All Saints Catholic Church

In 1976, a new chapter began in the vibrant tapestry of Dallas faith. All Saints Catholic Church was officially established by Bishop Thomas Tschoepe. 390 families from surrounding parishes – St. Rita’s, St. Paul’s, and St. Mark’s – came together to form this new community. All Saints Catholic Church received its name during a town hall meeting led by the first pastor, Reverend Raphael Kamel. All Saints Catholic Church quickly grew, both in numbers and in spirit. The church’s first Associate Pastor was Father Michael Duca. Frank Milliken became the first parishioner ordained to the Permanent Deaconate. By 1979, All Saints Catholic Church had an 800-seat church. The church and rectory were dedicated on All Saints Day of that year. Just a year later, Father Kamel was honored with the title of Monsignor. By 1981, All Saints Catholic Church boasted 1,900 registered families, with weekly Mass attendance averaging 3,600. A striking stained-glass window was installed at the front of the church, marking the completion of the first phase of building. This window, inspired by a quote from Revelation 5:9, depicts “men of every race and tongue, of every people and nation.” Other windows throughout All Saints Catholic Church highlight elements of Catholic worship, the Beatitudes, and apparitions of the Blessed Mother. In 1983, All Saints Catholic Church celebrated a significant milestone: paying off its entire debt. That same year, construction began on the Kamel Life Center, which was completed and furnished by 1984. The church expanded its staff in 1984, adding departments for Liturgy, Music, Religious Education, Youth Ministry, and more. Father Gregory Kelly, who later became a Bishop, introduced the RCIA program to the parish. All Saints Catholic Church also engaged in interfaith dialogues with Lutheran ministers and Congregation Shearith Israel. All Saints Catholic Church continued to flourish. A Marian Flower Garden was created in 1985. The parish celebrated its first priestly vocation in 1986 with the ordination of Father David Flori. Also in 1986, the Little Saints Pre-School Child Development Program began. All Saints Catholic Church continued its rich history of growth, expansion, and community engagement over the years.