About Sts. Peter and Paul · Seneca, Kansas
Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Seneca, Kansas, is a rural parish rooted in a 150+ year history, founded in 1869. It serves a close-knit community with a strong emphasis on faith, healing, and communal worship centered on the Eucharist. The parish offers multiple Mass times, Confession, and a variety of ministries, including youth programs and religious education. The current pastor, Father Joel Haug, arrived in April 2025 following the passing of the previous pastor, Fr. Arul Carasala.
- Established
- 1869
- Patron
- Sts. Peter and Paul
- Rector
- Father Joel Haug
Why belong here
The parish offers a welcoming, healing community centered on the Eucharist, with ministries for all ages, including youth and religious education. It emphasizes spiritual growth, communal support, and pastoral care in a rural setting, inviting people to find rest and purpose in Christ’s love.
Mass times at Sts. Peter and Paul
Weekly Mass schedule
Confession times
- Saturday: 3:00 – 3:45 p.m. (winter schedule) or by appointment
- Saturday: 4:00 – 4:45 p.m. (spring & summer schedule) or by appointment or after each mass
Parish History
The parish was established in 1869, eleven years after Seneca was chosen as a town site. Early Catholics attended Mass at St. Mary’s Church on Wildcat Creek, but with the help of Father Pirmine M. Koumley and parishioner Matthias Stein, a church was built on the site of a former schoolhouse. The first Mass was celebrated July 11, 1869, on the feast of St. Benedict. By 1871, the parish had grown to over 80 families, aided by missionary efforts from the Prior of St. Benedict’s Abbey.
Ministries
The parish offers a wide range of ministries including Religious Education, CCD/Catechesis, OCIA, Youth Ministry (Kelly Youth Rally 2026), and a Mission Center. These programs are designed to nurture faith and community across all ages.
- Religious Education
- CCD/Catechesis
- OCIA
- Youth Ministry
- Mission Center
Sacraments
The parish offers the full range of sacraments including Baptism, Marriage, Reconciliation, and the Eucharist. Baptisms are by appointment, and weddings require six months advance notice.
- Baptism
- Weddings
- Reconciliation
- Eucharist
Pastors & rectors through the years
- Fr. Arul Carasala
Long-time pastor who passed away, leading to Father Joel Haug’s appointment in April 2025.