Holy Family breaks ground on new church

Glenmary News

Holy Family breaks ground on new church


For Glenmary Father Vic Subb and hundreds of Catholics in Tennessee, last Wednesday wasn’t just the start of the new month — it was the start of a new chapter in the life of Holy Family Catholic Mission.

With several hundred members, visitors and local officials attending, the ground was broken Aug. 1 in Lafayette for a new church building to house the growing parish.

Bishop Mark J. Spalding, of the Diocese of Nashville, celebrated Mass at the groundbreaking event.

“Look around you,” Bishop Spalding said during his homily. “Look at the diversity here. Your church is truly being built of living stones.”

Holy Family is currently Glenmary’s largest mission. This celebration was the culmination of the parish plan to replace the small, circular building currently in use at 901 Vinson Road. The Lafayette parish was originally an off-shoot of Glenmary’s mission in Scottsville, KY, which has since been returned to the care of its diocese.
“The church began planning 15 years ago for a new building with Father Dennis Holly,” Father Vic explained. “After last year we felt we had enough money to seek bids. I am so proud of the people here. They have worked so hard. And we build for them and for those who come after us. This parish is truly a celebration of many great, diverse people. The church is alive in Macon County!”

Construction is estimated to be completed in seven months, and Father Vic is hopeful the new building will be ready in time for the Easter Mass in 2019.

Holy Family is one of several Glenmary missions to undergo a church construction project. Learn about the others HERE.

Every day I realize how blessed and privileged I am to be a Glenmary Home Missioner. I get to enter sacred spaces with my encounters and interactions with the people of God.

- Brother Jason Muhlenkamp, Glenmarian

Taking a trip to the missions taught me that I can’t take my faith and the ability to practice that faith for granted.

- Rita M., Glenmary supporter.

The amazing thing about being a Glenmary volunteer is that the Glenmary spirit of ecumenism and charity is everywhere.

- Alyson M., mountain manager at Toppa Joppa, Grainger County, Tenn.

Many times, the faith and dedication of the people of the missions humbled me and challenged me to rededicate myself to our missionary work.

- Father Aaron Wessman, Glenmarian

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