Welcome

We, the people of Saint Mary’s Parish of Iowa City, are a Eucharistic community whose mission is to worship and pray, to grow in faith and discipleship, and to serve those who are in need.

We respect the traditions of the past and are open to the guidance of the Spirit as we move into the future.

Saint Mary's parish was founded by Father Samuel Mazzuchelli in 1841. He built a small wood frame church which was dedicated by Bishop Mathias Loras on July 12, 1841, under the title of Saint Mary of the Assumption.

In 1867, construction began on the present church building. According to historical records, it was built over the church founded by Father Mazzuchelli, which was later dismantled. The "new" church was dedicated on August 15, 1869, under the title of Saint Mary of the Visitation.

The cost of the building was $75,000.

Father William Emonds, who was pastor during the time when the church was built, had purchased the ornate high altar which contained the beautiful painting of the visitation of Mary to her cousin Elizabeth. Hence the name change-Saint Mary of the Visitation. Father (Msgr.) A. J. Schulte, who succeeded Father Emonds as pastor, referred to the church as Saint Mary of the Assumption. The fact remains, however, that the church was consecrated as Saint Mary of the Visitation. This is attested to by the local newspaper, which covered the story of the dedication of Saint Mary of the Visitation Church. Also, the largest bell in our seventeen bell carillon is inscribed with the words (in Latin) Saint Mary of the Visitation.

The local newspaper wrote in great detail about the consecration of the church. The Mass was celebrated with much pomp and ceremony during the morning hours of Sunday, August 15,

1869. That afternoon, at 5 p.m., Bishop Hennessy of Dubuque returned to the church for Vespers, and then proceeded to confirm 312 individuals, most of whom were children. It must have been quite a day!

As members of the parish, we are privileged to belong to a community of faith that has so much history. We have grown considerably from the twenty-eight settlers who gathered on December 20, 1840, for the first Mass in Iowa city, celebrated by Father Mazzuchelli. Father Mazzuchelli is now being considered for sainthood, having received the title of Venerable, the first step toward canonization.) 

Sacred Art in our church

History of Father Samuel Mazzuchelli - Learn more about the priest who founded St. Mary's Parish in this video created by parishioner, Maria Teets