Founded in 1848 by the city's Irish community, St. Rose of Lima Church has served Meriden from its current building since 1859. Today the congregation reflects the diversity of Meriden, and the church holds masses in both English and Spanish on Sundays. Nearly 1,200 people attend masses throughout the weekend, according to St. Rose's pastor Father Jack Hoak. The church has an English and Spanish choir and CCD in both languages. It also hosts a children's church at 10:30 on Sundays.