St. Germaine Catholic Church

History

On November 23, 1980, the first shovelfull of dirt was turned over at the ground-breaking for St. Germaine Catholic church of Prescott Valley, Arizona! Fr. Philip Reiser, the first Administrator, had written a letter to all charter members, challenging them to form a Catholic Parish Community Center to share the love of God with all. A small number of parishioners, working together, formed a building committee, pledge committee and publicity committee--THEN THEY ALL WENT TO WORK! Rummage sales, bake sales and bazaars were among the many efforts of these hardworking parishioners, determined to raise money for the building. (Some things are still done the same way, aren't they?:) Thus came to be, a functional facility...simple in design...that inspired and lifted hearts and minds to God....both then and now.
Parishoners submitted potential names for this new Parish. The Bishop made his selection from three "finalists". The name decided upon was that of "St. Germaine of Pibrac". An article in the Extension Magazine over 50 years earlier called her the "Forgotten Saint". A pamphlet describing her life was obtained and submitted, along with the name to the Bishop. (It so happened that this was the year of the abused child.) The Bishop read the pamphlet...and that was it! A copy of this pamphlet is sealed inside the cross on the roof of the Church.

The first Mass was celebrated on June 14, 1981. Dedication of the Church was held on March 28, 1982.

As the Parish grew, the Religious Education classrooms were built in 1984. Fr. Michael Martinez arrived July 1, 1985, working especially well with the youth of the Parish. Fr. Philip Reiser returned in 1986. In 1987, construction began on the Parish Hall. It was dedicated on May 21, 1989 and officially named "Reiser Hall" in honor of the "Builder Priest". In 1993 Fr. Reiser left due to poor health. Fr. Michael Shay arrived July 1, 1993, bring humor and instructive homilies. He was also very instrumental in updating the decor of the church.

July 1, 1994 brought Fr. Gerald Yaeger to St. Germaine. The parishoners soon knew a rectory WOULD be built! In November of that year, Fr. Jerry, his mother and their two dogs moved into the completed rectory. The parishoners helped Fr. Jerry celebrate his birthday; then, on May 28, 1996, his 30th Ordination anniversary. A Blue Spruce tree was planted near the mosaics at the rectory to commemorate the 10th anniversary of St. Germaine Parish. As the tree grows, so grows the Parish....spiritually and in family members!

On July 1, 1998, upon Fr. Yeager's retirement, St. Germaine Parish Community was blessed with the arrival of Fr. John Shetler, better know as "Fr. J.R. - the Cowboy Priest!" WOW! What a bundle of energy and enthusiasm he has brought to this Parish Community! Fr. J.R. dug in his "spurs" and began working diligently to get to know the member of his "flock", as well as to assess the needs of the Parish and the community at large. During his time with us, the new "Healing Garden" and "Perpetual Adoration Chapel" have come to fruition...as well as family membership having grown tremendously: And, there is now an abundance of beautiful flowerbeds adorning the grounds of the Parish (not to mention 40 or so chickens, 3 HUGE rabbits, a turkey, a dog and a cat at the Rectory!).

Also, under Fr. J.R.'s leadership, and with the continued hard work and sacrifice of the Parish families, the Church has obtained land adjacent to its grounds for further expansion in the near future. That future looks exciting for God and his Parish Family here at St. Germaine Parish Community!

On July 1, 2005, Fr. John was transferred to St. Gabriel the Archangel in Carefree, AZ. He will always be sorely missed buy the parishoners of St. Germaine's, but.....God's will be done!

Our new Pastor is Fr. Dan Vollmer and St. Germaine's is his first Parish as a Pastor. We welcome him and give him our support. Fr. Dan has a great desire to help St. Germaine's grow, both spiritually and in numbers, and is using all his training, prayers and abilities to make this happen. We will support him with our prayers and by volunteering our talents/skills to help him do so.