensive restoration work, including complete roof replacement, interior plaster repair, electrical and structural reinforcement, bell tower restoration, and masonry work. The church reopened on June 3, 2023, after more than two years of renovation. That same spring, the parish celebrated its 150th anniversary with an all-school reunion, the launch of a commemorative coin, and the inaugural issue of The Lorica, a biannual alumni newsletter.

Today

In July 2024, Fr. Nicholaus Jurgensmeyer was appointed pastor of St. Patrick Catholic Church and School. The parish continues to be a vital center of worship, education, and service in southeast Kansas, carrying forward more than 150 years of Catholic tradition.

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