A growing population west of St. Richard Parish and north of St. Mary of the Falls prompted establishment of the Church of St. Clarence. Bishop James A. Hickey named the new parish in memory of his predecessor, Bishop Clarence Issenmann. Reverend Thomas A. Flynn was appointed founding pastor in June 1978.

For the first three years, Mass was celebrated at Chestnut School in a community effort of "set-up and take-down."

parish hall photoA parish center was constructed and ready for use in 1981. Again, community involvement was essential; Mass was offered in the center, but the facility was also used for a variety of other functions, such as the Parish School of Religion, parish meetings, socials, offices, and the Galilee bookstore.

Father Flynn, Father Allan R. Laubenthal - then president-rector of St. Mary Seminary and weekend associate at St. Clarence - deacons and parish representatives broke ground for construction of a new church in April 1989. The Mass of dedication was celebrated on April 25, 1990.

inside view of church

St. Clarence Church, a fan-shaped modern structure, contains semicircular seating for 850. Faceted glass windows provide a backdrop for the large altar area. The flowing water baptistry and choir share the front on either side of the altar. Entry to the church is from a skylight-illuminated atrium which houses an indoor garden. The foyer also has entrances to St. Kevin's Chapel, the Gathering Room with kitchen and meeting facilities, an outdoor patio for socializing, and the parish activity center.

< Previous Page
Next Page >
HOME | SACRAMENTS | MINISTRIES | HISTORY | BOOKSTORE

STAFF | NEWS | ORGANIZATIONS | YOUTH MINISTRY  

PSR & CLW | LINKS