The Faith Community of St. Raphael begins its Jubilee Year celebration at 5:00pm mass on Saturday, June 30. This commemorative mass kicks off a year of special events leading up to the parish’s 50th anniversary on June 30, 2013. 

Prior to the mass, parishioners are asked to gather at 4:30 pm in the gym, where masses were originally held prior to the building of the new church. Mass will begin at 5:00pm in the gym and will move outdoors for the Eucharistic celebration. A wine and cheese reception will follow. 

On Sunday, July 1 the festivities continue with a parish picnic from 1:15 to 4:00pm on the church grounds. Family-friendly activities include a DJ, inflatables, games and food. All former, current and new parishioners are invited to attend the weekend’s special events. 

Other Jubilee events, such as choir performances, service events, dinners, dances, and a live nativity are planned throughout the year. These festivities will culminate with a 50th Anniversary dinner dance on June 15 and a special anniversary mass, presided by Bishop Daniel Conlon, on June 30, 2013.  More information is available on the parish website www.st-raphael.com. 

 “Since its inception, St. Raphael has been a contemporary and vibrant parish with a strong focus on service,” said Fr. Mark Jendrysik, pastor. “Our Jubilee events will celebrate our faith-filled history and inspire us as we look toward shaping the next 50 years.”

The Faith Community of St. Raphael began in 1961 as an outgrowth of Sts. Peter and Paul Parish with the opening of St. Raphael’s Mission School. St. Raphael emerged officially as a parish on June 30, 1963 when Fr. William Condon celebrated the first mass in a converted classroom. Since then, St. Raphael has grown from 400 families to over 4,200 registered households.