In July 2006, the Prince of Peace Cluster was formed to combine the following parishes: Sacred Heart, LaPorte City, St. Mary of Mt. Carmel, Eagle Center, and St. Paul, Traer. Father Jerry Blake served as first pastor.
We are a Catholic cluster of three parishes located in Tama and Blackhawk Counties, Iowa. These parishes are Sacred Heart located in LaPorte City, St. Mary of Mt. Carmel located near Eagle Center, and St. Paul located in Traer. We were clustered in July 2006. Our cluster offers a variety of activities designed to meet the spiritual, pastoral, and social needs of area Catholics. Each parish has its own programming and identity, but we share resources to better serve the wider community.
Our cluster purpose is to welcome and inspire the community to share and nurture our Catholic faith through prayer, sacraments, service, and love of God. Our core values are community (understanding, caring and addressing the needs of individuals, couples and families), encouragement (giving hope, inspirations and support to others), excellence (maintaining the highest ministry standards that bring glory to God in Faith Formation, sacred liturgy and community service), and prayer (communicating with God in words, in song and in the silence of one's heart).
Mailing address for all three parishes: St. Paul Catholic Church, 1102 Walnut Street, Traer, IA 50675
Office Hours
Office in Traer
Monday through Thursday 8:00 am - 4:00 pm. Friday 8:00 am - 1:30 pm.
When you visit
Visiting a new church can be intimidating: What should I wear? Where do I park? Where do my kids go?
We understand the many thoughts that can come from visiting a new church, so we want you to feel completely comfortable when you visit. Below are some frequently asked questions. If you have any additional questions, don't hesitate to contact us or talk with an usher when you visit.
When are services?
Daily Mass Schedule:
Monday – no Mass
Tuesday – 8:15 am St. Paul
Wednesday – 8:15 am St. Mary of Mt. Carmel
Thursday – 12:00 pm Sacred Heart
Friday - 8:15 am St. Paul
1st Friday of the month - 8:15 am Sacred Heart (First Friday Mass and devotions)
1st Saturday of the month - 9:15 am St. Mary of Mt. Carmel (First Saturday Mass and devotions)
What should I wear?
We want you to feel comfortable. After all, we are thrilled that you're joining us and want you to be more focused on the service than what you're wearing. In the summertime, it's not uncommon to see people wearing sandals, shorts, and a shirt. Others prefer to put on their "Sunday best," and that's fine too! However, we do request that shorts be of a conservative length (no “short-shorts”) and that in general, clothing be respectable and modist.
How do I get to church?
Sacred Heart is located at 1021 Poplar Street, LaPorte City, IA 50651
St. Mary of Mt. Carmel is located at 1435 E. Eagle Road, Waterloo, IA 50701
St. Paul is located at 1102 Walnut Street, Traer, IA 50675
I’m not Catholic ... is it okay for me to participate in communion?
Communion, or The Eucharist, is the most intimate expression of our faith. Catholics believe that the host is literally the Body of Christ, transformed from bread by the priest presiding over the service. Most evangelicals think of Communion as symbolic, so it makes sense that they are not as strict about having the right relationship to it as Catholics and Orthodox Christians who believe it is a Sacrament and the True Presence of Christ. So, if you are not Catholic, we ask that you do not receive communion. However, those not receiving the Body of Christ and Precious Blood are invited to come forward with their hands crossed over their chests for a special blessing.
Am I expected to put money in the offering?
If you are visiting with us, we don't expect you to put money in the offering, and you are welcome to just let it pass you by. If you consider one of our Parishes as your home, please prayerfully consider giving on a weekly basis. You can give by check or cash during the service, or you can sign up for online giving.