About St. Joseph · Prineville, Oregon
St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Prineville, Oregon, is a vibrant parish rooted in over a century of Catholic tradition, serving the spiritual needs of its community with a strong devotion to St. Joseph, its patron saint. Established as a mission and later becoming a full parish in 1943, it has grown through generations of faithful leadership and active ministries. The parish offers Mass in both English and Spanish, sacramental services, and a wide range of ministries including catechesis, youth programs, and outreach. It remains a central spiritual hub in Central Oregon, known for its welcoming atmosphere and commitment to faith formation.
- Established
- 1880
- Patron
- St. Joseph
- Rector
- Very Rev. Fr. Joseph Kunnelaya
- Diocese
- Diocese of Baker
Why belong here
Join a parish that offers a strong sense of community through active ministries like Family Prayer Night, Spanish Mass, and the St. Vincent de Paul Society. The parish provides faith formation for all ages, sacramental preparation, and a welcoming environment for newcomers. With a rich history and dedicated leadership, St. Joseph’s invites you to grow in faith, serve others, and be part of a family that prays together and supports one another.
Mass times at St. Joseph
Weekly Mass schedule
Confession times
- Wednesday 11:30 AM – 12:00 PM
- Saturday 3:30 PM – 4:30 PM
- Other times by appointment
Adoration times
- Friday 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM (following Mass)
Our History
The first Mass in Prineville was celebrated on July 25, 1880, by Archbishop Seghers. The parish was served as a mission from Burns, then Bend (1910–1941), and Redmond (1941–1943). The current church was built in 1915 and dedicated on May 23, 1915. The first resident pastor, Fr. Thomas McTeigue, was appointed in 1943. The parish hall and convent were built in 1965, and the Catechetical Center in 1963. The parish has seen many pastoral transitions since 1943, including notable pastors like Fr. Robert Simard (1989–1999), Fr. Robert Greiner (2002–2013), and the current pastor, Fr. Joseph Kunnelaya (since 2016).
Ministries
- Catechetical Center
- Renew Program
- MOM’S Group
- St. Vincent de Paul Society
- Altar Society
- Fellowship Activities
Faith Formation
The parish offers catechesis, DeSales Classes (1981), and sacramental preparation for all ages. The Catechetical Center was built in 1963 and dedicated by Bishop Leipzig. The Renew Program began in 1990, and the MOM’S group formed in 1991.
Sacraments
The parish offers all seven sacraments: Baptism, Confirmation, Eucharist, Reconciliation, Marriage, and Anointing of the Sick. Communion in the hand and face-to-face confession were introduced in 1972.
Pastors & rectors through the years
- Fr. Thomas McTeigue1943–1960
First resident pastor; served until his death in December 1960.
- Monsignor Matthew Crotty1962–1972
Served during Second Vatican Council sessions (1962–1965).
- Monsignor Patrick Gaire1972–1977
- Monsignor John Phelan1977–1982
- Fr. Charles Dreisbach1982–1986
- Fr. Gerald Condon1986–1989
- Fr. Robert Simard1989–1999
Initiated Renew Program (1990) and MOM’S group (1991).
- Fr. Jim Logan2000–2002
- Fr. Robert Greiner2002–2013
- Fr. Christopher Ehidiamhen2013–2016
- Fr. Joseph Kunnelaya2016–present