Our Lady of the Snows

Welcome & About Our Lady of the Snows

Our Lady of the Snows Catholic Church is devoted to serving all God's holy people, regardless of race, color, or creed, and runs a Catholic school. The parish is located in the rural Mary's Home community in Eugene, Missouri, and is part of the Diocese of Jefferson City, currently led by Bishop W. Shawn McKnight, who extends a welcome to visitors wishing to share the faith and joy of Our Lord Christ Jesus.

Parish History

Our Lady of the Snows was established in 1885 in Mary's Home, Missouri. The original wood-frame church was destroyed by accident and was rebuilt in stone in 1907; that 1907 church still stands today. A parish school has been at the heart of the community since 1899, moving from a frame two-story building to a new brick school in 1951, with all eight grades by 1954, Kindergarten added in 1987, and a new addition built in 2009.

• 1885: Parish established; original wood-frame church built
• 1907: Stone church built after fire; still standing
• 1899–1951: School taught in a frame two-story building
• 1951: New brick school constructed
• 1954: All eight grades taught
• 1987: Kindergarten added
• 2009: New school addition built

Parish Staff

The parish staff includes the pastor, a parish secretary & bookkeeper, the school principal, and an administrative assistant. Parishioners are encouraged to call the parish office at (573) 498-3820 for assistance.

• Pastor: Fr. Alex Ekka (parish history); Fr. Simon J. Kanyike (Staff page)
• Parish Secretary & Bookkeeper: Mrs. Tammy Love
• Administrative Assistant: Mrs. Rosie Beck
• School Principal: Mrs. Lucinda Varner
• Deacon: Deacon Chet Zuck

Parish Ministries

The parish lists ministries focused on serving parish events and programs. These include sacramental preparation ministries (Baptism, Confirmation, Marriage), OCIA for adults entering the Church, Parish School of Religion (PSR) for faith formation, Eucharistic Adoration, and the Funeral Luncheon ministry. Those wishing to volunteer at Mass or sing in the choir are directed to the Liturgical Resources page, where the Liturgy Committee organizes lectors, altar servers, ushers, greeters, offertory families, extraordinary ministers of Holy Communion and music.

• Baptism Preparation
• Confirmation Preparation
• Marriage Preparation
• Order of Christian Initiation for Adults (OCIA)
• Parish School of Religion (PSR)
• Eucharistic Adoration
• Funeral Luncheon
• Liturgy Committee
• Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion
• Altar Servers, Lectors, Ushers, Greeters, Offertory Families
• Sacred Music / Choir

Pastoral Parish Council

The Pastoral Parish Council is an advisory body elected by the parish to serve alongside the pastor in parish decision making. Members share and work with the Pastor in shaping parish life; the council includes a president, vice president, secretary, and at-large members, with the school principal serving ex-officio.

• President, Vice President, Secretary
• Members: Brittany Schulte, Allen Doerhoff, Bev Koetting, Dale Rush, Tricia Belshe, Jonathan Massman
• Ex-Officio Member (School Principal): Lucinda Varner

Our Lady of the Snows School

Our Lady of the Snows School provides a quality Catholic education for preschool through 8th grade, with a mission 'to provide a quality Catholic education and develop the whole person in a faith-filled Catholic environment.' The school has grown its preschool enrollment significantly in recent years and is described by the principal as a place where 'hospitality is one of the pillars of the Stewardship Way of Life,' and where students, families, and staff share a commitment to transform the world with the Good News. The school received a technology grant from Bishop McKnight to install flat-panel smart screens in every classroom.

• Preschool through 8th grade Catholic education
• Principal: Mrs. Lucinda Varner
• Administrative Assistant: Mrs. Rosie Beck
• Head Cook: Mrs. Cindy Lepper
• Teachers: Mrs. Groose (PreK), Mrs. Belshe (K–1), Mrs. Werdehausen (2), Ms. Grellner (3–4), Mrs. Hoecker (5–6), Mr. Vandike (7–8), Ms. Williamson (Art/P.E./Music)
• School Office: (573) 498-3574 — 276 Hwy H, Eugene, MO 65032

Worship & Prayer

In addition to the Holy Mass, the parish offers a number of ways to grow in relationship with Our Lord throughout the year, including the Holy Rosary, Praying for Vocations, and Eucharistic Adoration. The parish encourages parishioners to join in these devotions and take advantage of opportunities for personal and communal prayer.

• Holy Rosary
• Praying for Vocations
• Eucharistic Adoration (First Fridays)
• Liturgy Committee-organized devotions

Contact & Visit

Parishioners and visitors can reach the parish office at (573) 498-3820 and the school office at (573) 498-3574. The parish office is located at 274 Highway H, Eugene, MO 65032; the school office is at 276 Highway H, Eugene, MO 65032. The Diocese of Jefferson City Chancery Offices can be reached at (573) 635-9127.

• Parish Office: 274 Hwy H, Eugene, MO 65032 — (573) 498-3820
• School Office: 276 Hwy H, Eugene, MO 65032 — (573) 498-3574
• Diocese of Jefferson City Chancery: (573) 635-9127