North and South doors are open from
7:00 am until 7:00 pm

A Walk Around the Basilica brochures are located at the church entrances for self-guided tours.

Guided tours are available for groups of 15 or more. Suggestion donation $5 per person.
To arrange a guided tour, call the cluster office at 563-875-7325.
 

History. In 1862, the first Catholic church in Dyersville was completed and located in the lot immediately south of the Basilica. Already in 1869, its size had to be doubled to accommodate the increasing number of Catholics moving into the area. By 1880, the Catholic population had again outgrown the enlarged church, and in September 1887, construction on the present Basilica was started. The cornerstone of the church was laid on June 3, 1888, and on December 3 1889, the new church was dedicated by Bishop Hennessy of Dubuque. In recognition of the architectural attributes of the church and the fervent faith of the congregation, St. Francis Xavier Church was raised to the rank of a minor Basilica in 1956- by a proclamation of His Holiness Pope Pius XII. At that time, St. Francis Xavier was the twelfth church in the country to receive such an honor. Today the Basilica of St. Francis Xavier is one of 53 basilicas in the United States.

Some Statistics: 1. The height of each spire is 212 feet. 2. The exterior dimensions are 70x175 feet. 3. The height of the church is 76 feet. 4. The height of the side wall if 40 feet. 5. The base of each spire is 20 square feet. 6. The diameter of the face of the clock is 6 feet. 7. The gold leaf crosses are 6'8" wide and 14' tall. 8. There are 64 burnt colored Cathedral windows in the church. 9. Seating capacity is 1,200 people. 10. The original construction cost was approximately $100,000.

Parish Council:  Fr. David Schatz, Melanie Wilson,  Lucas Evett, Chris Salrin, Rebecca McGrane, Nicole Mullis, Tara Westhoff, Mike Recker

Finance Council: Mark Feldman, Elliot Salter, John Gallagher, Krista Thier, Joan Klaren, Matt Goerdt, Ted Boffelli

Building & Grounds: Mark Stelken, Ron Deutmeyer, Ryan Koopman

Peace & Justice: Cookie Scherrman, Shirley Olberding, Sr. Paula Schwendinger, Joan Steger, Ted Deacon, Mary Kay Westhoff & Mickey Kelchen

Liturgy: Brent Hinerichsen, Tami Kelchen, Sue Salow, Carol Schneiter, Rita Rahe, Sandi White, Chris Kruse, Karol Digmann, Lisa Burlage & Becky Williams

Faith Formation:

Stewardship:

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For more information on the cemetery at St. Francis Xavier, click on the below links or call the parish office:

pdf SFX Cemetery Regulations
(29 KB) pdf SFX Cemetery Headstone Regulations(6 KB)

Video Prayer Guides

Way of the Basilica Windows Prayer Guide (30 minutes)

Saint Joseph Altar and Holy Family Altar Prayer Guide ( 12 minutes)

Altar of the Blessed Virgin Mary Prayer Guide ( 14 minutes)

Communion of Saints Prayer Guide (12 minutes)

Brochures

A Walk Around the Basilica

The Basilica of St. Francis Xavier

Prayer Guides

Prayer Guide for Communion of Saints

Holy Family Prayer Guide

Mary's Fiat Prayer Aid

Way of the Basilica Windows

Other Videos

German Heritage of Dyersville

History of St. Francis Xavier

4K AERIAL TOUR