St. Thomas Aquinas Church (Ames, Iowa)

St. Thomas Aquinas Church (Ames, Iowa) is a Roman Catholic parish and student center serving the city of Ames, Iowa and the campus of Iowa State University. Established in the early 20th century to serve a growing Catholic population, the parish is under the jurisdiction of the Diocese of Des Moines. It is particularly renowned for its adjacent St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Student Center, which provides spiritual and social ministry to thousands of students at the university.

History

The origins of the parish date to 1912, when Masses were first celebrated for Catholic families and faculty in Ames, Iowa. Initially served by priests from neighboring Boone, Iowa, the community formally organized as a parish in 1915 under the guidance of the Diocese of Davenport. The parish's early growth was closely tied to the expansion of Iowa State University, attracting Catholic students and staff. In 1917, the parish was placed under the care of the Dominican Fathers from the Province of St. Albert the Great, who have provided pastoral leadership for much of its history. The parish was transferred to the newly formed Diocese of Des Moines in 1919. A significant milestone was reached in 1929 with the dedication of the current church building, designed by the prominent Chicago architectural firm Barry & Kay.

Architecture

The church structure is a notable example of English Gothic and Tudor Revival styles, constructed from distinctive Kettle River sandstone. The design by Barry & Kay features a commanding square bell tower, a steeply pitched gable roof, and elaborate tracery in the stained glass windows. The interior includes a vaulted hammerbeam roof ceiling, a carved limestone altar, and a series of windows depicting scenes from the life of Jesus Christ and St. Thomas Aquinas. The pipe organ, installed in the choir loft, was built by the Wicks Organ Company. The architectural integrity and historic character of the building have made it a landmark within the Campustown area.

Parish and community

The parish serves a diverse congregation of permanent Ames residents, university faculty, staff, and visiting scholars. Regular liturgical life includes daily Masses, the sacrament of Reconciliation, and observance of holy days. The parish supports various ministries, including religious education programs, RCIA, and outreach through organizations like the St. Vincent de Paul Society. It actively collaborates with other local faith communities and participates in ecumenical initiatives across Story County, Iowa. The parish is a vibrant part of the broader Catholic community in central Iowa, under the pastoral oversight of the Bishop of Des Moines.

St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Student Center

Adjacent to the church, the St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Student Center is a cornerstone of Catholic campus ministry at Iowa State University. The center provides a comprehensive program of Masses, faith formation, student-led retreats, and community service opportunities. It houses meeting spaces, a library, and gathering areas for the university's large Catholic student population. The ministry is staffed by Dominican priests and religious sisters, along with lay campus ministers, and is affiliated with the national Campus Ministry Association. The center plays a vital role in the spiritual and social life of students, hosting major events during the academic year.

Notable events and features

The parish and student center host several significant annual events, including a large-scale welcome for new students during Iowa State University's Destination Iowa State orientation, a popular Easter Triduum liturgy series, and the "Aquinas Week" celebration honoring the parish patron. The church's carillon is played for campus and community events. Notable figures who have visited or spoken at the center include theologian Father Robert Barron and author Scott Hahn. The parish has also been a site for diocesan gatherings, such as ordination Masses for the Diocese of Des Moines.

Category:Churches in the Diocese of Des Moines Category:Roman Catholic churches in Iowa Category:Buildings and structures in Ames, Iowa Category:Iowa State University