History

On the Feast of Our Lady of the Rosary, October 7, 1960, a Mass was celebrated at St. Mary’s Parish for the first time.  Several hundred parishioners gathered in the unfinished gymnasium as Father Chris Diamond led the people in prayer.

Following Mass, volunteers remained to organize various groups such as the Knights of Columbus and the Catholic Women’s League; at the same time, other assorted committees were formed to serve the new parish.  While this day marked the beginning of our history as a celebrating community, it was preceded by a great deal of planning and hard work.

In April 1959, St. Mary’s Parish was created by dividing the Sacred Heart parish boundaries at Winnipeg Street.  Two months later, Father Joseph Bogues, OMI was appointed Pastor, and Father Chris Diamond, OMI, Assistant Pastor.  In May 1960, organization commenced and land on Freeman and Gillett Streets, together with the rectory and the sisters’ residence, were purchased and building plans were made.

Meanwhile Father Diamond went to St. Augustine’s Parish in Vancouver to learn more about organizing a parish.  That summer, Father Bogues’ mother visited him from Ireland.  At the end of the visit, he drove her to Vancouver where she was to visit with her daughter before returning to Ireland.  On his return trip on July 26, 1960, Father Bogues fell asleep at the wheel and was killed in a car accident, Father Diamond moved into the Rectory in August 1960 and began his work as Acting Pastor.

On August 15, 1960, the Sisters of Mercy (Sisters Margaret Quinn Regina, Stanislaus Harrington and Mercy Sexton) moved into the residence on Freeman Street in preparation for the new school year.  A Mass was celebrated for the sisters by Father Diamond on August 18, 1960.  As this was also Father Diamond’s birthday, cake was enjoyed by all after Mass.  Father Diamond remarked, “With this celebration-St. Mary’s has begun.”

By the time the first parish Mass was celebrated on October 7, 1960, parish life was in full swing.  From the very beginning, the Catholic Women's League, the Men’s Holy Name Society, the Bingo Committee, and the Knights of Columbus have played an invaluable role in the life and growth of the parish, church, and school.  Baptisms and funerals have been recorded in our parish register since October 1960, and the first marriage was recorded in November 1960.  By this time, Father Joseph Mullaney, OMI had joined Father Diamond as Assistant Pastor.

The Frontier Apostles played a big part in the history of this parish.  From 1960 to 1993 they came from the British Isles, Ireland, USA and various parts of Canada to fill the positions of teachers and administrators for the new school.

The people of St. Mary’s Parish have contributed in countless ways to make this parish a place of hospitality and prayer.