Remembering 35 Years
By Michelle Meyer
It’s something I take for granted, but being an original parishioner, and remaining at this parish for 35 years (and counting!) has been an incredible blessing. I have had a front row seat as we debated building the church or community center first, whether or not to start a school, and if we should buy the property on Van Gorden or Hamilton-Mason. I have been there for ground breakings and dedications. I have gotten to know hundreds of wonderful people and logged countless hours serving, studying, and praying by their sides. I have seen St. Maximilian Kolbe Parish grow and change, always guided by the Holy Spirit.
I have such fond memories of the early days, such as celebrating Mass at Freedom Elementary. To say taking Mass “on the road” every Sunday could be chaotic is an understatement. One Sunday we were short a second lector. Fr. Porter asked me if my husband could read. I replied, “Father, he’s not Catholic.” Father said, “I didn’t ask you if he was Catholic, I asked if he could read!” My husband lectored for a few years after that before finally joining RCIA and coming into the Church!
Our oldest of five was born shortly after St. Max was founded, and was baptized by Fr. Porter. In 2013 she was married at St. Max, having received all of her sacraments there, I believe making her the first to do so! How awesome is that?!
I remember daily Mass at the rectory, then in a classroom, then the chapel, and now the church. I remember Archbishop Pilarczyk slathering our altar and walls with holy chrism at the dedication. I remember voting for people for parish council from among a dozen or more willing candidates. I remember RCIA in the Heuser’s living room as well as numerous meetings in people’s homes. I remember pot luck dinners on Holy Thursday, followed by Mass in the same space. And of course, I remember setting up and putting away lots and lots of chairs!
Thirty-five years ago, we were figuring out how to be St. Maximilian Kolbe Parish. It wasn’t always pretty, but it certainly was exciting! We were invested. We were family. St. Max was our home, and that has not changed! I loved my parish then, just as I love it now. St Max, pray for us!