St. Mary

About St. Mary Catholic Church

The St. Mary community is sometimes described by an old saying about being Catholic: 'Here comes everybody.' Whether you measure diversity by economics, generations, cultures or languages, people of all walks of life are comfortable calling St. Mary's 'home.' The parish's landmark 1873 Gothic-revival church — with its exquisite stained glass and beautiful interior — is one of the oldest extant Catholic churches in Grand Rapids. Once home to German immigrants, St. Mary now serves a diverse population of English- and Spanish-speaking Catholics. Liturgies aim to encourage participation, with preaching relevant to everyday life and a music ministry that blends many styles.

Parish History

St. Mary Parish was established in 1857 to meet the spiritual needs of the German population in Grand Rapids. The original 1857 church was replaced in 1873 by the current Gothic-revival building designed by architect Franz G. Himpler, whose cornerstone was laid on May 25, 1873. The 200-foot steeple was added about a decade later. The church is built of white brick with Ionia sandstone trimmings, and many original late-1800s interior details remain, including pillars capped with fleur-de-lis and olive-leaf designs. In the mid-1920s stained glass windows by H. Oidtmann of Germany were installed throughout the church, sacristy, tower, and entry area, depicting scenes from Mary's life from scripture and legend; these windows are registered in the Michigan Stained Glass Census.

• 1857 — Parish founded; first Mass celebrated September 18, 1857 by Fr. Mathias M. Marco.
• 1873 — Cornerstone of present church laid May 25 under Fr. Ehrenstrasser.
• Mid-1920s — Oidtmann stained-glass windows installed.
• 2007 — 150th anniversary celebrated with a new memorial.
• Today — Serves a diverse English- and Spanish-speaking Catholic community.

Parish Staff

St. Mary's is served by a small, mostly part-time staff working in collaboration with the clustered parish. The pastor leads the community, with ministry leads for liturgy/music, faith formation, the food pantry, and office support.

• Rev. Fr. Kyle Kilpatrick — Pastor
• Larry Barton — Liturgy & Music Ministries; I.T. Coordinator; Food Pantry
• Danielle Mosser — Food Pantry
• Juan de Jesús — Food Pantry
• Luis Anleu — Faith Formation
• Wanda Toohey — Office Assistant
• Mike Horne — Maintenance

St. Mary Food Pantry

A high number of people in Grand Rapids need food assistance, and the St. Mary Food Pantry regularly serves over 100 families a month. The pantry is located at 418 Second St. NW, in the corner of the parking lot — look for the brightly painted windows on the small building. No identification is required to receive help; the pantry only asks for a name and zip code. Off-hours messages can be left at 616-358-2007.

• Open the 1st & 3rd Mondays of each month, 5:00–7:00 p.m.
• Open the 1st & 3rd Wednesdays of each month, 10:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
• Partnership with Feeding America West Michigan (buying items as low as 18¢/lb).
• Regular donations of tortillas and holiday meal boxes from El Milagro Tortilleria.
• Support from Family Fare / SpartanNash Foundation 'Scan to End Hunger' campaign.
• Designated food pantry of the Alpine Meijer 'Simply Give' program.
• Funded in part by the Stewart & Lenore Kniff Family Foundation.
• Recycling fundraisers include the Paper Gator and 'Metal for Meals' drives.

Parish Office Hours & Visiting

The St. Mary parish office is staffed part-time. Most staff work only part-time, so hours are limited; appointments can be made outside posted hours when needed.

• Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday: 8:30 a.m.–12:00 p.m. and by appointment.
• Office entrance: corner of Broadway and First St.
• Phone: 616-459-7390 · Fax: 616-459-9630.

How to Find Us

St. Mary Church sits in downtown Grand Rapids within easy reach of both US-131 and I-196. The church building and parish hall are both handicapped accessible. The historic 200-foot steeple can be seen from the expressways, and the parish office entrance is on the corner of Broadway and First Street.

• Address: 423 First Street NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49504-5277.
• One block north of Bridge Street, in the block bounded by Broadway, Second, Turner and First Streets.
• Parking: the large lot off Second Street and surrounding streets and lots.
• Easy access from US-131 and I-196.

Getting Involved & Giving

St. Mary's invites parishioners and friends to support its life through prayer, service, and giving. Online giving supports the parish and the Food Pantry Fund; non-perishable food, paper and plastic grocery bags, and metal for recycling are always welcome. Other local organizations — including the Basilica of St. Adalbert and West Catholic High School — have held food drives for the pantry.

• Give online at stmarygr.org/FoodPantryGiving (Food Pantry Fund).
• Mail checks to: St. Mary Food Pantry, 423 First St. NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49504-5277.
• Volunteer at the food pantry.
• Buy a donation card at the Alpine Meijer 'Simply Give' program.