THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Thursday, March 16, 1995 TAG: 9503150137
SECTION: SUFFOLK SUN PAGE: 16 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY TRUDY CUTHRELL, CORRESPONDENT
DATELINE: FRANKLIN LENGTH: Medium: 99 lines
WHEN ST. JUDE'S Catholic Church seemed about to burst its seams, the Rev. Carl De Souza spearheaded efforts for a building expansion program.
``I'm only here for a short while,'' said Father Carl, as he is known to his parishioners. ``This is your parish, so get involved in the work, and there will be great pride and joy in your parish.''
They did get involved, and now they take pride in an expanded worship facility that includes a worship center, fellowship hall and classrooms.
The $328,000 construction project, dedicated in December 1994 by Bishop Walter F. Sullivan, includes a spacious sanctuary (3,700 square feet) that comfortably seats 300. The fellowship hall, renovated from the church's original sanctuary, built in 1948, has a seating capacity of 165 for social gatherings. And office space and five classrooms have expanded the church's capacity to teach more than 115 children who attend weekly classes in Christian education.
Part of the impetus for growth was Father Carl, who took over the leadership of St. Jude's and The Shrine in Wakefield in June 1991.
Father Carl was born and raised in Tanzania, East Africa. His diverse background includes degrees in theology and philosophy and a graduate degree in journalism from Columbia University.
Father Carl speaks several languages and has traveled and lectured extensively throughout the world. While in Tanzania, he wrote a weekly column in Tanzania's English-language daily newspaper and hosted a program on Radio Tanzania. He also established training programs in print and radio journalism for the Tanzanian Ministry of Information.
During his 29 years in the ministry, Father Carl has been recognized for his ability to talk knowledgeably about a wide range of subjects, including international affairs, economics and social issues. His concern for all people - including the elderly, infirm, poor and imprisoned - has become contagious at St. Jude's. His openheartedness has sparked in his parish an open door to the community.
Michael Riddle, executive manager of Casey's Franklin Auto Mall, is a neighbor to St. Jude's. Speaking from a community standpoint, he said, ``They are great neighbors, and we're pleased with the growth we've seen take place there.'' Riddle also sees a large Catholic parish as a drawing card to some families considering relocation in the Franklin area.
Father Carl said: ``Church is commitment. Religion is something very personal between you and God.''
His theology impacts every aspect of life. His marriage counseling, for example, requires couples to be committed to God, to one another and to a church before he will perform a marriage ceremony.
His challenge to parents and teachers is equally firm, ``You must set the example for your children to follow.''
Parish members joined hands with contractors at Gerling-Wood Construction Co. from Virginia Beach. ``We went in with a listening attitude and found it quite easy to work with the congregation,'' Bob Gerling explained.
To keep costs down, parishioners provided hands-on assistance in areas such as electrical wiring, installation of the sound system and exterior landscaping.
``They were responsive and gave high quality work,'' Gerling said. ``And with a little help from the Lord and total community response, the results were outstanding.''
Mary Beth Bergerone and her husband have been members at St. Jude's for 15 years.
``Being an old fashioned Midwesterner, I loved the traditional chapel,'' Mary Beth admitted. ``But when I saw the beautiful new sanctuary, I wanted to quit my job and clean the church so I could be there all the time.'' St. Jude's history
After visiting Suffolk in 1927, Bishop Andrew J. Brennan decided St. Mary's needed a resident priest. Later that year, he appointed Father Joseph V. Brennan.
Father Brennan brought to St. Mary's a missionary zeal for establishing new churches. Upon celebrating Mass each day at 7 a.m., he was off to establish missions in Franklin, Courtland and Sebrell, where he met with Catholics in various homes.
When Father Julius O. Schmidhauser came to St. Mary's years later, he continued to develop the mission of St. Jude's, utilizing an old USO building and finally moving to the Holland Funeral Home.
In August 1947, Father Schmidhauser began an appeal for funds for a church and on April 25, 1948, the new church was blessed and dedicated by Bishop Ireton.
In December 1994, under the leadership of Father Carl De Souza, St. Jude's celebrated the dedication of its newest addition.
In recent months, membership in the St. Jude's parish has grown to about 170 families. The church is at 1014 Clay St. in Franklin.
For information, call 569-9600. MEMO: (From historical sketches submitted by parishes of Region III and
compiled by Father Thomas B. Nee, pastor of St. Mary's of the
Presentation, Suffolk, and Church of the Good Shepherd, Smithfield)
ILLUSTRATION: Staff photo by JOHN H. SHEALLY II
The Rev. Carl De Souza sits in the new sanctuary at St. Jude's
Catholic Church. He was the driving force behind the building
expansion program.
by CNB