Saint Edwards Catholic Church

Tucked away in the bustling city of Houston, Saint Edwards Catholic Church stands as a testament to faith and community. It’s a story that begins humbly in 1968 with Reverend Eugene Francis of St. John the Baptist Church. He was tasked with establishing a new Catholic presence in the area. Imagine, just thirty families scattered within a five-mile radius formed the core of this nascent community. Initially, Sunday Mass was a nomadic affair, celebrated in various homes until a more permanent arrangement could be made. In the fall of 1969, the Spring Elementary School cafeteria became their sanctuary. A suitcase held all the sacred necessities: altar cloths, candles, and vestments. Saint Edwards Catholic Church, though not yet in its own building, was taking root. Word spread slowly at first. But the community continued to grow. By November of that year, a parish census counted seventy-four families. A significant increase in just a short time. The dream of a dedicated church building began to solidify. In 1971, a beautiful, wooded plot of land was acquired. And finally, in 1976, Saint Edwards Catholic Church was blessed and dedicated by Bishop John L. Morkovsky. A moment of triumph for the parishioners who had nurtured this dream. The church continued to flourish under the guidance of various pastors. Father Francis served until 1981, followed by Father Herndel and then Monsignor Al Doga. Msgr. Doga was instrumental in acquiring more land. This allowed for the construction of a junior high school, a playground, a multipurpose sports field, a new rectory, and the conversion of the old rectory into parish offices. His foresight laid the groundwork for Saint Edwards Catholic Church’s continued expansion. Even after his passing in 1999, the spirit of progress continued. Under the direction of Father Joseph Gietl, a new church building was envisioned. This vision took shape through a capital campaign and meticulous planning. In December 2004, the groundbreaking ceremony was held, presided over by Coadjutor Archbishop Daniel DiNardo. Just a year later, the new Saint Edwards Catholic Church stood complete. The final Mass in the old church was a bittersweet moment. That evening, parishioners processed to the new church, their hearts filled with both nostalgia and anticipation. It was the first night of winter. The “Ave Maria” filled the air, marking a rededication to the Blessed Mother and a new chapter in the story of Saint Edwards Catholic Church. Nearly eight hundred people filled the new space for that first service. On Christmas Eve, nearly 2000 worshippers attended the first official Mass. The church was overflowing with joy and gratitude. Saint Edwards Catholic Church stands today as a beacon of faith. It’s a symbol of the dedication and perseverance of a community that started small but dreamt big. It serves as a vibrant hub for worship and fellowship. A true testament to the power of faith and the enduring spirit of community.