On the weekend of June 11 and 12, St. Augustine’s Parish began a year-long celebration of its 50th anniversary. St. Augustine’s is a relatively young parish, but it has experienced remarkable growth since it’s beginnings back in June of 1966.
In the early 1960s, St. Mary’s was the only Roman Catholic Parish in Baldwinsville. The village of Baldwinsville was growing quickly, especially in Seneca Knolls and other neighborhoods south of the village.
In 1963 Msgr. John B. Daley, pastor of St. Mary’s in Baldwinsville, purchased land on O’Brien Road and built a catechetical center to relieve overcrowding. Priests from St. Mary’s celebrated two Masses each Sunday at the center and religious instruction for students attending McNamara and Reynolds Elementary Schools was provided during the week.
In 1966 Syracuse Bishop Walter Foery decided to split the territory that was covered by St. Mary’s and established St. Augustine’s Parish. June 10, 1966, is the official Canonical anniversary date. The civil date of incorporation was June 16, 1966.
St. Augustine’s started with about 200 families. Today, it serves more than 850 families, mostly from the towns of Van Buren and Lysander. With leadership from Rev. Thomas Servatius, pastor, and a dedicated parish staff, St. Augustine’s provides a wide variety of religious, educational, recreational and community programs.
St. Augustine’s is known as a friendly, welcoming and very active community. Well over 300 parishioners participate in more than 50 ministries each year. Many of these are involved in social action issues aimed at reaching out to help others.
There is also a very active CYO program and a wonderful music ministry lead by Ryan Schaffer, music director for both St. Augustine’s and St. Mary’s parishes.
Throughout the year the anniversary theme will be incorporated into liturgical celebrations and annual activities such as New Beginnings Weekend, the annual parish mission, and the ministry appreciation dinner.
There will also be special events like a children’s party in November to celebrate St. Augustine’s birthday (he was born on Nov. 13, 354 CE), a fun run/walk next spring, an Earth Day activity, and a dinner dance next June to close out the celebration.
