St. Mary’s Hall finally arrives

Photos by Gary Zupancic/Wimberley View

The story of St. Mary’s new 7,800 square foot parish hall is one of patience. Many parishioners measure the time passed in pastors instead of years. The idea of a new hall was a dream by longtime pastor Fr. Everett Trebtoske more than a decade ago.

As an old priest he realized it was not to be his undertaking and Father Pedro Garcia-Ramirez started a fund drive in 2007 for a new hall for the ever-expanding church. The diocese had another plan, an urgent need at another larger parish and Fr. Pedro was called there. Four pastors later, and some time without one, went by and still no movement on a hall. Of course the original pledged funds were saved for a future hall drive.

Finally the diocese announced a new pastor, Father Jason Bonifazi, who was an assistant at nearby St. Anthony Marie de Claret Parish, a growing parish in Kyle. Fr. Bonifazi had an MBA , which was perfect for the job.

“When Fr. Jason was named to our parish, Mike Steinert visited him in Kyle and made sure that the new hall was on the agenda… Give all credit to him and the community,” Rose Oldham, one of the parishioners said. “It is a blessed space,” Mike Steinert said.

Bonifazi arrived at the parish in July of ’17 and was already familiar with the project. The community made pledges. The building got the approval and a loan from the diocese and construction began.

And it finally did happen. A new parish hall for the St. Mary’s community was reality. On Saturday, July 14, the dedication of the new facility by Bishop Daniel Garcia of the Austin Diocese made it official. The walls were blessed along with the new kitchen. A crowd of about 125 attended the festivities with a potluck lunch with Knights of Columbus BBQ chicken.

It is all ADA compliant and meets all city and state regulations, including an indoor sprinkler with its own tank for water pressure. It is for use by parishioners from Baptisms to Quinceañeras, weddings, anniversary parties to funeral gatherings. There’s plenty of room in the kitchen for Friday Fish Fries, and the main hall for garage sales and other events on the parish calendar.

“This is a great day. All your hard work and prayers are here. We bless and dedicate this building. The parish now has an actual parish hall…this was a long time coming,” Bishop Garcia said. “The community’s support has come to fruition. People can gather for celebrations for important moments in their lives…but remember the parish is you, everyone of you.”

Bonifazi said, “This new Parish Activity Center is going to be integral to our parish due to our need for more meeting space. For now, we’re going to enjoy this moment and celebrate the many gifts that God continues to pour out on us.”

“This is a great day. All your hard work and prayers are here. We bless and dedicate this building. The parish now has an actual parish hall… This was a long time coming”
Bishop Daniel Garcia , Austin Diocese

When soundproof panels are installed, there will be eight meeting rooms available, all audio deadened for use by parish committees, meetings, and for the entire community without sound spillover to another meeting.

Different ministries such as the Financial Council, lectors or religious education can all meet at the same time without disturbing the other.

The building is in the shape of a crucifix with a tower like cupola right in the center with four windows facing each compass direction. The added light adds so much to the building and the architectural addition of the cupola adds so much to the warmth and friendly atmosphere on the inside.

“What a great place to meet in fellowship at St. Mary’s,” Martha Barchfeld said. “It came out just like the plans,” Bill Sheridan, parishioner said.

“It was long awaited and sorely needed…It is so exciting,” Minerva Martinez, Religious Education Director said, voicing the opinions of many others in attendance at the event.