About St. Thomas the Apostle · Coeur d'Alene, Idaho
St. Thomas the Apostle is a Roman Catholic parish in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, founded in 1890 to serve the Catholic miners and lumber workers who had relocated to the area. It belongs to the Diocese of Boise and is renowned for its striking 1909 Romanesque Revival church, which has been listed on the National Register of Historic Places since October 5, 1977. Located at 919 E. Indiana Avenue, the parish continues to celebrate Mass in English, offers daily devotions, Eucharistic adoration, and confession, and supports a wide range of ministries including OCIA (Order of Christian Initiation of Adults), faith formation, Knights of Columbus, Walking with Purpose women's Bible study, and a parish cemetery.
- Established
- 1890
- Patron
- St. Thomas the Apostle
- Rector
- Rev. Mariusz Majewski
- Diocese
- Roman Catholic Diocese of Boise
Why belong here
St. Thomas the Apostle offers a rare combination of historic Catholic reverence and active community life in the heart of Coeur d'Alene. Worshippers experience the beauty of a 1909 Romanesque Revival church — complete with G.C. Riordan stained glass and Tenino sandstone arches — while participating in a robust schedule of daily Masses, Eucharistic adoration multiple days a week, perpetual devotion to Our Mother of Perpetual Help, and an active OCIA process for those entering the Church. With ministries spanning the Knights of Columbus, Walking with Purpose women's Bible study, the Hospital Committee, a parish school (Holy Family Catholic School), a parish cemetery, and outreach through the Community Kitchen, the parish is a welcoming place for families, young adults (NICYA), and seniors alike who value both Catholic tradition and fellowship.
Mass times at St. Thomas the Apostle
Weekly Mass schedule
Confession times
- Thursday 6:00 PM–7:00 PM (during Exposition with Adoration & Benediction)
- Friday 9:00 AM–10:00 AM (during Exposition)
- Saturday 3:00 PM–4:30 PM
- Also available by appointment (contact the Parish Office)
Adoration times
- Tuesday 6:00 PM–7:00 PM (Silent Exposition; no confession)
- Thursday 6:00 PM–7:00 PM (Confession, Adoration & Benediction)
- Friday 8:45 AM–12:00 PM (Adoration & Confession following 8:00 AM Mass)
About St. Thomas the Apostle Parish
St. Thomas the Apostle is the historic Catholic parish serving Coeur d'Alene and the surrounding region of northern Idaho. Founded in 1890 to minister to Catholic miners and lumber workers relocating to the area, the parish has remained an active congregation of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Boise for over 130 years. Its 1909 Romanesque Revival church at 919 E. Indiana Avenue has been listed on the National Register of Historic Places since 1977 and stands as one of the most recognizable religious landmarks in the Coeur d'Alene area, visible from far out on the lake. The parish identifies as a beacon of light for the eternal truths of Jesus Christ and his Church in Northern Idaho, guided by the Holy Spirit, with a mission to respect Catholic traditions, preserve reverence in the liturgy, uplift families, and practice the ministry of presence.
- Founded 1890
- Located at 919 E. Indiana Avenue, Coeur d'Alene, ID 83814
- Part of the Diocese of Boise
- Pastored by Rev. Mariusz Majewski
Parish History
The parish was established in 1890 under the leadership of its first pastor, Fr. F.J. McKeown, to serve the influx of Catholic miners and lumber workers settling in the Coeur d'Alene region. By 1909, under the leadership of Father Thomas Purcell — a former coal miner who had become a priest — the parish was ready to construct a permanent home. The current Romanesque Revival church was designed by Spokane architects Rooney and Stritesky and built by Coeur d'Alene's pioneer builder, E.M. Krieg, at a cost of approximately $50,000. The salmon-colored brick came from Sandpoint, Idaho; the Tenino (Washington) sandstone arches; and the stained glass windows from G.C. Riordan and Company of Cincinnati, Ohio. The first Mass was celebrated in the new building on March 5, 1911. The parish was offered to the Redemptorists as their mission center in 1914, and the adjoining Mission House/Rectory was constructed in 1928 to house the Redemptorist fathers serving the parish. In 1949, Bishop Hettinger dedicated a new front porch addition. The interior was renovated in 1974-1975 while preserving its Romanesque character. The 100th anniversary of the inaugural Mass was commemorated in March 2011 with a visit from Bishop Michael Driscoll, and the 125th anniversary of the parish was celebrated on November 22, 2015, with a Mass and gala attended by Bishop Peter F. Christensen. In 2018-2019, the parish completed a major renovation of the Mission House, including an elevator, a second enclosed stairway tower, an enclosed connector between the church and Mission House, ADA-compliant restrooms, and a 47-seat dining room, transforming the historic structure into a hub for parish fellowship, ministry meetings, scripture studies, and funeral/baptism receptions.
- 1890: Parish founded; Fr. F.J. McKeown, first pastor
- 1909-1910: Current church constructed
- March 5, 1911: First Mass celebrated in the new church
- 1914: Parish entrusted to the Redemptorists as their mission center
- 1928: Mission House/Rectory constructed
- 1949: New front porch dedicated by Bishop Hettinger
- 1974-1975: Interior renovation
- October 5, 1977: Listed on the National Register of Historic Places
- March 2011: Centennial of inaugural Mass celebrated with Bishop Driscoll
- November 22, 2015: 125th anniversary Mass with Bishop Peter Christensen
- 2018-2019: Major Mission House renovation
Clergy and Parish Staff
St. Thomas the Apostle is currently pastored by Rev. Mariusz Majewski, originally from Poland, who was ordained June 5, 2008, by Bishop Michael P. Driscoll at St. John Cathedral in Boise. Father Mariusz previously served as parochial vicar at St. John's (2008-10) and St. Edward Parish in Twin Falls (2010-12), and as administrator then pastor at Sts. Peter and Paul Parish in Grangeville (2012-14). He was appointed pastor of St. Thomas the Apostle in 2015 and briefly served as Rector of St. John the Evangelist Cathedral in Boise in 2019 before returning to St. Thomas. Deacon Andy Finney assists at the parish. Supporting clergy and staff include Brian Bogdanowitz (Sacred Music), Lisa Stewart (Parish Secretary), Ann Marie Shehan (Office Assistant), Jeff Clay (Maintenance Director), Kathy Krapfl (Bookkeeper), Tina Johnson (Cemetery Coordinator), Rodney and Bessie Geilenfeldt (OCIA), and Carla Loucks (Faith Formation).
- Pastor: Rev. Mariusz Majewski
- Deacon: Deacon Andy Finney
- Faith Formation: Carla Loucks
- Sacred Music: Brian Bogdanowitz
- Parish Secretary: Lisa Stewart
- Bookkeeper: Kathy Krapfl
- Cemetery: Tina Johnson
- OCIA: Rodney & Bessie Geilenfeldt
Faith Formation and Religious Education
The parish runs a Faith Formation program for children and youth, coordinated by Carla Loucks. In addition, the parish supports a tri-parish Catholic school, Holy Family Catholic School (HFCS), which opened its doors in 1996 as a K-3 program with 56 students and has since grown to serve Preschool through 8th Grade with over 225 students enrolled. HFCS is accredited by the Western Catholic Education Association (WCEA) and is a partnership of the three area parishes. The parish also offers Order of Christian Initiation (OCIA) — the process by which individuals learn about the Catholic faith and become fully initiated through the sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, and First Eucharist. OCIA classes meet on Sundays following the 10:00 AM Mass, with Rodney and Bessie Geilenfeldt as coordinators.
- Faith Formation for children and youth
- OCIA (Order of Christian Initiation) for adults
- Holy Family Catholic School (Preschool–8th Grade)
- Wednesday 10:00 AM school Mass in the HFCS gym
Parish Ministries and Groups
St. Thomas offers a wide range of parish ministries to serve its members and the wider Coeur d'Alene community. Liturgical Ministries include greeters, Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion, Lectors, the Sacristy Team, the Liturgical Music Ministry, and the Decorating Committee. The Hospitality Ministry organizes Coffee & Donuts, Saturday Evening Socials, and receptions for First Communion, Confirmation, baptisms, and funerals. Prayer and study groups include the Prayer Chain, Divine Mercy Cenacle (2nd & 4th Tuesdays), Walking with Purpose Women's Bible Study, and various small faith-sharing groups. Service organizations include the Knights of Columbus (with meetings on the 2nd Thursday and a Pro-Life Rosary on the 4th Sunday), the Ladies Auxiliary (which provides funeral luncheons on the 3rd Monday), the Serra Club of North Idaho, the Healing Ministry Team, and the Community Kitchen (serving meals every Tuesday at 4:30 PM).
- Liturgical Ministries (Greeters, EMHCs, Lectors, Sacristy Team, Music, Decorating)
- Hospitality (Coffee & Donuts, Saturday Evening Socials)
- Knights of Columbus — 2nd Thursday meetings; 4th Sunday Pro-Life Rosary
- Serra Club of North Idaho
- Walking with Purpose Women's Bible Study — Wed 6–8 PM
- Divine Mercy Cenacle — 2nd & 4th Tuesdays 9 AM
- Ladies Auxiliary (funeral luncheons) — 3rd Monday 1 PM
- Healing Ministry Team
- Community Kitchen — Tuesdays 4:30 PM
- North Idaho Catholic Young Adults (NICYA)
- Fearless and Free women's group
- Cabrini Co-op
Mission House and Parish Facilities
The Mission House (originally built in 1928 to house the Redemptorist priests serving the parish) was substantially renovated in 2018-2019 thanks to the generosity of parish donors and a building committee. Today the Mission House serves the parish and wider community as a place for fellowship, after-Mass socials, baptism and funeral receptions, scripture studies, ministry meetings, and chapel prayer. The Parish Office is located on the first floor of the Mission House, connected to the historic church by an enclosed connector. The renovation added an elevator providing full accessibility to all floors (including handicap accessibility), a second enclosed stairway tower serving as a fire exit from basement to third floor, ADA-compliant restrooms on the first and second floors, a dining room capable of seating 47, a kitchen able to serve large gatherings, and a multipurpose room configurable for Bible studies, video presentations, social activities, game nights, and small group meetings of up to 40 people.
- Mission House constructed in 1928
- Major renovation completed 2018-2019
- Elevator and ADA accessibility throughout
- 47-seat dining room and full kitchen
- Multipurpose room for meetings and small groups
- Parish Office located on first floor
Parish Cemetery
St. Thomas the Apostle maintains a parish cemetery as part of its ministry to the community. The cemetery is coordinated by Tina Johnson, who can be reached at [email protected] or extension 3 of the parish office. Inquiries about cemetery plots, burials, and related arrangements may be directed to the Parish Office.
- Cemetery Coordinator: Tina Johnson
- Contact: [email protected] or 208-664-9259 x.3
Sacraments
St. Thomas the Apostle prepares and celebrates all seven Catholic sacraments. Preparation for Baptism, First Communion, Confirmation, and Marriage is offered through the parish Faith Formation program and through Sacramental Marriage retreats held in cooperation with the Diocese of Spokane. The parish's OCIA process welcomes unbaptized adults and baptized Christians seeking full communion with the Catholic Church, meeting on Sundays following the 10:00 AM Mass.
- Baptism (preparation required)
- First Eucharist & Confirmation (via Faith Formation)
- Marriage preparation and retreats
- Anointing of the Sick (by appointment)
- OCIA for adults seeking full initiation
Visiting and Contact Information
The parish office is open Monday through Thursday from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM and on Friday from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM (closed for lunch 12:00–12:30 PM). The church is open for prayer and Mass throughout the week, and visitors interested in a tour of the historic Romanesque Revival church should contact the Parish Office to arrange one. A 3D virtual tour of the church is available on the parish website. Parish news, events, and sacramental reminders are shared via Flocknote (text 84576 to STTHOMASCDA), Facebook (@stthomascda), and YouTube (@stthomascda).
- Office Hours: Mon–Thu 9 AM–3 PM; Fri 9 AM–12 PM (closed for lunch)
- Phone: 208-664-9259
- Website: stthomascda.org
- Facebook: @stthomascda
- YouTube: @stthomascda
- Flocknote: Text 84576 to STTHOMASCDA
Pastors & rectors through the years
- Rev. F.J. McKeown1890–(early 1900s)
First pastor of the parish, established in 1890 to serve Catholic miners and lumber workers.
- Father Thomas Purcellearly 1900s
A former coal miner turned priest, gathered support and funds to build the new church and rectory completed in 1910.
- Rev. Msgr. Harry Estadt1935–1975
Long-tenured pastor who oversaw major growth including the Junior Diocesan Development Fund at St. Thomas School and the 1949 dedication of the new front porch by Bishop Hettinger.
- Rev. William C. (Bill) Crowley2005–2015
Appointed pastor in 2005; took special pride in the historic church building. Died unexpectedly on April 6, 2015, at age 67.
- Rev. Mariusz Majewski2015–present
Originally from Poland; ordained June 5, 2008, by Bishop Michael P. Driscoll. Served as parochial vicar at St. John's (2008-10), St. Edward Parish in Twin Falls (2010-12), and administrator then pastor at Sts. Peter and Paul, Grangeville (2012-14). Appointed pastor at St. Thomas in 2015. Also briefly served as Rector of St. John the Evangelist Cathedral in Boise in 2019 before returning to St. Thomas the Apostle.