Our Parish / Parroquia

Saint Cecilia Roman Catholic Church

Founded:  1933

Diocese: Dallas

Bishop: Edward J. Burns

Priests: Pastor, Rev. Martin Moreno

Parish Vicar,  Rev. Salvador Rodriguez 

Parochial Deacons:

Mr. Gonzalo Gonzalez:

Mr. Gonzalo Porras 
 

 

"That We May All Be One."

 As part of One, Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic Church, Saint Cecilia's mission is rooted in the gospel of Jesus Christ.  We are an all inclusive, bilingual community, providing an affirming evangelical and sacramental presence in Dallas, Texas. As an ecumenical community, we work to foster unity while celebrating the bi-cultural faith traditions of our community based on Jesus' prayer "...That we may all be one."  As God's children, we are called to build his kingdom by participating in ministries that are loving, inclusive, and justice bearing for all our brothers and sisters in Christ.

Nuestra Mision... "Que Seamos Uno."

Como parte de la iglesia que es Una, Santa, Catolica, y Apostolica, la mision de Santa Cecilia tiene como raizes el evangelio que predico JesuChristo.  Somos una comunidad bilingue, inclusiva, que afirma una presencia evangelica y sacramental para todos en nuestra comunidad.  Como una comunidad ecumenica, trabajamos para crear unidad y al mismo tiempo celebrar nuestras tradiciones de fe bi-culturales basadas en una de las oraciones de Jesus..."Que Seamos Uno."  Como hijos de Dios somos llamados a construir su reino por medio de nuestra participacion en ministerios de amor, que incluye a todos y se esfuerza por promover la justicia moral para todos nuestros hermanos y hermanas en Christo. Todos son Bienvenidos!

St. Cecilia was canonically established on July 7th, 1933. The Parish literally began from scratch. Fifty-three members attended the first Mass, celebrated by Father William M. Robinson in the “Odd Fellow Hall” located on Polk and Jefferson. On February 4th, 1934, the building was officially dedicated on 635 Marycliff Road. The building housed the church, rectory, and eventually the school. By 1947, the Parish had grown to about 800 families. By 1949, Fr. Robinson saw the need for a new church and he launched a building campaign and built a new church at 1801 W. Davis.  St. Cecilia became one of the first Texas churches to build an indoor shrine in honor of Our Lady of Fatima. Our Parish continued to expand with an ever-growing population. In 1968, Msgr. V.P. Micola updated the altar and erected a new rectory. In 1978, Father Weinzapfel was appointed pastor and he spearheaded the creation of “The Daily Rosary Program” and “The Perpetual Adoration of the Holy Eucharist Program”.

During the 1990s, the Parish was divided due to the overwhelming growth in the area. Two more parishes were established to serve the countless families in the area, St. Clara in 1993 and Nuestra Señora del Pilar in 2001. St. Cecilia continued to thrive throughout the years even after the other parishes were built. On a quiet Friday evening on August 17th, 2007, a strong Texas thunderstorm built up and rolled through the Dallas area. Around 6:30 p.m. a bolt of lightning hit the church. The historic 60-year-old building burned down. 

“It is the people who are the church, not the building,” a gentleman stated. St. Cecilia was rebuilt with the effort of the parishioners and so many other Dallas parishes, in particular Christ the King Parish. The service of rededication, one of the greatest events in the life of St. Cecilia parish, was celebrated on November 20, 2011. It was historic in many ways. Among those attending were seventeen priests, Bishop Charles V. Grahmann, Auxiliary Bishop Mark J. Seitz, and Bishop Farrell, who presided over the ceremonies. Bishop Farrell’s vision, determination, bold leadership and the kindness of his heart is what St. Cecilia Church is today. It serves 4,000-4,500 people each weekend. This church is a beacon of faith and hope to all who pass by on West Davis St. It is a place where we serve God and through Him serve all the people that come to us. St. Cecilia has risen from the ashes of the fire. It is a visual symbol of the triumphant power of our Lord Jesus Christ to all in the community of North Oak Cliff.