About St. Mary · Cape Girardeau, Missouri
The Cathedral of St. Mary of the Annunciation (commonly known as St. Mary Cathedral) is a Roman Catholic cathedral in Cape Girardeau, Missouri, and serves as co-cathedral — together with St. Agnes Cathedral in Springfield — of the Diocese of Springfield-Cape Girardeau. Founded in 1868 by German immigrants who wanted their own English-and-German-speaking parish, the brick Romanesque Revival church stands at 615 William Street at the corner of Sprigg and William. Beyond weekend and weekday Masses, the parish runs St. Mary Cathedral School (Pre-K through grade 8), supervises the adjoining Old St. Vincent Chapel of Ease, and operates St. Mary Cemetery on Perry Avenue, making it a cornerstone of Catholic life in southeast Missouri for more than 150 years.
- Established
- 1868
- Patron
- Blessed Virgin Mary, under the title Our Lady of the Annunciation (Mary of the Annunciation)
- Rector
- Very Rev. Patrick Nwokoye (Rector, effective July 1, 2025)
- Diocese
- Diocese of Springfield-Cape Girardeau (Roman Catholic)
Why belong here
St. Mary Cathedral offers an unusually full Catholic life for a mid-sized city: daily Mass (six days a week), a robust Sunday schedule, weekly confession, a live-streamed and radio-broadcast Sunday Mass (KZIM 960 AM), a parish school serving Pre-K through grade 8, an active religious-education program with OCIA (formerly RCIA) for adults, faith formation for schoolchildren and public-school students, and a thriving St. Mary Cemetery with its own chapel and columbarium. The parish also runs a food pantry through Catholic Social Ministries / Society of St. Vincent de Paul, a Home & School Association, school and parish boards, Virtus child-protection training, and seasonal family-life programming — all rooted in a 150-year-old German-heritage parish that today serves Catholics from across southeast Missouri as the co-cathedral of the diocese.
Mass times at St. Mary
Weekly Mass schedule
Confession times
- Saturdays 3:00 – 4:00 PM
- Tuesdays 4:30 – 5:00 PM
About St. Mary Cathedral
The Cathedral of St. Mary of the Annunciation is the co-cathedral of the Diocese of Springfield-Cape Girardeau, sharing that distinction with St. Agnes Cathedral in Springfield, Missouri. The Romanesque Revival brick church sits at 615 William Street at the corner of Sprigg Street in downtown Cape Girardeau and anchors a campus that includes the parish rectory, school, parish hall, gym, and — across town — St. Mary Cemetery and the Old St. Vincent Chapel of Ease. The parish was founded in 1868 by German Catholic immigrants and today serves as a regional hub for daily Mass, Catholic education, faith formation, and outreach to the homebound and the poor of southeast Missouri.
- Founded 1868; first Mass February 2, 1869
- Co-cathedral of the Diocese of Springfield-Cape Girardeau since 1956
- Bishop: Most Rev. Edward M. Rice
- Rector: Very Rev. Patrick Nwokoye (since July 1, 2025)
- Address: 615 William Street, Cape Girardeau, MO 63703
History
St. Mary of the Annunciation traces its roots to the German Catholic community of mid-19th-century Cape Girardeau, which had worshipped at St. Vincent de Paul Church (erected 1853) and wanted its own parish and German-speaking priest. Plans drafted in 1858 were interrupted by the Civil War; after the war the parish was organized in earnest, a lot at Sprigg and William was purchased for $650, and on March 25, 1868 — the Feast of the Annunciation — the new church broke ground. The cornerstone was laid August 2, 1868, and the first Mass was celebrated February 2, 1869. By 1956 St. Mary's had grown large enough to be designated co-cathedral of the new Diocese of Springfield-Cape Girardeau, and the next half-century brought repeated renovations (1954, 1968, 1985, 2014), the 1977 merger with St. Vincent de Paul, and the 2022 basement fire. The parish celebrated its 150th anniversary in 2018.
- 1868 — Parish founded; groundbreaking March 25 (Feast of the Annunciation)
- 1869 — First Mass celebrated February 2
- 1885 — Rectory constructed
- 1891 — Bells installed; church redecorated and heated
- 1903 — St. Mary Cemetery land purchased by Fr. Pruente
- 1925 — St. Mary's High School founded (later became Notre Dame High School)
- 1956 — Designated co-cathedral of the new Diocese of Springfield-Cape Girardeau
- 1977 — St. Vincent de Paul Parish merged in; church becomes Old St. Vincent's Chapel of Ease
- 1984 — Steeple restored to 1868 height
- 1990–91 — New pipe organ installed
- 2014 — Major renovation: Murillo-style 'Annunciation' and 'Heavenly and Earthly Trinities' murals, ceramic tile, LED lighting
- 2018 — 150th anniversary
- 2022 — Basement fire caused approx. $20,000 in damage
Architecture & Interior
St. Mary's is a Romanesque Revival brick cathedral built in 1868–69. Its most visible exterior feature is the tall central tower with a steeple: the original spire was taken down in 1961 due to deterioration, replaced by a 10-foot cap, and restored to its 1868 height in 1984. Inside, signature elements include the 1954 Magnificat stained-glass windows, a new pipe organ purchased in 1990–91, ceramic-tile flooring in the main aisle and sanctuary, and LED lighting. The 2014 renovation added two large murals painted in the style of Spanish Baroque artist Bartolomé Esteban Murillo — 'The Annunciation' on the front wall of the sanctuary and 'The Heavenly and Earthly Trinities' on the ceiling — together with three-foot statues of the diocesan patron saints, Pope St. Pius X (above St. Joseph) and St. Rose Philippine Duchesne (above Mary).
- Style: Romanesque Revival
- Materials: brick
- Tower with restored 1868-height steeple (1984)
- Murillo-style murals added 2014
- Magnificat stained glass (1954)
- New pipe organ (1990–91)
Parish Staff & Leadership
The Cathedral is led by Rector Very Rev. Patrick Nwokoye (effective July 1, 2025), who also serves as pastor of the adjoining Old St. Vincent Chapel of Ease and as diocesan Director of Ecumenism and Director of Health Affairs. He is assisted by Rev. Emmanuel Dibia (Priest in Residence; Sacramental Priest for CCM/SEMO), Fr. Matthew Wigton (Parochial Vicar), and a lay staff that includes Director of Religious Education Brenda Kuhn, Pastoral Ministry & RCIA coordinator Jim Keusenkothen, Family Life Ministry Coordinator Lisa Simmons, Director of Music Dr. Wayne Wyrembelski, school principal Heather Glasby, Office Manager Melissa Switalski, Development & Communications Coordinator Jammie Truax, and Cemetery Sexton Cathy Landry (with Pauline Myler and denise Landrie also listed).
- Rector: Very Rev. Patrick Nwokoye
- Priest in Residence: Rev. Emmanuel Dibia
- Parochial Vicar: Fr. Matthew Wigton
- Pastoral Ministry & RCIA: Jim Keusenkothen
- Director of Religious Education: Brenda Kuhn
- Family Life Ministry: Lisa Simmons
- Director of Music: Dr. Wayne Wyrembelski
Sacraments
The parish prepares Catholics of every age for the sacraments of Christian initiation. Infant Baptism Preparation is offered on the second Monday of each month at 7:00 PM for expectant and new parents, with a separate track for older children coordinated through the DRE. First Reconciliation and First Communion are typically received in second grade after a fall parent meeting, with the sacrament usually celebrated in November or December. Confirmation is prepared in seventh grade — either through the parish school religion class or the Wednesday-evening PSR — and unconfirmed adults 18 and older may also prepare for the sacrament. Adults seeking baptism or full communion participate in OCIA (formerly RCIA), and the parish office coordinates weddings, anointing of the sick, and funerals.
- Baptism (infant & older-child prep)
- First Reconciliation & First Communion (2nd grade)
- Confirmation (7th grade or adult)
- OCIA / RCIA for adults
- Marriage, Anointing, Funeral — contact parish office
Faith Formation & Religious Education
Religious education is a cornerstone of parish life, with programming for school-age children, public-school students, and adults. The Parish School of Religion (PSR) meets on Wednesday evenings for children whose families do not attend the parish school, while Confirmation preparation is built into the 7th-grade religion curriculum at St. Mary Cathedral School and the corresponding PSR class. Adults enter the Church or complete their initiation through OCIA, coordinated by Jim Keusenkothen and Donna McLain. The Family Life Ministry — including the 'Pause & Pray Project' — supports parents and families in everyday spiritual practice.
- Parish School of Religion (PSR), Wednesday evenings
- 7th-grade Confirmation prep (school & PSR)
- OCIA for unbaptized adults, baptized Christians, and Catholics seeking Confirmation/Eucharist
- Family Life Ministry / Pause & Pray Project
St. Mary Cathedral School
St. Mary Cathedral School, located at 210 S. Sprigg Street, is a Pre-K through grade 8 Catholic school rooted in the parish founded in 1868 and the Sisters of St. Francis tradition begun in 1875. Today staffed by lay teachers (the School Sisters of Notre Dame served 1903–1993), the school partners with families 'to develop their talents, gifts, and virtues' within a Christ-centered atmosphere. Annual traditions include a Veterans Day breakfast and assembly, an alumni golf tournament at Cape Girardeau Country Club, and an active Home & School Association that meets the second Monday of September, November, January, and March. The school also offers Confirmation preparation as part of its 7th-grade religion curriculum.
- Address: 210 S. Sprigg St., Cape Girardeau
- Phone: (573) 335-3840
- Website: stmarycape.org
- Principal: Heather Glasby (per latest listing; previously Alan Bruns)
- Pre-K through Grade 8
- St. Mary Cathedral Home & School Association (PTA)
- St. Mary Cathedral School Board
Music & Liturgy
Music at the cathedral is led by Director of Music Dr. Wayne Wyrembelski, supported by a parish choir that enriches the 8:30 AM Sunday Mass — the service that is also live-streamed online and broadcast on KZIM 960 AM. The current pipe organ was purchased by the people of St. Mary's in 1990–91, replacing the original instrument and supporting the parish's wider liturgical life, including the diocesan-level celebrations that take place at the co-cathedral.
- Director of Music: Dr. Wayne Wyrembelski
- Pipe organ installed 1990–91
- Sunday 8:30 AM Mass featured on live-stream and KZIM 960 AM radio
Outreach & Social Ministries
Outreach is rooted in the parish's Catholic Social Ministries committee, a subcommittee of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul that operates a food pantry for those in need and links volunteers from both St. Mary's and Old St. Vincent's. Ministers of the Eucharist bring Holy Communion to the homebound and to residents of local nursing homes. The parish also runs a Ministry to the Fallen Away, inviting Catholics who have drifted from regular practice to come back to the sacraments, and supports Virtus child-protection training for all volunteers who work with minors.
- Catholic Social Ministries / SVdP food pantry
- Ministers of the Eucharist to the homebound and nursing homes
- Ministry to the Fallen Away
- Virtus child-protection training
St. Mary Cemetery
St. Mary Cemetery, located on Perry Avenue in Cape Girardeau, was established in 1903 by Fr. Eberhardt Pruente, who borrowed the purchase money from his sister (also his housekeeper). Both are buried in the crypt under the crucifix at the cemetery's center. The cemetery is Catholic in character but is open to surrounding communities and to non-Catholic family members; it offers reasonable fees, perpetual-care grounds, a chapel for indoor burial services at no extra cost, and a 48-niche columbarium (24 niches per side) for those choosing cremation. The cemetery association is a non-profit supported by donations and bequests; the parish encourages remembering it in estate planning as a tribute to those who have gone before.
- Location: Perry Avenue, Cape Girardeau
- Founded 1903 by Fr. Eberhardt Pruente
- Chapel for burial services at no extra cost
- Columbarium with 48 niches
- Cemetery Sexton: Cathy Landry
- Contact for maintenance: Eddie Kirch
Old St. Vincent Chapel of Ease
Old St. Vincent's — the original 1853 parish church of Cape Girardeau — was merged into St. Mary's in 1977 and re-designated a Chapel of Ease. Today it is pastored by the rector of St. Mary Cathedral (currently Very Rev. Patrick Nwokoye) and serves as both a worship site and a religious-cultural center, with the artistic beauty of the historic building itself forming part of its evangelizing mission. Parishioners of both St. Mary's and Old St. Vincent's staff the Catholic Social Ministries food pantry together.
- Original parish church erected 1853
- Merged into Cathedral Parish 1977
- Designated a Chapel of Ease
- Pastored by the rector of St. Mary Cathedral
- Website: oldstvincents.org
Getting Involved
The parish welcomes new members and active involvement across more than a dozen ministries. Practicing Catholics can register through the parish office, join a ministry by contacting Jim Keusenkothen (573-335-9347), participate in OCIA, or volunteer with Catholic Social Ministries, the school board, the Home & School Association, the music program, the lay ministry to the homebound, or the Ministry to the Fallen Away. Electronic giving is available through the parish website, and the parish encourages stewardship of time, talent, and treasure as the foundation of parish life.
- Parish registration via the office
- OCIA / RCIA inquiry: Jim Keusenkothen, 573-335-9347
- Religious education: Brenda Kuhn, DRE
- School volunteering & Home & School Association
- Catholic Social Ministries food pantry
- Music ministry & choirs
- Stewardship & electronic giving
Visiting & Practical Information
The cathedral is open for daily Masses and Sunday liturgies, with confession a half-hour before Saturday Vigil Mass and before the Tuesday evening Mass. Visitors are invited to explore the sanctuary to see the Magnificat stained-glass windows, the 2014 Murillo-style murals, and the diocesan patron-saint statues. The parish campus at Sprigg and William includes the rectory, parish office (Fax 573-335-0649), parish hall, school, and Old St. Vincent Chapel of Ease just down the street; St. Mary Cemetery is a short drive away on Perry Avenue. The Sunday 8:30 AM Mass is the parish's primary outreach to the wider community via live-stream and KZIM 960 AM radio.
- Phone: (573) 335-9347
- Fax: (573) 335-0649
- Email: [email protected]
- Live-stream & radio: Sunday 8:30 AM (KZIM 960 AM)
- Website: stmarycathedral.net
Pastors & rectors through the years
- Fr. Julius Herde1868–
First resident pastor; arrived August 1868 and worked with parishioners to complete the new church by the time of the first Mass on Feb. 2, 1869.
- Reverend Eberhardt Pruente, V.F.1880s – c. 1935 (served over 50 years)
Longest-serving pastor in parish history. Built rectory (1885), installed the bells and redecorated/added heat (1891), purchased St. Mary Cemetery land (1903), built a new convent (1905), built the brick grade school (1912), and founded St. Mary's High School (1925). Author of 'The Beginning of Catholicity in Cape Girardeau, Missouri' (1921). Buried in the cemetery he founded.
- Rev. Theon Schoen1948–
Began plans in 1948 for a new Catholic high school; purchased the Wulfers family land between Caruthers and Clark Avenue; groundbreaking June 21 (year per source), leading to Cape Girardeau Catholic High School / Notre Dame High School.
- Fr. Tom Kieferc. 2008 – c. 2019
Native of New Hamburg, Missouri; ordained 32+ years before 2012. Celebrated the reopening Mass after the 2014 Murillo-mural renovation. Led the parish for about 10 years.
- Very Rev. Allan Saundersc. 2019 – June 30, 2025
Native of Wisconsin; priest of the Diocese of Springfield-Cape Girardeau for over 30 years. Served as pastor of both St. Mary Cathedral and Old St. Vincent Chapel. Preached the 2019 Fortnight for Freedom prayers for religious liberty.
- Very Rev. Patrick NwokoyeJuly 1, 2025 – present
Current Rector; also pastor of Old St. Vincent Chapel of Ease; diocesan Director of Ecumenism and Director of Health Affairs.
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