St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church of Silver City is celebrating its sesquicentennial anniversary on September 27, 28 and 29. St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church will be holding various events to celebrate on September 27,28 and 29, 2024 to commemorate this historic time. The theme is "1874 Past, Present, and forever 2024."

In 1874 ,St. Vincent Parish began its existence as a Catholic church in our community and has remained for 150 years. The church was founded by a French priest named Oliver Ruellan. Father Ruellan initiated the building of the church on the property where it now stands. From its beginning many events have occurred in our world, and the church continues to thrive.

Several events have been planned by the St. Vincent Church at-large committee. which has been meeting for over one year. Chairman Levi Leyba and Pastor Oliver Obele have coordinated the efforts to keep the parish and public informed.

St. Vincent Parish will begin the commemoration with an Outreach Project at the local Gospel Mission. Volunteers will serve a meal at the Gospel Mission located at 111 S. Texas St. The time for this meal is from 10:30 am to 2:00 pm. There is no charge for the meal. This event is scheduled for Friday, September 27, 2024.

Continuing on Friday, September 27, an internationally and nationally acclaimed Christian Band will perform at the Western New Mexico Fine Arts Auditorium at 7:00 pm. The Josh Blakesley Band is recognized for its outstanding Christian performances throughout the nation and on world stages. Tickets are now on sale for $20 in advance and $30 at the door.

Continuing with the events, on Saturday morning from 11:00 am until 2:00 pm., Dr. Donald Montoya will begin with a presentation on the history of St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church. Immediately following, the birthday celebration will serve ice cream and cake in the church courtyard. After cake and ice cream, games for the young will take place in the courtyard. The celebration event will focus on our youth.

A formal Banquet will be held at the Flame Convention Center on Saturday evening, September 28. This special banquet will host the Most Reverend Bishop Peter Balacchino from Las Cruces. Many of the priests from the area will also be our guests, as well as other dignitaries. Doors open at 6:00 pm. with a catered dinner, a silent auction and dance to follow. Music will be provided by the popular local talents in The Illusions Band. Tickets are for sale at the Church office, and some will be available at the door. Price for the tickets is $35. No one under 21 years of age will be admitted.

Culminating the events will be a Mass on Sunday, Sept. 29, at the Western New Mexico University Fine Arts Auditorium. The Mass is slated for 10:00 am with doors opening at 9:00 am. The Most Reverend Bishop Peter Baldacchino and St. Vincent de Paul Pastor, Oliver Obele will lead the services with area priests and deacons assisting.

Finally, a Community Picnic will follow immediately after the Mass. The Picnic will be held at Gough Park with catered food, drinks and entertaining music will be provided. Games will take place for the youth with fun for everyone attending. This Picnic is free to all!

Tickets for the Josh Blakesley Band Concert and the Banquet can be purchased at the church office on 420 W. Market Street from 9:00 am until 4:00 pm from Monday throughThursday.

St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church, Father Oliver Obele, and the at-large planning committee would sincerely like to thank all those who have volunteered in one way or another. Special thanks to all the Ministries, parishioners and the many supporters who have given generously in monetary donations, and who have purchased commemorative items as well as special sponsorships.

A very special "Thank You" goes out to our donors in Jim and Debbie Nennich, the Town of Silver City, Francisco Limon, the Flame Convention Center and Dr. John and Tracy Stanley. We also thank Dr. Donald and Kim Montoya, Fred and Betty Vega, Deacon Bill and Virginia Holguin, Mike's Tire and Service, Werner Tire, Morning Star, James and Sarah Rivera, The Silver City Moose Lodge, Yniguez Physical Therapy, and Knights of Columbus Council 3683 from Grants, New Mexico. Concluding our sponsors are Lusk Flower Shop and 11th Street Flower Shop.