St. Mary's Parish – Moscow & Genesee, Idaho

St. Mary’s is called to be a prayerful, compassionate community centered in Jesus Christ. As witnesses to Christ’s love, we are committed to accept and value each person. Empowered by the Holy Spirit, we serve one another as members of the family of God.

Through celebration of the Sacraments since 1882, the Holy Spirit continues to fashion our community to be a shelter of peace, a witness of hope, and a compassionate neighbor. “May grace and peace be yours,” 1 Peter 1:2b

If this is your first time here or you are visiting our parish, please take a look at our Visitors and New Comers page.

May we pray for you?
If you have a specific prayer intention, submit it to our Prayer Request page, and our Email Prayer Tree will pray for your intentions.

Caring for our Family: Children
Thoughts from your Pastor

Someone once said to me "Father, the children of the parish, they are the future of the Church." I countered…"They aren't the future, they are the 'now' of the Church." Another time someone said to me (in a parish in southern Idaho) "Father, can't you do something about... Read More... Read Less

all the noise the children are making during mass?" I countered… "I can't think of anything better than the noise the little kids make in Church!"

It probably depends on how you were raised in the church. I have seen children sitting, eyes forward, back straight, not a peep and lots of kids carried out, wiggling, saying things like "NO! Don't go! I want to stay!!"

However you were raised, if you were a child in the Church your parents probably had their own solutions to surviving through mass! From the altar I can see just about every child in church. Since they aren't my kids (!) I am awe inspired at how well families cope.

Our upcoming Stewardship theme, "Caring for our Family, Caring for our Home" is ready made for children. As Jesus welcomed the little children into his arms we always want to make sure we have room in our parish for children and a place where families feel at home.

Since last year at this time we have had 21 children baptized, 15 First Communions, 20 Confirmations, 7 Weddings and 1 priest ordained to the priesthood. Our family is growing! And if your home is anything like mine was… there is always room for one more at the table and always joy at welcoming another child into the fold!

Fr. Joe!

WELCOME