In the beginning...
St. Hyacinth Parish was canonically established by Bishop John L. Morkovsky in
1965 on August 16, the eve of the feast of St. Hyacinth. St. Hyacinth was chosen
as the patron of our parish because of the location of the San Jacinto
battlegrounds and monument in the parish area. "Saint Hyacinth" is the English
translation for the Spanish "San Jacinto."
Fr. Milam Kleas was appointed as the first Pastor. The rectory and classrooms of
nearby Guardian Angel Church were generously offered to Fr. Kleas and to the
initial 400 families until facilities for the new parish could be built. As the
number of parishioners increased, it became necessary to transfer Sunday Masses
and religious instruction classes to a small auditorium and classrooms at San
Jacinto College.
In 1967, Fr. Kleas and the newly-established Parish Council selected an
architectural firm and a general contractor, and construction was begun. In
1969, the complex - church, rectory, administrative offices, and eight
classrooms - was completed, and dedication ceremonies were held by Bishop
Morkovsky.
Our clergy
Following Fr. Kleas as Pastor were Fr. Ron Titus from 1971-1972, Fr. Anthony
Herndel 1972-1974, Monsignor Francis G. Wearden 1974-1986, Monsignor E.T.
Quinters 1986-2000, Fr. Kenneth Heberlein, 2000-2006, and Fr. Antonio Castro
("Fr. Tony"), our present Pastor.
A number of priests have served as Assistant Pastors, including Fr. Luis Chia,
Fr. Walter Sheffield, Fr. Gilmore Guyot, Fr. Wilfredo Legal, Fr.
Antonio Castro, Fr. Richard Barker, Fr.
Ralph Roberts, and Fr. Maryon Jordan.
St. Hyacinth parish has depended upon additional priests from outside areas to
assist with Sunday and seasonal Liturgies, including Fr. Guyot, Fr. Thomas
Russman, Fr. Fred Chalupa, and Fr. Stephen Zigrang. Their homilies served as a
vital source of instruction and inspiration for the parishioners.
The parish has been additionally blessed with the ordination of permanent deacons to
assist with the growing ministerial needs of the parish: Deacon Richard F. Camunez in 1975, Deacon Dennis M. Hickey in 1981,
and Deacon Tom Mesa in 2003.
Expansion of the facilities
By 1976, the parish size had grown to almost 900 families, with more expected as
new industries and new homes were built in the area. Once again, the focus
turned to the need for expansion. A new rectory was designed, and construction
was completed in 1978. The building has served as home and private office
facilities for two resident priests, plus quarters for visiting priests or
guests, offices for the parish secretaries, and a large dining room for deanery
meetings and dinners.
As the parish continued to expand, a larger facility for the social activities
of the parishioners was needed. A 15,000 sq. ft. building was planned with large
parish hall, classrooms, commercial kitchen, youth room, and storage facilities.
In 1985, construction of the facility was completed, and it was named Guyot Hall
in honor of Fr. Guyot, who for years had shared his extensive knowledge of the
Scriptures and the personalities of the Bible at Sunday Mass and special study
classes.
In 2003, a new Education Building was constructed for the Continuing Christian
Education (CCE) Program. Eight classrooms, meeting room, and library were
added to accommodate the religious instruction classes of the parish youth.
Our spiritual growth
Through the leadership and guidance of the priests and deacons, St. Hyacinth
parish has grown over the years in spirituality, as well as in size. The parish
was consecrated to the Blessed Virgin Mary in 1975 by then-Pastor, Fr. Francis
Wearden.
Through the continued efforts of Fr. Wearden, along with the help and support of
Fr. Martin Lucia, SS.CC. and the parishioners, a small prayer chapel was opened
on the Feast of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, June 13, 1980. In the "Chapel of
Perpetual Adoration" the Blessed Sacrament is exposed for adoration day and
night. Visitors come at their selected hours to pray in our Lord's Eucharistic
Presence. With only a couple of exceptions due to inclement weather, the chapel
has been operational 24 hours a day since its beginning in 1980.
There have been many parish organizations established to promote spirituality:
The Legion of Mary, Right to Life, the Extraordinary Eucharistic Ministry, choirs, and Bible
study groups, to name only a few. Many opportunities have been provided for
parishioners to attend special devotions - retreats and parish missions, the
monthly recitation of the Fatima Rosary, the Stations of the Cross and other
Lenten devotions.
Our temporal growth
Likewise, there have been many means provided to meet the temporal needs of the
parish. St. Vincent de Paul Society, The Knights of Columbus, and The Catholic
Daughters of America are examples of the many organizations which have provided
not only a way for parishioners to grow spiritually, but to give or receive
practical aid, as well.
A number of parish social clubs have been formed, including the Men's Club, the
Ladies' Guild, and the St. Hyacinth Club for those over 50. Events just for fun and fellowship have
always been an important part of parish life; for instance, the annual Christmas
party, the celebration of the feast of St. Hyacinth, and coffee and doughnuts
after Sunday Masses (a tradition for more than 20 years now). Fund-raising
events such as bazaars, garage sales, and auctions have not only helped to meet
the financial goals of the parish, but also have encouraged friendship among the
parishioners.
Commitment to our youth
One of the major commitments of the parish community has been to the religious
development of our youth. Programs, committees, and curriculum have been
established to meet the challenges associated with this commitment. The CCE
(Continuing Christian Education) and the CYM (Catholic Youth Ministry) have
evolved and changed over time, as needs have required. Everyone involved - the
clergy, the pastoral committees, the directors and the volunteers of the youth
programs - are all focused on the spiritual growth of the young
members of the parish.
Our future
The more things change...
If there has been a common thread throughout the history of St. Hyacinth parish,
it has been "change." Facilities, liturgies, organizations, and activities have
been added and eliminated according to the needs and participation of the
parishioners. This unrelenting need for change, while challenging, is an
undeniable sign that our parish is alive, dynamic, and responsive to its
members. St. Hyacinth parish has now grown to more than 1,600 active families.
As we look to the
years ahead, we find ourselves faced with many of the same challenges we faced
in the beginning.
In focusing on the future of our parish, we must be ever-mindful that our faith
community is made up not only of church and buildings, but of the people who
come together to pray and worship. Each parishioner effects a vital role
as we continue to build the spirit of our parish. Traditional faith
teachings blended with the efforts of each of the members will assure that the
needs of St. Hyacinth parish will be met for many years to come.
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