Condensed History of Holy Redeemer Parish, Maplewood, MN
1956
The first Pastor of Holy Redeemer Parish in Maplewood, Fr. Paul Palmitessa, was ordained in 1956. Ironically, Msgr Louis Pioletti at the original Holy Redeemer Parish in St. Paul, Minnesota baptized Fr. Palmitessa.
1968August:
The Parish census results showed a total of 326 parishioners 16 years of age and older
October 1:
Fr. Paul Palmitessa moved from the Cathedral to the Parish House at 1877 E. Co. Rd B.
October 13:
Holy Redeemer in Maplewood's first Mass was held in the Hazelwood Elementary gymnasium at 11:30 a.m.
1969
January:
Parish Committees were established. They were: Christian Education; Finance and Budget; Building; Liturgical; Parish Activities; and Youth and Public Relations.
February:
The first Men's, Women's, and Usher's Clubs were formed.
December 20:
The first Saturday evening Celebration of the Mass was held in the Hazelwood Elementary Gymnasium.
The first Communicants in 1969 were:
April 27 Mary Blanski
May 11 Lisa Terry
June 15 Bill and Joe Hintze
1970
May:
The Pastor received a letter from Archbishop Leo Byrne granting permission for laymen to distribute Holy Communion.
September:
The Women's Club sent Christmas packages to the servicemen in our parish. In return, we received many grateful thank you letters.
September 13:
The Archbishop gave authorization to proceed with the building of Holy Redeemer in Maplewood.
George Rossbach designed the multi-purpose building. The heart of the Parish Center is a 60' X 90' space that seats approximately 500 people. The space can also be converted into classrooms, meeting rooms, or into rooms for socializing. The Administration wing houses two large meeting rooms and several offices. The estimated cost of the building was $265,000.00. Later on a kitchen and a small, 45 seat, chapel were added.
September 30:
An informal ground breaking ceremony was held with Fr. Paul Palmitessa and George Rossbach turning the first shovels.
October:
Building of Holy Redeemer in Maplewood began. The building was completed in time for the Easter ceremonies in April of 1971. Joseph E. Johnson and Son did construction.
David Hackl and Mildred Zuercher were members of the first Parish Council.
The Women's Club voted to sponsor the Maplewood Care Center. For 34 years we have continued to fulfill the resident's religious and other various needs. Many of our parishioners have brought communion, helped with field trips, shopping trips, boutiques, birthday celebrations, picnics, Wilder Camp outings, baking, bingo, bunco, Las Vega night, and more. During communions services for the Care Center residents, the Women's Club members have always been faithful helpers to all six priests of Holy Redeemer Parish.
December:
Holy Redeemer had grown to 1198 members.
1971
January:
The Parish Council established the post of Official Parish Historian. Dorothy Lynch was the first Historian selected by the Council. Geri Hackl and Betty Rossbach were the first Historian Committee members. Betty Rossbach and Dorothy Lynch continue to be involved in the history of Holy Redeemer Parish.
June 19:
A mail slot was prepared for each council and committee member.
July 1:
Folding doors were installed. Some weighed over 4,000 lbs.
November:
All parishioners, from 1st Grade and older, received nametags.
George Supan became a member of the Parish Council.
1972
January 2:
The Nursery was initiated.
March:
Greet Tape was started .... a once a month collection to help those in immediate need.
April:
Archbishop Leo Binz blessed our building and confirmed some of our members.
1973
December:
The Pledge System was initiated. All parishioners are requested to sign a pledge card. We exceeded our first goal by $600.00.
June:
The new Maplewood Park is officially named Harvest Park.
August:
Holy Redeemer was burglarized.
November:
All parishioners, from 1st Grade and older, received nametags.
George Supan became a member of the Parish Council.
1974
March 5:
The first Family Activity Day was on this date.
1976
June:
Teen Night began.
1977
An Employer's Policy Manual was issued.
1979
June 3:
A Farewell Party was held for Father Paul Palmitessa.
June 13:
A Welcome Reception was held for Fr. Jim Prokop, the Pastor of Holy Redeemer Parish.
June:
Fr. Jim added another morning Mass in addition to the one on Tuesday morning.
1980
June 29:
The first Parish Picnic was held.
1981
May 13:
Pope John Paul II was shot.
May:
The Befriender's started the Out-Reach Program.
June 1:
Dorothy Day opened its doors to the needy.
August:
Father Jim Prokop left Holy Redeemer.
September 13:
A reception was held for the new Pastor, Fr. Clarence Vavra.
1982
January:
Holy Redeemer initiated the Loaves and Fishes Program.
1983
February:
The Mustard Seed Store Front opened in order to help the needy.
March:
Holy Redeemer together with Lakeview Lutheran Church hosted a Seder supper.
October 22 - 23:
Bishop Bullock visited Holy Redeemer.
1986
June 8:
A Farewell party was held for Fr. Clarence Vavra.
June 17:
Fr. Tim McCarthy began his duties as priest of Holy Redeemer.
1987
January 4:
A parish house was purchased at 1562 Sextant Ave., Maplewood for Fr. Tim. Purchase price was $70,000.00.
1990
December:
Father Tim McCarthy left Holy Redeemer.
1991
January:
Fr. Austin Ward began his service to Holy Redeemer Parish. He served until September 2003.
2003
September:
Fr. Austin Ward died on September 6th.
Fr. Greg Skrypek who had been assisting Fr. Ward during his illness continue to say the Mass on weekends and do funerals, baptisms, etc.
Deacon Ron Getz was appointed Interim Parish Life Administrator.
2004
August:
Deacon Ron Getz left Holy Redeemer on August 31, 2004. He was thanked for all his interim work with the Parish.
September:
Fr. Greg Skrypek is appointed Sacramental Minister.
Joan Gecik is appointed Parish Life Administrator by Archbishop Flynn.
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