| History | On June 28, 1972, Archbishop James V. Casey assigned Father George L. Weibel to the task of studying the feasibility of establishing a new parish in the Columbine area southwest of Littleton. This assignment was preceded by extensive discussions between Episcopalians and Catholics concerning the possibility of the two groups establishing an ecumenical parish in the area. A census was completed indicating that 500 Catholic families would be served by a new parish. The first Sunday masses were celebrated September 9 and 10, 1972 in the Columbine Hills elementary school with 862 persons in attendance. Dialogue was continued with Father Jack Knight of the Episcopalians, and agreement was reached on a joint parish site at West Chatfield Avenue and South Pierce Street. In January 1973, A. Aubrey Spenst was retained as architect and on September 18, 1973, R.N. Fenton & Co. were hired for the construction. Father Weibel was appointed as pastor on December 26, 1973. Father Leonard Alimena, Pastor of St. Mary's, Littleton, officiated at a cornerstone laying ceremony on June 30, 1974. This was followed by the first mass in the new church. On September 21, 1974, Archbishop Casey dedicated the new church. On March 12, 1975, St. Gregory's Episcopal Church was dedicated by Bishop William Frey. As neighbors, the two congregations are involved in a variety of joint programs. St. Francis Cabrini parish now has 860 families with a membership of about 3000. |
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