From Humble Beginnings
On June 29, 1971, the first POP offices were housed in a small apartment complex on FM 1960. The groundwork was laid for the parish in which we worship today. Masses were celebrated at nearby Matzke and Bleyl elementary schools. Faith formation processes that focused on families learning together were conducted in parishioner homes. In 1974, the first POP Main Church was built and dedicated.
Milestones
1970s
1971 – Offices open at an apartment complex on FM 1960.
1972 – The parish land is purchased and architects selected.
1974 – Church, rectory and community center are completed on five acres of land.
1976 – Approximately 1,200 households are now registered.
1980s
1984 – The first “International Night” is held at POP to bring together our culturally diverse parishioner community. POP now has close to 3,000 registered households.
1985 – St. Ignatius Loyola is established as the latest of six new parishes in the area.
1986 – POP’s first permanent deacon, Deacon Ralph Cox, is ordained by Bishop Fiorenza and POP celebrates its 15th Anniversary.
1990s
1990 – Father George Sheltz assumes leadership of the parish.
1994 –A more spacious Main Church replaces the original 1974 structure.
Mid-1990s –The Spanish Language Ministry and Blessed Beginnings Preschool become a part of parish life.
1999 – Father John Keller joins POP as pastor.
2000s
Early 2000s – The Big Holy Audacious Goals (BHAG’s) initiative solicits parishioner input to arrive at a long-term master plan.
2005 – A successful capital campaign allows for the construction of the Mary Chapel and the expansion of the
Religious Education building, which is renamed the St. Joseph Center.
2011 – The Main Church is renovated to add an additional 500 seats and the Community Center is expanded.
2012 – POP now serves the needs of approximately 7,000 households.
2014 – A new capital campaign is launched in September to fund the construction of the St. Andrew Discipleship Center, the St. Pedro Calungsod Youth Center and the Mercy Center.
2015 – Groundbreaking takes place for the new facilities on October 24th. POP now serves over 8,500 households.
2016 – Beam signings are held in the church plaza during the first quarter. Construction continues and the project is completed ahead of schedule and within budget. Dedication of the new facilities takes place on December 3rd. The Caritas Building is renamed as the St. Nicholas Childcare Center. POP now serves close to 9,000 households.