Here at Good Shepherd Catholic Church, a story of faith and community unfolds. The church’s origins trace back to a mission of Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church. Rev. John Linnehan led this early endeavor.
The first Mass was a significant event. It took place on November 12, 1961. The mission grew steadily. In 1966, it achieved parish status under Rev. Norman Balthazar. At its height, Good Shepherd Catholic Church served around 200 families.
Leadership transitioned over the years. The Salesian Order assumed responsibility. This order also oversees St. Petersburg Catholic Church. Rev. Bill Keane served at Good Shepherd for two years. His early seminary training began at age 13. He was ordained in 1974. Keane’s academic background includes degrees in philosophy and administration.
Good Shepherd Catholic Church offers various services. Morning Mass occurs on weekdays. Wednesday evening Mass provides another option. Saturday and Sunday Masses cater to weekend worshippers. The church actively supports the homeless. A food bank offers essential assistance. The women’s guild engages in charitable work. They create “Ditty Bags” for sailors. The men’s organization hosts pancake breakfasts.
Good Shepherd Catholic Church participated in Renew 2000. This worldwide campaign aimed to strengthen faith. It encouraged acts of charity.
The church had a strong membership. Approximately 325 members attended services. Average attendance reached 250. Rev. Keane held another important role. He directed Mary Help of Christians School. The school is a middle school for boys. Good Shepherd and the school collaborated on fundraising. They shared facilities too. The school ran a summer camp.
Looking back a bit, Archbishop Hurley purchased the property. He envisioned a church for the growing Azalea Park area. The first Mass occurred on March 18, 1956. Passion Sunday was the day. About 300 families were served.
The Fall Festival became an annual tradition. It began in the mid-1960s. The community came together for work, fun, and fellowship. The 1970s brought changes. The Second Vatican Council influenced the Catholic Church. Good Shepherd started a Parish Council. Lay people actively participated in the liturgy. New ministries emerged. Social activities expanded. The St. Vincent de Paul Society and RCIA began. The Parish Picnic started as well.
The La Salette Missionaries provided priests starting in 1981. Several pastors served. Fr. C. “Sonny” Avitabile led from 1981 to 1993. Fr. Gene Barrette followed from 1993 to 1997. Fr. Brian Sheridan served from 1997 to 2010. The Family Center was built. The school’s enrollment doubled. A Pre-School was restarted. Over 60 active ministries developed.
A campus Master Plan was created in 2000. Good Shepherd broke ground on a new center in 2002. A Capital Campaign began in 2003. Hurricane Charley caused significant damage in 2004. The church celebrated its 50th Anniversary in 2007.
Fr. Joe O’Neil was named pastor in 2010. The new church building was planned. Ground was broken in February 2012. Memorial plaques were installed in 2014. Original donors were recognized in 2018. Fr. Jim Henault became pastor in 2016. The Stewardship Program started in 2017. The 1956 church was razed. A new Office Complex was planned. Good Shepherd Catholic Church continues to evolve. It adapts to meet the needs of its community. Its history reflects faith and service.