St. Patrick's Church
Medicine Hat AB
T1A 6A1
Who we are
Medicine Hat’s most prominent landmark is St. Pat’s Church. The church with its 170 foot gothic tower, is said to be one of the finest examples of Gothic Revival architecture in all of North America. Its design was inspired by the medieval cathedrals in Europe.
The construction of the church in 1912, called for challenging and novel building methods and resulted in a triumph of engineering-science for the time. This task necessitated a continuous pouring of concrete, from the bottom of the foundation to the top of the highest cross. This was achieved by a large motor-driven concrete mixer connected to a tower elevator. The concrete was hoisted by drum-and-cable and delivered to any part of the wall by large conveyor pipes. In 1912, all of this was achieved without the benefit of modern transit mix or concrete pumps.
In 1932, a false ceiling of wood was installed in the church because of the extraordinary height of the Gothic interior, and consequent heating costs.
The magnificent, round rose windows on the east and west sides of the church were imported from France and were installed as recently as 1955. The new copper roof is part of a restoration program which started 1979, as are the solid oak doors gracing the entry.
The construction and maintenance of such a large church is ongoing, and a credit to the parish which has been committed to this project since 1912.
The construction of the church in 1912, called for challenging and novel building methods and resulted in a triumph of engineering-science for the time. This task necessitated a continuous pouring of concrete, from the bottom of the foundation to the top of the highest cross. This was achieved by a large motor-driven concrete mixer connected to a tower elevator. The concrete was hoisted by drum-and-cable and delivered to any part of the wall by large conveyor pipes. In 1912, all of this was achieved without the benefit of modern transit mix or concrete pumps.
In 1932, a false ceiling of wood was installed in the church because of the extraordinary height of the Gothic interior, and consequent heating costs.
The magnificent, round rose windows on the east and west sides of the church were imported from France and were installed as recently as 1955. The new copper roof is part of a restoration program which started 1979, as are the solid oak doors gracing the entry.
Church Website
St. Patrick's Church on Social Media
Leadership
Leader Name:
Reverend Roque Pereira
Leader Position:
Pastor
Phone:
Leader Email:
Click here to contact Reverend Roque Pereira
Leader Bio:
Fr. Roque Pereira, usually known as Rockstar the great, by many.
I am the oldest in a family of six siblings. I have 3 brothers and two sisters. I joined the minor seminary in Goa, India, at the age of 14. I finished my high school studies, and then graduated with a BA degree in Psychology and English Literature. I also completed my Philosophical and Theological studies at the major seminary in Goa, India. Then, I took a break for three years, just to test my vocation to the priesthood. During that time, I did some courses in Computer Applications, Music and atering. I worked as a supervisor at St. Xavier’s Academy in India, a school for the handicapped and the mentally disabled children for 2 years. It was a really a rewarding and enriching experience to me.
I immigrated to Canada in August 2004, as a candidate for the priesthood in the Diocese of Calgary. Soon after, I did my five years of Theological Studies at St. Peter’s Seminary, in London, Ontario, which is affiliated with the University of Western Ontario. I graduated with a Master of Advanced Divinity Degree in April 2010, and was ordained to the Priesthood by Bishop Henry on 18th June, 2010 at St. Mary’s Cathedral, Calgary. In August 2010, I was appointed as an Associate Pastor at Holy Family Catholic Church, Medicine Hat, where I served for two years. Then, in August 2012, I was appointed as an Associate Pastor, to All Saints Parish, Lethbridge, where I served there for a year, and soon after, I was appointed as a Chaplain for the University of Lethbridge and Lethbridge Community College in August 2013. Since then, I have been involved working with the students and the youth and young adults, helping them with pastoral counseling, spiritual direction, celebrating Mass on both campuses, and organizing other activities, such as “Theology on Tap”,& “Praise and Worship Nights” etc. in order to establish and build relationship with Jesus Christ, and help them grow in their faith journey.
It is sad to leave this ministry as the college and university chaplain, but I totally understand that God has some bigger plans for me to serve Him and His people in the life of parish ministry. Bishop McGrattan has appointed me as a Parochial Administrator with you, her at St. Patrick’s Roman Catholic Parish and I sincerely think and believe that it is a great move for me to work with different parish ministries and beyond. I thank God for giving me this opportunity to grow in my gifts, talents and skills.
May God bless you all, and keep you all in good health always.
Sincerely in Christ Jesus,
Fr. Roque Pereira
I am the oldest in a family of six siblings. I have 3 brothers and two sisters. I joined the minor seminary in Goa, India, at the age of 14. I finished my high school studies, and then graduated with a BA degree in Psychology and English Literature. I also completed my Philosophical and Theological studies at the major seminary in Goa, India. Then, I took a break for three years, just to test my vocation to the priesthood. During that time, I did some courses in Computer Applications, Music and atering. I worked as a supervisor at St. Xavier’s Academy in India, a school for the handicapped and the mentally disabled children for 2 years. It was a really a rewarding and enriching experience to me.
I immigrated to Canada in August 2004, as a candidate for the priesthood in the Diocese of Calgary. Soon after, I did my five years of Theological Studies at St. Peter’s Seminary, in London, Ontario, which is affiliated with the University of Western Ontario. I graduated with a Master of Advanced Divinity Degree in April 2010, and was ordained to the Priesthood by Bishop Henry on 18th June, 2010 at St. Mary’s Cathedral, Calgary. In August 2010, I was appointed as an Associate Pastor at Holy Family Catholic Church, Medicine Hat, where I served for two years. Then, in August 2012, I was appointed as an Associate Pastor, to All Saints Parish, Lethbridge, where I served there for a year, and soon after, I was appointed as a Chaplain for the University of Lethbridge and Lethbridge Community College in August 2013. Since then, I have been involved working with the students and the youth and young adults, helping them with pastoral counseling, spiritual direction, celebrating Mass on both campuses, and organizing other activities, such as “Theology on Tap”,& “Praise and Worship Nights” etc. in order to establish and build relationship with Jesus Christ, and help them grow in their faith journey.
It is sad to leave this ministry as the college and university chaplain, but I totally understand that God has some bigger plans for me to serve Him and His people in the life of parish ministry. Bishop McGrattan has appointed me as a Parochial Administrator with you, her at St. Patrick’s Roman Catholic Parish and I sincerely think and believe that it is a great move for me to work with different parish ministries and beyond. I thank God for giving me this opportunity to grow in my gifts, talents and skills.
May God bless you all, and keep you all in good health always.
Sincerely in Christ Jesus,
Fr. Roque Pereira
Other Church Leaders:
Chaplain for Hospital & Senior Homes: Reverend Francis Tran
Deacon: Reverend Mr. Terry Olson
Deacon: Reverend Mr. Terry Olson
Administration
Admin Name:
Sue Zimmerman
Admin Position:
Parish Secretary
Phone:
Fax:
403-504-0980
Admin Email:
Click here to contact Sue Zimmerman
St. Patrick's Church Mass Times
Mass Times
Saturday
5:00pm
Sunday
9:00am & 11:00am
Tuesday & Wednesday
7:00pm
Thursday & Friday
8:30am
Reconciliation
By appointment.
Please contact Father Roque at 403-526-2265 OR Father Francis Tran at 403-977-4656 to book your appointment.
Or 'walk-in' on Saturday afternoon from 4:00 - 4:45pm in the Church.
2023 Holy Week & Triduum with Bishop McGrattan
All are welcome! Bishop McGrattan will celebrate the following liturgy at St. Mary’s Cathedral:
• Chrism Mass, Monday, April 3 at 7 pm
• Holy Thursday, April 6 at 7 pm
• Good Friday, April 7 at Noon and 3 pm
• Easter Vigil, April 8 at 8pm
• Easter Sunday, April 9 at Noon
It's been more than a year since the last mass times update. Please make sure to contact the church to confirm mass times.
Please contact the church to confirm Mass Times or SUBSCRIBE to updates below
Saturday
5:00pm
Sunday
9:00am & 11:00am
Tuesday & Wednesday
7:00pm
Thursday & Friday
8:30am
Reconciliation
By appointment.
Please contact Father Roque at 403-526-2265 OR Father Francis Tran at 403-977-4656 to book your appointment.
Or 'walk-in' on Saturday afternoon from 4:00 - 4:45pm in the Church.
2023 Holy Week & Triduum with Bishop McGrattan
All are welcome! Bishop McGrattan will celebrate the following liturgy at St. Mary’s Cathedral:
• Chrism Mass, Monday, April 3 at 7 pm
• Holy Thursday, April 6 at 7 pm
• Good Friday, April 7 at Noon and 3 pm
• Easter Vigil, April 8 at 8pm
• Easter Sunday, April 9 at Noon
It's been more than a year since the last mass times update. Please make sure to contact the church to confirm mass times.
Please contact the church to confirm Mass Times or SUBSCRIBE to updates below
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Dress Code
Sunday School / Children and Youth Activities
Under 18s:
UNCHAINED
Sunday 7-9pm at Holy Family Parish
UNCHAINED is for youth grades 9-12 interested in growing deeper in faith and having fun!
Equip
Friday 7-9pm Faith. Fun. Friends.
This group is for grades 6-8. We grow and learn in Christ, equipping ourselves to be His servants in the world (Ephesians 6:10-18). Typically, we meet two Fridays a month: one at Holy Family and one at St. Patrick’s Church.
Sunday 7-9pm at Holy Family Parish
UNCHAINED is for youth grades 9-12 interested in growing deeper in faith and having fun!
Equip
Friday 7-9pm Faith. Fun. Friends.
This group is for grades 6-8. We grow and learn in Christ, equipping ourselves to be His servants in the world (Ephesians 6:10-18). Typically, we meet two Fridays a month: one at Holy Family and one at St. Patrick’s Church.
Other activities & ministries
Sacramental Preparation
Seniors Services
Prayer Shawl Minsitry
Seniors Services
Prayer Shawl Minsitry
Other information
St. Patrick's Church History
"Some people pray just to pray and some people pray to know God". Andrew Murray
St. Patrick's Church listing was last updated on the 11th of March, 2023
