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A Brief History of St. Jerome's Parish
St. Jerome’s Parish (Est. 1956)
It was Christmas Midnight Mass 1956 that St. Jerome’s officially opened its doors to serve the spiritual needs of Sault Ste. Marie’s East End. What started out as a parish of 327 Catholic families, St. Jerome’s is now considered one of the largest Catholic parishes in the Diocese of Sault Ste. Marie, serving more than 1,400 families.
In the Beginning
After the second World War, the City of Sault Ste. Marie expanded extensively in every phase of civic and industrial development. Considerable residential growth occurred in the section of the city east of Pine Street.
In order to provide spiritual assistance for the Catholics of this area, His Excellency, the late Most Rev. R.H. Dignan, D.D., established the Parish of St. Jerome’s in 1956. Father John F. Buchheit was appointed the first pastor, and was given the responsibility of having a parish church constructed. A census taken in that year indicated that 327 Catholic families resided within the boundaries of the new parish.
On June 17, 1956, construction began on a basement church and an adjoining rectory, which were adjacent to St. Mark’s School. St. Jerome's Parish was officially opened with the celebration of Christmas Midnight Mass in 1956.
Parish Continued to Grow
As the number of families in the parish community continued to increase, and as parochial activities expanded, the accommodations became inadequate. In 1961, A Building Committee was formed with the object either of enlarging the present parish church, or of planning for the construction of a larger St. Jerome's Church on a new site. The Committee, headed by the late Fred Mills, and including such active parishioners as Dante Genetti, Walter Lukenda, Sparky Scarfone and Staff Hilt, undertook a detailed study and soon concluded that because of the limited size of the existing church property and the excessive cost of expanding existing facilities, it was desirable to purchase a new site.
And so, in 1964 the present property on Carmel Road of about 3.5 acres was purchased and Architect Perry Short was engaged to prepare the plans for a new St. Jerome’s Church and rectory. His directions were to plan a place of worship in order to comply with the liturgical changes recommended by the Council of Vatican II,
The first sod was turned on September 26, 1965 by the late Monsignor J.J. O’Leary, D.P., assisted by the late Very Rev. J.F. Buchheit and assistant pastor Father Frank Folz, and witnessed by the entire Building Committee.
On December 10, 1966, His Excellency the Most Reverend Alexander Carter, D,D., Bishop of the Diocese of Sault Ste. Marie, solemnly blessed and dedicated St. Jerome’s new parish church. A plaque commemorating the event is located at the south entrance of the building. The cornerstone of the original parish church is located in the wall at the north entrance.
The present church has a seating capacity of more than 650 persons. The payment for much of the furnishings and landscaping was made through contributions by parishioners. Through the generous support of its parishioners, St. Jerome’s church, rectory and property have been paid for completely. Less than 10 years after our new church was officially opened in 1966, parishioners joined with their pastor. Father Angelo Santa Maria in an impressive mortgage burning ceremony at a Mass of Thanksgiving celebrated by His Excellency, Most Rev. Bernard Pappin on June 20, 1976.
Pastors:
Here is a list of our previous pastors (click on their name for more information):1956 - 1973: Father John Buchheit (1956-1973)
1973 - 1983: Father Angelo Santa Maria (1973-1983)
1983 - 2000: Father Jim Hutton (1983-2000)
2000 - 2009: Father Hamish Currie (2000-2009)
2009 - 2013: Monsignor Vic Amadio (2009-2013)
2013 - 2015: Father Eric Pannike (2013-2015)
2015 - 2021: Father Pat Woods (2015-2021)
2021 - present: Father Alex Saurianthadathil
Notable Events:1956—The late Bishop Dignan established the Parish of St. Jerome’s. The late Father John F. Buchheit was appointed the first pastor, and on June 17, construction began on a basement church and adjoining rectory. The church was officially opened with the celebration of Christmas Midnight Mass.
1961—After a detailed study, a Building Committee headed by Fred Mills, and including Dante Genetti, Walter Lukenda, Sparky Scarfone and Staff Hill, concluded that it was desirable to purchase a new site.
1964—The present property on Carmel Road was purchased. Architect Perry Short prepared the plans for a new St. Jerome’s Church and rectory in compliance with liturgical changes recommended by the Council of Vatican II.
1965—The first sod was turned on Sept. 26 by Monsignor J. J. O’Leary. D. P, assisted by Very Rev. J. F. Buchheit and assistant pastor Father Frank .Folz.
1966—On Dec. 10, His Excellency the Most Reverend Alexander Carter, D. D.., Bishop of the Diocese of Sault Ste. Marie, blessed and dedicated St. Jerome’s new parish church.
1976—Less than 10 years later, parishioners joined with their pastor, Father Angelo Santa Maria in a mortgage burning ceremony at a Mass of Thanksgiving celebrated by His Excellency Most Rev. Bernard Pappin on June 20, 1976.
1989—On October 1 the first sod was turned for the Rev. John F. Buchheit Memorial Hall
1990—Bishop Jean-Louis Plouffe celebrated the opening of the new hall on May 13
2004—Bishop Jean-Louis Plouffe celebrated Mass after which he joined Father Hamish along with parishioners in a mortgage burning ceremony on Sunday May 9.
Associate Pastors who have served the parishioners of St. Jerome Parish.
1956 - Present
1964 - 1966: Rev. C. Francis Folz - Associate Pastor
1966 - 1969: Rev. Donald J. McMillan - Associate Pastor
1967 - 1968: Rev. John F. Daly - Associate Pastor
1969 - 1970: Rev. Angelo Santa Maria - Associate Pastor
1970 - 1972: Rev. C. Francis Folz - Associate Pastor
1971 - 1972: Rev. Francis O. Murphy - Associate Pastor
1972 - 1973: Rev. Angelo Santa Maria - Co-Pastor
1972 - 1973: Rev. Severino Pancaro - Associate Pastor
1973 - 1973: Rev. Jack F. David - Co-Pastor
1973 - 1976: Rev. Brian A. Dixon - Associate Pastor
1976 - 1979: Rev. John Balfe- Associate Pastor
1979: Rev. Randy Thomas - Associate Pastor
1983 - 1986: Rev. Dennis Kennelly - Associate Pastor
1986 - 1988: Rev. Peter Moher - Associate Pastor
1988 - 1990: Rev. Lech Krotkiewicz - Associate Pastor
1990 - 1992: Rev. Rodney Buzdygan - Associate Pastor
2016 - 2018: Rev. Daniele Muscolino - Assistant Pastor
Deacons & Parish Workers who have served the parishioners of St. Jerome's.
1978 - Present
1978: Rev. Mr. Walter Morrow - Deacon
1978: Rev. Mr. Larry Doyle - Deacon
1979: Rev. Mr. Harry Shewchuk - Deacon
1980: Sister Iris Hughes - Parish Worker
Rev. Mr. Richard Brady - Deacon
Rev. Mr. Derek Brisland - Deacon
Mrs. Janice Brisland - Diocesan Order of Service
Sister Claranne McFarling - Parish Worker
2012 - 2019: Rev. Mr. Marcel Lefebvre - Deacon