St Mary of the Visitation, Ottumwa Iowa S

You might already know that …….

The Catholic Messenger is the official newspaper of the Diocese of Davenport, and is a great resource for information on events and happenings in and around the Diocese, and is a real bargain at just $30 for 50 issues per year, and you can receive it in paper or electronic form – or both!

But did you know…….

The Catholic Messenger is NOT a free publication? When parishioners don’t pay for their subscription – the Parish is held responsible.

If you are currently receiving The Catholic Messenger and you have not submitted your subscription payment for 2025, please do so ASAP.

 

Payment checks should be made out to

THE CATHOLIC MESSENGER.

You may mail payment directly to the Messenger, or you can drop it in the weekly collection, or mail it to the Parish Office (222 N Ward).

 

Thank you!!

 

We are the people of St. Mary of the Visitation Church, a multicultural Catholic Christian parish in Ottumwa, Iowa. We are growing in commitment to Christ, proclaiming the Good News and offering charity to all.

Parish Life

 Parish Life

The heart of a parish is the Eucharist, but the parish family is the body that makes it a unique and vibrant community with an exciting parish life. Our parish offers a variety of ways to be part of that communal family in addition to the celebration of the sacraments.

Faith formation is a vital element of the Catholic life as we grow in knowledge and understanding of our faith in Jesus Christ and the Church he gave us. A deeper understanding can lead to a more intimate relationship with the Father, Son and Holy Spirit, and through the Trinity to the Church and our family, friends, neighbors, parish, and community. Such faith formation is not just for children, but for all of us as we grow as Catholics.
 
Another way to participate in our parish life are the various parish ministries including:
  • Parish Administration such as parish council, finance council, money counters, Seton school board and other committees;
  • Liturgical Ministries, such as Eucharistic ministers, cantor, lector, altar server, ushers and prayer leaders;
  • Social and Service Ministries such as Ministry of Care, Family Service League and national Catholic organizations;
  • Faith Formation and Evangelization such as study groups, religious ed volunteers, youth group, and marriage group leaders.
God calls us to use our gifts and talents to glorify Him and make life better for other people. Please see our Ministries page for more information and prayerfully consider these opportunities for getting involved in ministry. And if you have an idea for a new parish ministry, please contact us.

With many ways to be part of parish life, you'll want to stay informed by regularly reading the weekly bulletin and checking the parish calendar for a list of events and mass schedules.

Our parish has a rich history in Ottumwa, being founded by people who trusted in the Lord. Who we are today is based on that heritage as well as past and present leadership. Find out more about our spiritual forefathers as you read the history of our parish.

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