Our Patron & History
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St. Patrick"I arise today through God's strength to pilot me."
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Our Patron
St. Patrick, known as the Apostle of Ireland, was a fifth-century missionary and bishop credited with bringing Christianity to Ireland. Captured from his home in Britain at the age of sixteen, he was taken to Ireland as a slave and spent six years tending flocks before escaping and returning home.
After becoming a priest, Patrick felt called to return to Ireland to share the Christian faith. Through his preaching and ministry, he converted many and helped establish the Church in Ireland, becoming its first bishop and a lasting symbol of faith and perseverance.
Though never formally canonized, St. Patrick is honored as a saint by the Catholic Church and other Christian traditions. His feast day, March 17, celebrates both his life and the deep faith of the Irish people he helped to inspire.
Visit formed.org and search "St. Patrick" for more information.
The Breastplate of St. PatrickThe Confession of St. Patrick
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Our History
The history of St. Patrick Parish traces back to the mid-1800s, when German immigrants first settled in the Wentzville area, followed by Irish railroad workers who chose to stay and farm the land after completing construction on the Wabash Railroad.
In the early years, local Catholics traveled to Josephville for Mass, often making the trip by horse and wagon. During the winter, these journeys were especially treacherous. By 1880, the area was being served from O’Fallon by Father F. W. Brockhagen, and soon after, from Montgomery City by Father J. J. Head, who celebrated Mass twice a month in Wentzville at the Masonic building.
After many prayers and persistent requests from parishioners—especially Mr. and Mrs. Philip Post—Archbishop Peter Kenrick granted permission to establish a Catholic church and school in Wentzville. This decision followed numerous trips to St. Louis by Mr. Post and others, seeking approval. On September 15, 1882, Bishop Patrick J. Ryan dedicated the new mission as St. Patrick Parish, honoring his Irish heritage.
Funding for the church came through great sacrifice and generosity. The Reinecke and Mispagel families mortgaged their farms to raise the necessary funds, and land was purchased from Colonel Joseph and Mrs. Ruth Savage for $200. The three-and-a-half-acre property remains the site of St. Patrick Parish on Church Street today.
Although the parish was established in 1882, St. Patrick did not receive its first resident pastor until 1905, when Father Peter Byrne arrived. He lived at the Wentzville Hotel until a rectory was built. Father John Kretchter succeeded him and began organizing a parish school, first holding classes in his residence until the school building was completed in 1909.
Over the years, St. Patrick Parish has been blessed by the dedication of many pastors, associate pastors, deacons, seminarians, and religious sisters. Between 60 and 70 Sisters of the Most Precious Blood have served as teachers and principals at St. Patrick School, alongside many devoted lay educators whose service continues to strengthen our parish community.
From its humble beginnings with a handful of faithful families to a thriving community of over 2,700 families today, St. Patrick Parish stands as a testament to perseverance, faith, and the enduring spirit of its founders. Following in the footsteps of our patron, we remain steadfast in our mission to live and grow in Jesus’ name.
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