The first 100 years are outlined here in the chapter An Historical Narrative (p. 1-16) taken from A People of Faith - Jean M. O'Reilly.
An Historical Narrative
For more than one hundred fifty-eight years, Roman Catholics in the town of Oxford have joined together in prayer to worship God. In 1828, Rev. Robert D. Woodley, a Jesuit missionary priest, visited the Catholic population scattered in such towns as Oxford, Worcester, and Providence. Two years earlier, the first Mass was celebrated in Worcester. Forty years earlier the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass was offered publicly for the first time in Boston.
Rev. James Fitton was assigned in 1833 to continue to bring the Sacraments to the Catholics in Oxford and the surrounding towns. Father Fitton traveled the vast area from Boston to New York line and from Vermont to Hartford. The presence of these zealous priest reflected the indomitable courage and perseverance of men whose deep faith moved them to carry the Word of God into an unknown, often hostile area.
Works ceased when the long-awaited news spread rapidly from farm to farm that a priest visit was imminent. The infrequent visits of a missionary priest determined when Catholics in Oxford would joyfully gather for mass. The time for marriages and baptisms depended on a priest who traveled the trails on foot, or horseback, or by stage. Often a memorial service would be led by a priest weeks, or months after a funeral. And yet, in those hard times of that hard life of much sacrifice, the Catholic faith grew.
Construction of the Norwich to Worcester Railroad in the late 1830’s initiated an influx of Irish immigrants whose fortitude had already been tested in times of severe hardship in Ireland . They brought their great love for the Catholic faith into an area where Catholics were few in number. French Canadians immigrated to this region for many years by following the roots long established by Indians moving between the two countries. The history of Catholicism in Oxford began with these people of God whose devout religious heritage gave rise to the human story of a people determined to be united in mind and heart.
The expanding economy of the mid 1800’s attracted people from Canada in increasing numbers. Many settled in the northern part of Oxford to be near the textile mills. By 1875 Canadian immigrants became the predominant group of Catholics in town.
With these expectations, most early settlers trace their ancestry back to the French Protestants known as Huguenots who first settled in the wilderness at Oxford in 1687 and to the English who arrived after them. Respect and acceptance by this closely knit society were perhaps more readily shown to Catholics since both the railroad and the textile industry were positive influences on the town. Prominent citizens who were members of other churches recognized the importance of Catholicism in the lives of their employees and neighbors. A kind of practical ecumenism was necessary for all to live in harmony.
On July 28, 1851, Rev. Matthew Gibson, pastor of Saint John Church in Worcester, celebrated Mass at the Michael Toomey residence on Millbury Road. Although Oxford had been on the missionary circuit for many years, this is the first time a specific location for a religious ceremony was documented.
Prior to this time Catholics gathered at unknown locations. Mass and other services may have been held out of doors if weather permitted as the early Irish setter settlers we're familiar with this practice in Ireland. Lay leaders probably led the tiny group in Scripture readings and prayers in the absence of a priest.
In 1853 a small wedge shaped parcel of land was sold by the Dana family to John Fitzpatrick, a Catholic. This land bordering on what is now Water Street and East Main Street was located on a diagonal to the east and south of the remaining maple trees. Since Main Street had been straightened in 1838 to avoid crossing the new railroad twice within a short distance, the area between the trees and the new road remained unused. A portion of that land was later purchased by John O'Shea in 1866 for a second Catholic Church.
Mass was celebrated by Father McNulty at irregular intervals at the Toomey home, in the schoolhouse nearby, at Mrs. Mary Ann Young’s home in Hodges village, and at one other unidentified location in North Oxford until 1856. Mass was then celebrated in Oxford and North Oxford once each month according to the report by Rev. Napoleon Meigneault. The approximately three hundred Catholics in Oxford at the time comprised the Saint Roch Catholic Society.
The First Catholic Church in Oxford
It is with awe that we recognize the determination of the self-sacrifice of those who united in 1856 to build the Church of Saint Roch. Father Meigneault as pastor Saint Louis Church in Webster supervised the construction of this mission church built at a reported cost of $8,000. This represents the same amount quoted for other Catholic churches constructed at that time.
Although probably smaller than Protestant churches already erected, the mission church represented a milestone in history of Catholicism in this town. Families arose before dawn to tend to a multitude of chores prior to setting off for Mass which was celebrated every other Sunday by a priest from Webster. People came by horseback wagon or braved the New England winter in their sleighs. Many walked great distances from their homes to fulfill their quests for religious guidance. The Church clearly symbolized that these people whose rugged individualism was honed from the intense struggle became one in faith.
Father Meigneault’s missionary parish included Webster, Dudley, Southbridge, Spencer, the Brookfields, Barre, Warren, New Braintree, Leicester, Clappville, Manchaug, and Oxford.
The growing membership in this worshiping community immediately recognized the need for a larger church. Together with a shared vision, men, women, and children sacrificed much to undertake the second tremendous project in about ten years. A new wooden structure was built on the land closer to Main Street. Many hands labored long hours on this building.
The original church built in 1857 was moved and attached to the back of the new edifice which created a design somewhat in the shape of a cruciform. The spire, porch, stained glass windows, steam heat, and electricity would be added over the next forty years.
As early as 1865, Catholics presented elaborate musicals, coordinated successful five day and evening fairs, presented dramas, organized socials and processions. A tradition of commitment, involvement, and participation was vital to the spiritual and social development that eventually led to the formation of this parish.
The second Catholic Church was dedicated by Most Rev. John J Williams of Archdiocese of Boston at ten o'clock on Sunday, October 11, 1868. Rev. James Quan or his assistants began to celebrate Mass each Sunday in the Saint Roch Church which still remained a mission remained a mission of Saint Louis Church.
The beautiful, large wooden altar painted white and trimmed with gold, stood apart in marked contrast to the dark pews which surrounded it on three sides. The sanctuary was enclosed by a semi-circular communion rail. Two side aisles took the place of the more common center aisle arrangement in the naive of the church. Two short aisles on either side allowed for access to the two side sections. Although an uncommon design for a Catholic Church at the time, it is similar to some churches recently constructed. Unpadded kneelers were eventually worn thin in the years ahead as the lives of many prayerful people centered on Church.
A year later Father Quan purchased sixteen acres of land to be used as a cemetery. He left additional acreage adjacent to the cemetery to the parish in his will.
The earliest reference to Confirmation at Saint Roch Church was in October 1877 when Most Rev. Patrick T. O'Reilly of the Diocese of Springfield administered the Sacrament to 170 children and adults.
A Parish is Founded
The Catholics scattered throughout the area had developed a strong bond of spirituality which involved which evolved into the visible, organized social structure of a parish. Festivities on April 28, 1866 brought to a close the mission status of Saint Roch and marked the founding of Saint Roch parish. The new parish included the church on the Plain and the missions at North Oxford and Stoneville.
These people had longed for a priest who would pray and preach in the midst in their midst daily. By May 23, 1866 Rev. Charles J. Boylan assumed his duties as the first resident pastor. He resided in the house which is now the rectory after the ownership of the property was conveyed from John E. Kimball to the Diocese of Springfield.
The parish census figures for 1888 reveal that there were 830 Catholics in Oxford out of the total town population of about 2,485. There were 507 Catholics in North Oxford and 323 on the Plain. Church records indicated forty-two baptisms and eleven marriages during that year.
Saint Aloysius Church in Rochdale became a mission of Saint Roch in 1891 when the mission at Stoneville was added to another church.
Rev. Patrick F. Hafey began his thirty-one years at Saint Roch parish in the winter of 1895. It is important to recognize the rapid sequence of significant changes after he came to Oxford. In August of 1895, Father Hafey announced plans to build a Catholic Church in North Oxford on the land deeded to the diocese by Edwin Bartlett. Two months later the rectory at Saint Roch was raised off the foundation twelve feet and brick walls were built at ground level to accommodate a third floor. The rectory could then provide room for an assistant priest.
Although the church was not completed, Mass was celebrated in the basement at Saint Ann's on Christmas 1896. Until then Catholics in North Oxford had traveled to either St Roch Church or to Saint Aloysius Church each Sunday.
Times for Masses alternated between 9:00 AM and 11:00 AM at Saint Roch’s and Saint Ann’s each Sunday. The mass schedule is dictated by the electric car schedule for the next fifteen years. It was understood that the electric car did not leave the respective church without Father Hafey who would then travel to the other church. Occasionally a lengthy gospel, sermon, or the required French and English sermons on Feast Days caused his delay, but no Irish Catholic car man would consider leaving until he was safely aboard.
Father Hafey became a legend in the midst the minds of those whose lives he influenced. Stories of his self-sacrifice, humility, and outstanding generosity abound. Known for his forthright statements and intense religious fervor, he devoted his days and evenings to the service of a growing Catholic congregation.
Each church during this time shared responsibility to provide special programs of plays an lectures. St Roch’s Field Days were held at Agricultural Park in Oxford for a few years. Sunday School was canceled for one Sunday afternoon in the fall so that children in their parents could collect chestnuts. Choir members and church workers were treated by the pastor to a sleigh ride in the winter.
“Seat money” provided financial support for the church as families rented a particular pew for yearly fee of $6.00. Boys sat on the left side, girls sat on the right side, and adults sat in the center of the church. Due to the predetermined seating arrangements parishioners became aware at a glance of any missing members of the parish family. People listened intently on Sunday after Christmas when the pastor carefully accounted for all parish income during the year.
One of Father Hafey’s few curates was Rev. Joseph J. Rice who was assigned to St Roch Church for about two years beginning in 1897. Services were held regularly at North Oxford and Rochdale after that. Father Rice later became bishop of the Diocese of Burlington Vermont. Father Hafey relinquished the aid of an assistant after Saint Aloysius parish was established in 1904.
In 1925 Jermaine Lesley left St Roch parish to enter the novitiate. As a sister of Saint Joseph of Carondelet, Sister Marie Annunciata taught school many years.
Father Hafey chose to become the first resident pastor at Saint Ann Church when the mission station was declared an independent parish. Geographic location automatically determined parish membership for most parishioners. Father Hafey was known to have asked specific families to join the new parish, and their decision at that time defined parish boundaries for many years.
After being usual minister of Baptism at Saint Roch Church for all those years. Father Hafey administered the Sacrament for the last time at Saint Roch’s on September 27, 1926. He then moved into a recently completed rectory at Saint Anne's and the new pastor was assigned to Saint Roch’s.
The people of Saint Ann’s did experience the same joyful anticipation as the people of Saint Roch’s had forty years earlier. Although parishioners had enthusiastically worked to building a new parish church and rectory and founding a new parish for 30 years, some sadness accompanied the severing formal ties with the original parish.
Both of these parishes shared a common history for many years. A part of Saint Roch parish will always remain the story of Saint Ann parish in the same way for the part of Saint Louis parish will always remain in the story of Saint of this parish.
The People of Saint Roch
Priests and people have always brought together at Saint Roch Church for Mass and the sacraments and public devotional services.
While some of the following religious services had taken place since 1886, the listing below is a typical yearly schedule from 1927 through 1951:
First Friday devotions with morning Masses at 6:30 and 7:30 followed by Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament in the evening. May devotions and Forty Hours’ Adoration with morning masses at 5:00 and 7:00. Lenten devotions included recitation of the Rosary, a sermon, and Benediction on Wednesday evenings and Stations of the Cross twice on Fridays. Two week missions were conducted about every two years with one week designated for men and one week designated for women. Parishioners attended mass at 5:30 AM and then returned to the church for a sermon in the evening. First Communicants returned to the church in the afternoon for Benediction and to be enrolled in the Scapular.
Three Masses were celebrated in the morning on Holy Days at 5:30, 7:30, and 8:30. Two Masses were celebrated Sundays until 1936 when a second priest was assigned to the parish. Three Masses were then celebrated each Sunday morning at 7:00, 8:30, and 10:30. Sermons were preached in English and French several times during the year until 1935 when the practice was discontinued. Vespers were recited on Sunday afternoon and Benediction was held in the evening. Some years these services were combined. Altar boys attended regularly scheduled meetings. Religion classes were held for all ages. Confessions were heard by one and then by two priests on Saturday afternoon from 4:00 - 5:00 and from 7:00 – 8:00 in the evenings. They were also heard at the same time before a Holy Day. A common practice was for Catholics to visit the Blessed Sacrament and spend time in the church when services were not being conducted.
When the envelope system was introduced in the mid-1930s the pew rent was discontinued. Each adult was also asked to contribute fifteen cents at the door each Sunday.
Social activities enriched parish life which offered a wide variety of opportunities for spiritual development. Parish spirit reinforced a sense of belonging. The years 1927 through 1951 reflect a dramatic increase in the number of social activities sponsored by the parish. Each family was usually well represented in parish organizations. Societies met regularly with a business meeting preceding the evening’s program which often concluded with a carefully prepared lunch.
Some of the activities took place at the Town Hall, but most of them were held in the former carriage shed which had been converted 1919 into a garage for the car purchased so reluctantly by the pastor. When Renovation of the second floor was complete, it was officially known as Saint Roch’s Club Rooms. It was unusually more fondly referred to as the barn.
Social activities included the following: Married Ladies Sodality and Young Lady Sodality which were lady combined to form the Rosary Sodality: Sanctuary Society; Saint Roch Social and Athletic Club which included basketball and baseball teams; The Ladies Auxiliary of the Social Club. Small whist parties were held regularly in private homes; Large whist parties were held in the Town Hall, or in the Club Rooms. A group of women organized the first St. Vincent DePaul Society at this time for the parish. Lawn parties, carnivals, beano, and minstrels were also held. One of the societies or the Sodality usually sponsored at Christmas party for children at the Town Hall. Children of the First Communion classes were often served breakfast in the classrooms following Mass on Sunday.
Several factors influenced this strong perception of a parish through the years at Saint Roch’s . Catholics needed church sponsored activities because each church in Oxford created its own opportunities for social interaction. Transportation was often less available at that time. In many ways economic hardships caused by the Depression years and the tragic consequences of war during this span of time drew people closer to each other and to their church. The socialization effort offered in the church organizations appealed to many women who did not work outside the home. A less mobile society afforded people time to develop friendships which ultimately found a sense of fulfillment in these activities. Fewer things competed for everyone's time. Many first-generation Americans chose to carry on the belief of their parents which clearly showed the influence of religion on daily life.
Beginning in early 1950 and number of parishioners increased proportionately with the overall growth in town population. The safety of congregation could no longer be assured even with extensive repairs to the wooden church. It could not accommodate the number Catholics who sought to worship together on Sunday. Another church was required.
“The Church is a Construction in the Making”
Soon after Rev. John E. O'Toole became pastor of Saint Roch Church in late 1952, he announced plans to build a new church on parish owned property adjacent to the rectory. Encouraged by Father O'Toole's devotion to his pastoral duties, his effective leadership, and his business acumen, people showed a willingness to sacrifice and to work together in new ways. The interested support of parish activities shown by both priests prompted a renewed sense of purpose in parish life. Once again the same determination, dedication, and perseverance arose in parishioners at Saint Roch.
Plans were formulated to develop a Saint Roch Building Fund Drive. Parishioners were asked to donate $100. After the initial donation they could then donate any special furnishings for the church. Members of the parish once again responded most generously.
It was hoped that Midnight Mass in 1955 would be celebrated in the new building. Work was delayed by carpenter’s strike which continued until two days prior to Christmas. Carpenters worked many hours on the day before Christmas to install all the pews. The priests, the sacristan, the custodian, and a few others immediately removed some sacred furnishing needed from the old church and quickly prepared the new church for Mass. All these preparations occurred on the coldest of December days.
The church was filled with Christmas joy on that Holy Night. The people of Saint Roch present that night were united in the same true faith at the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass as generations of Catholics who preceded them. On that special Christmas Eve, they knew that each person had contributed something. By turning their thoughts to God they could understand the true value of each person, beginning with themselves. Imbued with the spirit of family, they were thankful for their church and for each other.
The third Catholic Church was blessed and dedicated to God under the patronage of Saint Roch by Most Rev. John J. Wright at 10:30 AM on Sunday, February 12, 1956. Cornerstone laying ceremonies were conducted fifteen minutes earlier. A Pontifical Mass was celebrated by Bishop Wright who was assisted by several priests. Rev. Mederic J. Roberts directed the Senior Choir.
“House of God in Gate of Heaven” with the word selected by Bishop Wright to mark the building set aside for the worship of God. These words are usually included in the prayers read at the dedication of a Catholic Church. They are found in Genesis 28:17.
The barn and an apartment building located near the rectory were demolished to provide off street parking space. A two car garage was built in place of the barn. The old church was raised. The house next to the rectory was purchased and renovated by men from the parish so that it could be used as the Confraternity of Christian Doctrine Center. The parish complex was then considered complete.
Enthusiasm continued but the social organizations as well as the religious services which were so popular in the previous decades. The development of new organizations in the 1950s at Saint Roch kept pace with the natural, diocesan, and local emphasis on social involvement.
For many years children receive their First Holy Communion on Memorial Day. That day was chosen so the children would remember the specific date of their First Eucharist which was followed by a communion breakfast. The previous year's First Communion class formed the procession on Holy Thursday and participated in devotions at the statue of Our Blessed Mother with the altar boys in May. Members of various organizations attended Mass together several times each year.
The new church hall boasted a completely equipped kitchen, Parish supers, harvest festivals, whist parties, penny socials, musicals and other special activities were well supported.
Saint Roch’s Book Club was formed and membership was open to 25 Catholic women from the parish. Men were urged to join the Holy Name Society. The Serra club of Worcester Southern was organized by Father O’Toole. The Knights of Columbus attracted new members especially since Bishop Wright seldom missed an opportunity to acknowledge the help they rendered to the Church and to the community. Many people participated in the annual two day Diocesan Congress for Catholic Women and the corresponding Congress for men.
Numerous activities of the Catholic Youth Council attracted many young people of high school age. The Diocesan Youth Congress drew many participants from the parish each year.
The Confraternity of Christian Doctrine developed into one of the largest and most respected educational programs in the diocese. The Catholic Church was the first church in Oxford to take advantage of an invitation extended to all denominations to provide religious instruction during one hour of release time from school. Four Sisters of Mercy from Worcester and many parishioners taught CCD classes for all grade levels on Monday Tuesday afternoons. Release time was discontinued in the 1970s. Graduation exercises were held for many years for all high school seniors who successfully completed the CCD program. Three $100 scholarships were given by the Book Club and the Rosary Sodality. Adult discussion clubs provided for continuous study of religion.
A few dedicated parishioners have served for several years as the religious education coordinators. Beginning in 1973 the parish contracted with three coordinators who each employed for about two years in that capacity. The associate pastor has been responsible for supervising the CCD program at other times.
Priests of the parish continued to conduct a Census as this invaluable method of maintaining communications with parishioners had long ago become regular part of the parish calendar.
Rev. John E. Doran was ordained June 18, 1966 by Most Rev. Bernard Flanagan at Saint Roch Church where he also celebrated his First Solemn Mass the next day. Originally from Worcester, Father Doran's parents had recently moved to Oxford.
“Be Not Afraid”
Major changes occurred in the Catholic Church as a result of the four sessions of the Second Vatican Council held between 1962 and 1965. The purpose of the council was to promote comprehensive renewal of the Church in response to radically changing world. Some aspects of the renewal had more direct impact parishes than others.
The visible effects of the renewal process were obvious with the dramatic changes in the style of Catholic liturgy. It is significant that the term “liturgy” is derived from the Greek, meaning the “work of the people”.
Liturgy includes all acts of public worship. Documents from the Council explain the “liturgical services and not private functions but celebrations of the church which is the sacrament of unity.” The “Church … desires that all the faithful should be led to that full, conscious, active participation in liturgical celebrations.” While the laity before the Second Vatican Council reflected more a passive role, the community of Saint Roch has now responded in a more active role. The effects of liturgical renewal were readily seen at Saint Roch since every major ritual of the Roman Catholic Church was revised.
Senior and Junior Choir members have always contributed their talent to enhance the beauty of liturgical celebrations at Saint Roch Church. Both choirs sang in the traditional Latin until English replaced it. The Senior Choir has usually sung at the last mass on Sunday while the Junior Choir, Children's Choir and Folk Group have sung at various Masses. Loyalty the Church is clearly manifested by the many years of service rendered by organists and choir members.
In addition to the choir, all those assembled at church are encouraged to enter into sacred song. If active participation is a primary goal of renewal, then congregational singing is an additional expression of the identity of a parish community.
Initiated by the Chancery in compliance with the Second Vatican Council’s emphasis on lay participation in parish affairs whenever possible, the first Parish Council was formed at Saint Roch’s in 1968. Composed of representatives from such organizations as discussion clubs, parent education, parish finance, CCD teachers, Fishers, Helpers, Goodwill, Liturgy, Ecumenical. Family Life, and four members elected at large, membership for many years has included many interested parishioners. While the number of members fluctuates, the importance of such participatory roles being fulfilled by the laity is clear.
In 1970 the 7:00 PM Mass on Saturday replaced the 7:00 AM Mass on Sunday.
Priests and parishioners saw the result of their tireless efforts when the parish debt was dissolved in the late 1960’s. Stained glass windows were then ordered and installed in 1971 after a new pastor took charge.
Through the efforts of a small group of caring individuals while Rev. Cyrll A. LeBeau served as pastor, community outreach programs located in the CCD Center were developed for young people.
Vatican Council II emphasized that the primary purpose of church art is to facilitate worship, not to draw attention to itself. In order to conform to this mandate the interior of the church required redecoration in early 1970. Statues were removed from the front of the church, but one of the statues was returned a few years later. The communion rail was partially removed. Because the original altar could not be brought forward and successfully redesigned to resemble a table more closely, a parishioner constructed a temporary altar table by utilizing a door. The tabernacle was moved from the center of the altar and reserved on a side altar.
Two deacons served their full diaconate through Rev. Richard J. Carelli. On the Sunday following his ordination in 1976, Rev, Ernest P. Allega returned here to celebrate Mass. Rev. Conrad S. Pecevich celebrated Mass at Saint Roch Church on the Sunday after his ordination in 1977.
During Father Carelli’s pastorate the parish continued to grow and to change and to renew itself. A strong pro-life movement emerged. Joint Penance services were held at Saint Ann Church during Advent and at St Roch Church during Lent. An unusually beautiful Ecumenical Concert directed by the pastor was held at St. Roch Church. Parishioners enjoyed the annual parish picnics held at the 200 Sportsmen's Club. Plans were developed to improve the rectory; the kitchen was modernized; and the interior redecorated. The little garden beside the rectory was bright with orange and yellow in the summer and fall.
When Rev. Raymond L. Lange became pastor he continued to renovate the rectory by enclosing the front and side porches in order to increase office space. Church grounds became the location for parish picnics with additional games and activities.
The Parish of Today (1986)
Each priest who has come to Saint Roch church has brought new life to the parish. Rev. Gerald C. Dion instituted the 334 club to promote a bond of fellowship among parishioners and simultaneously generate the funds necessary to continue refurbishing all church property. Among the many projects completed within the last six years were siding the rectory, re-shingling the church roof, painting and redecorating the interior of the church and hall, and resurfacing the parking lot. The room beside the sanctuary was permanently reconstructed to become a confessional room. A room in the CCD center was converted into a Chapel for daily Mass in the winter months during the two years of the energy crisis.
A Memorial Fund now allows people to contribute toward church furnishings or parish projects. A Pictorial Directory which was published in 1984 represents from some of the parish family and emphasizes the value of personal relationships in the community of Saint Roch.
In 1981 Stanley and Giza was ordained a permanent Deacon in Saint Roch Church.
When the second Vatican council emphasize the importance of the world the Word, it encouraged modern Biblical scholarship and mandated that all liturgy become more Biblically oriented. A homily which is designed inherently associated with the day’s sacred readings clarifies their meaning especially for an individual congregation. Father Dion skillfully interprets these stories and relates them with meaningful language so that the people of Saint Roch can learn and live out the Catholic faith more fully.
The informative Scripture courses taught by Rev. James P. Robinson fulfill the desire for Catholics to learn the authentic teaching of the universal Church. Rev. Albin Weber and other priests before him have also presented similar programs of study.
All of the special ministries within the church signify the shared responsibility for liturgical worship under the ultimate leadership of the priest. The ministries of the Reader of the Word and the Lay Minister of the Eucharist were introduced after Second Vatican Council.
People of this parish have a lengthy history of serving one another in roles of sacristan, server, usher, and custodian. Today the Altar Society helps to decorate the church. Children learn the truths of Catholicism from parishioners who, in some cases have taught CCD for many years.
Parish Staff, Saint Vincent DePaul Society three 334 Club captains, and collectors for the Bishop’s Fund provide needed assistance through their essential work. The Catholic Youth Council sponsors and variety of programs for its members and reaches out to others by selling flowers on special occasions. The altar servers under the direction of Father Robinson began to offer coffee and Donuts after the Masses on Sunday to promote spirit of friendship among parishioners.
Rev. George J Riddick became associate pastor of Saint Roch parish following his return from graduate studies at the Pontifical Gregorian University in Rome. The parish welcomed Father Riddick to Saint Roch Church in July of 1986 .
“…that all may be one… (John 17:21)”
With the creation of the Secretariat for Promoting Christian Unity by Pope John the XXIII in 1960, the Catholic initiative to restore unity divided Christendom was formally recognized. The ecumenical movement promoting dialogue on fundamental issues between Catholics and members of other churches emerged from the Council’s decree on ecumenism.
Local ecumenical endeavors took form in the Oxford Ecumenical Council. In addition to providing a vehicle to foster interfaith dialogue and communication among church members, the Ecumenical Council for many years has sponsored concerts, Thanksgiving services, the annual Crop Walk, and evenings are common prayer services during the Week of Prayer and Christian Unity. The council also sponsored a Vietnamese family, special programs of interest, the Food Shelf currently supported by the Knights of Columbus.
It is particularly significant that we began our Centennial Year as organized parish by inviting the eight churches in Oxford to rejoice with us at our church on January 19,1986. Let us hope the same feeling of good will that the early Oxford settlers offered to each other will serve to strengthen our commitment to the peace of Christian unity in this year of our Anniversary and in the years ahead.
It is good that we study the past. We need to nurture a deep appreciation for those priests and parishioners who came before us at Saint Roch. Their untold sacrifices, courage, intense devotion, generous love, perseverance, and their commitment to each other and to God, represent but a few of their gifts to us.
To recognize that each succeeding generation inherits a remnant of the inspiration that fulfilled those unnamed Catholics in the formative years of this parish is to reflect on the connective sense of history which allows us to become one with them in spirit. They were the Church of the past. We other people of Saint Roch of the present. The past lives on in the present, and in time, the present will become the foundation of the future.