“A Place For Everyone, A Future For All”
St. Mary Catholic Church in Pella is exploring the possibility of a building expansion due to an increase in membership, a growing Faith Formation program and a shortage of parking spaces. Bishop Dennis Walsh of the Diocese of Davenport has given us permission to proceed with planning and exploring. A Building Expansion Committee has been formed and they will be in continuous communication with parishioners, Parish Council, Finance Council and Father Joseph. Listed below are updates and links to further information.
UPDATES:
January 8, 2026 – The Building Committee along with George Joseph began preparing for the Feasibility Study by selecting casebook endorsers and informational meeting hosts.
November 16, 2025 – Brian Huddle presented an update at weekend Masses regarding the future Feasibility Study. See his presentation here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Eru9cfsxFdw
November 6, 2025 – The Building Expansion Committee met via Zoom with the Diocese (including Bishop Walsh) to review the selected conceptual design.
October, 2025 – RDG proposed eight conceptual designs for a building expansion. The Building Expansion Committee reviewed these designs and narrowed it one conceptual design complete with cost projections.
September 23, 2025 – RDG presented to the Building Expansion Committee a comprehensive list of our current and future needs based off the previous work session with parish commissions.
September 11, 2025 – RDG held a programming work session with various parish commissions to gain input.
August 12, 2025 – RDG Kick-Off meeting was held with the Building Expansion Committee.
June, 2025 – Architect interviews were conducted. RDG Planning and Design of Des Moines was selected.
May, 2025 – RFQ’s (request for qualification) were sent to three architects, George Joseph from Joseph Consulting was hired for the Feasibility Study. Members of the Building Expansion Committee also met with the Diocese of Davenport Buildings & Grounds Commission to share our progress and receive additional guidance.
March 1/2, 2025 – Town hall meetings were held to gauge interest of parishioners regarding the possible expansion and gather feedback.
December, 2024 – We received Diocesan permission to begin early planning steps and a Building Expansion Committee was formed.
June, 2024 – Some parishioners began evaluating space needs; our Masses, parking lot and Faith Formation programs are all at capacity.
LINKS FOR FURTHER INFORMATION:
Feasibility Study letter to parishioners from Father Joseph – January 14, 2026
Update letter from Father Joseph regarding Feasibility Study – November 14, 2025
Update letter from Brian Huddle, Building Expansion Committee – September 26, 2025
Update letter from Brian Huddle, Building Expansion Committee – September 12, 2025
Father Joseph’s building expansion update – August 22, 2025
Update letter from Brian Huddle, Building Expansion Committee- July 18, 2025
Father Joseph’s bulletin message – June 29, 2025
Update letter from Brian Huddle, Building Expansion Committee – June 6, 2025
Father Joseph’s bulletin message regarding the Feasibility Study – June 1, 2025
Update letter from Brian Huddle, Building Expansion Committee – May 9, 2025
Father Joseph’s letter to parishioners regarding the potential building expansion for the Town Hall Meetings – March 1, 2025