Nativity Celebrates Golden Anniversary
Evansville’s Nativity Parish celebrated its 50th anniversary Oct. 20 in grand style. Hundreds packed the church for Mass concelebrated by Bishop Charles C. Thompson, and current and former pastors who represented more than 30 years of service to the Nativity family.
“Pope Francis has spoken eloquently about the nature of the Church needing to be for the poor,” Bishop Thompson said in his homily. “Nativity Parish has served as a beacon of hope in this regard.”
Two former pastors joined Bishop Thompson and current pastor Father Henry Kuykendall to concelebrate the anniversary Mass. Retired Father Joe Ziliak, who assisted at Nativity during the first three years of its existence, served as pastor from 1980 to 1987. Retired Father Bill Dietsch followed Father Joe, serving from 1987 to 1989. Father Henry replaced him.
Retired Msgr. Ken Knapp, who made Nativity his residence for 13 years, also concelebrated. And among the servers was Mark Scheller, who traveled from the Indianapolis area with his wife. Scheller was a server at the first Mass ever celebrated at Nativity, on Oct. 20, 1963.
In his homily Bishop Thompson talked about the Oct. 20 Gospel reading, in which Jesus used a parable to explain the need for faith in the power of prayer. “This celebration of the 50th anniversary of Nativity Parish gives us the occasion to consider all that has been accomplished and realized in the lives of so many as a result of persistence in prayer,” he offered.
“As a consequence of such faithful prayer leading to generosity of ministry and service, the world is a better place.” The faithful in attendance received the bishop’s homily in three difference languages. He and Nativity Hispanic Ministry Pastoral Assistant Pilar Tirado alternated with the English and Spanish versions. To their right, Marge Leubbehusen delivered the homily in sign language for the hearing impaired in attendance. She has been serving as sign-language interpreter at Nativity for more than 20 years.
As another way of recognizing and including the hearing impaired in attendance, Father Henry had everyone sing and sign a portion of the Mass.
At the conclusion of Mass, before the final blessing, Father Henry recognized those in attendance who had been members of Nativity since its inception 50 years ago. He also thanked the musicians and choir, and recognized Parish Business Manager Nancy Oskins for her service to the Nativity community.
