Holy Family in Barbeau celebrates anniversary
1/15/2010

Holy Family Mission in Barbeau will be celebrating the 50th anniversary of the dedication of its church building on Sunday, August 23.  Bishop Alexander Sample will celebrate the Mass at 3 p.m. ET with parishioners, the pastor, Brother John Hascall, a Capuchin Franciscan priest, and guests. 

The mission church has invited all the priests who have served at the mission in the past to attend.  After the Mass, a picnic will be held under a large tent. 

According to “Seasons of Faith,” the diocesan history book published in 2006, Holy Family Mission was established in 1883 by Jesuit missionaries. 

Here’s what “Seasons of Faith” has to say about the church building itself: 

“Construction of the present church began in 1957.  Bishop Thomas L. Noa officially dedicated the new church August 9, 1959. 

“Every member of the parish is said to have taken part in the raising of the structure and paying off the subsequent debt.  One parishioner designed the building and other members acted as foremen during construction.  Monetary donations received through the sale of greeting cards, strawberry festivals and other means were augmented by a large contribution from the Catholic Church Extension Society.

“Upon completion of the church, parishioners worked to pay off the debt sooner than was thought possible by serving meals at the newly-constructed National Guard armory.  Everyone, including the pastor at the time, is said to have taken part in the project.

“In 1983 Holy Family celebrated the 100th anniversary of the founding of the mission and 25 years since the construction of the present church building.

“Improvements to the house of worship were made to coincide with the celebration.  Carpeting was installed in the aisles and in the entryway, a new gas heater was installed and the parish hall was repainted.  In 1985 the pews were refinished.”

Anyone interested in learning more about the history of all the parishes in the diocese should contact Sheila Wickenheiser at 800-562-9745, ext. 131 for information on how to purchase “Seasons of Faith.”

End.