About St. Vincent de Paul · Marthasville, Missouri
St. Vincent de Paul Parish is a Catholic community in Dutzow, Missouri (Marthasville mailing address) in the Archdiocese of St. Louis. Perched high on the bluffs overlooking the Missouri River, the parish traces its origins to 1842 and today shares a pastor with its sister parish, Immaculate Conception in Augusta. Known for both its historic 1875 brick church and its 1884 parish school, St. Vincent de Paul worships, educates, and serves the small river-hill community along Highway 94.
- Established
- 1839
- Patron
- St. Vincent de Paul
- Rector
- Rev. Dennis Doyle
- Diocese
- Archdiocese of St. Louis
Why belong here
St. Vincent de Paul is a small, multigenerational Catholic community perched on the Missouri River bluffs that has been worshipping and forming children in the faith for more than 180 years. With daily Mass, eucharistic adoration, devotions like the Mother of Perpetual Help and Rosary, and a parish school that has been in continuous operation since 1884, it offers the rhythms and relationships of a tight-knit country parish where many families are fourth-, fifth-, or sixth-generation members. Add to that its long partnership with the Knights of Columbus, its parish school of religion, RCIA, and active ministries of lectors, Eucharistic ministers, stewardship, quilters, and alumni — and you have a parish that lives its motto: small enough to care, humble enough to serve, strong enough to nourish.
Mass times at St. Vincent de Paul
Weekly Mass schedule
Confession times
- 1st Saturday of the month: 8:30am (St. Vincent de Paul, after 8:00am Mass)
- Saturday: 4:15-4:45pm (at Immaculate Conception, Augusta)
- Tuesday: 7:00-7:15pm (at Immaculate Conception, Augusta)
- Sunday: 10:00am (at Immaculate Conception, Augusta)
Adoration times
- Wednesday: 8:30am – 12:00pm (St. Vincent de Paul)
- Tuesday: 5:30 – 7:30pm (Immaculate Conception, Augusta)
- 2nd Tuesday of the month: 5:30 – 7:00pm (Immaculate Conception, Augusta)
Parish History
St. Vincent de Paul Parish was established as a Catholic mission in 1839 and its first log church was built in 1842. Served originally by Jesuits from St. Charles and Washington, MO, the parish received its first resident pastor, Fr. Christian Wappelhorst, in 1856. The present brick church was built in 1874-75 under Fr. John Heckmann for about $15,000, with materials brought by riverboat and hauled by parishioners' wagons. The name 'St. Vincent Kirche' above the door reflects the parish's German heritage.
- Mission established 1839
- First log church 1842
- First resident pastor Fr. Christian Wappelhorst in 1856
- Cornerstone of present church laid 1874
- Church consecrated September 25, 1875
19th & Early 20th Century Growth
Under successive pastors, the parish built its physical plant. Fr. Bertens served from 1878 until his death in January 1900. The present school building was constructed in 1913 and the rectory two years later. Father Bertens' Council No. 1927 of the Knights of Columbus was founded in the parish in 1918.
- Fr. Bertens, pastor 1878-1900
- School building constructed 1913
- Rectory built 1915
- Knights of Columbus Council No. 1927 established 1918
Fire, Storm, and Rebuilding
The parish has weathered more than its share of trials. In November 1923 a fire heavily damaged the church and required a new roof. Less than a year later, on Holy Saturday 1924, a violent windstorm blew that new roof off. After this storm, the twin side spires visible in 1908 photographs were removed.
- November 1923 church fire
- Holy Saturday 1924 roof lost in windstorm
- Twin spires removed after 1924
Modern Expansion
The school was renovated in 1960 (the first indoor restrooms), expanded again in 1978 with three classrooms, a library, and a small gymnasium, and in 2000 the parish added classrooms, science and computer labs, a dining hall, and new parish offices. In 2006 the parish celebrated its 150th anniversary as a parish in the Archdiocese of St. Louis.
- 1960 school renovation (indoor restrooms)
- 1978 school addition — classrooms, library, gym
- 2000 school and parish office expansion
- 2006: 150th anniversary of the parish
Pastoral Succession
The parish has been served by Jesuits, then by a succession of diocesan priests. A complete formal list is not published on the website, but the early pastors are documented in parish history materials.
- Jesuits from St. Charles (monthly visits, 1836)
- Jesuits from Washington, MO (early years)
- Fr. Christian Wappelhorst (first resident pastor, 1856)
- Fr. John Heckmann (cornerstone 1874, church 1875)
- Fr. Bertens (1878–1900)
- Rev. Dennis Doyle (current)
Devotions
Parishioners pray the Mother of Perpetual Help novena after Monday morning Mass at St. Vincent and after Tuesday evening Mass at Immaculate Conception. A weekly Rosary is prayed on Tuesday evenings, and Lenten Stations of the Cross are offered on Tuesdays and Thursdays during Lent.
- Monday: Mother of Perpetual Help after Mass (St. Vincent)
- Tuesday: Mother of Perpetual Help after evening Mass (Immaculate Conception)
- Tuesday: Rosary 7:10pm
- Lenten Tuesdays: Stations of the Cross
- Lenten Thursdays: Stations of the Cross after morning Mass
The Seven Sacraments
St. Vincent de Paul celebrates all seven sacraments. Parents expecting a child should contact the parish office to schedule an instructional session before Baptism, which is usually celebrated on Sundays. Children prepare for First Reconciliation and First Communion in second grade through either the parish school or the PSR program. Students in 7th and 8th grade are confirmed as a group each spring; adults are confirmed at the parish or at the St. Louis Cathedral after instruction. Couples should contact Fr. Doyle at least six months before their wedding. Adults seeking full initiation into the Church enter through the RCIA program.
- Baptism — preparation required, usually celebrated Sundays
- First Reconciliation & First Communion — 2nd grade (school or PSR)
- Confirmation — 7th/8th grade in spring; adults at St. Louis Cathedral
- Marriage — six months preparation, contact Fr. Doyle
- Anointing of the Sick — contact parish office
- RCIA — for unbaptized adults and those completing initiation
- Homebound Holy Communion visits
Parish School (St. Vincent de Paul School)
St. Vincent de Paul School has been in continuous operation since 1884, making it one of the longest-running parish schools in the Archdiocese of St. Louis. The school welcomes students of all denominations from preschool (ages 3-5) through eighth grade and uses the Archdiocese's Unified Curriculum. Extracurricular offerings include basketball, volleyball, cheerleading, running, crafts, math, and archery. The parish emphasizes small class sizes, faith formation, and a family atmosphere where many former students now send their own children.
- Preschool ages 3-5 (10:1 student-teacher ratio goal)
- Kindergarten through 8th grade
- Unified Curriculum (Archdiocese of St. Louis)
- Sports: basketball, volleyball, cheerleading
- Clubs: running, crafts, math, archery
- FAST after-school care until 6:00pm
- Hot lunch program
- Open to all denominations
Tuition, Financial Aid & FAST Program
Tuition is paid on a 12-month basis with separate checks for K-8 tuition, pre-kindergarten, FAST, and lunch. Automatic monthly withdrawals are available through FastDirect. Financial aid is available through the Today and Tomorrow Educational Fund (TTEF) and parish scholarships. Free before-school care runs 6:45-7:30am; the FAST (Fun After School Time) program runs from 3:00-6:00pm.
- 12-month tuition payment plan via FastDirect
- TTEF scholarships at www.ttef-stl.org
- Free before-school care 6:45-7:30am
- FAST after-school care $9/day (one child), $15/day (two+ children)
- Annual FAST registration: $25/family
PSR — Parish School of Religion
For children who do not attend St. Vincent de Paul School, the Parish School of Religion (PSR) provides religious education and sacramental preparation. Children preparing for First Reconciliation and First Communion in second grade, as well as Confirmation candidates in 7th and 8th grade, may use either the parish school or PSR.
- Religious education for non-school children
- Sacramental preparation for 2nd grade sacraments
- Confirmation preparation for 7th/8th grade
RCIA — Becoming Catholic
Adults seeking full membership in the Catholic Church — through Baptism, Confirmation, and First Holy Communion — are invited to contact the parish office at (636) 433-2678 for information about preparation sessions.
- Adult inquiry and formation
- Baptism, Confirmation, and First Communion for adults
- Contact: (636) 433-2678
Parish Ministries & Organizations
The parish supports a number of lay-led ministries. Lectors and Eucharistic Ministers assist at Mass; the Quilters create handmade works (a long-standing country-parish tradition); Stewardship organizes parishioner giving of time, talent, and treasure; the Alumni group connects generations of former students; and Knights of Columbus Council No. 1927 — established in 1918 and named for Fr. Bertens — supports parish life. The parish also subscribes to Formed, giving parishioners free access to Catholic movies, audio, and books online.
- Lectors
- Eucharistic Ministers
- Quilters
- Stewardship
- Alumni
- Knights of Columbus Council No. 1927 (since 1918)
- Formed (online Catholic content) — free for parishioners
Fundraisers & Community Events
The parish and school host an annual slate of fundraisers that bring the community together. Major events include a summer dinner auction at the Knights of Columbus Hall in Washington, the Charleston Wrap fundraiser in September, the TJ's Pizza Fundraiser in December, a winter Dartball tournament benefiting the 8th grade pro-life trip, and a Trivia Night each January.
- Summer Dinner Auction (Knights of Columbus Hall, Washington)
- Charleston Wrap (September)
- TJ's Pizza Fundraiser (December)
- Dartball Tournament (winter, benefits 8th grade pro-life trip)
- Trivia Night (January)
Sister Parish: Immaculate Conception, Augusta
Located a few miles away on Highway 94, Immaculate Conception in Augusta is St. Vincent de Paul's sister parish. The two share a pastor (currently Fr. Doyle) and coordinate their liturgical schedule, just as they did in the 19th century. Masses and devotions at the two parishes alternate through the week.
- Address: 5912 S. State Hwy. 94, Augusta, MO 63332
- Phone: (636) 482-4455
- Shares pastor with St. Vincent de Paul
- Children from Immaculate Conception attend St. Vincent School
Parish Staff
The parish is served by a small lay staff supporting the pastor and the work of the parish and school.
- Pastor — Father Doyle (Rev. Dennis Doyle)
- Office Manager — Jacquie Shaper
- Bulletin Editor — Sara Maune
- Music Coordinator — Rebecca Brinker
Contact & Visit
Parishioners and visitors are warmly welcomed. The parish office can be reached by phone, fax, or email, and the school has its own phone, fax, and email. Tours of the school can be scheduled by calling the school office.
- Parish Phone: (636) 433-2678
- Parish Fax: (636) 433-2924
- Parish Email: [email protected]
- School Phone: (636) 433-2466
- School Email: [email protected]
- Address: 13497 S. State Hwy. 94, Marthasville, MO 63357
Who Is St. Vincent de Paul?
The parish is named for St. Vincent de Paul, the patron saint of charitable societies. A French Roman Catholic priest dedicated to serving the poor, he was renowned for his compassion, humility, and generosity. He died in 1660 and was canonized in 1727. His words — 'We cannot better assure our eternal happiness than by living and dying in the service of the poor, in the arms of Providence, and with genuine renouncement of ourselves in order to follow Jesus Christ' — appear on the parish's website as a guiding motto.
- French Roman Catholic priest
- Patron saint of charitable societies
- Died 1660, canonized 1727
- Feast day: September 27
Pastors & rectors through the years
- Jesuits from St. Charles1836
Visiting Dutzow once a month from St. Charles
- Jesuits from Washington, MOearly years
Served the early parish after 1839 establishment as Sts. Peter and Paul
- Fr. Christian Wappelhorst1856
First resident pastor of St. Vincent de Paul, named by Archbishop Kenrick
- Fr. John Heckmann1874-1878
Laid cornerstone of the present brick church in 1874; church completed 1875
- Fr. Bertens1878-1900
Succeeded Fr. Heckmann; served as pastor until his death in January 1900. Father Bertens' Council No. 1927 of the Knights of Columbus was named in his honor in 1918
- Rev. Dennis Doyle
Current pastor; serves both St. Vincent de Paul and sister parish Immaculate Conception in Augusta