About St. John the Evangelist · Pawnee, Oklahoma
St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church in Pawnee, Oklahoma, is a vibrant parish rooted in over a century of service to the local community. Founded in 1902, it has grown from humble beginnings to become a spiritual home for Catholics in the area, offering regular Mass, sacraments, and a wide range of ministries. The parish is led by current pastor Father Desmond Ibeneme, who joined in July 2022, continuing a long tradition of dedicated clergy who have served the parish through decades of change. The church is deeply connected to its local culture and history, including its ties to the Pawnee people and its role in the Diocese of Tulsa.
- Established
- 1902
- Patron
- St. John the Evangelist
- Rector
- Father Desmond Ibeneme
- Diocese
- Diocese of Tulsa
Why belong here
Join St. John the Evangelist to be part of a community that values faith, service, and tradition. The parish offers regular Mass, sacraments, and a wide range of ministries including youth groups, prayer groups, and outreach programs. With a history spanning over 117 years, the parish continues to serve the Pawnee community with dedication and compassion, welcoming all who seek spiritual growth and fellowship.
Mass times at St. John the Evangelist
Weekly Mass schedule
Pastors & rectors through the years
- Father Desmond Ibeneme2022–present
- Father Emmanuel-Lugard Nduka2012–2022
- Father Matthew G. La Chance2008–2012
- Father Kenneth J. Harder2002–2004
- Father Paul Obi Amaliri2002–2004
- Father Joseph Townsend1999–2002
- Father Desmond Okpogba1999–2002
- Father James D. White1992–present
- Father John F. O'Shea, S.J.1990–1992
- Father Roger Blais1983–1990
- Father James Greenwell, T.O.R.1977–1983
- Father George Lutjen1976–1977
- Father Cletus Bash1964–1967
- Father R. Anthony Spain1967–1976
- Father Leo Hardesty1959–1961
- Father Patrick Murtagh1958–1959
- Father Philip Wilkiemeyer1951–1958
- Father Martin J. Griffin1949–1951
- Father Scared Heart, Fairfax1949–1951
- Father Victor J. Reed1940–1947
- Father C.A. McGinty1933–1939
- Father Emile Ghyssaert1925–1932
- Father Victor Van Durme1915–1925
- Father Hubert Van Meer1914
- Father Eloi Justou, O.S.B.1913–1914
- Father Everard Vander Grinten1910–1913
- Father Francis Mueller1908–1910
- Father Andrew Pouey, O.S.B.1907–1908
- Father Casper Douenburg1904–1906
- Father John G. Heiring1901–1905
- Father Bernard J. Mutsaers1901
- Father John Van den Hende1900–1901
- Father Alfred Dupret1898–1899
- Father Edward V. Reynolds1895–1898
- Father Eugene Yserman1895
- Father Alfred Dupret1894
- Father Denis Van Huffel1893–1894
- Father Placidus Dierick, O.S.B.1893