About St. Patrick · Ada, Michigan
St. Patrick Parish in Parnell, Michigan, is a historic Catholic community founded by Irish immigrants in the early 1840s. The parish has weathered multiple church fires and renovations, with its current stone church built in 1878. It is known for its large, historic church, a long-standing chicken dinner festival dating to the 1860s, and a strong commitment to faith formation and community service. Today, under the leadership of Pastor Fr. Tom Cavera, the parish continues to serve its growing congregation with active ministries, a school, and vibrant liturgical life.
- Established
- 1844
- Patron
- St. Patrick
- Rector
- Fr. Tom Cavera
- Diocese
- Diocese of Grand Rapids
Why belong here
Join a parish with deep roots in faith and community, offering strong Catholic education, vibrant liturgical life, and active ministries. The parish hosts a beloved chicken dinner festival, supports families through sacramental preparation, and welcomes newcomers with warmth and tradition.
Mass times at St. Patrick
Weekly Mass schedule
Confession times
- Wednesday 6-7:30 pm
- Saturday 3-4:30 pm
- By appointment
Adoration times
- Tuesday 6:00 am-7:00 am
- Wednesday 6:00 am-7:30 pm
- Thursday 6:00 am-7:00 am
- Friday 6:00 am-7:00 am
Our History
St. Patrick Parish was founded by immigrants in the early 1840s. By June 1844, Fr. Andrew Viszosky was regularly holding Mass. On December 7, 1844, 29 families pledged $97.25 to build a small log church. The church was outgrown by 1859, leading to a second church built in 1863, which burned in 1868. A third church was completed in 1871 but destroyed by fire in 1876. The current church was completed in 1878. A rectory was built in 1910. A school opened in 1893, named 'Parnell' by Fr. James Crumley in 1889. The parish celebrated its sesquicentennial in 1994. Major renovations occurred in 1989–1993 and 2009–2018. The parish center was built in 2000, and the steeple was refurbished in 2005.
Ministries
The parish offers a wide range of ministries including Faith Formation, Music Ministry, Custodial & Maintenance, Bookkeeping, Business Management, and Parish Administration. Staff includes Pastor Fr. Tom Cavera, Parish Manager Darci Mierendorf, Parish Secretary Arley Czarnopys, Education Ministry Director Scott Czarnopys, Director of Music Quyên VanHouten, Maintenance Director Gene McMurray, Bookkeeper Brian Happie, and Business Manager Jay Walsh.
Sacraments
The parish offers Baptism, First Communion, Confirmation, Matrimony, and Christian Initiation. Sacramental preparation for First Communion and Confirmation occurs in the spring during second and eighth grade years, respectively, and involves classroom and home instruction. Contact Scott Czarnopys for more information.
Church Schedule
Mass is held Monday through Friday at 7:00 am, with additional Masses on Friday at 8:15 am (except during school closures), Saturday at 3:00 pm and 5:00 pm (except during Festival Weekend or Wild Game Dinner Weekend), and Sunday at 8:00 am and 10:30 am. Confessions are available Wednesday 6-7:30 pm, Saturday 3-4:30 pm, or by appointment. Eucharistic Adoration is held Tuesday-Friday 6:00 am-7:00 am and Wednesday 6:00 am-7:30 pm.
Pastors & rectors through the years
- Fr. Mark Peacock2009-2018
Oversaw church renovation and parish growth.
- Fr. Tom Cavera2018-present
Current pastor; grew up nearby and serves since 2018.