About St. Mary · Newton, Kansas
St. Mary Catholic Church is a historic Roman Catholic parish in Newton, Kansas, founded in 1872 and serving the Harvey County community as part of the Diocese of Wichita. The parish sits at 106 E. 8th Street on the corner of Main Street and is home to St. Mary Catholic School (grades PreK-8), which has operated on the parish grounds since 1880. Today's parish community of about 396 families and roughly 1,584 individual Catholics worships in a 1903-vintage limestone-and-brick church adorned with twelve European stained glass windows and Biblical murals painted in 1918. The parish is organized around the Diocese of Wichita's Stewardship Way of Life and offers weekend and daily Mass, perpetual adoration at nearby Our Lady of Guadalupe, regular Confession, a parish school, faith formation for all ages, and a wide network of service, prayer, and fellowship ministries.
- Established
- 1872
- Patron
- The Blessed Virgin Mary (St. Mary)
- Rector
- Reverend Andrew J. Bergkamp (appointed 2022)
- Diocese
- Diocese of Wichita
Why belong here
St. Mary offers the fullness of Catholic parish life in one place: weekend and daily Mass, perpetual adoration at nearby Our Lady of Guadalupe, regular Confession, a PreK-8 Catholic school recognized multiple times as a diocesan Banner School, and faith formation for every age from RCIA through CYM youth ministry and Totus Tuus. Members are listed in a yearly parish directory so the community can pray for one another, receive a quarterly parish newsletter, and join a wide range of active groups — St. Vincent de Paul, Knights of Columbus, Altar Society, Bible studies, Marriage Enrichment, and ministries organized under the four pillars of Stewardship (hospitality, prayer, formation, service).
Mass times at St. Mary
Weekly Mass schedule
Confession times
- Saturday: 4:30 pm – 5:15 pm
- Sunday: 8:00 am – 8:20 am
- Tuesday: 5:00 pm – 5:20 pm
- 15 minutes prior to Mass (Diocese of Wichita directory listing)
Adoration times
- Perpetual Adoration at Our Lady of Guadalupe, 421 S. Ash St., Newton, KS 67114
Parish History
St. Mary Parish was founded in 1872 with Fr. Felix Swembergh as its first pastor, after Fr. Philip Colleton, S.J. first provided services to Catholic families in the Newton area. The original congregation was largely German and Irish with Hungarian and French immigrants. A limestone church was built in 1873 at 6th and Oak streets, and a parochial school opened in 1880, with the Sisters of St. Joseph taking over teaching in 1883. Under Msgr. Moses Maguire the present church was built; it was completed in 1903 and dedicated January 31, 1904, with twelve stained glass windows imported from Europe in 1902 and Biblical murals by German artist Theodore Brasch added in 1918. The brick school west of the church was finished in 1908, the current brick rectory built in 1914, and a new school at Ninth and Main was added in 1964 under Msgr. J. George Hermann. Stewardship as a way of life was promoted under Fr. Ken Schuckman and continued under subsequent pastors.
- Founded 1872; first pastor Fr. Felix Swembergh
- Limestone church completed 1873 at 6th and Oak
- Parochial school opened 1880; Sisters of St. Joseph took over teaching in 1883
- Twelve stained glass windows imported from Europe 1902
- Present church completed 1903; dedicated January 31, 1904
- Theodore Brasch painted Biblical murals in 1918
- Brick school built 1908; brick rectory built 1914
- New school at Ninth and Main built in 1964
- Stewardship Way of Life introduced under Fr. Ken Schuckman
Modern Pastoral Succession
In 2003 Bishop Thomas Olmsted appointed Fr. John Hotze as pastor before his transfer to Phoenix. Msgr. Robert Hemberger, as diocesan administrator, appointed Fr. Ken Van Haverbeke as Administrator in 2004. After Bishop Michael Jackels was installed as the 10th Bishop of Wichita in 2005, Fr. Jim Mainzer became pastor that June. Following the installation of Bishop Carl Kemme as the 11th Bishop of Wichita on May 1, 2014, Fr. Nicholas Voelker was appointed pastor in 2015. In 2022 Fr. Andrew Bergkamp was appointed as the current pastor.
- Fr. John Hotze (2003)
- Fr. Ken Van Haverbeke (2004, Administrator)
- Fr. Jim Mainzer (2005)
- Fr. Nicholas Voelker (2015)
- Fr. Andrew Bergkamp (2022–present)
Stations, Devotions, and Seasonal Events
During Lent the parish gathers for Stations of the Cross on Fridays beginning at 6:00 pm. The Knights of Columbus host seasonal Fish Fries. The parish runs ongoing studies including the Haley Bible Study in the Parish Center, a 'St. Paul to the Romans' series, and a Marriage Enrichment program.
- Stations of the Cross — Fridays of Lent at 6:00 pm
- Knights of Columbus Fish Fry (e.g., final Lenten date March 27, 5–7 pm)
- Haley Bible Study — Parish Center
- St. Paul to the Romans series
- Marriage Enrichment series
Faith Formation
Faith Formation at St. Mary is organized through the parish school, RCIA, Catechism classes, the Catholic Youth Ministries (CYM), Totus Tuus summer program, and a Men's Ministry.
RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults)
The RCIA process begins with weekly Inquiry Sessions on Wednesdays at 7:00 pm for those exploring Catholicism. It continues through the Catechumenate stage of formal teaching, then through Purification and Enlightenment during Lent, culminating at the Easter Vigil. Mystagogy meets weekly after Easter until Pentecost. RCIA instruction is led by Mark Frazier.
- Inquiry Sessions: Wednesdays at 7:00 pm
- Four stages: Precatechumenate, Catechumenate, Purification & Enlightenment, Mystagogy
- Contact: Mark Frazier, RCIA instructor — 316-727-6287
Catholic Youth Ministries (CYM) & Totus Tuus
CYM (Catholic Youth Ministries) gathers the Catholic teens of St. Mary and Our Lady of Guadalupe parishes for formation, prayer, service, and socialization activities, led by Bill and Carrie Weber. Totus Tuus is a week-long summer 'Vacation Bible School'-style program led by a team of four college-aged missionaries and seminarians, blending classroom instruction, adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, and fun activities such as a water fight or human sundaes.
- CYM contact: Bill & Carrie Weber — 316-212-0137
- Totus Tuus: week-long summer program with classroom instruction, adoration, and activities
Men's Ministry
The Men's Ministry plans and supports men's fellowship and faith formation through talks, adoration, confession, prayer, study, and small-group discussions. Past programs have included 'Catholic Man Night' and 'That Man Is You,' with 'Kapaun's Men' recommended by Bishop Kemme as a future offering.
- Catholic Man Night
- That Man Is You
- Kapaun's Men (recommended by Bishop Kemme)
St. Mary Catholic School
St. Mary Catholic School has educated students in the Newton community since 1880 — more than 140 years. Its mission is to provide students with a Catholic learning environment that challenges maximum growth spiritually, academically, emotionally, and physically. The school offers all-school Mass three days a week, monthly Eucharistic adoration in the school chapel, and the sacrament of Confession once every quarter. A 2010–2011 nine-classroom and office addition unified all grades under one roof. The school has been recognized as a diocesan Banner School in 2000, 2014, and 2016.
- Grades served: Preschool through 8th grade
- Address: 101 E. 9th St., Newton, KS
- Principal: Rachelle Annis
- Pastor: Fr. Andrew Bergkamp
- School Secretary: Jackie Bishop
- All-school Mass three days a week; monthly Eucharistic adoration; quarterly Confession
- Banner School recognition: 2000, 2014, 2016
Stewardship Way of Life
St. Mary practices Stewardship as a Way of Life, organized under the four pillars of hospitality, prayer, formation, and service. The Stewardship Council encourages and acknowledges parishioners' gifts of time, talent, and treasure, plans the annual fall Stewardship Renewal, and year-round promotes the stewardship mindset. Parishioners pray, participate, and give — attending Sunday Mass and Holy Days, serving in ministries, and giving financially at a sacrificial level.
- Four pillars: Hospitality, Prayer, Formation, Service
- Stewardship Council plans the annual fall Stewardship Renewal
- Practices: attendance at Sunday Mass and Holy Days, giving of time/talent/treasure
Service Ministries
The parish maintains a robust network of service and outreach ministries, coordinated under the Stewardship Way of Life and often in collaboration with neighboring parishes such as Our Lady of Guadalupe and Sacred Heart.
St. Vincent de Paul — Our Lady at Newton Conference
St. Vincent de Paul home visits are carried out by members of the Our Lady at Newton Conference, composed of members from St. Mary and Our Lady of Guadalupe parishes who respond to calls for assistance in the Harvey County area. The conference meets the first Monday at 7 pm at OLG and the third Thursday at 7 pm at the St. Mary Parish Center. Referrals can be made by calling the St. Mary Church office at 316-282-0459 ext. 1.
- Contact: Jim Moore, 316-283-5793
- Meetings: 1st Monday at 7 pm at OLG; 3rd Thursday at 7 pm at St. Mary Parish Center
- Referrals: 316-282-0459 ext. 1
Knights of Columbus
A fraternal service organization of Catholic men, 18 years of age or older, whose principles are charity, unity, fraternity, and patriotism. Activities focus on youth, community, church, council, and family — including the popular Lenten Fish Fries.
- Contact: Mike Ruggiero — 316-804-4289
Altar Society
The Altar Society works with the Pastor in spiritual endeavors and unites women of the parish in dedication to the mission of the Church. Its main purpose is to provide for the needs of the Altar and is open to all ladies of the parish 18 years of age and older.
- Contact: Kathy Chouinard — 316-772-2995
Respect Life and Social Justice
A group that identifies and finds solutions to problems faced by individuals and groups within the parish and the wider Newton community through education, service, and political action. Areas of concern include poverty, elderly, cultural, family, respect life, and disability issues. Members may attend Circles of Hope classes through Peace Connections.
- Contact: Monica Davis — 316-804-0162
Homeless Shelter
St. Mary parishioners partner with Our Lady of Guadalupe and Sacred Heart parishes to staff the local homeless shelter for one week each quarter. Needs include preparing and serving evening meals and serving as overnight volunteers from 5:00 pm to 8:00 am; training is required for adult volunteers.
- Meals and overnight volunteer opportunities
- Quarterly rotation with OLG and Sacred Heart parishes
Lord's Pantry & Other Outreach
The parish participates in the Lord's Pantry food collection and other parish-wide service efforts in the Newton community.
- Lord's Pantry food collection (rotating alphabetical schedule)
Parish Facilities & Cemetery
The 1908 brick school building has been renovated into the Parish Center, with the John Paul II and St. Katerina multipurpose meeting rooms, a Children's Room, and the Father Kapaun Library on the main floor, with future plans for the upstairs level. The cemetery committee maintains the parish cemetery grounds and assists with paperwork for reserving lots. A new shed and riding mower were recently added.
- Parish Center in the renovated 1908 school building
- Father Kapaun Library
- John Paul II and St. Katerina meeting rooms
- Children's Room
- Cemetery Committee contact: Nichole Peck, 316-323-9597
- Grounds Chair contact: Harold Schorn, 316-283-4055
Service & Liturgical Support
Volunteer groups keep the church clean, decorate it for the liturgical seasons, and care for liturgical linens.
- Church Cleaning — rotating Friday evening or Saturday morning teams (families welcome, ages 5+)
- Church Decorating — contact MaryAnn Bruggeman, 316-393-1273
- Washing Server Albs — monthly rotation, contact Janis McCreary, 620-327-4163
- Facilities & Grounds — contact Linda Guhr, 316-283-0003
Becoming a Member
Newcomers are warmly welcomed. The parish office (Monday–Thursday 9:00 am – 4:30 pm, Friday 9:00 am – 12:00 pm) invites visitors to stop in and meet the office staff and Fr. Bergkamp. Becoming a registered member places a family in the yearly parish directory and the parish's prayers, and members receive the quarterly parish newsletter with photos and articles about parish life. An online membership form is available on the parish website.
- Office hours: Mon–Thu 9 am – 4:30 pm; Fri 9 am – 12 pm
- Online membership form available
- Quarterly parish newsletter
- Yearly parish directory
Contact & Directions
St. Mary Catholic Church is located at 106 E. 8th Street, Newton, KS 67114, on the corner of Main Street. The parish office phone number is 316-282-0459. Perpetual Adoration is hosted at Our Lady of Guadalupe, 421 S. Ash St., Newton, KS 67114.
- Address: 106 E. 8th St., Newton, KS 67114
- Phone: 316-282-0459
- Corner of Main Street and East 8th Street
- Perpetual Adoration: 421 S. Ash St., Newton, KS 67114
Pastors & rectors through the years
- Fr. Felix Swembergh1872 (first pastor)
Founded the parish in 1872.
- Msgr. Moses Maguire
During his pastorate, funds were raised for the present church; stained glass windows imported from Europe in 1902; church completed 1903 and dedicated Jan 31, 1904.
- Msgr. J. George Hermann
During his pastorate, the 1964 school at Ninth and Main was built.
- Fr. Ken Schuckman
Promoted stewardship as a way of life at the parish.
- Fr. John Hotze2003
Appointed by Bishop Thomas Olmsted before his transfer to Phoenix.
- Fr. Ken Van Haverbeke2004
Appointed Administrator of St. Mary by Msgr. Robert Hemberger.
- Fr. Jim Mainzer2005
Appointed pastor by Bishop Michael Jackels in June 2005.
- Fr. Nicholas Voelker2015
Appointed pastor by Bishop Carl Kemme.
- Fr. Andrew Bergkamp2022
Appointed pastor in 2022; current pastor.