Holy Angels

Parish History

Holy Angels was founded in 1870 as a Catholic mission serving Anderson County settlers. After decades in smaller quarters, the parish built its present Romanesque Revival church, with cornerstone laid June 6, 1915 and formal dedication by Bishop John Ward on June 19, 1916. The 2016 centennial of that dedication drew Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann, about 250 parishioners and visitors, and featured a parish barbecue, a parish portrait, and a saxophone concert by then-pastor Father Matthew Schiffelbein. Six-generation families like the Bennetts and Hardmans — descendants of early settlers such as John Mader, donor of the 1928 stained-glass window — are central to the parish's identity.

• Founded: 1870
• Cornerstone laid: June 6, 1915
• Church dedicated by Bishop John Ward: June 19, 1916
• Centennial celebrated: 2016
• Notable 1928 stained-glass window donated by John Mader

Architecture & Building

The 1915–16 church is a two-story red-brick Romanesque Revival building at 514 E. 4th Avenue. The style is reflected in the corner towers, the arches over windows and doors, and the square entry tower. The main eastern facade features double wooden doors with arched stained-glass transoms, a large round stained-glass window above the entrance, and a sequence of arched stained-glass windows along the nave. The central tower rises through slatted openings to a white-painted steeple topped with a cross.

• Style: Romanesque Revival
• Construction cost: ~$15,000
• Materials: red brick with stone sills and arched brick lintels
• Cornerstone inscription: 'Holy Angels Church — June 6, 1915'
• Twin corner towers; central square tower with white steeple

Parish Staff & Clergy

Holy Angels and St. John the Baptist are served by a single pastor and share a parish office. As of recent Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas assignments, Father Thomas Maddock serves as pastor. He succeeded Father Adam Wilczak, who in turn succeeded Father Matthew Schiffelbein (pastor at the time of the 2016 centennial celebration). The parish office is staffed Tuesday and Thursday from 8 AM to 4 PM at 520 E. 4th Avenue, Garnett.

• Pastor: Father Thomas Maddock
• Parish office: 520 E. 4th Ave., Garnett, KS 66032
• Office hours: Tuesday & Thursday, 8 AM – 4 PM
• Phone: (785) 448-1686
• Email: [email protected]

St. Rose Philippine Duchesne Catholic School

Sponsored by Holy Angels Parish, St. Rose Philippine Duchesne is a PK–8 Catholic school located next door to the church at 530 East 4th Avenue, Garnett. The school partners with parish families to form each child as a disciple of Jesus Christ, addressing spiritual, intellectual and human formation. It is co-educational, affiliated with the National Catholic Educational Association, and serves roughly 100 students with a 17:1 student–teacher ratio.

• Grades: Prekindergarten through 8
• Enrollment: approximately 103 students
• Address: 530 E. 4th Ave., Garnett, KS 66032
• Phone: (785) 448-3423
• Affiliation: National Catholic Educational Association (NCEA)

Parish Life & Ministries

Beyond Mass and the sacraments, Holy Angels sustains an active community life rooted in long family ties. Knights of Columbus Council gatherings are held at the local KC hall and have hosted parish events such as the 2016 centennial barbecue. The parish has a tradition of Forty Hour devotions, parish missions, and multigenerational participation in sacraments and feast-day celebrations. Liturgical ministries (music, lectors, servers) and faith formation / religious education are coordinated through the parish office.

• Knights of Columbus
• Parish missions
• Forty Hour devotions
• Faith formation / religious education
• Liturgical music and choirs
• School/parish family events

Visiting & Location

The church, rectory, convent and school all sit within a single block in east-central Garnett. Travelers from Hwy 59 should head west on 4th Avenue for about one mile; those coming from Hwy 169 should head east on 4th Avenue for about one mile. The parish office, located in the convent at 520 E. 4th Avenue, is open Tuesday and Thursday mornings and afternoons.

• Address: 514 E. 4th Ave., Garnett, KS 66032
• From Hwy 59: west on 4th Ave. ~1 mile
• From Hwy 169: east on 4th Ave. ~1 mile
• Rectory: 514 E. 4th — (785) 448-3846
• Convent / Parish Office: 520 E. 4th — (785) 448-1686

Frequently Asked Questions

• When was Holy Angels founded? — The parish traces its origin to 1870; the present church building was dedicated in 1916.
• What diocese is Holy Angels in? — The Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas.
• Who is the current pastor? — Father Thomas Maddock, who also serves St. John the Baptist Parish in Greeley.
• When is Mass? — Saturday 5:30 PM, Sunday 10:00 AM in Garnett; Sunday 8:00 AM in Greeley; plus weekday Masses Wed and Fri 8:15 AM in Garnett.
• When is confession offered? — Thursday 5:30–6:00 PM and Saturday 4:45–5:30 PM.
• Is there a school? — Yes, St. Rose Philippine Duchesne Catholic School (PK–8) at 530 E. 4th Ave.
• Where is the parish office? — 520 E. 4th Ave., Garnett; open Tuesday and Thursday, 8 AM – 4 PM.