OFFICIAL
Diocese of Davenport
Bishop’s Office
Davenport, Iowa 52804
Episcopus Davenportensis
DECREE
Whereas, the parishes of Saint Mary of the Visitation and Saint Patrick, in Ottumwa have cooperated and collaborated in various capacities: sharing resources, clergy, staff and ministries for many years; and
Whereas, the parishioners of these very same parishes have expressed their recognition of the benefits that merging these two parishes would bring, including strengthened spiritual formation, better utilization of financial and human resources, and an enhanced ability to serve our parishioners and the wider community; and
Whereas, in a town hall meeting attended by parishioners of both parishes, held February 3, 2025, the topic of merging the parishes was thoroughly discussed with the opportunity for all to raise questions or concerns, and, at the conclusion of the meeting, there emerged a consensus among the faithful that a merger would be just and reasonable to all involved; and
Whereas, at joint meetings of the Parish Councils of both parishes, held on February 18 and April 1, the topic of merging the two parishes was again discussed, and no serious objections were raised, and, at the conclusion of the April 1 meeting, a vote was taken in regard to the merger, and the people of both parishes voted to suggest to me, the Bishop of Davenport, that, should I choose to merge the two parishes, they request the new parish name be: “St. Joseph,” to honor the name of the former Catholic hospital in Ottumwa; and
Whereas, the pastor of both parishes, Reverend Joseph M. Sia, on April 7, 2025, did formally write me and request that I, the Bishop of Davenport, seriously consider the issues, and, if I saw it expedient, to issue a decree merging the two juridic persons of St. Mary and Saint Patrick of Ottumwa (c. 121), naming the new entity “St. Joseph Catholic Church;” and
Whereas, I, having viewed their request as both just and reasonable, and in keeping with the Divine Mission of the Church, that is, for the salvation of souls, and, being the sole authority within this diocese which can either erect, suppress, or notably alter parishes (canon 515 §2), in accordance with that same canon, did bring this issue before the Presbyteral council for consultation on May 13, 2025, as well as the College of Consultors on June 4, 2025, and, after having legitimately heard the advice of both bodies, have hereby decided to issue this decree:
Effective July 1, 2025, the two juridic persons, being the parishes of St. Mary of the Visitation, Ottumwa, and of St. Patrick, Ottumwa, are hereby merged, in accordance with canon 121. By this, all their goods, obligations, and patrimonial rights are now become one, keeping in mind that any intentions of the founders or donors must be respected; and
This new juridic person shall henceforth be known as “St. Joseph Catholic Church,” being a parish, and its boundaries shall be the combined boundaries of the prior parishes of St. Mary and St. Patrick; and
In accordance with canon 518, the parish is to be territorial, and its boundaries are established as:
Western boundary — At the junction of 331 Ave. and Hwy J3T, proceed North along 331 Ave., T61, T7J/Davis-Appanoose Ave., and Monroe-Wapello Rd./T7J to its intersection with the Blakesburg. Including Blakesburg, proceed North on N. Main St., Monroe-Wapello Rd./T61/T59, East on Hwy 137, and North on Hwy 63, excluding Eddyville, until it intersects with 310th St.
Northern boundary — 310th St., beginning at its junction with Hwy 63, proceed East along 310th St./G63, North on Osburn Ave., East on 305th St./G63 and Hwy 23, excluding Fremont. Proceeding East and South on Hwy 23, East on Hwy 149, excluding Hendrick, South on 180th Ave./Farson Rd./V41, East on 165th St./H17, and 125th St./H17 until it intersects with Packwood Rd./V63.
Eastern boundary — Packwood Rd./V63, beginning at its junction with 125th St., proceed South on Packwood Rd./V63, East on Hwy 34/34th Infantry Division Hwy, South on Fir Ave., East on 250th St., northeast on Elderberry Blvd., South on Douds Rd. and V64, to the Des Moines River, excluding Douds.
Southern boundary — At the junction of Hwy 98 at Douds and the Des Moines River, follow the river northwest past Eldon to the point at which the river is perpendicular to Eldon Floris Rd. Proceed South on Eldon Floris Rd. and southwest on Floris Rd., excluding the town of Floris, until Floris Rd. intersects with Hwy 63. Proceed South on Hwy 63 and West on 160th St. and 161st St. Proceed South on Ice Ave. and West on 180th St. in a way that excludes Drakesville. Continue East on Bunch Rd./J3T until its intersection with 331 Ave; and
As the office of pastor of St. Mary and St. Patrick is now defunct, Reverend Joseph M. Sia, in accordance with Can. 520 §2, is hereby appointed pastor of St. Joseph parish, for a six (6) year term; and
The pastor of St. Joseph, in accordance with canon 533 §1, shall hereby have residence at 216 N. Court Street, Ottumwa IA 52501; and
In accordance with Canon 535 §1, the historical and sacramental records of both St. Mary and St. Patrick will from this time be kept at the same 222 N. Ward Street, Ottumwa, IA 52501, which has been designated as the parish offices for the new juridic person, St. Joseph.
Given at the Chancery on June 7, 2025.
Dennis Walsh,
Bishop of
Davenport
Deacon David
Montgomery,
Chancellor
