About St. Mary · Joplin, Missouri
St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Joplin, Missouri, is a vibrant parish with a rich history dating back to 1938. Originally established with a temporary frame church, it has grown through multiple buildings, including a notable 'Quonset Hut' and a current church built after a devastating 2011 tornado. The parish is known for its stewardship model, which supports financial stability and community involvement. It offers a wide range of ministries, sacraments, and educational programs, serving a growing congregation with multiple Mass times and active parish life.
- Established
- 1938
- Diocese
- Diocese of Springfield Cape Girardeau
Why belong here
St. Mary’s offers a strong sense of community through active ministries, including youth groups, parish school, and volunteer opportunities. The parish is known for its stewardship model, which supports financial stability and enables a wide range of programs. Regular Masses, sacraments, and educational resources like PSR videos make it a welcoming place for families seeking faith formation and spiritual growth.
Mass times at St. Mary
Weekly Mass schedule
Confession times
- Saturdays from 3 to 4PM
- by appointment by calling the church office
History
St. Mary’s Parish was established in 1938 with a temporary church on Jackson Street. In 1945, a 'Quonset Hut' was built on Pearl Avenue and served as the parish church for 22 years. In 1957, construction began on a second Catholic elementary school, completed the next year. Sisters of Charity arrived in 1959. By 1966, the parish had over 400 families, leading to construction of a new church dedicated Dec. 17, 1967. The old church was moved and repurposed. A new rectory was built in 1976, and additional church facilities were completed in 1995 and 2000. The church on Moffet was destroyed by an EF-5 tornado in 2011. Groundbreaking for the current church occurred May 16, 2013.
Pastor History
- McGrane, Msgr. Walter J. (Jun 1, 1948 – Jan 7, 1952)
- Holmes, Fr. James (Aug 8, 1952 – Apr 22, 1960)
- Bauer, Fr. Sylvester W. (Apr 23, 1960 – Jun 17, 1971)
- Stanton, Msgr. William J. (Jun 18, 1971 – Jul 31, 1977)
- Westhues, Msgr. John H. (Aug 1, 1977 – Aug 16, 1990)
- Gregovich, Fr. Lawrence E. (Aug 17, 1990 – Apr 20, 1992)
- Kunkel, Fr. Raymond W. (Aug 18, 1992 – Jul 16, 1999)
- Monaghan, Fr. Justin D. (Aug 17, 1999 – Jul 4, 2018)
- Weidenbenner, Fr. Joseph (Jul 5, 2018 – Contact)
Ministries & Faith Formation
The parish offers Parish School of Religion (PSR) with video resources for sacramental preparation for Grades 2 & 3. Additional ministries and programs are available through the parish community, including volunteer opportunities and stewardship initiatives.
Pastors & rectors through the years
- McGrane, Msgr. Walter J.Jun 1, 1948 – Jan 7, 1952
- Holmes, Fr. JamesAug 8, 1952 – Apr 22, 1960
- Bauer, Fr. Sylvester W.Apr 23, 1960 – Jun 17, 1971
- Stanton, Msgr. William J.Jun 18, 1971 – Jul 31, 1977
- Westhues, Msgr. John H.Aug 1, 1977 – Aug 16, 1990
- Gregovich, Fr. Lawrence E.Aug 17, 1990 – Apr 20, 1992
- Kunkel, Fr. Raymond W.Aug 18, 1992 – Jul 16, 1999
- Monaghan, Fr. Justin D.Aug 17, 1999 – Jul 4, 2018
- Weidenbenner, Fr. JosephJul 5, 2018 – Contact