Berlin parish survives to mark 75th anniversary

They shared a pastor with Immaculate Conception Church in New Lebanon from 1931 to 1956, for example. Last November, they began sharing the services of Rev. Kenneth Gregory, sacramental minister, and Sister Mary Kenan McGowan, RSM, parish life director, both of whom work in those same capacities at St. John Francis Regis Church in Grafton.

As Sacred Heart parish celebrates its 75th anniversary on June 14, the feast day of its namesake, parishioners are sharing their own time and talents in performing various forms of lay ministry as Father Gregory and Sister Kenan divide their time between two parishes.

"They've taken responsibility and complete ownership of the parish, which is wonderful," Father Gregory said. "There's a certain joy with them assuming the various responsibilities and ministries in the church."

History

Prior to its founding, there was no Catholic church in Berlin; consequently, priests from Hoosick Falls and Stephentown would come once a month to celebrate Mass at the Elm Street home of the Broderick family.

A frame house at Elm Street and Taylor Avenue was purchased in 1923 as a rectory for Rev. James Gazeley, the first pastor, and his successors, including Revs. Daniel Cronin, William Cleary and Thomas McBride.

Revival

During the pastorate of Rev. Francis Schatzleins from 1938 to 1956, Franciscan priests from St. Anthony-on-Hudson in Rensselaer celebrated the Masses at Sacred Heart and St. Joseph's.

But with the population of the Taconic Valley increasing, Bishop William Scully decreed Sacred Heart a parish again in 1956, and St. Joseph's became its mission church.

Priests in service

While Rev. Francis Mullen was serving as pastor from 1961 to 1970, a propane truck exploded down the road from Sacred Heart parish in 1962. Fourteen people were killed, and several homes, a church and a former school were destroyed. However, the slate roof of Sacred Heart Church prevented that building from igniting during the blaze.

Other pastors who have served at Sacred Heart include:

* Rev. Thomas Tooher, 1971-72.

* Rev. John Klebie, 1973-76.

* Rev. Edward Leroux, 1977-94.

* Rev. William Gorman, 1995.

* Rev. James Lonergan, administrator, 1996.

* Rev. William Turnbull, 1997.

Active parishioners

"It's a great concept, and it works very, very well," Father Gregory said. "It takes a lot of communication. We work absolutely fantastic together."

Fortunately, Sacred Heart parishioners have taken an active role in the day-to-day ministries and administration of the parish. They celebrate a daily communion service, for example, and there is a working pastoral council.

In addition, the Rosary Altar Society has been reestablished, and it is hoped that religious education for elementary school children will be reintroduced by next year.

Sacred Heart parish also collaborates with its fellow cluster parishes, St. John Francis Regis and Immaculate Conception in New Lebanon, for First Communion and Confirmation ceremonies.

Sprucing up

The original baptismal font has been brought back into use (although its lid remains missing), and a candle stand that will hold the Paschal Candle in place is being restored.

Future projects include the construction of a ramp in front of the church to allow access for persons with disabilities. Statues located throughout the church, including those depicting the Blessed Virgin Mary, the Sacred Heart of Jesus, St. Joseph, St. Ann and St. Theresa, the Little Flower, also will be refurbished.

(Bishop Howard J. Hubbard will celebrate the 75th anniversary Mass at Sacred Heart parish in Berlin on June 14 at 8 a.m. A reception will follow at the parish center.)

(06-11-98) [[In-content Ad]]