 |
|
| Christian Formation - Past to Present |
 |  |
The roots of Catholicism in the North Platte Valley go back to 1859. The Union Pacific Railroad was being built along the Platte River, and early priests carried the faith along the route of the Railroad as far west as Cheyenne and Laramie. Both towns had churches built in their localities. It is one of the quirks in the history of Catholicism in Nebraska that they bypassed North Platte for sometime.
In 1867, Father James Ryan came from Columbus to minister to the people of his faith and celebrated Mass in a house west of the Union Pacific depot. Father Ryan returned at intervals to offer Mass and administer the sacraments until 1875 when Father Patrick Lynch was appointed the first resident priest. The earliest baptismal record kept in North Platte is an entry for the baptism of James Charles Grooner, born September 14,1874, who Father Lynch baptized February 4, 1875.
Before the construction of a church, records indicate that Mass was offered occasionally in local homes. In 1874, Father Lynch built the first frame church at Fourth and Chestnut. Because of the growth of the Catholic population, in 1883 the frame church was replaced by a larger brick church on the southwest corner of the parish lot.
 |
 |
 |
Fr. Patrick McDaid
Pastor 1910-1938
Entered Eternal Life: Jan. 17, 1961 | Monsignor Thomas Murray
Pastor 1948-1960
Entered Eternal Life: Jan. 25, 1960 | Monsignor Thomas Siudowski
Pastor 1960-1966
Entered Eternal Life: August 7, 1991 |
And so, it was under Father Murray's leadership that the present brick church was constructed in 1949 at a cost of $300,000. on the north west corner of the parish lot. The cornerstone was laid later that year and the church was dedicated November 7, 1950.
Renovation of St. Patrick's Church
A distinguishing feature of St. Patrick's Parish is its concept of community. An open and friendly spirit has drawn and continues to attract members to our church family.
With this in mind, it became increasingly evident that some changes needed to be made to the church to fulfill our mission of celebrating community. Father Harold Kurtenbach initiated the plans for renovation in 1989. After a lengthy time of prayer, a review of the parish mission, and a study of liturgical requirements, Father Bernard Berger proceeded with the renovation plans in 1991. General contractor was Mr. Martin Piskorski. We are indebted to these men for their gracious service and fidelity to our parish.
Bishop Lawrence J. McNamara rededicated the renovated St. Patrick's Church on February 18, 1996 with many diocesan priests concelebrating a special Mass. Parishioners rejoiced in their new worship space and recognized the hard work of the dedicated building committee.
Church's Mission Statement:
"We are a community,
ever attempting to grow in Jesus Christ,
by fidelity to the incomparable means He gives through the Catholic Church."
 |
 |
 |
Monsignor Lawrence Portrey
Pastor 1966-1982
Entered Eternal Life: April 7, 2003 | Reverend Gerald Harr
Pastor 1982-1989 | Reverend Harry Kurtenbach
Pastor 1989-1991 | | |
 |
 |
 |
| |
Reverend Bernard Berger
Pastor 1991-1997 | Reverend Richard Piontkowski
Pastor: 1997-2004 | Reverend Vincent Parsons
Parochial Administrator:
2004-2006 | | |
|
|
|
|  |
|
|
