Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Sykesville PA

Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary welcomes Christians and those who seek to connect to Christianity in the Sykesville area.

We aim to make contact with and encourage others to join us in our life-changing Christian journey.

We are a friendly Christian community where we welcome others to join us in our worship and service to God.

Our vision is to make an impact for God, here in Sykesville, Pennsylvania by helping people understand the enriching messages of eternal hope given to us by Jesus Christ through His words and deeds.

Everyone is welcome, no matter your age, beliefs, or background. Come just as you are - we'd love to get to know you better.

 

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St. Mary Parish ~ Through The Years

For where two or three have gathered together in My name, I am in their midst. (Matthew 18:20)

St Mary Parish was established in 1872 with Fr. Weiner as the first pastor. Construction of the first church building began near Eleventh St. After several years of uncertain times the church was dedicated on October 24,1875, by Fr. Brennen, Fr. Weinker, and officiated by the Right Reverend Bishop Tobias Mullen. Bishop Mullen then appointed Reverend Fr. B. McGivney as pastor of St. Marys which was still a mission parish. Msgr. Terrence Brady became the first resident pastor in 1882. The first recorded baptism was Ella Daily on May 21, 1883 and first recorded marriage was between J.G. Shultz and Pauline Snyder on Feb 16, 1888. The parish quickly grew and property was secured on Main St and a new parish building was built and dedicated in October 1884. In 1889 St. Marys School and convent were built. The school was staffed by the Sisters of St. Joseph from Erie. The school opened with an enrollment of 240 pupils from first to eighth grade. The Knights of Columbus were chartered in 1905. Although the Knights is not a church organization, it played a vital role in helping the church through difficult times providing support for parish members. The Rosary and Alter Society was organized in 1914 with Mrs. Savilla Drake as first president. After 59 years of service Msgr. Terence Brady died on Aug. 8, 1940. The bishop appointed Fr. Daniel Fitzpatrick who was the nephew of Msgr. Brady and had assisted his uncle with parish duties before his death. Fr. Fitzpatrick became the second resident pastor of St. Marys church. Father Dan was given title of Msgr. in 1948. Soon after his health began to fail, and he died on Aug. 10, 1949. Father Gallagher assisted for a short time until Fr. Raymond Dugan was appointed in 1950. Although there were many assistant pastors through the years, Fr. Dugan was only the third resident pastor appointed to St. Marys parish. Fr. Dugan soon became one of the most beloved and admired priests in the area and was known throughout the community and surrounding area. His priesthood was tragically cut short on April 11, 1968 when Fr. Dugan suffered a heart attack and died. The DuBois Courier noted the merchants of Reynoldsville all closed on the day of his funeral in honor of the priest that touched so many during his short time as pastor. Fr. Rice served as administrator of St. Marys parish for a short time until the appointment of then Father John Mignot I V as the fourth and present resident priest. Fr. Mignot soon realized the need for a new church building due to the age and disrepair of the current building. He began work to replace the 87 year old church and plans were announced on March 14, 1971. The project became known as the "Promised Dream". At the same time the parish school and convent were closed. The new church building was officially dedicated by Bishop Alfred M. Watson on Nov. 16, 1975.

For the next 30 years, Father Mignot (who would receive the honor of the Holy Father by being bestowed the title of Monsignor) presided over a very active parish community. The church hosted many spirited celebrations of liturgy and sacraments. The religious education classrooms catechized many young people. The social hall hosted many wedding receptions, weekly dinners, Election Day Turkey Dinners, and bingos. While pastor, Monsignor Minot founded Christ the King Manor Nursing Home in Dubois. His vision continues as the Manor has expanded to include apartments, personal care, rehabilitation, and separate housing units. Monsignor Minot was instrumental in leaving a significant positive financial heritage to the parish. He was much involved in supporting the building of the new Dubois Central Catholic School in 2001.

In 2009, Monsignor Minot died while serving as pastor the parish. Upon the vacancy of Saint Mary’s Parish, the Diocese of Erie partnered the parish with Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Parish, Sykesville. Fr. Marc Solomon was appointed pastor of both the parishes. Thus begun a rapid succession of pastors for the two parishes. Following Father Solomon would be Father Richard Allen (2010-2013) and Father Richard Tomasone (2013-2017). Presently, the Pastor is Father William Barron (2017-present). In 2017, Assumption and St. Mary’s parishes began a number of changes for the purpose of sharing resources and bringing revitalization to both congregations.

The Parish History of Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Sykesville, Pennsylvania (2018)

Before the construction of a Roman Catholic Church in Sykesville, PA, parishioners walked 2 miles or rode the streetcar to Soldier, PA to attend Mass at St. George Church.

The Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Church basement was completed in March of 1924. Father Charles A. Abt was assigned as the first pastor of the church.

Prior to the Basement Church and while the new church was being built, the following men were instrumental in planning and completing the total program: John Brodak, Sam Bruno, Clyde Buhite, Martin Caltagarone, Paul Felix, Lester Fike, Joe Gula, Luke Kaurich, John Loss, Paul Madar, Carl Mascara, Steve Miksich, Andy Novak, John Pruzinsky, George Pudlo, John Sabarich, Anthony Sandy, Tom Sandy, Joseph Sapara, Barney Sinko, Stanley Verona, and John Yanek.

Two years later Father Pete Dembenski became pastor of Basement Church and the mission of St. George in Soldier, PA. He served in this capacity until 1948.

Father John Piatkowski assumed the pastorate of the Basement Church and St. George Mission in Soldier in May, 1948. During Father John’s pastorate, the new Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Church was constructed. The church was completed at a cost of $200,000 and dedicated on Sunday, November 16, 1952.

The old rectory was razed in 1969 and a new rectory built at a cost of $60,000.

During August of 1967, tragedy struck as the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Church was gutted by fire. Parishioners attended Mass in the basement of the church once again until the renovation was completed in 1968.

Father John died while pastor of the parish in November 1970. Father Francis McCullough was appointed pastor in December 1970.

Under Father McCullough’s leadership, the church basement was remodeled, a new steeple was erected, and a large parking lot was made available to the parishioners.

Father McCullough retired in May, 1979, and Father George Groucutt became pastor of the Parish in June, 1979.

Father Groucutt had the rectory basement remodeled to accommodate Religious Education students. He was instrumental in introducing the Ecumenical Ministry to three of the Sykesville churches in 1980.

Father William F. Pressley became administrator of the Parish in April of 1990 and was installed as pastor in August, 1992.

During his tenure, a handicapped ramp entry to the church was completed. A new Eucharistic Ministry program was implemented, along with three major ministries of care: Samaritan (to the sick), Zacchaeus (to the poor), and Lazarus Outreach (to the bereaved). Father Pressley started the parish Lenten Fish Frys.

Father Mark J. Mastrian was appointed pastor of the parish in the year 2000. Fr. Mastrian was very active with the youth, starting various programs for youth. He accompanied them on a trip to Toronto, Canada in 2002 to encounter Pope St. John Paul II at the World Youth Day. Father Mark was also very active in providing spiritual direction for many individuals. He founded the Assumption Summer Golf Tournament.

In 2009, the Diocese of Erie partnered Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Parish with Saint Mary’s Parish, Reynoldsville. That year, Father Marc Solomon was named the pastor of both parishes. Thus begun a rapid succession of pastors for the two parishes. Following Father Solomon would be Father Richard Allen (2010-2013) and Father Richard Tomasone (2013-2017). Presently, the Pastor is Father William Barron (2017-present). In 2017, Assumption and St. Mary’s parishes began a number of changes for the purpose of sharing resources and bringing revitalization to both congregations.