Epiphany of Our Lord Parish

On a crisp autumn day in October 1982, the Epiphany of Our Lord Parish held a grand opening. The church doors swung open, welcoming parishioners into a space years in the making. Epiphany of Our Lord Parish’s story began much earlier, in 1974. Archbishop Pocock decreed its establishment on September 11th. He appointed Father Matthew Robbertz as the founding pastor. The first mass was a humble affair, held at L’Amoreaux Collegiate. A Saturday mass soon followed at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel School. The burgeoning community quickly outgrew these temporary locations. The need for a dedicated church building became clear. In 1975, the dream began to take shape. A site was donated. A building committee, chaired by Al Selinger, was formed. The parish also gained Sr. Nora Kempt as a religious consultant for the local schools. Redemptorist priests, including Fr. Gabriel, Fr. David Louch, and Deacon Mark Miller, lent their support to weekend services. They were later succeeded by a series of other priests. By 1976, the Epiphany of Our Lord Parish had expanded to include an Italian-speaking community. This group, previously a mission at St. Gerald’s school, welcomed Fr. Attilio Durant as Associate Pastor. He guided the Italian liturgy for two years. The parish continued to grow, adding new schools like St. Cyprian and St. Sylvester in 1977. A groundbreaking ceremony for the church building followed in June 1979. The building slowly rose, becoming a tangible symbol of the community’s faith. In 1980, a significant milestone was reached. The Easter Triduum was celebrated within the still-unfinished church. This marked a pivotal moment, a foretaste of the vibrant life that would soon fill the space. Finally, in October 1982, the Epiphany of Our Lord Parish was officially opened and blessed. The Sisters of St. Mary De Leuca, present from the early days, witnessed this momentous occasion. Their continued support has been a cornerstone of the parish’s history. The story of Epiphany of Our Lord Parish is one of growth, dedication, and community. From humble beginnings in a high school gymnasium to the grand opening of its own church, it has served as a spiritual home for countless individuals. The parish continues to thrive, a testament to the enduring power of faith and the commitment of its members.