St. Susanna

1981-1988

Return to Parish Timeline

Year                  Summary                                                                                                                                       Population

1981

In January, 1981, ground was broken for a new rectory, which was completed that spring.  The first annual Super Bowl Stag Dinner was held January 25, sponsored by the Athletic Boosters.  That spring men's softball teams were formed and became part of a local inter-faith league.  Deacon Bob replaced Pat Cruise as D.R.E. and continued to update the C.C.D. program.  Classes were being held every week for every child in grades 1-10 as well as pre-school classes for four and five year-olds.  Deacon Bob also put into place an R.C.I.A. (Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults) program for those considering entrance into the Catholic Church.  His duties also included training altar boys, and scheduling of Eucharistic Ministers and Lectors was coordinated through his office.

In July, Fr. Donald Noll was named associate pastor, and became pastor the following January when Fr. Haun's poor health forced him into retirement.  That fall the school had 235 students in eight grades.  The C.C.D. program served 325 children, and the youth group had 70 members.

1982

In July 1982,  Fr. Ray Kellerman was appointed associate pastor.  Worship Commission was formed, and Baptism preparation program put into place.  Because there were two priests in residence Mass could be celebrated two evenings a week in addition to the morning masses.  Parishioners were beginning to form informal Bible Study and prayer groups.

1983

On Friday, February 4, 1983, after having fought diabetes and a heart condition for many years, Fr. Haun returned home to the Lord at the age of 62.  He had served our parish for 29 years.

In the fall of 1983, with the blessings and encouragement of Fr. Noll, the "Christ Renews His Parish" program began.  The C.R.H.P. program stresses reading of the Bible and recognition of the Holy Spirit at work in our lives.

1984

In 1984, the "People of God" in this parish were ready to learn more and do more.  Several informative events were presented by the Adult Education Committee that year.  Summer religion classes were opened to all children of the parish, not just C.C.D. students.  Liturgies geared toward families with young children were celebrated occasionally.  Prayer groups and informal Bible study groups were on the increase.

Another important change took place later that year.  In late summer, Fr. Kellerman left to become pastor of Nativity Parish in Pleasant Ridge.  Due to the shortage of priests in the Archdiocese, the Chancery announced that they could not provide St. Susanna with another assistant.

Realizing that future expansion was inevitable, the parish purchased a piece of property which had become available next to the rectory.  They now owned the entire block between Fourth and Fifth avenues, as well as property across the road to the rear of the parish complex.

1985

In June 1985, Wilfred Brodeur became the second parishioner to be ordained a Deacon.  Deacon Bob, who had been in ill health, resigned as Deacon and D.R.E.  The office of D.R.E. was filled in August by Gerald Barney.  Mr. Barney expanded the C.C.D. programs to include eleventh and twelfth grades.  He began monthly adult education lectures and implemented the "Little Rock Bible Study Program," the first structured Bible classes the parish had ever had.  More than a hundred parishioners signed up for the first series on "The Acts of the Apostles."

1986

The year 1986 saw an increase in the number of evening Renewal Masses, and on March 6th, the first Healing Mass was celebrated.  On June 1st, Fr. Noll observed his Silver Jubilee with an afternoon Mass followed by a reception.  Deacon Bill became Pastoral Associate to assist Fr. Noll, and Linda Carey was hired as a full-time youth minister.

1988

At the time of this writing (in 1988), the parish is spiritually healthy and socially alive.  C.R.H.P. continues to offer an opportunity for spiritual growth.  Bible study and adult education classes are well-attended.  "Peace and Justice" and "Bereavement" committees are in formation.  In spite of tuition increase, the parish school is full and parents are dedicated to keeping it that way.  A boosters club raises funds for the ever expanding children's sports programs.

After celebrating the parish's 50th anniversary mass, the question of how to best serve the needs of both body and spirit is a difficult one, with no easy answers, but God's people are confident that He will continue to guide them providentially into the future.

Return to Parish Timeline