About Sacred Heart · Oxford Junction, Iowa
Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Oxford Junction, Iowa, serves a diverse community rooted in Bohemian and Irish Catholic traditions. Founded in 1897, the parish has evolved through multiple church buildings and pastoral leadership, now operating under the Archdiocese of Dubuque. The current pastor, Fr. Andrew Awotwe-Mensah, shares his ministry with Mt. Vernon and Springville. The parish is known for its musical heritage, vibrant community events like the annual Fall Festival (now discontinued but still celebrated through bake sales), and strong traditions of fellowship and service.
- Established
- 1897
- Patron
- Sacred Heart of Jesus
- Rector
- Fr. Andrew Awotwe-Mensah
- Diocese
- Archdiocese of Dubuque
Why belong here
Join a parish with deep roots in Bohemian and Irish Catholic heritage, where community fellowship thrives through traditions like kolache baking and the annual Fall Festival (now continued via bake sales). Experience a vibrant music ministry, active parish life, and pastoral care that includes homebound visits. The parish offers spiritual nourishment through Mass, Adoration, and sacraments, all rooted in a history of resilience and faith.
Mass times at Sacred Heart
Weekly Mass schedule
Church History
Between 1860-70, Bohemian immigrants from Czechoslovakia and English-speaking Catholics from Canada and the East settled in Oxford Junction, attending Mass in Baldwin or Toronto. In 1881, they decided to build a church, St. Mary’s, dedicated in September 1881. By 1897, Sacred Heart Church was built under Rev. Jos. Dostal’s direction and dedicated. St. Mary’s and Sacred Heart operated separately until 1916, when Rev. Thomas Vopatek served both. They merged in 1917. St. Mary’s parsonage burned in 1920, and the church was sold and dismantled. A new brick rectory was built in 1962 under Rev. Joseph Kissling, who oversaw the construction of the current church, dedicated May 12, 1968. The old church became Gregor Hall, later demolished in 2003. The parish joined a tri-parish cluster in 1996, then returned to standalone status in 2021.
Ministries & Traditions
The parish is known for its musical heritage, including choirs that received national recognition. The Annual Fall Festival (now discontinued) featured Polka Mass, kolaches, and deep-fried chicken. The tradition continues through bake sales twice a year. The parish also offers homebound visits by Fr. Andrew Awotwe-Mensah.
Pastoral Leadership
The current pastor, Fr. Andrew Awotwe-Mensah, shares his ministry with Mt. Vernon and Springville. Pastors include Rev. Jos. Dostal (1897), Rev. Thomas Vopatek (1916–1917), Rev. Joseph Kissling (1962–1968), Rev. August Vojacek (1911–1916), and Rev. Francis Odoom (1968–1996).
Pastors & rectors through the years
- Rev. Jos. Dostal1897-1897
Directed construction of Sacred Heart Church
- Rev. Thomas Vopatek1916-1917
Pastor of both St. Mary’s and Sacred Heart; merged parishes in 1917
- Rev. Joseph Kissling1962-1968
Pastor who oversaw construction of new church; dedicated May 12, 1968
- Rev. August Vojacek1911-1916
Musically inclined; developed acclaimed choir
- Rev. Francis Odoom1968-1996
Former pastor; referred to choir as 'Eastern Iowa choir'