History of St. Jerome Catholic Church

1966 – Founding and First Masses

Established in May of 1966  by Bishop John J Russell, St. Jerome Parish began with 135 families.  After a year of Masses at R.O. Nelson School, Bishop Russell approved plans for the building of a Church and Parish Center.  The parish began its’ existence with 135 families.

 

1967 Construction of a New Church Begins

The groundbreaking took place shortly after this approval in a ceremony in the large empty space the parish had purchased.  It was the fall of 1967.  Fr. Hendrick was the pastor at the time.

 

1968 Dedication

On September 2nd, 1968 Bishop John J Russell dedicated the church and the parishioners were able to enjoy the results of their generosity and perseverance.

 

1968 – The Original Church

Pictured is the original architect’s drawing of what our church looked like upon its completion in 1968.  What we now call the “Fellowship Hall” was the original Worship Space.

Thanks to the generosity and dedication of the early church community the parish now had a worship space that would be used with dignity and reverence for 20 years.

 

1986 – A New Church Space is Needed

The parish, having outgrown its current worship space, embarked on a new construction project.  Groundbreaking took place April 6, 1986.

1987 – The New Worship Space is Completed

The new worship space, dedicated May 3, 1987, was large enough to accommodate the parish during the booming 80s with room to grow in the future.

2000 – Faith and Life Classroom Building Constructed

The Faith and Life Center was built in 2000 to allow the parish to expand its religious education programs, for more youth programs, and to provide needed meeting space for parish and community activities.

2024 – Sanctuary Space Renovation

What began as a simple campaign to replace our leaking roof, led to a campaign to renovate our worship space.  The new design reflected the values that had always been present in our parish community: a pious reverence and a giving heart.  On June 28th, 2024 Barry C. Knestout dedicated our newly renovated Sanctuary.

Today

The same spirituality and welcome present in 1966 in the original 135 families can be found today.  Reaching out to the community beyond St. Jerome, we have opened our doors and our hearts to many community events and organizations.   Our history is but a taste of the vast excitement of what each new day will bring.

We thank the clergy and religious men and women who have shared their many gifts with us over the years.  It is under these shepherds that we came to be the special place we are today