75th Anniversary of the Parish of St. Monica - 2011

St. Monica's parish is celebrating its 75th Anniversary this year, and we are pleased to present this photo journal to commemorate the event.

The Catholic Church in the Wawa area has a long history dating back to the Jesuit Fathers in the 17th century. By 1903 there were four (4) churches in the area being served by the Jesuits who made regular visits for Mass and the sacraments.

St. Monica's Church however has it's beginnings at the Parkhill Gold Mine in 1936. In an entry in Bishop R.H. Dignan's journal he writes "September 1936, a new church dedicated to St. Monica, erected by Rev. Stephen Thomas at Gold Park, formerly Parkhill Mine was opened for Divine Service". In 1939 Father Regis St. James P.P. with Bishop Dignan's approval had St. Monica's Church re-located to Wawa from Parkhill. In 1964 a new larger church was built to accomodate the growing congregation. The old church was then used as a parish hall until 1982 when it was torn down.

In 1982 major renovations were made to St. Monica's when Father Jerry Yadivisiak was pastor giving the church the appearance we see today. A new foyer, sacristy, confessional, meeting rooms, kitchen facilities and washrooms were added at that time. In 1985-1986 Phase 2 of the renovations was completed; this included new windows, doors and insulation. The most recent repairs and upgrades were done in 2009.

Despite demographic changes and declining population, St. Monica's has remained a vibrant community of faith and a place of worship. We thank our pastors and Sisters of St. Joseph who served faithfully for many years, and we are grateful to our parishioners who continue to serve in many ways to enrich our parish life.

May God's light continue to shine on St. Monica's and grant us many blessings in the years ahead.

- Anne Zamolo