About St. Mary, Queen of the Universe · Salina, Kansas
St. Mary, Queen of the Universe is a Roman Catholic parish in Salina, Kansas, belonging to the Diocese of Salina. Founded in 1959 to serve the growing south side of Salina — a boom driven by the expansion of Schilling Air Force Base — it has grown into the largest parish in the diocese. Today the parish worships at 230 E. Cloud Street and ministers to area Catholics through daily and weekend Masses, a Catholic grade school, parish religious education, OCIA (Order of Christian Initiation of Adults), youth ministry, Bible studies, and a range of parish organizations. The parish is currently served by a pastor, an associate pastor, and several deacons, alongside a dedicated parish staff.
- Established
- 1959
- Patron
- St. Mary, Queen of the Universe (the Blessed Virgin Mary under this title)
- Rector
- Rev. Kevin Weber
- Diocese
- Diocese of Salina
Why belong here
St. Mary, Queen of the Universe offers the rhythms of a thriving Catholic parish life: five weekend Masses (Saturday evening, three Sunday morning Masses, and a Sunday evening Mass), weekday Masses Monday through Friday, and multiple weekly Reconciliation slots. Active faith formation is available for every age — parish religious education (P.R.E.) for public-school children in K–8, OCIA for adults entering the Church, Bible studies, a Men's Group, Vacation Bible School, Totus Tuus, youth ministry, and sacrament preparation — all supported by a parish school that has served Salina Catholic families since the 1950s.
Mass times at St. Mary, Queen of the Universe
Weekly Mass schedule
Confession times
- Monday 8:30 am
- Tuesday 5:45 pm
- Thursday 5:45 pm
- Saturday 4:00 pm
- Other times by appointment
Parish History
St. Mary, Queen of the Universe was established in 1959 as Salina's third parish, prompted by the city's south-side growth tied to the expansion of Schilling Air Force Base. A 29-acre tract on the south edge of town had been purchased in 1954, and a grade school (1955), high school (1959), and convent (1960) had already been built by the time the parish itself was formally founded. The current church was dedicated on August 22, 1963. The parish took 16 years to retire the debt from the original build, paying off the loan in January 1979. Subsequent additions include the 1985 parish hall, the 2001 parish hall and office complex, and a 2010 rectory.
Clergy
The parish is currently shepherded by a pastor and an associate pastor (parochial vicar), supported by two permanent deacons. Fr. Kevin Weber also serves as chaplain in his diocesan assignment; Fr. Adam Urban likewise serves as chaplain alongside his parochial vicar role.
- Rev. Kevin Weber — Pastor (also Chaplain)
- Rev. Adam Urban — Associate Pastor / Parochial Vicar (also Chaplain)
- Deacon Steven Frueh — Deacon; Director of Deacons
- Deacon Mark LeValley — Deacon
Parish Staff
A small parish staff supports the day-to-day work of the rectory, faith formation, business operations, and youth ministry. Office hours are Monday and Friday from 8:00 am to Noon, and Tuesday through Thursday from 8:00 am to Noon and 1:00 to 4:00 pm.
- Caitlyn Butts-Fleming — Office / Business Manager
- Nancy Sherffius — Pastoral Assistant (also coordinates OCIA, PRE, Sacrament Preparation, Bible Studies, Men's Group, VBS, Totus Tuus)
- Renee & Chris Thompson — Youth Ministers
Parish Religious Education (P.R.E.)
P.R.E. is the Catholic formation program for children who attend public schools in grades Kindergarten through 8th grade. Sessions are held on Wednesday evenings from 6:45 to 8:00 pm at St. Mary Grade School. Registration packets include a parent letter, registration form, medical form, schedule of class sessions, and a student behavior policy. Contact is Nancy Sherffius at the Parish Office.
- Grades K–8
- Wednesdays 6:45–8:00 pm
- Held at St. Mary Grade School
OCIA — Becoming Catholic
The Order of Christian Initiation of Adults (OCIA) is the parish's process for adults who wish to become Catholic, with formation in prayer, Scripture, and tradition. Weekly sessions begin in early September, and full initiation occurs on Holy Saturday at the Easter Vigil Mass. The parish also welcomes sponsors from the parish community. Contact is Nancy Sherffius.
- Weekly sessions begin early September
- Initiation at Easter Vigil on Holy Saturday
- Parish sponsors needed
- Contact: Nancy Sherffius, 785-827-5575
Adult Faith Formation & Study
In addition to OCIA, the parish offers Bible studies in which participants deepen their understanding of Scripture using approved scriptural studies. Adult formation sessions are referenced in the parish bulletin as well (e.g., 7:00 pm meeting-room sessions).
- Bible Studies
- Adult Formation sessions
- Men's Group
Youth Ministry
Youth ministry is led by Renee and Chris Thompson. Activities referenced in parish bulletins include regular CYO (Catholic Youth Organization) gatherings.
- Youth Ministers: Renee & Chris Thompson
- CYO (Catholic Youth Organization) events
Sacraments
Information on each sacrament is published in the parish bulletin and on the parish website, with preparation requirements and contact numbers for the Parish Office.
- Baptism — by appointment; preparation class required; register with the Parish Office
- Marriage — six-month preparation period; begin by calling the Parish Office
- Reconciliation — scheduled times plus by appointment
- Communion to the Homebound — arrangements made through the Parish Office
- Adult Confirmation / OCIA — see OCIA program
Salina Catholic Schools
The parish's history is closely tied to Catholic education in Salina. Sacred Heart Junior/Senior High School sits adjacent to the parish campus, with a parish grade school (St. Mary Grade School) hosting PRE classes. The high school principal is John Krajicek, and Salina Catholic Schools operates a Development Office.
- Sacred Heart Junior / Senior High School — 785-827-4422; Principal John Krajicek
- Salina Catholic Schools Development Office — 785-825-4011
- St. Mary Grade School — host site for PRE sessions
Parish Governance & Community
The parish is governed with the help of a Pastoral Council of lay members who serve alongside the pastor and staff.
- Pastoral Council Members: Tom Blythe, Kathy Clark, Matt Dill, Molly Kierscht, Connie Long, Doug Mergen, Zoe Miller, Natalie Morgan, Belinda Roy, Brenda Stoss, Michael Ziegler
Visit & Contact
Parishioners and visitors can reach the parish office during the listed office hours. The parish mailing address and main phone line are published on the website and in the weekly bulletin.
- Address: 230 E. Cloud Street, Salina, KS 67401
- Phone: 785-827-5575
- Fax: 785-827-8997
- Office Hours: Mon & Fri 8:00 am–Noon; Tue–Thu 8:00 am–Noon and 1:00–4:00 pm
- Website: http://stmsalina.org