Römisch Katholische Pfarrei Peter und Paul

The Römisch Katholische Pfarrei Peter und Paul in Aarau stands as an active, open-hearted Roman Catholic parish deeply woven into the fabric of the city's spiritual and social life. As a vital part of the Pastoralraum Region Aarau, this parish is defined not only by its liturgical services but by a refreshingly open, critical, and encouraging spirit that reaches out to all people. The listed address features both the church at Poststrasse 15 and the parish office at Laurenzenvorstadt 80, with the unique Offenes Pfarrhaus (Open Parish House) accessible from Poststrasse 15, serving as a flagship meeting place in the heart of Aarau.

Guided by Pfarreileiter Burghard Förster, the community lives its faith through action and word, placing a strong emphasis on encounter, diversity, and mutual support. The parish works ecumenically with other churches and collaborates with municipal and other organizations to be present for people in need. The Offenes Pfarrhaus is the warm heart of this mission—a welcoming space where individuals of all nationalities come together, share coffee, cake, and conversation, and build genuine connections under the guidance of volunteer staff and the Sozialarbeit und Netzwerk Asyl Aarau.

With a 4.5-star rating on Google Maps based on 47 reviews, visitors and members alike appreciate the parish as a place of peace, encounter, and cultural richness. One reviewer described it as "a good place to be at peace with oneself," while another praised a "beautiful a-cappella concert, very sensitive and full of sensitivity, very refined." The recurring themes in feedback highlight the parish's role as a refreshing, open community hub in Aarau. “Ein Kaffee zum verweilen und mit anderen Kulturen ins Gespräch zu kommen” – a coffee to linger and talk with other cultures – perfectly sums up the Offenes Pfarrhaus experience.

Worship and Liturgical Life

Gottesdienste at Peter und Paul follow a consistent rhythm that anchors the parishioners' week. Weekly Mass times are Saturday at 18:00, Sunday at 10:00, and Tuesday at 9:15. The calendar is further enriched by special liturgies, including Wortgottesdienst mit Kommunionfeier, Kleinkinder-Segensfeiern ("Fiire mit de Chliine"), and seasonal highlights such as Familiensamstage and Maiandacht gatherings. A complete Gottesdienstkalender is published on the parish website and updated regularly.

Sacraments and Pastoral Care

The Seelsorgeteam accompanies people through all stages of life. Taufen (baptisms), Trauungen (weddings), and Trauerbegleitung are offered with personal preparation and spiritual depth. The parish also provides Krankensegnung, Hauskommunion for the homebound, and Einzelgespräche for those seeking spiritual direction or pastoral counseling. Berger Begleitung in times of grief or crisis is a core part of the parish’s mission, ensuring no one in the community walks alone.

Community Engagement and Diakonie

Diakonie—practical service—is where Peter und Paul shines brightest. The Offenes Pfarrhaus operates Monday through Friday, 8:00 to 18:00, offering a low-threshold, inclusive space. Two signature programs define this outreach: Café Paula, a regular coffee gathering fostering cultural exchange, and Contact, a drop-in meeting point every Thursday from 15:30 to 18:00 at Pfarrhaus Peter und Paul (PEP) specifically designed for people of all nationalities. Volunteer teams, supported by the parish's Sozialarbeit, run these gatherings with warmth and dedication.

Additional community programs include a regular Offener Mittagstisch (open lunch table), Seniorenangebote, a children's playground, and an active Jubla (Jungwacht Blauring) youth group that recently sought support for new tents. The parish is also home to a Frauenbund (women's group), Ministranten, Pfadi, a Projektchor, and a Samichlaus group, ensuring every generation finds a place to belong and contribute.

Music, Culture and the Arts at Peter und Paul

Music and culture are integral to the parish’s identity. The Konzertreihe regularly hosts musical events—such as the highly praised a-cappella concert noted in Google Maps reviews—that draw listeners from across Aarau. Other cultural highlights include the Vollmondnacht (full moon night), exhibitions, Stollenführungen, and events in the Feerstube. The Kirchenmusik team and Projektchor invite participation across skill levels, enriching the liturgical and community calendar alike.

Religious Education and Faith Formation

Faith formation at Peter und Paul spans all ages. Children’s religious education (Religionsunterricht and Oberstufenunterricht) and Firmvorbereitung are offered in cooperation with the broader Pastoralraum. Families with very young children are welcomed at the "Fiire mit de Chliine" Kleinkinder-Segensfeiern and Familiensamstage. Adult faith engagement continues through Glaubensgespräche, an offener Gebetskreis, and group reflections, fostering lifelong spiritual growth.

Location and Accessibility in Aarau

The Römisch Katholische Pfarrei Peter und Paul is centrally located in Aarau, with two main venues: the church at Poststrasse 15 and the parish office (Sekretariat) at Laurenzenvorstadt 80, both in the 5000 Aarau postal area. The Offenes Pfarrhaus, with its entrance from Poststrasse, sits immediately adjacent to the church. The site is LGBTQ+-freundlich and is fully accessible; daily church hours are 8:00 to 18:00. The parish office (Sekretariat) is open Monday through Friday 9:00–11:30, with afternoon appointments by prior arrangement, plus Thursday 14:00–16:00. Nearby, guests can explore Aarau’s old town, the Aare River promenade, and cultural venues, making a visit to Peter und Paul seamlessly part of a day in the city.

Administration and Pastoralraum Connections

As part of the Pastoralraum Region Aarau, Peter und Paul collaborates closely with the parishes of St. Johannes Buchs-Rohr, St. Martin Entfelden, Heilige Familie Schöftland, and Heilig Geist Suhr-Gränichen. The Kreiskirchgemeinde Aarau (Feerstrasse 4, 5000 Aarau) handles central administration and can be reached at 062 822 68 23. The parish maintains a transparent, modern structure with dedicated teams for Gemeindeleitung, Seelsorge, Katechese, Jugendarbeit, Sozialarbeit, Kirchenmusik, and Sakristei, all listed on the Aarau Home page.

Common Questions About Römisch Katholische Pfarrei Peter und Paul

What are the regular worship times at Peter und Paul Aarau?

Regular worship times are Saturday at 18:00, Sunday at 10:00, and Tuesday at 9:15. A full Gottesdienstkalender with special services and seasonal liturgies is available on the parish website under Glauben & Feiern.

How can I contact the parish office?

The Sekretariat is located at Laurenzenvorstadt 80, 5000 Aarau. You can call 062 832 42 00 during office hours (Monday to Friday 9:00–11:30, Thursday 14:00–16:00) or email pfarramt@pfarrei-aarau.ch. Afternoons are available by prior appointment.

What is the Offenes Pfarrhaus and when is it open?

The Offenes Pfarrhaus is the parish’s open meeting place, accessible via Poststrasse 15. It is open Monday to Friday from 8:00 to 18:00, offering a space for encounter, coffee, and conversation, including the Contact programme on Thursdays and Café Paula at scheduled times.

Does the parish offer support for migrants and asylum seekers?

Yes. Through the Sozialarbeit und Netzwerk Asyl Aarau, the parish runs Contact—an open meeting point for people of all nationalities with coffee, tea, and cake, led by volunteers. This is a core diaconal ministry fostering integration and mutual support.

Can I rent a room or space at the parish?

The parish offers various Räume for hire. Inquiries can be directed to the Sekretariat at 062 832 42 00 or pfarramt@pfarrei-aarau.ch. The website provides further details under the Räume section.

What religious education programmes are available for children and youth?

Programmes include Religionsunterricht, Oberstufenunterricht, Firmung, Jubla (Jungwacht Blauring), Ministranten, and Pfadi. Kleinkinder-Segensfeiern (Fiire mit de Chliine) and Familiensamstage are offered for families with very young children.

Is the Peter und Paul church LGBTQ+ friendly?

Yes, the parish is listed as LGBTQ+-freundlich on Google Maps, reflecting its open and inclusive ethos.