About Rosary Chapel · Paducah, Kentucky
Rosary Chapel is a historic Black Catholic parish in Paducah, Kentucky, established in 1947 by Black Catholics who had previously worshipped at nearby St. Francis de Sales Church, where segregation confined them to the back pews. Founded by Rev. Albert Thompson, then-pastor of St. Francis de Sales, and first shepherded by Fr. Richard Wersing, C.S.S.P., the parish grew from three renovated houses into a vibrant community that opened its own school in 1947 and dedicated its current church building in 1958. Today it remains one of the most beautiful churches in the region, famous for its liturgical celebrations with Gospel music, and is a parish of the Diocese of Owensboro currently served by Fr. Jude Okeoma.
- Established
- 1947
- Patron
- Our Lady of the Rosary
- Rector
- Rev. Jude Okeoma
- Diocese
- Diocese of Owensboro
Why belong here
Rosary Chapel is a historic Black Catholic parish with deep roots in the Paducah community and a reputation for warm, inclusive worship centered on Gospel music and Eucharistic devotion. It offers Sunday and weekday Mass, monthly Eucharistic Adoration, regular Reconciliation, a parish choir that welcomes new members, and a tight-knit fellowship that openly invites people of all races and backgrounds — a heritage it has carried since its 1947 founding. Visiting offers a chance to take part in a living piece of western Kentucky Catholic history, with the added pastoral reach of the mission parish of St. Mary in La Center.
Mass times at Rosary Chapel
Weekly Mass schedule
Confession times
- Tuesday: 3:00 PM (or by appointment)
Adoration times
- First Tuesday of the month: 3:00 PM – 4:00 PM (Confessions also available)
History & Heritage
Rosary Chapel was founded in 1947 in response to segregation-era conditions at St. Francis de Sales Church, where Black Catholics had been restricted to the back three pews. Its founder, Rev. Albert Thompson, then-pastor of St. Francis de Sales, believed the Black faithful needed a parish of their own where they could worship with full identity and dignity. The first resident pastor, Fr. Richard Wersing, C.S.S.P., led the community as it built its first chapel and school from three donated houses, and Ursuline Sisters from Maple Mount, Kentucky staffed the school.
- Parish established 1947 by Rev. Albert Thompson (pastor of St. Francis de Sales)
- First resident pastor: Fr. Richard Wersing, C.S.S.P. (Congregation of the Holy Spirit)
- First Mass celebrated spring 1947; school opened September 1947 with 23 students
- Three-story brick school built in 1952 (featured in Time magazine, September 1952)
- Current church dedicated in 1958 by Bishop Francis R. Cotton, Bishop of Owensboro
- 75th anniversary celebrated October 2022 with Bishop William F. Medley presiding
Mass & Worship Schedule
Sunday liturgy at 10:30 AM is the heart of parish life, celebrated with the Gospel music that has drawn worshippers well beyond the registered membership since the parish's earliest years. Weekday Mass is offered on Tuesdays (4:00 PM November–March; 6:00 PM April–October) and Thursdays at 6:00 PM.
- Sunday — 10:30 AM
- Tuesday — 4:00 PM (Nov–Mar) / 6:00 PM (Apr–Oct)
- Thursday — 6:00 PM
Sacraments & Devotions
Reconciliation is offered every Tuesday at 3:00 PM or by appointment, and Eucharistic Adoration is held on the first Tuesday of each month from 3:00 to 4:00 PM, with confessions available during that hour. As a parish named for the rosary, devotion to Our Lady of the Rosary is central to its spiritual identity.
- Reconciliation: Tuesday 3:00 PM or by appointment
- Eucharistic Adoration: First Tuesday of the month, 3:00–4:00 PM
- Patron: Our Lady of the Rosary (feast day October 7)
Parish Life & Music
A close-knit family spirit, openness, and fellowship have characterized Rosary Chapel from its beginnings. The parish choir, which practices Saturdays at 4:00 PM under Mrs. Deidra, is famous in the region for its Gospel music, which the parish credits with drawing worshippers well beyond its registered members to Sunday services.
- Parish Choir — Saturday practices at 4:00 PM; all are welcome (contact Mrs. Deidra)
- Gospel music liturgy draws visitors from across the region
- Doors open to all races since the parish's founding
School & Faith Formation
Rosary Chapel School opened in September 1947 with 23 students taught by Ursuline Sisters from Maple Mount, Kentucky. By 1952 enrollment had grown to 150, prompting construction of the three-story brick school building that housed twelve classrooms, a Sisters' residence, a kitchen, cafeteria, and a basement auditorium seating 200. The school was featured in Time magazine in September 1952. Pioneer member Shirley Bunch was the sole graduate of the first class in 1958.
- School founded 1947, originally housed in two connected houses
- Staffed by Ursuline Sisters of Maple Mount, KY
- 1952 three-story brick school with 12 classrooms + 200-seat auditorium
- Time magazine feature: September 1952
Leadership & Staff
Rosary Chapel is currently shepherded by Fr. Jude Okeoma, a Nigerian-born priest of the Diocese of Owensboro assigned in June 2023. The parish is supported by a small lay pastoral team responsible for day-to-day operations and finances.
- Rev. Jude Okeoma — Pastor (effective June 13, 2023)
- Charles Davis — Parish Center Coordinator
- Carol Baker — Bookkeeper
Mission Outreach
Rosary Chapel Parish also serves as the mother church for the mission parish of St. Mary in La Center, Kentucky, extending its pastoral care into Ballard County. The parish is recognized by the Diocese of Owensboro's Office of Black Catholic Ministry as a model of Black Catholic parishes that exemplify inclusion of all races and cultures while maintaining their identity.
- St. Mary Mission Parish, La Center, KY
- Office of Black Catholic Ministry partnership (Diocese of Owensboro)
Visit, Contact & Office Hours
The parish office is open Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM. Visitors may leave a voice message on other days for the next regular office day, or contact Fr. Jude directly in emergencies. New parishioners are invited to stop by the office to pick up a registration form.
- Address: 711 Ohio Street, Paducah, KY 42002-1481
- Phone: 270-444-6383
- Office email: [email protected] / [email protected]
- Pastor email: [email protected]
- Office hours: Mon/Tue/Wed, 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM
- Newcomers welcome — registration forms available at the office
Pastors & rectors through the years
- Rev. Albert Thompson1947 (founder)
Pastor of St. Francis de Sales, Paducah. Founded Rosary Chapel because Black Catholics confined to the back pews there had 'no sense of identity.' Did not serve as resident pastor but established the parish.
- Fr. Richard Wersing, C.S.S.P.1947 onward
First resident pastor; member of the Congregation of the Holy Spirit (Holy Ghost Fathers). Oversaw opening of the school in September 1947 with Ursuline Sisters of Maple Mount teaching.
- Rev. Stan PuryearListed in 2017 diocesan directory
Listed as Pastor of Rosary Chapel in the Diocese of Owensboro Catholic Directory (2017 edition), 711 Ohio St., Paducah; population 125, 79 families.
- Fr. Emmanuel UdohApproximately 2018 – June 13, 2023
Native of Nigeria; served a five-year term as pastor. Presided at the 75th anniversary Mass in October 2022 with Bishop William F. Medley. Later assigned as Pastor of Sts. Peter & Paul Parish, Hopkinsville.
- Rev. Jude OkeomaJune 13, 2023 – present
Native of Nigeria; assigned as Pastor of Rosary Chapel, Paducah, and St. Mary Parish, LaCenter, effective June 13, 2023.