Oxford Church Celebrates 50 Years

From The Catholic Transcript:

OXFORD, CT – This year marks a very special year for St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church.

On September 17, the red brick church on Route 67 is celebrating its 50th anniversary. But the celebration has been happening all year, first with a Parish Retreat in February, Pot Luck Dinner in May, Golf Tournament in June, Parish Picnic in August and a Jubilee Mass on August. 21 that was celebrated by Archbishop Leonard P. Blair. The parish was thankful that the archbishop took time out to help celebrate this important milestone.

St. Thomas the Apostle is the only Catholic Church in Oxford and was established in September 1966 and its first pastor was the Reverend Joseph R. Barlowski who served as pastor for 23 years. In 1989 he retired and a Collaborative Team Ministry of Ms. Charlotte Bruney, Sr. Mary “Beth” Elizabeth Preston OSU and Fr. Dominic J. Valla were assigned to the leadership of the parish and in 1996, Fr. Valla was assigned as pastor, a position he still holds and Sr. Beth was named as Pastoral Associate, a position she still holds today.

The church has grown in 50 years from 400 families in 1966 to 1,300 families now. The parish, (which was originally located in a small church on Old State Road before building a new church at 733 Oxford Road) is made up of young families and older persons as well.

Fr. Valla said that for over 100 years there has been a Catholic presence in this community. “We are so grateful for those who planted the seeds long ago and as well as for those who have nurtured the growth. May God continue to bless the St. Thomas parish family as we celebrate the 50th anniversary of its founding,’’ said Fr. Valla.

Sr. Beth said it has been a pleasure to work with “such a vibrant parish” with many young people and children. “There’s always something happening –and people are very willing to give of their time and talents,’’ said Sr. Beth.

Patty and Buddy Martino of Oxford have been members of the church for almost 49 years and have volunteered here and their children received the sacraments here. “It’s a warm and welcoming church and we’ve seen it grow,’’ said Patty Martino. “We have also made a lot of friends here over the years.’’

Parishioner Linda Zibluk said she looks forward to attending services each week. “I’ve been attending church here for close to 40 years, ‘’ she said. “I find it to be a great community and the staff and Fr. Dom and Sr. Beth are just wonderful,’’ added Zibluk.

Cheryl Williams has been the Parish Secretary at St. Thomas the Apostle for 19 1/2 years, and said, “I enjoy coming to work every day. I have had the pleasure of meeting so many wonderful people throughout the years. St. Thomas is truly a community of warm, welcoming and generous people, and it is a pleasure to serve them as secretary of the parish," said Williams.

Longtime parishioners and active volunteers, Ines and Jerry Davino helped to build the church. "We love the church. It's always open and friendly,'' said Jerry Davino. "It was a great place to raise our family and we have no plans to leave and are so happy to see people volunteering at the church,'' he said, adding he is on the committee planning an upcoming banquet

The celebration is not over: On September 17 at 6 p.m. there will be a cookout. On September 18 after all Masses there will be coffee and pastries served and the final celebration will be on October 16 when there will be a banquet at 4 p.m. at the Colonial Tavern in Oxford.

Photo via The Catholic Transcript: Fr. Dominic Valla greets parishioners at Oxford's St. Thomas the Apostle Church. The church is celebrating its 50th anniversary celebration at its location on Oxford Road. (Route 67.)