About Our Parish

Welcome to Our Parish Family!

Holy Trinity Catholic Church is a dynamic, faith-filled community. We welcome newcomers and are pleased and privileged by your presence. Please take a moment to come in and register in our parish. After registration, a representative will contact you to welcome you and provide helpful information about our parish.

History

Founded on August 17, 1966

Holy Trinity Parish was founded on August 17, 1966, to serve the growing Catholic population in southeast Springfield. Bishop Ignatius Strecker appointed Fr. Richard Rolwing as the first pastor. Liturgical celebrations and religion classes for 325 families began immediately in the Elks Lodge, ten blocks west of the present church site, and were held there until the church building was dedicated by Bishop Strecker in 1969.

The Diocese of Springfield-Cape Girardeau provided land, and ground was broken on East Bennett street on June 9, 1968, with the laying of the cornerstone on October 6th of that year. The first Mass was celebrated in the new Holy Trinity Church on May 25, 1969.

Fr. Mark Ernstmann was appointed second pastor in 1972. Under his leadership and previous experience as Diocesan Superintendent of Catholic Schools, the Parish School of Religion flourished.

Fr. Thomas Allen became Holy Trinity’s third pastor in 1977. Construction soon began in 1978 to include a parish gymnasium/social center and 7 classrooms. Bishop Bernard Law dedicated the new facilities on May 11, 1979.

Fr. Paul McLoughlin was appointed fourth pastor in 1987. The continued generosity of Holy Trinity parishioners enabled the mortgage of the church and the cost of building additions to be paid off years ahead of schedule.

Msgr. Thomas Reidy became our fifth pastor in 1991, precipitating a multi-phase expansion of parish facilities beginning in 1994 to meet the growing needs of the families of Holy Trinity.

Fundraising began, and Phase One construction got underway with the building of a new chapel, library, and support facilities. The church itself was renovated, receiving a new carpet, ceiling, improved handicap accessibility, and improved heating and air conditioning systems. Four new classrooms were added to the parish hall, along with much needed storage areas.

40th Anniversary Tree

The church and parish center were connected by an enclosed walkway in 2000. The parish center was expanded to include parish offices, a multi-purpose social hall, a kitchen, a remodeled meeting room, and improved restroom facilities. Additional parking space was also provided. A beautiful prayer garden complemented and completed construction. Bishop John Liebrecht dedicated the renovations and new constructions on November 3, 1996, and September 9, 2001.

In 2003, the parish rectory was remodeled in order to be more functional and to accomplish necessary repairs and maintenance.

Fr. Fergus Monaghan became our sixth pastor in 2004, leading a vibrant faith community of 875 families who are active in a variety of ministries, organizations, and social engagements.

In August 2016, Holy Trinity proudly celebrated 50 years as a parish in the Diocese of Springfield-Cape Girardeau.

In July 2019, Fr. Patrick Ike Nwokoye, PhD, was appointed the seventh pastor of Holy Trinity. During his time here, Fr. Patrick spearheaded a special project to renovate and beautify the church. Between 2024-25, Holy Trinity received a new altar and tabernacle, and four statues including the Blessed Virgin Mary, St. Joseph, St. Anne, and the Sacred Heart of Jesus.