About St. Mary · Quanah, Texas
St. Mary Parish in Quanah, Texas, was built in 1914 and blessed by Bishop Joseph P. Lynch. It began with only ten Catholics and has grown to about 50 families today. The church was dedicated in memory of Annie Kerrigan, a non-Catholic widow who raised funds for its construction. The parish is currently vibrant and active, with Mass celebrated every Sunday at 9:30am in English. It is part of the Diocese of Fort Worth and is served by Fr. Philip D. Petta, who also coordinates youth ministry.
- Established
- 1914
- Patron
- St. Mary
- Rector
- Fr. Philip D. Petta
- Diocese
- Diocese of Fort Worth
Why belong here
The parish offers vibrant community life with active ministries including youth and young adult programs, religious education, and sacramental preparation. Families are encouraged to participate in weekly gatherings, including Children’s Masses and Youth Rosary, fostering faith formation for all ages. The parish also provides safe environment training and pastoral support for sacraments like Baptism, Confirmation, and Marriage.
Mass times at St. Mary
Weekly Mass schedule
Confession times
- By Appointment or before Mass
Adoration times
- Not scheduled at this time
About Our Parish
The church of St. Mary was built in 1914 in Quanah, and blessed by Bishop Joseph P. Lynch on March 4 of the same year. $500 was donated by the church Extension Society for the building. $4500 was raised by Annie Kerrigan, the Non-Catholic widow of Mike Kerrigan, who collected it from boarders at the hotel she operated. In gratitude the church was dedicated in memory of her husband. In 1940, Annie herself died a Catholic at St. Paul’s Hospital in Dallas. At the time of the dedication there were only ten Catholics, including Arthur A. Keys, Tony Summer, J. W. Simmons, Billy Murphy, Mrs. Ray Huff, Tom Simmons, and George Simmons, father of the only priest from Quanah, Billy Simmons. From 1914 until 1928 priests came from Childress about once a month, Mass time depending on their arrival. Priests who served during those years were Frs. Paul Mosler, M. G. French, P. Cuny, C. D. Boutich, and Charles Dvorak. In 1928, Fr. E. Gerlich was appointed first resident pastor of Vernon and of the missions in Quanah and Crowell. Mass was celebrated twice a month at 10a.m. In 1955, under Fr. Kurt Buranich, OFM, the parish grew rapidly and Mass was offered every Sunday. Under Fr. Vega, a loan was obtained from the diocese for the complete remodeling of the church and parish hall. Presently, the church is very alive, vibrant and has about 50 families.
Clergy & Staff
Pastor: Fr. Philip D. Petta Coordinator of Youth and Young Adult Ministry: Position Open Accounting: Debbie Frerich Secretary: Christine Martinez Safe Environment Coordinator: Position Open
Religious Education
Faith Formation for Youth and Adults – New way to Catechize. Partnered with Sacred Heart in Seymour for access to FORMED platform. Children’s Mass begins October 7th at 6pm. Youth Rosary follows at 7pm. Registration packets available at the back of the church. Safe Environment classes required for volunteers. Contact pastoral offices or Virtus.org for details.
Sacrament Preparation
Baptism: Scheduled as needed; classes for parents and godparents. Holy Eucharist: Taught through Religious Education. Reconciliation: By appointment or before Mass. Confirmation: Held in tandem with Religious Education, begins fall. Marriage: Long process; contact office. Annointing of the Sick: For seriously ill or pre-surgery; contact office. RCIA/RCIC: For non-Catholics; contact office. Holy Orders: Contact Vocations Office (817-560-3300).
Pastors & rectors through the years
- Fr. Kurt Buranich, OFM1955
Parish grew rapidly under his leadership.
- Fr. Vega
Obtained a diocesan loan for church and parish hall remodeling.
- Fr. E. Gerlich1928
First resident pastor of Vernon and missions in Quanah and Crowell.
- Frs. Paul Mosler, M. G. French, P. Cuny, C. D. Boutich, Charles Dvorak1914–1928
Priests who served from Childress, Mass times varied by arrival.