About St. Columbkille · Varina, Iowa
St. Columbkille Parish in Varina, Iowa, is a small, close-knit Catholic community rooted in Irish and German immigrant heritage since 1882. The parish has weathered more than 140 years of change, including the closure of its school, while continuing to gather for worship and service. Its active Altar Society, Rosary Makers Club, and annual Fish Fry keep parish life vibrant. The parish belongs to the Diocese of Sioux City and invites parishioners to share faith, tradition, and neighborly support.
- Established
- 1882
- Patron
- Saint Columbkille
- Rector
- Fr. Harry McAlpine
- Diocese
- Diocese of Sioux City
Why belong here
St. Columbkille offers a tight-knit, multi-generational rural parish where faith, service, and tradition come together through active societies, rosary making, and community events.
History
St. Columbkille Parish traces its roots to 1882, when Irish and German Catholic settlers established a small mission church east of present-day Varina. Over the decades the parish moved into town, rebuilt its church, and operated a school, while maintaining a strong rural Catholic identity.
- Began in 1882 as St. Columba's, later Dover Church and North Fonda Church.
- Named St. Columbkille in 1895.
- Church and rectory moved into Varina by capstan in 1907-1908.
- New church built in 1951; rectory built in 1953 from reclaimed lumber.
- High school closed in 1961; grade school closed in 1975.
Ministries & Community Life
Despite its small size, St. Columbkille sustains active ministries and social events that involve parishioners of all ages.
- Rosary Makers Club — distributes rosaries locally and worldwide.
- Altar Society — hosts an annual social inviting women of many denominations.
- Annual Fish Fry — a major parish-wide fundraiser and fellowship event.
Visit
St. Columbkille is located in Varina, Iowa, in the Diocese of Sioux City. Contact the parish for current Mass and sacrament schedules.
- 201 1st St, Varina, IA 50540
- Phone: 712-288-6480