A Catholic Church Grows In Lithonia

In February 1997, Fr. Paul Flood was appointed as the third pastor of Christ Our Hope. Recognizing the original idea that the existing building, which was being utilized as the church, was in the long term intended to serve as a parish hall, Fr. Paul formulated a plan to move towards this long-term goal.  Fr. Paul initiated a capital campaign to build a new church – called, “Hope for Tomorrow”.  90% of the 450 families contributed financially to the “Hope of Tomorrow” campaign.

On May 1, 2000 the groundbreaking ceremony was held with a Mass presided over by Archbishop John F. Donoghue.  Pastor Paul Flood and Deacon Bill McKenzie, pictured above also concelebrated the mass on this momentous occasion.  This groundbreaking ceremony reflected the familiar words of the psalm: “If the Lord does not build the house, in vain do its builders labor.”

The new church building is approximately 5700 sq. ft and seats about 375 persons. The project took over seven months to complete and culminated in a dedication Mass celebrated by Archbishop John F. Donoghue in February 2001.  Not only has the presence of the new church attracted visitors but it has also attracted new parishioners from the surrounding communities, building upon the Gospel foundations to spread our faith.  Additionally, the new church has allowed for a parish hall to rejuvenate religious education programs and provide a gathering place for parishioners to enliven their faith.

Fr. John (Jack) Durkin became the 4^th pastor of Christ Our Hope November 2001.  Recognizing the need for help from the congregation in administering and tending to the physical and spiritual needs of the parish, Fr. Jack reconvened both the Pastoral and Finance Councils.

Fr. Jack’s background in education and his natural abilities for teaching enabled him to focus on spiritual education for adults, families, and children. He revitalized the religious education programs, and instituted new programs such as the Adult Bible Education, Natural Family planning series and the Legion of Mary. During his leadership the membership grew to 470 families from a multitude of cultures and ethnicities.

Under Fr. Jack’s leadership and spiritual guidance, Christ Our Hope witnessed the ordination of Deacon Bill McKenzie on February 8, 2003.  He became the second ordained Deacon within the parish history. 

Fr. Guyma Noel became Christ Our Hope 5^th pastor in February 2005. With over 300 families in the parish, membership is primarily from the various countries of Africa, Caribbean, and 20 states.  Fr. Guyma has tried to find meaningful ways to incorporate the spiritual and corporal needs of this multinational congregation.  One of his major achievements has been to enhance the spiritual needs of the diverse cultures through the Music Ministry.

Contributing Editor: G. Cutter, 7/2006