November 25, 2009

 Frederick parish gets land

By John Gleason

A small rural church now has the opportunity to grow as the result of a generous land donation.

On Nov. 4 members of St. Theresa Parish in Frederick presented a plaque of recognition to Colorado land developer Mark Palkowitsh for 9 1/2 acres of property he donated to the church in August. 

The presentation, held at the John Paul II Center in Denver, was made by St. Theresa pastor Father Hernan Florez and members of the parish council.  The property will be used for eventual construction of a new church and parish center, according to Father Florez.

“We now have the chance to build a mid-size church,” he told the Denver Catholic Register, “which will allow us to accommodate the growing population of the parish.”

St. Theresa serves the Catholic population of Frederick, Dacono and Firestone.  Founded in 1923, the current church, constructed by coal miners in 1939, seats 250 people which can make for cramped quarters during Mass.

“We have about 350 families registered at St. Theresa,” Father Florez said, “and as many as 100 more who attend.  The community continues to expand.  A new church would make more room for all.”

Palkowitsh, who is not a member of St. Theresa Parish, has been active as a developer in the area for years. It was his familiarity with the area and the community that prompted the gift.

“I’ve gotten to know the area and the people here,” he told the Register, “as a result, I developed a real love for the community.”

Parish council member Carmine DeSantis, who was at the presentation, said that there had been talk about a new church long before the gift of land, but due to the economy it rarely got beyond that stage due to cost.  Now, the council can look at forming a building committee, discuss fundraising and lay the steps that will lead to a new church.

“Along came our angel (Palkowitsh) with land that will prove to be a perfect spot for a church,” he said. 

For the parishioners, the news that the parish has taken a big step toward the dream of a new church was a blessing, according to Father Florez.

“The response has been wonderful,” he said.  “Everyone is excited and many want to take part.  But that is the type of parish we have at St. Theresa—young families to longtime members—in every sense, an active community.”