KC Reporter

The Mission of Saint Aloysius in Maysville is set to amalgamate with the Saint Munchin Parish in Cameron, as decreed by the Bishop of Kansas City – St. Joseph, Most Reverend James V. Johnston, Jr.

The history of the Mission of Saint Aloysius dates back to the early 1880s when four Catholic families resided in what is now known as Maysville. The first church was built for this community in 1887 and was dedicated on November 2, 1890, under the patronage of St. Aloysius Gonzaga. Over the years, it has been associated with and cared for by various nearby parishes.

"The only time there was a resident pastor was in 1920 when Fr. Louis Grohman lived at the parish for a few months," according to historical records. After World War I, there was a period of nearly a decade when Mass was not celebrated in this community. However, efforts were made to revive the parish around 1960, leading to St. Aloysius being named a parish in its own right.

Over time, however, St. Aloysius saw a significant decline in its membership and sacramental activity. From having 46 registered households and 146 parishioners in 1995, it had only 29 households and 67 parishioners by 2022.

In addition to this decline in numbers, St. Aloysius also experienced financial difficulties with deficits recorded in three out of six fiscal years prior to the decision for amalgamation.

The current Pastor of St. Munchin Parish became the Pastor of the Mission of St. Aloysius on June 21, 2017.

This decision follows an extensive study that began in February 2023 involving community demographics, parish data and interviews with pastors and parish staff among others under the diocesan vision umbrella of “One Family: Restored in Christ, Equipped for Mission.”

The Bishop, having heard all parties concerned and considering the good of souls, determined that the amalgamation of the two parishes was necessary. The newly formed parish will retain the name of Saint Paul the Apostle Parish.

This decision is driven by a continued significant decline in registered and practicing Catholics at St. Aloysius Parish, financial difficulties and lack of potential for growth or development in the region.

The Bishop's decree will take effect at the end of June 23, 2024. All records from the Mission of Saint Aloysius are to be preserved and safeguarded by the Archives of the Diocese of Kansas City – Saint Joseph.