The Parish of St. Patrick was established in Chicopee Falls in 1872.  Its first pastor, Rev. Patrick D. Stone, laid the cornerstone of  a wooden frame building in May of that year.  The first Mass was celebrated in the Falls by Fr. Stone on December 13, 1872, when the church was dedicated.  One year later, he purchased land for a cemetery which is still in use today. 

By 1880, Fr. Stone built a parish school on land he purchased on Columba Street.  That same year, he called seven Sisters of St. Joseph from Long Island to staff the school.  St. Patrick's was the first mission of the Sisters of St. Joseph in the Springfield Diocese.  A new school on Montgomery Street opened in April of 1970.  The Sisters of St. Joseph have continually staffed the parish school throughout its 127 year history.

Statistics are relatively easy to obtain.  The real history of the parish is written not with figures on paper, but in the lives of all those who have been a part of the parish family for the past 135 years.  Most of the early parishioners were natives of Ireland.  They found their employment chiefly in the mills.  Many found their way into business and the professions.  Today, the parish is multi-ethnic, proud of the many cultures and nationalities which bring life to the family.

The spirit of St. Patrick's is alive as all attempt to make a difference in the parish and in the community. 

In a Proclamation from the City of Chicopee, on the occasion of the 120th anniversary, Mayor Kos stated,
"The family of St. Patrick's parish has generously shared its values and talents with the City of Chicopee as its teachers, safety authorities and municipal leaders for many years.  We are a better place to live because of the gifts given to us by the members of this parish."