By Henry M. Holden
On June 10, Resurrection Parish, in Randolph, held the finale of a year-long celebration of the 40th anniversary of the founding of the parish.
On July 8, 1978, Father (later Monsignor) Martin Rauscher celebrated the parish’s first mass in rented quarters in the Randolph Intermediate School. According to the “Beacon,” the diocesan newspaper, about 1,500 people attended the combined weekend services.
Five years later, on September 11, 1983, the church and the associated office and meeting spaces were blessed and dedicated. The parish continued to grow to a point in 2007 when construction on a 10-classroom with meeting spaces building began.
“Welcome to Resurrection Parish.” According to Father John Tarantino, the parish’s current administrator, “This greeting, experienced through words, smiles, gestures, and embraces, continues to be the foundational attitude for these 40 years of parish life. We honor the ‘Founders’ who provided such a fine start.”
Ninety-seven of the Founders, and their families who still live in the parish, attended the celebration.
Another dozen or so who retired and moved as far away as Florida returned for the celebration which included Mass celebrated by Bishop Arthur Serratelli.
Following Mass, more than 300 people enjoyed a catered luncheon and fellowship during which Father Tarantino presented gifts to each of the founders. A musical trio provided light entertainment.
A 40-year commemorative book and video of the parish growth over the four Decades was also available. The day was also about reunions. It was so gratifying and rewarding,” said one of the Founders, “to meet some of my old friends who traveled thousands of miles to just for this reunion.
Some I haven’t seen in 30 years.”