Our History
Tradition has it that Father Paul Coleman, having been named pastor of St. Veronica’s on October 1. 1951, came to his new post with nothing in one pocket and a $62,500 mortgage in the other. His new parish was actually 6 1/2 acres of bumpy and overgrown WEEDS!
On November 4. 1951, about 200 parishioners attended the first Sunday Mass within the parish limits at Sportsman’s Lodge, the old sheriff posse clubhouse, in what is now the Parkhaven neighborhood.
We thank you, Gracious God, for our faith, and for this place of worship and community, which has nourished many souls, and provided a source of nurturing faith for all who came seeking spiritual life.
On year later...
A year later, Sunday services began in the unfinished building. Ground had been broken the previous June for the structure that was finally dedicated on June 7, 1953 by Archbishop John J. Mitty.
Our church is not built of brick and mortar. people of ALL kinds have helped form our parish identity!
Over2000Families!
Attendance at the weekend masses has fluctuated from the modest 414 in October 1952 to an average 4,091 in 1967. As various other parish communities were formed around the boundaries of St. Veronica’s, the parish membership changed considerably. Now, St. Veronica’s community has approximately 2,000 families.
Parish organizations have always been an important landmark of St. Veronica’s. The very first parish meeting was held on October 7, 1951 – just 6 days
after Father Coleman had arrived. The Parish Men’s Club first met on December 10th of that same year. The Parish Women’s Club first met in 1952.
One of the unique features of the early days of the parish was the 15 *circles” which were established by Father Coleman. Father Coleman saw the circles as an important way for parish families in the neighborhoods to get acquainted. For many parishioners the friendships developed through these circles continue today.
Classes in Religious Education began in 3 homes in September 1952. Thousands of children have been educated by scores of volunteers through the years! We have been especially blessed with the start of our Religious Education classes for children with special needs. In 2000 the first class of the very special students received First Eucharist.
I am the Vine and you are the branches. Whoever lives in Me and I in him shall produce a large crop of fruit. You Didn't chose Me. I chose you! I appointed you to go and produce lovely fruit always.
– John 15:5, 16
Our School
Members of the Congregation of the Holy Infant were the first teachers in our parish school which opened in 1958. By the 1963-64 school year, the School reached its capacity in grades 1 through 8. In June of 1979, the Sisters were withdrawn back to Ireland and an all lay staff assumed administration of the school. The Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet took up residence until 1989.
A kindergarten was added to the school in September of 1980 and the enlargement of that kindergarten in 1990 changed the 19-room convent to a part school and part residence. Since 1990, several members of the Sisters of Charity of the Blessed Virgin Mary have resided in the Convent.
Throughout the years, a trio of outstanding Pastors have led the way!
Father Paul Coleman: October 1, 1951-April 4, 1977
Father William Quinn: April 4, 1977-June 30, 1990
Father Wilton Smith: July 1, 1990-June 30, 2002
Father Edward Bohnert:
Father Charles Puthota:
Father Patrick Driscoll:
