About Saint Mary · Marfa, Texas
St. Mary Catholic Church in Marfa, Texas serves as the designated Roman Catholic parish for the southwest region of Texas and beyond, part of the Diocese of El Paso. The community is committed to upholding Catholic traditions and fostering a deeper relationship with Jesus Christ through prayer, the Holy Eucharist, and service. St. Mary's consecrates itself to the Blessed Virgin Mary as its patroness, emphasizing discipleship in Christ and spiritual growth for all members.
- Established
- 1875
- Patron
- Blessed Virgin Mary
- Diocese
- Diocese of El Paso
Why belong here
St. Mary offers ministries like Catholic Daughters of the Americas, parish council, and sacramental preparation for Baptism, Marriage, First Communion, Confirmation, and SEC. The community engages in spiritual and corporal works of mercy through Eucharistic Adoration, prayer, and service to others.
Mass times at Saint Mary
Weekly Mass schedule
Confession times
- Confessions available before Mass
Adoration times
- Eucharistic Adoration held daily
History
St. Mary Parish dates to 1875 when Our Lady of Guadalupe Mission was established in Marfa. Construction of the current church began in 1889 but was delayed due to lack of funds; services were held on the second floor of a blacksmith shop while construction continued. In 1895, Father Frank Maas became pastor and Our Lady of Guadalupe was designated a parish in 1900. In 1912, missionary priests and Sisters of the Incarnate Word arrived to staff the church and open a school. The parish expanded to include an entire block by the early 1900s. In 1959, St. Mary and Sacred Heart were consolidated into one parish, with the Sacred Heart building sold to Humble Oil Company for remodeling. The church was renamed St. Mary in 1945 and underwent various renovations including altar changes during Vatican II.
Ministries
St. Mary offers ministries like Catholic Daughters of the Americas, parish council, and sacramental preparation for Baptism, Marriage, First Communion, Confirmation, and SEC. The community engages in spiritual and corporal works of mercy through Eucharistic Adoration, prayer, and service to others.
- Catholic Daughters of the Americas
- Parish Council
- Altar Servers
- Lectors
- Eucharistic Ministers
- Baptism & Marriage Preparation
- First Communion
- Confirmation
- SEC
Faith Formation
The parish provides sacramental preparation for Baptism, First Communion, Confirmation, and Marriage. The community is committed to developing talents for the glory of God and serving others through spiritual and corporal works of mercy.
- Baptism Preparation
- First Communion Preparation
- Confirmation Preparation
- Marriage Preparation
Sacraments
St. Mary offers the full range of Catholic sacraments including Baptism, Reconciliation, Holy Eucharist, Confirmation, Marriage, Anointing of the Sick, and Last Rites.
- Baptism
- Reconciliation
- Holy Eucharist
- Confirmation
- Marriage
- Anointing of the Sick
- Last Rites
Pastors & rectors through the years
- Father Frank Maas, O.C.C.1895
became pastor
- Father Richard Vershafelt
led missionary priests including future Bishop of Corpus Christi Mariano S. Garriga and Father Lourdes F. Costa who built Mt. Cristo Rey
- Father Henry Zaranton, O.R.S.A.1945
pastor during addition of sacristy and towers; church renamed St. Mary
- Father Robert Bohn
pastor during altar change for Vatican II
- Rev. John Paul Madanu2017
joined as Vicar and administrator