The morning sun shone brightly on St. Joachim Catholic Church in Piedmont on Sunday, Jan. 30, as the parishioners prepared to welcome Bishop Steven J. Raica for their 60th anniversary Mass and celebration. The joy was evident not only in the seemingly perpetual smile on the face of Father Thomas Nattekkadan, pastor, but in the demeanor of every parishioner present.

The celebration began with Holy Mass celebrated by Bishop Raica and concelebrated by Father Nattekkadan. Father Justin Ward, Vicar for Sacred Liturgy, acted as Master of Ceremonies while Deacon A.B. King assisted.

Historically, Catholics in Alabama have been a minority. Mass was usually held in family homes and was rather infrequent. In 1960, a Piedmont resident and Catholic, Christine Adderhold, donated two acres of land with the hope that a church would soon be built.

One year later, construction began on St. Joachim, and it was dedicated by Archbishop Thomas Toolen on April 1, 1962. Following the dedication, Archbishop Toolen remarked that the church was “one of the most beautiful mission churches built in the diocese.”

Over the history of the church, 11 other priests have served the parish, including Fathers Frank Giri, Donald J. Grainger, Peter McDonald, Roland J.P.M. Inkel, Patrick J. Tierney, Timothy Burns, Kevin Cooke, William Lucas, Alan Mackey, James Macey, and James Handerhan.

Following the anniversary Mass, parishioners invited the bishop to join them for their weekly lunch gathering. The beautiful church building may be small in size, but what the church lacks in physical stature, it makes up for in heart, hospitality, and vibrant faith.