IMMACULATE CONCEPTION
Kendalville, IN
OUR HISTORY
Like many parishes in the Diocese of Fort Wayne-South Bend, Immaculate Conception Parish in Kendallville grew from the heart of another nearby parish, St. Mary of the Assumption in Avilla. Originally, Immaculate Conception was set up as a mission parish in 1865, where the pastor of St. Mary, Father A.B. Oechterling, traveled to celebrate Mass in the home of Peter Ringle. For a time, the parish then fell under mission territory of St. Patrick in Ligonier, served by priests of that parish. The people of the parish laid a cornerstone for an actual church building in 1866, but it was never constructed. Instead, the parish purchased a former Baptist church – the first church built in the city – and moved it to Oak Street to serve the needs of the parish.
As more Catholic families moved into this area of Noble County following railroad work, a future bishop was appointed pastor of the small community in Kendallville. Father John F. Noll became the first resident pastor in 1899. By 1923, a new brick structure – the current church – had been built on the site of the old one under the guidance of pastor Father Robert Halpin.
Through the subsequent years, Immaculate Conception Parish has continued to grow. It has seen such improvements as the installation of a fourteen-rank Allen organ, beautiful stained-glass windows including a rose window above the choir loft, and a community hall with classrooms, meeting room and a modern kitchen.
Today, Immaculate Conception boasts 210 families, a small parish with a big heart. Some of its ministries include an active Knights of Columbus council, Rosary Sodality, and a seniors’ group. Of greatest importance is teaching the faith, which Immaculate Conception does through yearly Corpus Christi processions, bringing Christ to the streets of Kendallville. Catechesis of the Good Shepherd educates young children on the Faith and Fraternus and Fidelis chapters focus on teaching virtue to both young men and women of the parish (and their adult volunteers). Additionally, parishioners gather regularly for parish-wide meals and often come together to help members in need.
VIDEO PODCASTS
FR. J. STEELE - CHILDHOOD TO PRIESTHOOD
Fr. J. is the pastor of Immaculate Conception Church in Kendallville, IN. Get to know Father J. more deeply as you hear about his childhood and life experiences that led him to the vocation as priest.
~ Funding for this episode provided by JON TILL STATE FARM ~
SAWYER SHANK - LAY FAITHFUL
Sawyer, his parents, and his siblings are dedicated and faithful parishioners at ICC. Enjoy Sawyer’s journey to the Catholic Church and his experience being a young Catholic in today’s culture.
RAFI SAVAGE - LAY FAITHFUL
Mrs. Rafi Savage is a long-time parishioner at Immaculate Conception Church in Kendallville. Her inspiring story of immigrating to the United States and trusting in Our Lord and Our Mother will leave you speechless. Mrs. Rafi is a beautiful treasure and we are blessed to have captured her story.
~ Funding for this episode provided by ACCU-LABEL, INC ~
PRAY THE ROSARY WITH FR. J. STEELE
Joyful Mysteries (Monday & Saturday)
Sorrowful Mysteries (Tuesday & Friday)
Glorious Mysteries (Wednesday & Sunday)
Luminous Mysteries (Thursday)
OUR LOCAL PARISH PRODUCTIONS
OLP Productions aims to provide high-quality, long-form commercials to ministries and other Catholic projects. If your ministry or business would like to work with Our Local Parish Productions, please contact us at marketing@ourlocalparish.com to learn more.
