News
Bishop Celebrates Anniversary Mass for St. Andrew Church
St. Andrew the Apostle Catholic Church celebrated its 25th anniversary September 13-14, culminating with the Most Reverend Michael F. Burbidge presiding at the 11:30am Mass on Sunday.
The parish was established in 1983 as the result of the increase Catholic population in the Cary-Apex area. It was assigned to the care of the Franciscan Friars of the Atonement with Fr. William Schmidt its first pastor. Today, the parish community numbers 3,200 families. Fr. David E. Fitzgerald is pastor.
Bishop Burbidge acknowledged parishioners who were instrumental in building the faith community and those who continue to strengthen and sustain it.
In his homily the Bishop noted the parish anniversary occurred on the same day as the universal Church was celebrating the Exaltation of the Holy Cross. “As we walk through this life, there are times our patience can be worn out by the journey,” the Bishop said. “However, the truth of today’s Gospel alleviates any sense of defeat, as we are powerfully reminded that all who turn to Jesus lifted up in crucifixion and resurrection are healed and given the promise of new life both now and forever.”
Four friars who served the parish returned for the celebration; Fr. Schmidt, Fr. Joseph Cavoto, Fr. Ken Cienik and Fr. Francis Eldridge. Also returning for the anniversary were Sr. Anne Heath and Sr. Patricia Wilson.
Above: Bishop Michael F. Burbidge celebrating Mass marking 25th anniversary at St. Andrew the Apostle Church in Apex, with Father David Fitzgerald, SA, Pastor of St. Andrew Church in Apex, on the left and Bishop Emeritus F. Joseph Gossman on the right.)
Below: Friars Fr. William Schmidt, SA, Fr. Ken Cienik, SA, Fr. Joseph Cavoto, SA, Fr. Thomas Gumprecht, SA, and Fr. Francis Eldridge, SA, attending 25th Anniversary Mass. Fr. Schmidt was the founding pastor and Fr. Cavoto was the co-founding parochial vicar of the parish. Fr. Gumbrecht is the current parochial vicar.
