Our Mission
The Rural Parish Clinic of the Archdiocese of St. Louis extends the mercy of Jesus Christ to those who come to us in need by providing the highest quality, compassionate care rooted in the Roman Catholic Church. Drawing from the legacy of the Rural Parish Workers of Christ the King, the Rural Parish Clinic seeks to meet the medical, dental, social, emotional, and spiritual needs of uninsured residents — regardless of faith — in rural Missouri.
Our History
The Rural Parish Workers of Christ the King have a storied history dating back to the 1940s, when a group of vowed laywomen united to provide food, clothing, shelter, utility assistance, and spread the word of God to their rural Missouri neighbors. Inspired by their legacy, Archbishop Robert J. Carlson founded the Rural Parish Clinic (RPC) to bring free, high-quality medical and dental care to underserved rural communities.
Launched in 2019 with a mobile medical clinic and expanded in 2021 with a mobile dental clinic, the RPC now serves seven rural counties in the Archdiocese of St. Louis with plans to expand further.
Over the last six years, the clinic has provided more than 3,700 patient visits for individuals who do not have access to insurance or resources and would otherwise go without care.
Our Impact
The Rural Parish Clinic provides completely free medical and dental care to uninsured individuals whose household income falls at or below 200% of the federal poverty level. The medical clinic serves uninsured individuals aged 19–64 and dhe dental clinic serves individuals ages 16 and older who do not have dental insurance.
We focus on the working poor — those who cannot afford insurance premiums, whose employers do not offer healthcare, or who are self-employed. Rural communities have significantly fewer options for free or reduced-cost health and dental care, and the RPC exists to fill that gap with dignity and compassion.
Our Values
Grounded in Catholic faith, our staff and volunteers alike serve with mercy, dignity, and justice, living out the teachings of Jesus Christ to care for “the least of these” (Matthew 25:40). The Rural Parish Clinic is not just about medical and dental care; it is about connecting with people on a deeper level, meeting them where they are, and offering the loving hand of Jesus in a tangible way.
A Ministry of Mercy
Support Our Mission
The Rural Parish Clinic would not be possible without the generosity of our donors and the dedication of our volunteers. There are many ways to get involved — every gift of time, treasure, or prayer makes a difference.