About St. Joseph (New Almelo) · New Almelo, Kansas
St. Joseph Parish in New Almelo, Kansas, traces its roots to 1870 when the first Catholic family settled in Norton County. Originally a mission of St. Joseph, KS, it became a separate parish in 1895 under the leadership of Father Dan Horgan. The parish serves a rural community with strong Irish heritage and continues to offer Mass, sacraments, and ministries in both English and Spanish. It is part of the Diocese of Wichita and maintains a vibrant presence through its Knights of Columbus, St. Francis Society, and religious education programs.
- Established
- 1870
- Patron
- St. Joseph
- Rector
- Fr. Vinner
- Diocese
- Diocese of Wichita
Why belong here
Join a parish with deep roots in faith and community, where you can participate in weekly Mass, Adoration, and sacraments, and connect with neighbors through ministries like the Knights of Columbus, St. Francis Society, and religious education. The parish offers a warm, welcoming environment for families and individuals seeking spiritual growth and service.
Mass times at St. Joseph (New Almelo)
Weekly Mass schedule
Confession times
- Weekdays 30 minutes before Mass
- Saturday 4:30 PM - 5:15 PM
- By appointment upon request
Adoration times
- Every Tuesday 6:30 PM - 7:30 PM
- Every 1st Wednesday of the Month 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM (after Mass)
History
Founded in 1870 by the McGuire family, the parish began as a mission of St. Joseph, KS. The first Mass was celebrated in 1878 by Rev. Louis Mollier in a frame courthouse. Over the next decade, the parish grew from 25 to 100 families, mostly Irish immigrants. It became a formal parish in 1895 under Father Dan Horgan, who moved from Colby to Norton. The parish was served by itinerant priests until 1895, and later by resident pastors including Fr. Horgan, who resisted political pressure to support William Jennings Bryan. The parish was part of the Concordia Diocese until 1900, when it became part of the Diocese of Wichita.
Ministries
The parish offers a variety of ministries including the Knights of Columbus, St. Francis Society, and Religious Education. These groups provide opportunities for service, fellowship, and spiritual growth.
- Knights of Columbus
- St. Francis Society
- Religious Education
- Totus Tuus 2026
- Ministry Schedule
Sacraments
The parish offers all seven sacraments, including Baptism, Confirmation, Eucharist, Reconciliation, Anointing of the Sick, Marriage, and Holy Orders. Sacraments are available by appointment or during regular services.
- Baptism
- Confirmation
- Eucharist
- Reconciliation
- Anointing of the Sick
- Marriage
- Holy Orders
Pastors & rectors through the years
- Fr. Dan Horgan1895-1898
Second resident priest; moved from Colby to Norton; resisted political pressure to support William Jennings Bryan.
- Fr. B. Fitzpatrick1889-1890
Served as mission priest until appointed first resident pastor by Bishop Scannell.
- Fr. Augustine Reichert1878-1889
Itinerant priest who traveled by one-horse buggy to serve parishioners in sod houses.
- Rev. Louis Mollier1878
Celebrated the first Mass in a frame courthouse; born in France, ordained in 1873.