Our Someone 2 Know is the community at St. Albert the Great Catholic Church in Reno. This year (2023), the parish is marking its 75th anniversary. As they prepare for a big celebration this weekend, parishioners shared with us their best memories and photos from years gone by.
It all started in a building near the University of Nevada, Reno, on the corner of north Virginia Street and Artemesia Way. Melvina 'Mel' Sullivan was there. "I've been a parishioner of St. Albert's since it began on Virginia Street, since it began many, many years ago." St. Albert the Great Church opened its doors in 1948 and was home to first communions, weddings and so much more. By 1965 St. Albert’s had moved to Wyoming Avenue.
"I was baptized here, recalls Maizie Pusich, “So I’ve been here 62 years."
"Here" looked a lot different then - 62 years ago, the current building wasn’t standing yet. "Right, this was a field,” shares Pusich. There was a convent, rectory, a kitchen and gym for St. Albert the Great School. "And," shares St. Albert’s Pastor, Fr. Honesto Agustin, “The first Mass was celebrated in the gym on September 15, 1965.”
"That was built by parishioners,” adds Pusich, “My dad was one of the people who helped."
Then came the building that is the current-day St. Albert the Great Church, completed in 1985. "I watched the construction of this facility,” recalls Danny Pool, “And I contributed a little bit."
Parishioners will tell you, it's not the buildings that matter most.
“It’s the people,” affirms Deacon Jim McClenahan. "How can we best serve? And it's not just the people in the pews, it's all the people at St. Albert's, it's truly all the people of northern Nevada."
"So, it feels like a big giant family," smiles Mazie Pusich.
A family that has grown over the years to include a Latino Ministry with Spanish-language Masses, cultural celebrations and meals, plus, a thriving Filipino Ministry with ceremonies and masses in Tagalong.
"My whole life is wrapped up in St. Albert The Great Church,” enthuses Mel Sullivan, “And I’m still here and I love it."
A fellowship of believers, nestled in northwest Reno, with a mind to growing and welcoming all. "And that's our job,” adds Deacon McClenahan, “That's everyone's job, to help build that excitement for our faith in God and our service to the community.”
###
The 75th anniversary Mass for St. Albert The Great Church is Sunday, September 24th, 2023 at 10:00 AM. Bishop Mueggenborg will be presiding. All are invited to the special Mass.
Address and link here –
1250 Wyoming Ave.
Reno, NV 89503
(775)747-0722
