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St. Teresa of the Child Jesus Catholic Church |
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1827 N. Limestone St., Springfield, Ohio 45503 |
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Father Ed Gearhart - Pastor |
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Mission
We, the Church of St. Teresa of the Child Jesus, are a community of Faith, centered in Christ Jesus and called to discipleship. We are a people of diverse economic, social, and cultural backgrounds. We are the old and young and everyone in between... each with specific gifts and needs. Our diversity is a treasure we cherish. Unity is a spirit for which we strive. In the Eucharist we discover our identity as a people empowered by the Holy Spirit to be the body of Christ in the world. We believe in the need to be a reconciling community... welcoming all, bridging our differences, and forgiving imperfection. Believing that the experience of Church found primarily in our bonding with one another, we are dedicated to the sharing of our life and faith in the light of God's Word.
Formed by the Gospel, we seek to be a voice for justice, a hand outstretched in compassion. We strive to be a people founded on Christ's mandate to serve, in our gathering, in our neighborhood and beyond. Faithfully, we seek to pass our faith to our children and to all who will receive it. Deeply rooted in Catholic Tradition and reliant upon God's Spirit, we seek to move with the Church as it grows into the twenty-first century, giving flesh to the Gospel in our worship and throughout our lives.
Formed by the Gospel, we seek to be a voice for justice, a hand outstretched in compassion. We strive to be a people founded on Christ's mandate to serve, in our gathering, in our neighborhood and beyond. Faithfully, we seek to pass our faith to our children and to all who will receive it. Deeply rooted in Catholic Tradition and reliant upon God's Spirit, we seek to move with the Church as it grows into the twenty-first century, giving flesh to the Gospel in our worship and throughout our lives.
History
In 1951, a new section was added to the school building, and the enrollment of the students in the school doubled. This school building remains in use today, where there are 244 students attending grades K-8.
One of Father Collins’ dreams was to have a new church building during his pastorate, and plans for this began in 1962. In 1964, the cornerstone was laid, and by 1965 the new church building was dedicated in a special ceremony conducted by Archbishop Alter. Father Collins saw this as an opportune time for retirement, having seen his dream become reality.
In 1977, the adult choir was first formed, and this choir continues today, although there have been changes of choir directors, organists, and choir members along the way.
In 1981, St. Teresa Church celebrated fifty years in existence as a parish in Springfield. About this same time, Father Eisenhauer, the pastor, celebrated forty years in the priesthood. It was a year of thanksgiving and blessing for the parish. Another highlight in the parish just prior to this time was the ordination of the first deacon for St. Teresa. Paul Weitzel was ordained to the deaconate in 1979.
The church bells which can be heard tolling in the neighborhood were made in Holland, shipped to the United States, and then blessed at St. Teresa in 1964. Many of the stained glass windows in the church building were donated by contributions from parishioners. Each one tells a story in symbol. Particularly noticeable are those symbolizing the Beatitudes in the body of the church. One of the most beautiful is that of the patron saint of the parish. St. Teresa of Lisieux was a cloistered Carmelite nun in the late 1800’s from the age of 15 until her early death at the age of 24.
St. Teresa Church was established and built in 1931 near its present location of Floral Avenue and North Limestone Street. The original church building now houses the gymnasium for the St. Teresa Campus of Springfield Catholic Schools. The first Mass at the parish was held on September 20, 1931, with Father Daniel Collins as the new priest and pastor. Father Collins remained pastor for 38 years. There have been just four pastors since: Father James Eisenhauer from 1969 until 1984; Father Victor Ries, who served 11 years until the summer of 1995; Father Rick Walling, who served 12 years until the summer of 2007; and our current pastor, Father Edwin Gearhart, who assumed the position in June of 2007.
St. Teresa of the Child Jesus Catholic Church, 1827 North Limestone Street, Springfield, Ohio 45503
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