Saint Elizabeth of Hungary Catholic Parish

Journey back to 1956 with me, to the birth of Saint Elizabeth of Hungary Catholic Parish. Monsignor James Burnes had a vision. He saw a new parish in southwest Dallas, a place for community and faith. He envisioned it named after St. Elizabeth of Hungary, in memory of his mother. Saint Elizabeth of Hungary Catholic Parish wasn’t built from the ground up. Instead, Monsignor Burnes acquired the old Westminster Presbyterian Church. He had it carefully dismantled and then rebuilt on the parish’s current site. The 22-acre property cost $50,000. Just ten months later, the first Mass was celebrated by Bishop Gorman. Two hundred families formed the core of the new community. Some of those families are still parishioners at Saint Elizabeth of Hungary Catholic Parish today. The parish rectory, a two-level structure, was completed in 1957. It now serves as the Grahmann Center. The next big step for Saint Elizabeth of Hungary Catholic Parish was a school. In 1958, the parish school opened its doors. The growth was rapid. By 1966, the congregation had grown significantly. Sunday Mass had to be moved to the auditorium at Bishop Dunne Catholic School. A new church was needed. Monsignor Burnes started planning a permanent church building. He also planned a new rectory and offices. Construction began in 1967. The new church at Saint Elizabeth of Hungary Catholic Parish was dedicated in April 1968. The first Mass in the new building was celebrated by Monsignor Burnes. The church’s modern design features brick construction and a prominent 35-foot gold cross. The main sanctuary seats 1,100 people and includes a choir loft. Saint Elizabeth of Hungary Catholic School has a rich history too. It began with just 62 students in kindergarten and first grade. The School Sisters of Notre Dame staffed the school for many years, starting in 1964. The school expanded with new classrooms and a library. Later a gymnasium and more classrooms were added. Today, lay faculty and principals lead Saint Elizabeth of Hungary Catholic School.