St. Francis Xavier at 108 Main Street, Raywick, KY 40060 US - 1837 - OUR PARISH HISTORY - 2009
1837 - OUR PARISH HISTORY - 2009
St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church has served the small, rural community of Raywick, Ky. for over 170 years. It has stood the test of time with the deep faith and countless contributions of parishioners, clergy and the sisters of neighboring communities. As we plan the future of our church it is important to understand the rich history that has laid the foundation for the present.
The land where the parish in now located was an expanse of woods with wild animals visited by various bands of native American Indians. The Catholic emigrants from Maryland, a sturdy stock of men and women, established themselves along rivers and creeks to have access to water. These were a faithful people who kept their faith.
Bishop B.J. Flaget authorized establishment of the church in 1834. It was not until three years later that Rev. L.N. Petit began the parish and named it St. Francis Xavier after a great Jesuit saint. The first stone was laid on the 21st day of August 1837 with the original document being placed in the cornerstone. The building was completed in 1840, but the parish had outgrown its worship space in just 50 years. This led to the construction of the second church in 1887, which is still used.
When the Jesuits left the diocese in 1837, Diocesan Priests and the Resurrectionists served the parish. Numerous contributions have been made through the educational and spiritual work of the Sisters of Loretto, the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth and the Ursuline Sisters from Mount St. Joseph.
The recent history of St. Francis Xavier has seen many transformations. After the old school burned, Father Robert Brown built the present school building. It remained open until 1984 for grades 1-6 under the supervision of the Marion County Board of Education. Father William T. Caldwell followed Father Brown and served the parish for 17 years. During his time, the parish saw the renovation of the church building. He assisted the parish in forming the Parish Council. Father Clarence Schwartz came in 1983. He continued the spiritual and physical work of former pastors. The following priests came: Father Vince Dentinger (‘96-‘98), Father Ernie Schumacher (‘96-‘00), Deacon Joseph R. Dant (’98-’03), and Father Fred Klotter (‘99’02).
Father Jim Graf arrived in June of 2002 and continues to serve today. Father has initiated greater participation of the parishioners in long range planning and a capital campaign. In 2008 Father and three parishioners went on a mission trip to Belize building a home for the less fortunate.
This glimpse of the history of St. Francis Xavier demonstrates the living, growing faith that has always been a part of this parish. Now, as we plan for the future, we must strive not only to maintain the physical aspects of the church, but also to nurture our growing faith and continue God’s work into the future.
