History
History of Holy Child Parish
The Parish of Holy Child was canonically erected on October 9, 1977 by Most Reverend Charles A. Halpin, Archbishop of Regina. It was named Holy Child to commemorate the United Nations International Year of the Child. Reverend Louis E. Kubash was the founding pastor.
The original Building Committee, chaired by Martin Schneider, met at St. Theresa School on September 1, 1977 to plan the construction of a new church and hall. A design submitted by architects McCudden, Goldie and Morley, though ideal in concept, was rejected as being too costly. In the meantime, through the kind permission of the Catholic School Board, the parish met at St. Theresa School. The first regular Sunday Mass was celebrated in the school gym on October 9, 1977. Weekday Masses were celebrated alternately at St. Theresa and St. Catherine schools.
The Holy Child Parish Council was established on January 16, 1978 at the first parish annual meeting. Martin Schneider was elected chairman. On January 18, 1978 the Catholic Women's League held a charter night and elected Alice Hallac as president. The Holy Child Catholic Men's Club held their charter night on February 27, 1978, and elected Al Jurzyniec as president.
A sod-turning and ground-blessing ceremony was performed by His Grace, Archbishop Halpin on July 15, 1979. The metal components for the building arrived from Wisconsin on January 4, 1980. The parish hall was completed on July 1, 1980. After the 11:00 a.m. Mass at St. Theresa School on Sunday, August 25, 1980, the parishioners picked up their chairs and carried them across the street to the new building. On August 30 the first Mass was celebrated in the parish hall. The first Mass was celebrated in the new church on October 26, 1980. On November 6, Archbishop Halpin came to celebrate Mass and to bless and officially open the parish hall.
Construction began on a new rectory at 1225 Graham Road on May 15, 1982. Part of the work was done by local craftsmen who volunteered their services. On July 1, 1982 the rectory was ready for occupancy. That same summer the church grounds were fully landscaped, a paved parking lot and driveway were installed, and a garage built.
The first baptism for the new parish was that of Mary Christine Schab on September 11, 1977 at St. Joseph the Worker. The first baptisms at St. Theresa School were those of Leah Zini, Chad Joseph Nagel and Kim Racznski on September 25, 1977. The first baptism in the new Church was that of Nathan Peace, son of Rick and Judy Peace, on October 26, 1980. The first wedding for the parish was that of Joseph Mignon and RaeLynn Hajdu on September 3, 1977. The first wedding in St. Theresa School was that of Mark Crumley and Anne Marie Buzash on December 26, 1978. The first wedding in the church was that of Mark Geiger and Rita Vicenzino on January 31, 1981. The first funeral in the parish was that of George Schuett on January 30, 1978. The first funeral in the church was that of Frank Bananish on September 8, 1981.
On August 1, 1985, Rev. Joseph Balzer became the new pastor of Holy Child Parish. Joining him on the parish team were Sister Roberta Fox, SSS who came in September of 1985, and Colleen Vogel was hired as secretary. Rev. Richard Krofchek, came in June of 1986 assistant priest. In early fall, Murray Campbell, the caretaker, was replaced by Greg Lett. A baby grand piano was donated anonymously that same year.
In August 1987, Sister Jeannette Niedzwiedz, SSND replaced Sister Roberta and Penny Wolbaum joined us as another half time secretary. At that time, it was decided that the office was far too cramped in the basement of the rectory and more space was needed in the church itself. A 3,200 square foot addition to the church, including a welcoming area, chapel, and parish offices, was completed in March 1988.
In 1988, J. R. Prince, our first seminarian came to spend his year of internship with us. A rapidly growing young parish demanded the hiring of a Youth Director, Elaine Muggeridge.
In 1989 an Allen organ was donated by the Holy Child Men's Club.
In 1990, Stephen Bill, seminarian, was with us for a one year internship and also helped guide our youth groups. In the fall of 1990, Dean Kelly was hired as Youth Minister.
In 1991 Don Bolen also interned for one year. John Moriarty was with us for a short internship in the summer of 1991 and Victor Tholl was our Youth Minister.
The first stained glass window was put in the west wall of the church followed by the window on the north end of the same wall in August 1992. Both windows were designed by Egon Stratmann, a well-known liturgical artist from the Diocese of Essen, Germany.
Of all the permanent art works at Holy Child the parishioners are especially proud of the fourteen stations of the Cross. These works, as well as the fifteenth station, the Resurrection are the work of the noted artist Erica Grimm-Vance. Father Rick Krofchek compiled the booklet of meditations for the Way of the Cross.
In 1992 Sister Carmelle St. Pierre, RJM, replaced Sister Jeannette. Brian Meredith spent a one year internship with us and also guided our youth group program.
In 1993, Tammy Pow was our Youth Minister.
In 1994, Father Rick moved on to his own parish and Joe Lang joined us. Julien Hammond, seminarian, interned for one year; and Jeanine Pow became our Youth Minister.
In 1995 Teresa Whalen Lux, replaced Sister Carmelle.
In 1996, Hannah Henderson was hired as our first full time Youth Minister.
In 1997 Brad Fahlman, seminarian, came to spend his year of internship with us.
In 1998, Father Joe died suddenly on May 1st. Father John Weckend became our pastor on July 1st. Debbie Matt replaced Teresa while she was away on maternity leave.
In 1999, Cheryl Marsonette became our Youth Minister, Debbie Matt, Youth Coordinator/Pastoral Assistant and Teresa returned as part-time pastoral assistant part time. Joe Lang became our first married man to be ordained to the Permanent Deaconate.
In 2000, Greg Lett our caretaker of 14 years, retired and has been replaced by Roy Nightingale. Debbie Matt became full time Pastoral Assistant along with Marian Grady who joined us from Prince George, B.C. Susan Mercer joined as Youth Co-Ordinator and Gail Kraft joined us as a part time secretary. Joe Lang moved on to the new Resurrection Roman Catholic Parish, as Pastoral Associate.
In 2001 Rev. Francis (Prince) Kurisinkal, arrived from India for six months to learn the ways of the Regina Diocese. He is now the pastor of Radville and area. Susan Mercer, our Youth Co-ordinator moved on to other endeavours and Louise Reeve joined our team September 1st as our new Youth Minister.
From the beginning, lay ministry has been very active. Sunday liturgy has involved large numbers of lectors, commentators, ushers, Eucharist and hospitality ministers, and altar servers. The church is also fortunate in having the support of excellent musicians and singers. Acknowledgement must also be given to the many members of the parish who are involved in catering and bar services, and to all who have donated time, talent, energy, and funds to the various spiritual and social ministries.
Holy Child Parish has approximately 1400 families. The parish boasts an active Parish Council, a Catholic Women's League, a Men's Club, a chapter of the Knights of Columbus (Archbishop O'Neill Council), adult education programs through sacraments, Alpha, R.C.I.A., Journey, Parish Home Ministry, and a parish library. An annual directory lists all other groups/activities and contact persons for the parish community. The parish team works closely with its schools, St. Theresa and St. Catherine for class visits, school services and sacramental preparations.
St.Joseph The Worker
In January 1960, Msgr. Frank Gerein, V.A., D.P., pastor of Little Flower parish, with the cooperation of the Separate School Board, opened a chapel of ease in the new St. Mark's School in the Glen Elm subdivision. This was done to facilitate attendance at Sunday Mass for the people in the extreme northease of Little Flower parish.
In October 1962, Msgr. Gerein proposed that at church be erected for the approximately 140 families in the area of St. Mark's School. With the help of a church board, elected at a general meeting, Msgr. Gerein organized a list of parishioners and developed a plan for the construction of a church. The church board consisted of Joe Martel, Leo Berger, George Moreu, Jack Wyatt, Dave Semeniuk, and David Zimmer.
By the end of June 1963, St. Joseph the Worker Church was completed and readied for worship. The church was blessed by His Grace Archbishop O'Neill on September 2, 1963. It was a glorious beginning for the new parish.
The C.W.L. was organized on September 18, 1963 with Msgr. Gerein as its director. There were thirty-eight members. The first executive consisted of Mrs. Clara Fahlman, president; Mrs. G. Phillips, first vice-president; Mrs A. Martin, second vice-president; Mrs. G. Moreau, third vice-president; Mrs. R. Tod, secretary, and Mrs. Rosella Zimmer, treasurer.
The Men's Club was established in 1965. The first executive included Msgr. Gerein, Bert Schaffer, G. Phillips, E. Jeworski, Carl Folk, Frank Zimmer, and B. Hammeluck.
The first baptisms were performed by Rev. Mel Fenrich on January 26, 1964 for Pamela Marie Gatin and Franco Toniello. The first confirmation ceremony was held in the new church on April 27, 1964; fifty-one people were confirmed The first wedding was that of James Ross McFadden and Shirley Ilein Morhart. The first funeral was that of Mrs, Elizabeth berger on September 30, 1964. The parish hosts Marriage preparation classes each year for the city of Regina.
Rev. Ml Fenrich served St. Joseph's Parish until August of 1965. Rev. Peter Jijssen ministered to the parish from February 1964 until October 1966. The first resident pastor was Rev. Pat Murphy, who served from 1966 until 1970. During his pastorate, the rectory at 1801 Bond St. was purchased. Rev. John Mulct was pastor from August 1969 until August 1974. Rev. Louis Ku bash, who was pastor of St. Joseph's from 1974 until 1977, presided over thedivision of the parish that resulted in the formation of Holy Child Parish in the Glencairn subdivision. Rev. Leon Savoie replaced Father Kubash in 1977 and retired February 1, 1985. On his leaving, Father Savoie donated a beautiful, hand carved statue of the Blessed Virgin Mary. As of August 1, 1985, the parish communities of St. Joseph the Worker and Holy Child were united under one pastor, Father Balzer, who resided at the Holy Child rectory. Sister Marie Schneider, SSND, was pastoral assistant from 1986-1995. On July 1, 1998, Father John Weckend became pastor for Holy Child/St.Joseph parish.
Crossroads
The Parish of Holy Child was canonically erected on October 9, 1977 by Most Reverend Charles A. Halpin, Archbishop of Regina. It was named Holy Child to commemorate the United Nations International Year of the Child. Reverend Louis E. Kubash was the founding pastor.The original Building Committee, chaired by Martin Schneider, met at St. Theresa School on September 1, 1977 to plan the construction of a new church and hall. A design submitted by architects McCudden, Goldie and Morley, though ideal in concept, was rejected as being too costly. In the meantime, through the kind permission of the Catholic School Board, the parish met at St. Theresa School. The first regular Sunday Mass was celebrated in the school gym on October 9, 1977. Weekday Masses were celebrated alternately at St. Theresa and St. Catherine schools.
The Holy Child Parish Council was established on January 16, 1978 at the first parish annual meeting. Martin Schneider was elected chairman. On January 18, 1978 the Catholic Women's League held a charter night and elected Alice Hallac as president. The Holy Child Catholic Men's Club held their charter night on February 27, 1978, and elected Al Jurzyniec as president.
A sod-turning and ground-blessing ceremony was performed by His Grace, Archbishop Halpin on July 15, 1979. The metal components for the building arrived from Wisconsin on January 4, 1980. The parish hall was completed on July 1, 1980. After the 11:00 a.m. Mass at St. Theresa School on Sunday, August 25, 1980, the parishioners picked up their chairs and carried them across the street to the new building. On August 30 the first Mass was celebrated in the parish hall. The first Mass was celebrated in the new church on October 26, 1980. On November 6, Archbishop Halpin came to celebrate Mass and to bless and officially open the parish hall.
Construction began on a new rectory at 1225 Graham Road on May 15, 1982. Part of the work was done by local craftsmen who volunteered their services. On July 1, 1982 the rectory was ready for occupancy. That same summer the church grounds were fully landscaped, a paved parking lot and driveway were installed, and a garage built.
The first baptism for the new parish was that of Mary Christine Schab on September 11, 1977 at St. Joseph the Worker. The first baptisms at St. Theresa School were those of Leah Zini, Chad Joseph Nagel and Kim Racznski on September 25, 1977. The first baptism in the new Church was that of Nathan Peace, son of Rick and Judy Peace, on October 26, 1980. The first wedding for the parish was that of Joseph Mignon and RaeLynn Hajdu on September 3, 1977. The first wedding in St. Theresa School was that of Mark Crumley and Anne Marie Buzash on December 26, 1978. The first wedding in the church was that of Mark Geiger and Rita Vicenzino on January 31, 1981. The first funeral in the parish was that of George Schuett on January 30, 1978. The first funeral in the church was that of Frank Bananish on September 8, 1981.
On August 1, 1985, Rev. Joseph Balzer became the new pastor of Holy Child Parish. Joining him on the parish team were Sister Roberta Fox, SSS who came in September of 1985, and Colleen Vogel was hired as secretary. Rev. Richard Krofchek, came in June of 1986 assistant priest. In early fall, Murray Campbell, the caretaker, was replaced by Greg Lett. A baby grand piano was donated anonymously that same year.
In August 1987, Sister Jeannette Niedzwiedz, SSND replaced Sister Roberta and Penny Wolbaum joined us as another half time secretary. At that time, it was decided that the office was far too cramped in the basement of the rectory and more space was needed in the church itself. A 3,200 square foot addition to the church, including a welcoming area, chapel, and parish offices, was completed in March 1988.
In 1988, J. R. Prince, our first seminarian came to spend his year of internship with us. A rapidly growing young parish demanded the hiring of a Youth Director, Elaine Muggeridge.
In 1989 an Allen organ was donated by the Holy Child Men's Club.
In 1990, Stephen Bill, seminarian, was with us for a one year internship and also helped guide our youth groups. In the fall of 1990, Dean Kelly was hired as Youth Minister.
In 1991 Don Bolen also interned for one year. John Moriarty was with us for a short internship in the summer of 1991 and Victor Tholl was our Youth Minister.
The first stained glass window was put in the west wall of the church followed by the window on the north end of the same wall in August 1992. Both windows were designed by Egon Stratmann, a well-known liturgical artist from the Diocese of Essen, Germany.
Of all the permanent art works at Holy Child the parishioners are especially proud of the fourteen stations of the Cross. These works, as well as the fifteenth station, the Resurrection are the work of the noted artist Erica Grimm-Vance. Father Rick Krofchek compiled the booklet of meditations for the Way of the Cross.
In 1992 Sister Carmelle St. Pierre, RJM, replaced Sister Jeannette. Brian Meredith spent a one year internship with us and also guided our youth group program.
In 1993, Tammy Pow was our Youth Minister.
In 1994, Father Rick moved on to his own parish and Joe Lang joined us. Julien Hammond, seminarian, interned for one year; and Jeanine Pow became our Youth Minister.
In 1995 Teresa Whalen Lux, replaced Sister Carmelle.
In 1996, Hannah Henderson was hired as our first full time Youth Minister.
In 1997 Brad Fahlman, seminarian, came to spend his year of internship with us.
In 1998, Father Joe died suddenly on May 1st. Father John Weckend became our pastor on July 1st. Debbie Matt replaced Teresa while she was away on maternity leave.
In 1999, Cheryl Marsonette became our Youth Minister, Debbie Matt, Youth Coordinator/Pastoral Assistant and Teresa returned as part-time pastoral assistant part time. Joe Lang became our first married man to be ordained to the Permanent Deaconate.
In 2000, Greg Lett our caretaker of 14 years, retired and has been replaced by Roy Nightingale. Debbie Matt became full time Pastoral Assistant along with Marian Grady who joined us from Prince George, B.C. Susan Mercer joined as Youth Co-Ordinator and Gail Kraft joined us as a part time secretary. Joe Lang moved on to the new Resurrection Roman Catholic Parish, as Pastoral Associate.
In 2001 Rev. Francis (Prince) Kurisinkal, arrived from India for six months to learn the ways of the Regina Diocese. He is now the pastor of Radville and area. Susan Mercer, our Youth Co-ordinator moved on to other endeavours and Louise Reeve joined our team September 1st as our new Youth Minister.
From the beginning, lay ministry has been very active. Sunday liturgy has involved large numbers of lectors, commentators, ushers, Eucharist and hospitality ministers, and altar servers. The church is also fortunate in having the support of excellent musicians and singers. Acknowledgement must also be given to the many members of the parish who are involved in catering and bar services, and to all who have donated time, talent, energy, and funds to the various spiritual and social ministries.
Holy Child Parish has approximately 1400 families. The parish boasts an active Parish Council, a Catholic Women's League, a Men's Club, a chapter of the Knights of Columbus (Archbishop O'Neill Council), adult education programs through sacraments, Alpha, R.C.I.A., Journey, Parish Home Ministry, and a parish library. An annual directory lists all other groups/activities and contact persons for the parish community. The parish team works closely with its schools, St. Theresa and St. Catherine for class visits, school services and sacramental preparations.
St.Joseph The Worker
In January 1960, Msgr. Frank Gerein, V.A., D.P., pastor of Little Flower parish, with the cooperation of the Separate School Board, opened a chapel of ease in the new St. Mark's School in the Glen Elm subdivision. This was done to facilitate attendance at Sunday Mass for the people in the extreme northease of Little Flower parish.In October 1962, Msgr. Gerein proposed that at church be erected for the approximately 140 families in the area of St. Mark's School. With the help of a church board, elected at a general meeting, Msgr. Gerein organized a list of parishioners and developed a plan for the construction of a church. The church board consisted of Joe Martel, Leo Berger, George Moreu, Jack Wyatt, Dave Semeniuk, and David Zimmer.
By the end of June 1963, St. Joseph the Worker Church was completed and readied for worship. The church was blessed by His Grace Archbishop O'Neill on September 2, 1963. It was a glorious beginning for the new parish.
The C.W.L. was organized on September 18, 1963 with Msgr. Gerein as its director. There were thirty-eight members. The first executive consisted of Mrs. Clara Fahlman, president; Mrs. G. Phillips, first vice-president; Mrs A. Martin, second vice-president; Mrs. G. Moreau, third vice-president; Mrs. R. Tod, secretary, and Mrs. Rosella Zimmer, treasurer.
The Men's Club was established in 1965. The first executive included Msgr. Gerein, Bert Schaffer, G. Phillips, E. Jeworski, Carl Folk, Frank Zimmer, and B. Hammeluck.
The first baptisms were performed by Rev. Mel Fenrich on January 26, 1964 for Pamela Marie Gatin and Franco Toniello. The first confirmation ceremony was held in the new church on April 27, 1964; fifty-one people were confirmed The first wedding was that of James Ross McFadden and Shirley Ilein Morhart. The first funeral was that of Mrs, Elizabeth berger on September 30, 1964. The parish hosts Marriage preparation classes each year for the city of Regina.
Rev. Ml Fenrich served St. Joseph's Parish until August of 1965. Rev. Peter Jijssen ministered to the parish from February 1964 until October 1966. The first resident pastor was Rev. Pat Murphy, who served from 1966 until 1970. During his pastorate, the rectory at 1801 Bond St. was purchased. Rev. John Mulct was pastor from August 1969 until August 1974. Rev. Louis Ku bash, who was pastor of St. Joseph's from 1974 until 1977, presided over thedivision of the parish that resulted in the formation of Holy Child Parish in the Glencairn subdivision. Rev. Leon Savoie replaced Father Kubash in 1977 and retired February 1, 1985. On his leaving, Father Savoie donated a beautiful, hand carved statue of the Blessed Virgin Mary. As of August 1, 1985, the parish communities of St. Joseph the Worker and Holy Child were united under one pastor, Father Balzer, who resided at the Holy Child rectory. Sister Marie Schneider, SSND, was pastoral assistant from 1986-1995. On July 1, 1998, Father John Weckend became pastor for Holy Child/St.Joseph parish.
Crossroads