Since Nov. 2, 1973, when 17 Catholics attended Mass in the home of Louisiana native Bill Manceaux, the Russellville parish has experienced exponential growth due to the influx of Hispanic immigrants, hailing from various countries such as Mexico, Honduras, Guatemala, Nicaragua, and El Salvador. The original church, completed in 1991 with a 175-seat capacity, quickly became insufficient for the number of faithful wishing to practice their faith.

Five years ago on Pentecost Sunday, the pastor of Good Shepherd, Father Vincent Bresowar, was inspired to build a new church to accommodate the growing Catholic community. After purchasing land, planning, lots of creative fundraising, and construction, the new church was completed practically debt-free. “I am very thankful to God and to all the generous benefactors as well as the good people of the Diocese of Birmingham and here at Good Shepherd Catholic Church,” said Father Bresowar. “It has been a long journey,” he continued, “but we are very proud to have this much needed new church to fill the needs of the growing Catholic community here in Northwest Alabama. It has been a joy to be pastor here for the last eight and a half years … God is so good to us, and again, we thank everyone who had a part in helping bring this project to completion.”

During the Mass of Dedication, which was concelebrated by Fathers Kevin Bazzel, Jon Chalmers, Jonathan Howell, Bob Sullivan, Anthony Weis, and Thomas Woods, with Father Justin Ward as the master of ceremonies, a procession began at the old church building and ended at the new, where the bishop received a key to the new building. During his homily, the bishop remarked, “Today, all the work, all the efforts and prayers, and all your dreams have come true with the place of prayer, encounter, and mission.” Speaking to Father Bresowar, Bishop Raica said, “Father Vincent, you rallied everyone to this cause including many other pastors who had a missionary heart and spirit to aid you for the good and future of this parish. Now, at this inflection point in which a new chapter begins at Good Shepherd Parish, we come together as a faith family to thank God for all the blessings we have received.”

As the bishop continued, he explained that a church is more than just bricks and mortar; rather, he said, “It is also a spiritual dwelling where we, the living stones of this parish, come to offer our spiritual sacrifice out of love of God. It is a place where we unite in prayer, offer our lives to God, and carry out the mission of Christ in the world.”

Bishop Raica concluded by highlighting the importance of the day and the church. “It is a place to enter to become one; it is a place to encounter the presence of Christ our Savior in word and sacrament; it is a place when the priest or deacon gives us the charge to be ‘salt and light’ to the world and go out on mission proclaiming the Good News of Christ.” The bishop encouraged those present to not be afraid to be Christ to others, for while it is a challenge, with God’s help and the grace of the sacraments, “we can become the dream of God today.”

Following the homily, the bishop anointed the altar with chrism oil. The walls of the church were also anointed. Incense was also burned on the altar, signifying Christ’s sacrifice ascending to God and the prayers of the faithful rising up to Heaven. Before the bishop celebrated the Liturgy of the Eucharist, the altar was covered and the lighting of the altar took place, reminding the faithful that Christ is the Light of the world.

After Mass ended, the congregation flowed outside to a festival-type atmosphere complete with mariachi music, dancing, and food.

As the new chapter for Good Shepherd Parish began, the joy of those present was palpable. Indeed, the faithful took to heart the bishop’s reference to Psalm 118: “This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad!”