Our Mission
Rooted in the Most Holy Eucharist and the other Sacraments, we welcome all to a deeper relationship with Jesus Christ through stewardship, by loving and serving others through our God-given gifts.
Living a life of stewardship allows us to grow in faith by focusing on the three aspects of how we spend our time, how we use our talent, and how we spend our treasure.
Our History
St. Patrick of Merna
In 1883 when Bishop John Lancaster Spaulding established St. Patrick Church in Merna as a separate parish from Holy Trinity in Bloomington, Masses were being held in a schoolhouse. It was not until 1891 that a church was dedicated, which was built for $13,500. The first tornado struck the church in Merna in 1902 and caused severe damage. Repairs took several months, during which time Masses were celebrated on the church lawn.
St. Mary in Downs
In April of 1910, the cornerstone was laid. The first death in the parish occurred when Ed Sweeney’s wife passes away. On June 30, 1910, Bishop Dunne, assisted by 15 priests, dedicated the new church in an impressive service. The dedication ceremony began with a procession through the town of people who arrived from Bloomington by train for the event. In his sermon, the Bishop recalled the words of Christ to St. Peter that upon this rock He would build His church.
New Parishioners
Whether you are looking for a new parish, have just moved to the area, are returning to the practice of your Catholic faith, or are interested in finding out more about the Catholic Church, we are happy to have you here! We are a parish community rooted in the Sacraments and following the footsteps of our Lord Jesus Christ. We recognize that everything we have is a gift from God, and we generously give ourselves back to God. Each of us, from the youngest to the oldest, is valued, treasured, and loved.