| Back to INDEX | The parish history for St.
Patrick’s
Catholic Church of Casper for the years 1970-1980 inclusive follows: In 1960, it became apparent that there was a need for a new church on the east side of Casper. Monsignor Thomas F. O’Reilly, then pastor of Saint Anthony’s Church, undertook the project of constructing Saint Patrick’s Church. The initial investment in the church, school and 3.2 acres of land was something in excess of a half million dollars. Bishop Hubert M. Newell dedicated the new church on Saint Patrick’s Day in 1963. Father James Power was appointed pastor of the new parish. The boundary lines of the parish at that time were from Elk Street on the west to the Converse County line on the east. His assistants were Fr. Gerald Sullivan 1969-1971; Fr. Vincent Langfield 1971-1972; Fr. John Cody and Fr. Frank Mahler. Father Thomas Cleary followed Father Power as pastor on June 28, 1973. His assistant was Father John Flannigan. In August 1974, Father Lawrence Etchingham became the pastor. He remained pastor until September of 1976, when Auxiliary Bishop Joseph Hart became pastor, and Father Etchingham served as associate pastor. Father Joseph Moroney replaced Father Etchingham as associate pastor in May 1977. Also serving St. Patrick’s at that time was Father John Robinson, O.S.B., in the capacity of assistant pastor. Father Moroney became pastor in 1978 when Bishop Hart was named Bishop of the Diocese of Cheyenne. Father Thomas Sheridan replaced Father Moroney as pastor on June 17, 1980. At this time, there is no assistant at Saint Patrick’s. On June 31, 1971, Mr. Louis T. Carubie became our first lay minister. Rev. Mr. Carubie was ordained a permanent deacon on October 14, 1974, and serves St. Patrick’s now in this capacity. One priest has been ordained from this church. He is Father Milton N. Adamson, C.S.C., and he is currently stationed in Colorado Springs, Colorado. St. Patrick’s has 25 lay ministers and two lectors. Sisters from the Order of Saint Benedict were in residence from September 1969, until May 1978. Currently on staff is Sr. Louis-Marie Cramer, O.P. She arrived in August 1979, and conducts the Adult Education Program for the parish. Mr. and Mrs. Ron Green came to the parish in 1979 as Diocesan Family
Life Coordinators. They work from the Family Life Center in downtown
Casper. Religion Education Classes are offered at St. Patrick’s for pre-school through adult. Our C.C.D. program has three part-time elementary C.C.D. coordinators, one junior-high school C.C.D. coordinator, and the senior high school program is conducted by Father Sheridan. The C.C.D. program is taught by 36 teachers. The physical plant of St. Patrick’s has undergone several changes in the past ten years. In August 1974, remodeling took place in the basement of the church to turn a large classroom into offices for Catholic Social Services. Catholic Social Services remained here until late 1977. At that time, the parish offices were moved from the rectory to the area vacated by Social Services. The Sanctuary was remodeled in 1975, and the main part of the church was carpeted. A new organ was installed and blessed in 1976. During 1978-1979, the Patrician Room and kitchen, and St. Thomas Chapel were remodeled. In addition to the above improvements, the parking lot was paved, the church heating system redone, and automatic sprinkler systems were installed at the church, convent, and rectory. There are several organizations active at St. Patrick’s. Among them are Council of Catholic Women, Men’s Club, Catholic Daughters of America, Parish Council, C.C.D. Board, Cana Club, and the St. Vincent de Paul Society. The people of St. Patrick’s also help to support the Knights of Columbus, Regal Club (senior citizens), Marriage Encounter, New Beginnings, and the Shalom Prayer Group.
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