News
St. Bernadette in Butner Celebrates 50th Anniversary
On Sunday, September 28, St. Bernadette Catholic Church in Butner, NC, marked 50 years of ministry in southern Granville County. The church, formerly an army base chapel at Camp Butner, was purchased from the state government for $15,000 and remodeled under the direction of the late Msgr. James Jones. It was dedicated by Bishop Vincent S. Waters in 1958. For the last seven years, the parish has been administered by Sister M. Carol Loughney, IHM, with Fr. J. Paul Byron performing priestly ministry.
The Most Reverend Michael F. Burbidge, Bishop of Raleigh, was principal celebrant and homilist at the bilingual anniversary Mass. Priests concelebrating included Fr. Byron and Fr. Robert Benko, OFM, Conv., Dean of the Piedmont Deanery.
In his homily, Bishop Burbidge praised the parishioners, clergy and religious, both living and dead, for the dedication with which they had served Catholics in the area for a half century. He asked the members of the community to use the anniversary as a time of renewal and rededication to the faithful and compassionate outreach which has characterized the parish for so long.
Above: Sr. Carol Loughney, IHM, (lower right) Pastoral Administrator of St. Bernadette, Butner, during 50th Anniversary Mass of Butner parish.
Above: Bishop Michael F. Burbidge receiving gifts during Anniversary Mass.
Above: Bishop Burbidge greeting parishioners after Mass.