“What if I told you a church started because of a newspaper column?” That’s how the story of Saint Dominic Catholic Church in Houston begins. This church stands as a testament to community spirit. It shows how a simple question can lead to great things.
Saint Dominic Catholic Church is located at 8215 Reservoir Ave. It is a vibrant part of the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston. Here, faith is celebrated in many ways.
In 1965, a question appeared in the Houston Chronicle’s “Watch ’em” column. Someone asked about a rumor of a new Catholic church in the Sheldon Reservoir area. Msgr. Vincent M. Harris responded. He said there were no plans. But he also noted the Diocese would address any needs that arose.
This sparked a wave of inquiries. Residents of the Sheldon Area contacted the Chronicle. They wanted to explore the possibility of a local church. Rev. Louis Cotrone and Rev. Paul Fee helped them. They conducted a census in April 1965. The results went to the Chancery. This led to a mission community. It was served by priests from Resurrection Parish.
By mid-1966, services began in an abandoned elementary school. It was located on the Old Beaumont Highway. Saint Dominic Catholic Church held its first worship service on Christmas Eve of 1966. This was a Midnight Mass.
In January 1969, Saint Dominic officially became a parish. Rev. Gil Leduc was the founding pastor. At that time, the parish had about 120 families. The area was a mix of rural and urban influences. Farms and ranches met the growing chemical industry. Its location near the Sheldon Reservoir and Lake Houston attracted people. They sought a peaceful escape from the big city.
Today, Saint Dominic Catholic Church has grown significantly. As of 2014, there were 3700 registered families. That accounts for over 6000 individuals. The church offers several Mass times. On Sundays, services are at 8:00 AM, 9:30 AM which is in Spanish, 11:15 AM, and 1:00 PM which is also in Spanish. Weekday Masses are held at 8:00 AM. There is also a 6:00 PM Mass on Saturdays.
Saint Dominic is not just about Mass. It’s about community. The church is a founding member of North Channel Assistance Ministries. It supports those in need. Parishioners volunteer at hospitals, nursing homes, and prisons.
The mission of Saint Dominic Catholic Church is clear. It is a multi-cultured community. They are joined by faith in Jesus Christ. They commit to helping each other grow. They celebrate their faith in liturgy. They use their gifts to serve others, especially those in need.
So, as you stand before Saint Dominic Catholic Church, remember its humble beginnings. It began with a newspaper question. It grew into a thriving community. This community embodies faith, service, and togetherness. Saint Dominic is more than just a church. It’s a family.