About St. Patrick · Cedar Falls, Iowa
St. Patrick Catholic Church is a historic parish in the heart of Cedar Falls, Iowa, founded in 1854 and recognized as the oldest parish in Black Hawk County. The current church building, designed by Emmanuel L. Massqueray (architect of the Basilica of St. Mary in Minneapolis and the Cathedral of St. Paul), was constructed in 1914 and today serves roughly 1,500 households. The parish operates a K-8 Catholic school, a faith formation program for all ages, and extensive outreach ministries, and it is part of the Archdiocese of Dubuque.
- Established
- 1854
- Patron
- St. Patrick
- Rector
- Fr. Dennis Miller
- Diocese
- Archdiocese of Dubuque
Why belong here
St. Patrick is the oldest parish in Black Hawk County, with deep roots in Cedar Falls since 1854 and a beautiful 1914 church still in daily use. The parish runs the full breadth of Catholic life — a K-8 Catholic school, Clover Patch Preschool, faith formation for preschool through Grade 12 and adults, the year-round Catholic Faith for Adults (RCIA) series, daily Mass and Eucharistic Adoration, an active youth ministry, and outreach programs coordinated from the parish office. With about 1,500 households, it is large enough to offer abundant ministries and small enough to know the people next to you in the pew.
Mass times at St. Patrick
Weekly Mass schedule
Confession times
- Tuesday–Friday: 11:00 AM (Pastor's Office)
- Saturday: 4:00–4:45 PM (Church)
Adoration times
- Thursday: 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM (Chapel)
- Sunday through Saturday: 8:00 PM – 9:00 PM (Chapel, accessed via the 705 Main St. "Gym/Church" entrance)
Parish History: From 1854 to Today
St. Patrick Parish was organized in 1854 and is the oldest parish in Black Hawk County. The first Mass in Cedar Falls was celebrated by Fr. Patrick McGinnis in January 1855 in the home of Mr. and Mrs. Andrew Mullarky, who donated the parcel at 8th and Washington Street for a church. A 20-by-40-foot brick church was built there in 1856, served by missionary priests until Fr. Thomas Gunn became the first resident pastor in 1867. A series of pastors oversaw successive building projects over the next century; the parish's most recognizable moment came in 1914, when architect Emmanuel L. Massqueray was commissioned to design a new church — the same building still in use today.
- 1854: Parish organized
- 1855: First Mass in the Mullarky home
- 1856: First brick church built (oldest in Black Hawk County)
- 1867: Fr. Thomas Gunn appointed first resident pastor
- 1876: Original church torn down; new church built under Fr. P. Smith
- 1878–1896: Fr. Charles McCabe built St. Mary's School (1891), staffed by Sisters of Charity of the BVM
- 1896: Fr. B. W. Coyle added steeple, Stations of the Cross, fresco — first person buried in Cedar Falls' Catholic cemetery
- 1913: Church destroyed by fire; Mass held in the school during construction
- 1914: Present church built under Fr. John C. Wieneke, designed by Emmanuel L. Massqueray
The Campaign for Growth (2012–2015)
Shortly after Fr. Dennis Colter's appointment as pastor in 2012, the parish launched the Campaign for Growth to renovate the 1914 church and campus. On June 16, 2012, volunteers removed pews, carpet, and wall hangings so the complete interior renovation could begin. Education Center renovations and an office addition followed in 2014–2015, and the new Narthex addition to the front of the church was finished in 2015. Archbishop Jackels blessed all of the work on June 7, 2015.
- Fr. Dennis Colter appointed pastor on March 1, 2012
- Interior church renovation began June 16, 2012
- Education Center and office addition completed 2014–2015
- Narthex addition completed 2015
- Work blessed by Archbishop Jackels on June 7, 2015
The Foundation for the Future Campaign (2023–)
Following Fr. Ivan Nienhaus's appointment as pastor in October 2021, St. Patrick purchased additional land in January 2023 — the lot north of the Parish Center and east of the school, formerly occupied by a Baptist Church. In April 2023 the parish launched the $1.5 million Foundation for the Future campaign to repay the line of credit from the Archdiocese for the purchase, complete initial site preparation, and address immediate capital needs on the parish campus.
- Fr. Ivan Nienhaus appointed pastor in October 2021
- Land purchased January 2023
- $1.5M Foundation for the Future campaign launched April 2023
Staff & Clergy
St. Patrick is pastored by Fr. Dennis Miller with two parochial vicars, Fr. Telesphore Dusabe and Fr. Josh Link, and is served pastorally by Deacon Al Weber. The parish staff supports faith formation, youth ministry, liturgy, school administration, outreach, communications, and facilities, alongside the principal of St. Patrick Catholic School.
- Fr. Dennis Miller – Pastor
- Fr. Telesphore Dusabe – Parochial Vicar
- Fr. Josh Link – Parochial Vicar
- Deacon Al Weber – Pastoral Associate
- Kate Mauss – Youth Ministry Director
- Monica Miller – Faith Formation Coordinator (Pre-K–Grade 6)
- Erin Koenigsfeld – Faith Formation Assistant
- Mary Citta – Liturgist/Choir Director
- Gen Staudt – Secretary/Young Adult Minister
- Justin Krieger – Administrator/Bookkeeper
- Joe Gardyasz – Marketing Coordinator/Bulletin Editor
- Cindy – Outreach Director
- Mike Babinat – Maintenance
- Jeff Byers – Maintenance
- Jon Wiebers – Principal, St. Patrick School
Faith Formation & Religious Education
The Saint Patrick Faith Formation Commission supports lifelong faith learning through programs for children, youth, and adults. Evening Religious Education classes serve preschool and public-school students; St. Patrick Catholic School and Columbus Catholic High School provide religious instruction during the school day; and Confirmation preparation is completed at the parish for all parish students. Catechists and assistants are always needed and receive training and materials.
- Children's Faith Formation (ages 1 – Grade 6)
- Youth Ministry (Grades 7–12)
- Catholic Faith for Adults (January series for inquirers and adult learners)
- Confirmation preparation
- Catechist training program
Catholic Faith for Adults (RCIA)
St. Patrick's adult-initiation process is called Catholic Faith for Adults (CFFA) — replacing the traditional RCIA program — and begins each January. Sessions meet after the 9:30 AM Sunday Mass (about 10:30 AM – 12:30 PM) in the church basement ("wooden gym" or "Youth Center"), with informal discussion, witness, prayer, teaching, and refreshments drawn from the Compendium of the Catechism of the Catholic Church. The 2026 series meets January 4, 18, 25; February 1, 8, 15, 22; March 1 and 29; with reception at the Easter Vigil on Saturday, April 4, 2026. Inquiries may be directed to Deacon Al Weber at 319-266-3523 or [email protected].
- Annual series begins each January
- Sessions held after 9:30 AM Sunday Mass
- Uses the Compendium of the Catechism of the Catholic Church
- Reception at Easter Vigil
- Contact: Deacon Al Weber
Sacraments
The parish prepares parishioners for Baptism, Confirmation, First Eucharist, and adult initiation. Infant Baptism requires a Monday-evening baptism class (for the first child), registration at least two weeks in advance, and an Archdiocesan Foundation class prior to the child's birth. Adult sacramental initiation is handled through Catholic Faith for Adults.
- Infant Baptism (Monday-evening class for first child; Archdiocesan Foundation class prior to birth)
- Confirmation (preparation at St. Patrick for all parish students)
- First Communion (through Faith Formation)
- Catholic Faith for Adults (RCIA-equivalent for inquirers and unbaptized candidates)
- Anointing of the Sick and pastoral care via Deacon Al Weber
St. Patrick Catholic School (K–8) & Columbus Catholic High School
St. Patrick operates its parish school for kindergarten through Grade 8, with the principal leading academics and religion during the school day. The school sits a short walk from the church at 615 Washington Street, Cedar Falls, IA 50613 (phone 319-277-6781). St. Patrick also partners with Columbus Catholic High School for secondary Catholic education.
- St. Patrick Catholic School – 615 Washington Street, Cedar Falls, IA 50613
- Phone: (319) 277-6781
- Principal: Jon Wiebers
- Columbus Catholic High School – shared Catholic secondary option
Clover Patch Preschool
Clover Patch Preschool opened in September 1985 during Fr. Richard Funke's pastorate as a self-supporting educational program 'permeated with a Christian spirit and Christian values.' It remains part of the parish's ministry to young families in Cedar Falls.
- Opened September 1985
- Self-supporting preschool program
- Located at 1019 W. 23rd Street, Cedar Falls
Outreach & Parish Ministries
The parish maintains an active Outreach ministry staffed by a parish Outreach Director and supports faith-formation, youth, young-adult, liturgical, and communications work through dedicated staff and volunteer commissions, including the Faith Formation Commission chaired by Mark Hannasch.
- Outreach Director (parish office, ext. 111)
- Youth Ministry (Grades 7–12)
- Young Adult Ministry
- Liturgy / Choir
- Faith Formation Commission
- Marketing / bulletin communications
Visiting & Contact Information
St. Patrick Catholic Church is at 705 Main Street, Cedar Falls, IA 50613. Parish Office hours are Monday through Friday, 9 AM to 5 PM; the office can be reached at (319) 266-3523 (fax 319-266-9863). The chapel entrance for weekday Mass and Adoration is accessed through the 705 Main St. "Gym/Church" entrance. The school (K–8) is at 615 Washington Street, phone (319) 277-6781.
- Address: 705 Main Street, Cedar Falls, IA 50613
- Phone: (319) 266-3523
- Fax: (319) 266-9863
- Office Hours: Monday–Friday, 9 AM – 5 PM
- School: 615 Washington Street, Cedar Falls, IA 50613 — (319) 277-6781
- Clover Patch Preschool: 1019 W. 23rd Street
Pastors & rectors through the years
- Fr. Patrick McGinnis1855–1856
Celebrated the first Mass in Cedar Falls in the Mullarky home; first Catholic presence in the parish that would become St. Patrick.
- Missionary priests1856–1867
Served Cedar Falls from the new brick church built in 1856 before a resident pastor was assigned.
- Fr. Thomas Gunn1867–
First resident pastor; enlarged the original brick church to twice its size.
- Fr. P. Smith1876–
Tore down the 1856 brick church (too small) and erected a new church.
- Fr. Charles McCabe1878–1896
Purchased nearby property and built St. Mary's Catholic School (1891), staffed by the Sisters of Charity of the BVM.
- Fr. B. W. Coyle1896–
Added steeple, furnace, Stations of the Cross, and fresco work; first person buried in Cedar Falls' Catholic cemetery.
- Fr. Donlan
Installed new pews for the growing parish.
- Fr. John C. Wienekeby 1914
Oversaw construction of the present church, designed by Emmanuel L. Massqueray.
- Fr. S. J. Mauerby 1938
Refurbished the church and repaired stained glass; new school built in 1951 during his tenure.
- Fr. John Mayerby 1953
Doubled the size of the school building.
- Fr. Paul Grace1972–
Remodeled the church, installed air conditioning and an elevator; the rectory was later named Grace House in his honor.
- Msgr. Paul Steimel
Commissioned the parish needs assessment and began acquiring properties for the parish center building project.
- Msgr. Daniel J. Tarrant
Continued the building project; current rectory was constructed during his tenure and named Grace House.
- Fr. Richard Funke1984–
Oversaw a school addition (classrooms, multipurpose room, resource room, offices); opened Clover Patch Preschool in 1985.
- Fr. Jim Secora1997–
Continued the parish campus project; groundbreaking on Easter Sunday, April 4, 1999.
- Fr. Everett Hemann2009–2012
Returned as pastor after serving as associate pastor in the early 1970s; died of pancreatic cancer in April 2012.
- Fr. Dennis Colter2012–2021
Came out of retirement to shepherd St. Patrick; led the Campaign for Growth and full interior church renovation completed and blessed in 2015.
- Fr. Ivan Nienhaus2021–
Took over upon Fr. Colter's retirement; launched the $1.5 million Foundation for the Future capital campaign in 2023.