About St. Columba · Bloomsburg, Pennsylvania
St. Columba Roman Catholic Church is a parish of the Diocese of Harrisburg serving Bloomsburg, Pennsylvania and the surrounding Columbia County communities from its campus at 342 Iron Street. Inspired by the Holy Spirit and committed to the worship of God the Father, the parish strives to develop a strong family spirit by instilling a love of God and neighbor in all its members through full participation in the liturgy, reflection on the Word, and reception of the Sacraments. Today the parish also sponsors Christ the King Mission in Benton, the Bloomsburg Food Cupboard out of the Father Devine Community Center, a Catholic Youth Education (CYE) program, Vacation Bible School, and a Catholic in Recovery group, among many other ministries.
- Established
- 1826
- Patron
- St. Columba (Columcille)
- Rector
- Rev. Richard J. Mowery
- Diocese
- Roman Catholic Diocese of Harrisburg
Why belong here
St. Columba offers a complete Catholic life in one parish: Sunday and daily Mass, the Sacrament of Penance on Saturdays, Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament on First Fridays, faith formation for children through the Catholic Youth Education (CYE) program and Vacation Bible School, plus a Catholic in Recovery group and active Men's, Women's, Marriage Mentor, and Rosary ministries. The parish extends that care beyond its walls by hosting the Bloomsburg Food Cupboard on its grounds and by sustaining Christ the King Mission in Benton. Whether you are a long-time resident, a Bloomsburg University student, or new to the area, you'll find a community that takes seriously both worship and outreach to neighbors in need.
Mass times at St. Columba
Weekly Mass schedule
Confession times
- Saturday 8:30–9:00 AM
- Saturday 3:30–4:30 PM
Adoration times
- First Friday 3:30–4:30 PM
About St. Columba Parish
Inspired by the Holy Spirit, faithful to the teachings of Jesus Christ, and committed to the worship of God the Father, St. Columba Roman Catholic Church strives to develop, support, and maintain a strong family spirit by instilling a love of God and neighbor in all its members. Members participate fully in the liturgy, reflect on the Word of God, and receive the Sacraments, continuing their faith formation and sharing their time, talent, and treasure through outreach to the parish, the local community, and the wider world.
- Parish of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Harrisburg
- Patron: St. Columba (Columcille), feast day June 9
- Campus centered at 342 Iron Street, Bloomsburg, PA 17815
Parish History
Catholic life in Bloomsburg began with Irish and German immigrants drawn to the area in 1826 by the building of the North Branch Canal and the railroads. From humble beginnings — Mass said at Michael Casey's home on North Iron Street — the small Catholic community organized itself, purchased cemetery land in 1848, became a mission of St. Joseph's, Danville in 1849, and dedicated its first property under the patronage of St. Columkil (Columba) on September 4, 1859. After becoming a full parish in October 1882 under Father Andrew O'Brien, St. Columba grew steadily: a second church was built and dedicated in 1913, a parish school in 1954, and the present 700-seat church on January 19, 1970. Through all of it, the parish extended its mission beyond Bloomsburg — founding Christ the King in Benton in 1961 and, more recently, hosting the Bloomsburg Food Cupboard on its grounds.
- 1826: first recorded Catholic presence in Bloomsburg
- 1848: cemetery land purchased in Bloom Township
- 1859: original St. Columba property dedicated September 4 by Father Edward Murray
- 1882: mission becomes a full parish under Father Andrew O'Brien
- 1913: second church dedicated October 12 by Bishop John W. Shanahan
- 1954: parish school dedicated in the Marian Year, staffed by the Sisters of Sts. Cyril and Methodius
- 1961: Christ the King Mission founded in Benton
- 1970: present church dedicated January 19, seating 700, costing $473,000
Pastor Chronology
St. Columba publishes a detailed chronology of pastors and assistant pastors stretching back to Father John Fitzpatrick in 1844. Twenty-eight resident pastors have served the parish, including the long-tenured Father Arthur J. McCann (1886–1899), Father Herman B. Gies (1917–1936), Father Leonard V. Casey (1973–1986, founder of the Parish Advisory Council), Father Patrick Devine (1994–2009, namesake of the Father Devine Center), and Monsignor Robert E. Lawrence (2011–2021). Father Richard J. Mowery was officially installed as pastor on June 29, 2021.
- Father John Fitzpatrick (1844–1847) — first recorded priest
- Father Andrew O'Brien (1882) — first resident pastor at parish status
- Father M. O'Reilly (1882–1884) — transformed mission into a parish
- Father William J. Burke (1945–1957) — built parish school
- Father Joseph T. Kofchock (1968–1973) — built the present church
- Monsignor Robert E. Lawrence (2011–2021)
- Father Richard J. Mowery (2021–present)
Staff & Clergy
The parish staff includes a pastor, parochial vicar, deacon, and a team of lay and religious staff responsible for liturgy, communications, religious education, music, youth activities, and parish administration.
- Pastor: Rev. Richard J. Mowery
- Parochial Vicar: Rev. Aaron Lynch
- Deacon: Deacon Thomas Conlin
- Administrative Manager: Deanna McKinnon
- Administrative Assistant: Lori Traupman
- Director of Liturgy and Communications: Dr. Catherine A. Chayko
- Director of Religious Education: Dr. James Gregory, MATHEM (570-784-0801 ext. 4)
- Music Coordinator: Victoria Parker
- Youth Activities Director: Sister Suzanne Duzen, SS.C.M.
Faith Formation & Religious Education
The Catholic Youth Education (CYE) program is the parish's religious education arm, following the Diocese of Harrisburg's guidelines. Students from Kindergarten through Grade 8 use the diocesan-approved textbook 'Blest Are We, Faith and Word Edition,' a Catechism-referenced curriculum. The High School curriculum includes the Bible, the Catechism, and guest speakers, with applied learning through charitable activities. Registration is $30 for the first two children and $15 for additional children. The Diocese requires a two-year preparation program for the sacraments of Reconciliation, Holy Eucharist, and Confirmation. Homeschool families must register with the Director of Religious Education and use USCCB-approved curricula.
- CYE registration open for Fall 2026 (Kindergarten through High School)
- Curriculum: 'Blest Are We, Faith and Word Edition' (K–8)
- Director of Religious Education: Dr. James Gregory (570-784-0801 ext. 4)
- Junior Catechists Program invites high school students to assist teachers
- Parent resources available via the CYE Parent Portal and FORMED parish subscription
Youth, Vacation Bible School & Recovery
Sister Suzanne Duzen, SS.C.M., directs Youth Activities, including the annual Vacation Bible School. The 2026 VBS theme is 'Rainforest Falls,' scheduled August 3–7. The parish also hosts a Catholic in Recovery group, open to everyone, on Tuesday evenings at 5:30 in the Geis Room upstairs in the parish center.
- Vacation Bible School 2026: 'Rainforest Falls,' August 3–7
- Catholic in Recovery: Tuesday evenings, 5:30 PM, Geis Room
- Youth Activities led by Sister Suzanne Duzen, SS.C.M.
Parish Ministries & Groups
St. Columba supports a wide range of parish ministries and small groups that help members live out their faith together — from evangelization on the street to marriage mentoring and Marian devotion.
- St. Paul Street Evangelization
- Vacation Bible School
- Women's Group
- Men's Group
- Marriage Mentor Program
- Flame of Love Rosary
- Rosary for Our Lady of Fatima Ministry
- Youth Activities Programs
Service & Outreach — Bloomsburg Food Cupboard
Although not an official parish ministry, the Bloomsburg Food Cupboard operates right across the parish parking lot in the Father Devine Community Center. The Cupboard distributes food every Tuesday (11:30 AM–2:15 PM) and every Sunday (9:15–10:15 AM), with a market-style format that lets families choose foods they prefer. Eligibility requires proof of residence in the Bloomsburg, Central Columbia, Benton, Millville, or Southern Columbia School Districts. The Cupboard is supported by dozens of churches, schools, organizations, and community businesses.
- Tuesdays 11:30 AM–2:15 PM
- Sundays 9:15–10:15 AM
- Eligibility: Bloomsburg, Central Columbia, Benton, Millville, Southern Columbia school districts
- Co-administrators: Martha Sheehe and Lynn Smith
Our Facilities
St. Columba's campus sits at the corner of Iron and Third Streets in downtown Bloomsburg and includes the church itself, the Parish Center (with parish offices), the Father Devine Community Center (home of the Bloomsburg Food Cupboard), and the former school building. Christ the King Mission is operated separately at 297 Mendenhall Road in Benton, PA 17814.
- St. Columba Church: 342 Iron Street, Bloomsburg, PA 17815-1824
- Parish Center (offices): 342 Iron Street
- Father Devine Community Center (Food Cupboard): 331 Center Street, Bloomsburg, PA 17815-1824 — (570) 387-2607
- Christ the King Mission: 297 Mendenhall Road, Benton, PA 17814
- Rectory office: 40 E. Third Street, Bloomsburg, PA — (570) 784-0801 x 107
Christ the King Mission, Benton
Christ the King is the parish's mission church at 297 Mendenhall Road, Benton, PA 17814. It was established in November 1961 by Father Vincent J. Topper and his assistant Father James W. Beeman, and continues to be operated by St. Columba Parish today. Its mailing address is 342 Iron Street, Bloomsburg, PA 17815-1824.
- Address: 297 Mendenhall Road, Benton, PA 17814
- Established November 1961
- Mailing address: 342 Iron Street, Bloomsburg, PA 17815-1824
Finding Us & Contact
The parish office is located in the Parish Center at 342 Iron Street, on the corner of Iron and Third Streets just off Main Street in downtown Bloomsburg. Office hours are Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday from 10:00 AM to 3:30 PM (holiday hours may vary). Parking areas are marked on the parish's Finding Us page; please avoid Bloomsburg permit parking areas.
- Parish Phone: (570) 784-0801
- Email: [email protected]
- Office Hours: Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri 10:00 AM–3:30 PM
- Parking: on-site lots marked on parish website; avoid permit areas
Patron: St. Columba (Columcille)
St. Columba, also called Columcille or Colum, was born c. 521 in Tyrconnell (now County Donegal, Ireland) and died in 597 on the island of Iona in the Inner Hebrides of Scotland. An Irish abbot and missionary, he is traditionally credited with the main role in the conversion of Scotland to Christianity and founded the important abbey on Iona. He is the patron saint of Derry and one of the three patron saints of Ireland (along with Patrick and Brigid), and his feast day — June 9 — has been designated International Celtic Art Day. The Book of Kells and the Book of Durrow, great medieval masterpieces of Celtic art, are associated with him.
- Born c. 521 in Tyrconnell (County Donegal), Ireland
- Died 597 on Iona, Scotland
- Feast day: June 9
- Patron of Derry, floods, bookbinders, poets, Ireland and Scotland
How to Register & Get Involved
Parishioners are encouraged to register with St. Columba so the parish can better serve their sacramental and pastoral needs. There are many ways to get involved — as a CYE catechist, a CYE Junior Catechist (for high school students), a Vacation Bible School volunteer, a Food Cupboard helper, or a member of one of the parish's many prayer or outreach groups.
- Register online via the How to Register page on the parish website
- CYE catechists always welcome — contact Dr. James Gregory at [email protected]
- Junior Catechists Program for high school students
- Volunteer at the Bloomsburg Food Cupboard
Pastors & rectors through the years
- Father John Fitzpatrick1844–1847
Celebrated Mass at Michael Casey's home on North Iron Street
- Father John Flanagan1844–1849
From Milton
- Father Hennigan
Succeeded Flanagan
- Father O'Keefe1849
First resident pastor of St. Joseph's, Danville, with Bloomsburg as mission
- Father Kerney
- Father Sheridan1851
Said the first Mass in a family basement
- Father Edward Murray1857
Purchased and dedicated the original St. Columba property Sept. 4, 1859
- Father McGinnes1866
Pastor of St. Joseph's, Danville, and the Saint Columba Mission
- Father Schmidt1877–1882
Pastor of St. Hubert's, Danville, with St. Columba as mission
- Father Andrew O'Brien1882
First resident pastor when the mission became a parish
- Father Charles Kenny1882
One-month tenure
- Father M. O'Reilly1882–1884
Transformed the mission into a true parish; purchased first rectory
- Father Edward Clark1885–1886
- Father Arthur J. McCann1886–1899
13-year pastorate; remodeled church, built school
- Father James Bair1899–1901
- Father Joseph R. Murphy1901–1910
Recognized need for larger church; began planning
- Father Edward Burkard1910–1917
Broke ground on 1911 church, dedicated Oct. 12, 1913
- Father Herman B. Gies1917–1936
- Father Louis J. Yeager1936–1945
Founded the 'Columbian Club' for college Catholic students
- Father William J. Burke1945–1957
Built the parish school, dedicated 1954
- Father Vincent J. Topper1957–1963
Established Christ the King Mission, Benton, Nov. 1961
- Father John J. Suknaic1963–1968
Paid off parish debt; began planning present church
- Father Joseph T. Kofchock1968–1973
Built and dedicated the present church, Jan. 19, 1970
- Father Leonard V. Casey1973–1986
Founded the 'Casey Club' and Parish Advisory Council
- Father Thomas Langan1986–1988
Former Bloomsburg University chaplain
- Father Thomas Scala1989–1994
Concentrated on religious education
- Father Patrick Devine1994–2009
Created community outreach; the Father Devine Center is named for him
- Father Paul Fisher2009–2011
- Monsignor Robert E. Lawrence2011–2021
Retired June 21, 2021
- Father Richard J. Mowery2021–present
Installed as pastor June 29, 2021