August 15, 2008

Solemnity of the Assumption of Saint Mary

Dear Parishioners and Friends of Saint Mary’s,

May the love of God, the peace of Christ, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with you on this day of the Blessed Virgin, the day that Saint Mary parish began 150 years ago. May we give thanks to God for our patroness who lives with her Son in heaven, while continuing to call us to him.

My first encounter with Saint Mary Parish was in 1986, when I came from Saint Meinrad Seminary for week-end ministry experiences. I could sense that this parish, its buildings and its peoples, had a great history. To see this church building and to know the people of Saint Mary Parish, one knows there is a rich story to be told. This “history” book has done just that.

As I read this history, I was struck by the many people who have formed St. Marienkirche: Germans, Italians, Filipinos, Latvians, U.S. born, Latinos, and many others. I felt the emotion and the struggle of the first German immigrants who formed St. Marienkirche: the cultural, language, and religious conflicts that strengthened their resolve to preserve their culture, language, and religious expressions. As they sought-out their place in this new country, these determined immigrants built their own parish in 1858 on Maryland Street and later, in 1910, on North New Jersey Street; the location of our present Church, Marian Center, and Rectory. These buildings spoke of the national pride, deep faith, and enduring love of this community for God and their Church.

I feel overwhelmed to serve in the same position as our past pastors: Fr. Siegrist who began Saint Mary Parish, Fr. Scheideler, who built the current parish, Fr. Scheefers, Msgr. Goosens, Fr. Hay, Fr. Dooley, and Fr. Mauro Rodas, who began ministry to Hispanics in Indianapolis, and who lead this and other priests who have served as administrators. It is indeed an honor to follow these priests, called by God, to ministry, work, and mission at Saint Mary Parish.

I believe that this history of Saint Mary Parish will give this same sense to all of us who have been, who will be, or currently are members of Saint Mary Parish. We are a part of something important and significant. The story of Saint Mary’s continues. While being an established neighborhood, downtown, city parish; we are still an immigrant parish, seeking to preserve culture, language, and religiosity. This history book reminds us of the need to know our history, to preserve our culture, language, and religion -personally and communally. It is indeed a masterpiece.

We thank Dr. James Divita, Professor Emeritus of History at Marian College, for his splendid work in writing this history. He has indeed facilitated us in preserving our history, culture, and religion. We also thank the members of the Saint Mary Sesquicentennial Anniversary Committee; lead by Mr. John Hittle, for making a priority the writing of this Parish History. May this story inspire each of us to continue the mission of Saint Mary’s for our children and for our future.

Finally, may God, from whom all good comes, continue to guide this parish, its pastors and parishioners, in the mission that God calls us to undertake. May Saint Mary, our Mother and Patroness, intercede for us and continue to guide us to her Son, in whom we have eternal life.

Peace,

Rev. Michael E. O’Mara

Pastor