About Sts. Peter and Paul · California, Kentucky
Sts. Peter and Paul Parish in California, Kentucky, is a Catholic community rooted in German heritage and over 160 years of service, founded in 1853. It began as a mission with log church and school, evolving into a brick church in 1866 and later a concrete basement church in 1928. The parish has weathered changes including school closures and renovations, and continues to serve its community through worship, education, and outreach. Its mission is to gather people for worship, proclaim God’s word, and extend Christ’s compassion through faith and love.
- Established
- 1853
- Patron
- Sts. Peter and Paul
- Diocese
- Diocese of Covington
Why belong here
Join a parish with deep roots in faith and community service. Participate in ministries that extend Christ’s compassion, from worship and education to outreach. The parish offers opportunities to serve in schools, parish committees, and volunteer roles. You’ll find a welcoming, faith-filled environment where spiritual, material, and emotional needs are met through prayer, action, and love.
Our History
The parish began in 1853 with Masses held in homes. The first church and school were built of logs under Father Voll. In 1864, Rev. John Stephany became the first resident pastor and oversaw construction of a brick church completed in 1866. The parish was renamed Sts. Peter and Paul in 1867. Major milestones include the 1928 dedication of the current concrete church, the 1953 centennial, and the 1979 renovation of the church. The parish school operated from 1857 until 1972, when it was restructured as a private school under lay leadership.
Ministries & Services
The parish offers opportunities to serve in schools, parish committees, and volunteer roles. You’ll find a welcoming, faith-filled environment where spiritual, material, and emotional needs are met through prayer, action, and love.
Mass & Sacraments
The parish offers Mass and sacraments, though specific times are not listed on the site. Confession, adoration, and other services are not scheduled or listed.
Pastors & rectors through the years
- Rev. Joseph Patchowski
First priest to offer Masses in homes
- Rev. John Stephany1864–1866
First resident pastor; oversaw brick church construction
- Rev. Gabriel Guerster, O.S.B.1867
Blessed the new brick church
- Rev. Clement Keller1888–1905
Built new church and rectory
- Rev. Wendelin Goehrig1906–1909
Completed rectory
- Rev. Joseph Broerman1909–1927
Built present concrete church; Sisters of Divine Providence took over school
- Rev. Louis DeJaco1927–1948
Remodeled rectory into school; Sisters of St. Benedict replaced Sisters of Divine Providence
- Rev. Frederick Terhar1951–1959
Built first phase of school; 100th anniversary celebrated in 1953
- Rev. Joseph Rueter1959–1960
Administrator after Terhar’s death
- Rev. Charles Donovan1960–1966
Refurbished sanctuary
- Rev. Charles Hoffer1966–1969
Pastor during baby boom; school first grade closed due to overcrowding
- Rev. Ambrose Wagner1969–1979
Closed Immaculate Conception Church; led parish through school restructure
- Rev. John Seiler1979–1980
Resigned to become chaplain at St. Luke Hospital
- Rev. John Resinberg1980–1981
Administrator until David Shockey appointed
- Rev. David Shockey1981–present
Strong leader; believed in Catholic education