Our Beginnings

Christ Our Hope Catholic Church, Lithonia, Georgia

Established June 21, 1984

In the year one thousand nine hundred and eighty four a decree was issued from the Archdiocese of Atlanta that a Catholic presence should be felt in Lithonia, Georgia.  Fr. John C. Kieran was called forth to establish the 35 founding Catholic families and build thereupon a church. The first Catholic Church in Lithonia was established and its name, Christ Our Hope was chosen from the opening words of St. Paul’s letter to Timothy: Christ Jesus, Our Hope… The logo is a combination of the first two letters of the Greek word for Christ (Chi and Rho) and the anchor cross used by the early Christians as a symbol of hope.

An agreement was signed with the First United Methodist Church in Lithonia to rent their sanctuary for weekly/Sunday masses and classrooms for monthly religious education classes. The first mass was held October 21, 1984 in the First United Methodist Church.  In December 1984, the Parish House was completed at 2010 Spencer Oaks. It was used for residence, daily mass and the office. The parish house basement served as a church and classrooms. The temporary rectory was half a mile from the future church site. From December 1984 through June 1987 with 150 families, Sunday Mass was celebrated at the ‘old’ Lithonia High School.

Twenty acres of land were purchased on Wellborn Road as the future site of Christ Our Hope (COH) Catholic Church. A decision was made to situate the church building in the north quadrant of the territory allotted to the parish, rather than at the center, because of expected growth. Ground breaking took place on June 22, 1986 with Archbishop Thomas Donnellan. The 8600 sq. ft. building was constructed and dedicated on August 6, 1987.

June 1991 COH was again blessed. Fr. Austin Fogarty came as pastor bringing his insight, vitality, and innovative ideas. A new men’s service group using the mantle St. Joseph’s hands made the renovations to the church a reality. A revitalized religious education program encompassing pre-school through adult education was implemented; music ministry expanded, and the newly elected Pastoral Council, a visionary group moved the parish into the new decade. Christ Our Hope was also honored to be the church to host the first mass of Father Victor Reyes.

The rainbow of cultures that made up the membership during the first decade were from the Caribbean, Haiti, Latin America, South America, Africa, the Philippines, Vietnam, Pakistan, Canada, and every corner of the United State. From the original 35 families, the membership had grown to 410 families.

Contributing Editor: G. Cutter, 7/2006