Mission & History
"Therefore be patient, brethren, until the coming of the Lord. The farmer waits for the precious produce of the soil, being patient about it, until it gets the early and late rains." James 5:7Our Mission & Vision
Reaching out as the face and hands of Jesus Christ
St. Victoria is a Catholic family inviting all to celebrate the Eucharist in the spirit of fellowship and love. We worship together, seek formation of youth, provide opportunities for spiritual growth and community involvement while reaching out to all as the face and hands of Jesus Christ. We do so by proclaiming a God of sweet love, by offering radical hospitality, and by engaging in bold acts of charity and justice.
History of St. Victoria Catholic Church
St. Victoria was established as a parish in 1857 by our early pioneers and shortly thereafter a small wooden church was built. They chose Saint Victoria as the patron saint of this church as she was a favorite saint from their homeland. Throughout the early years European immigrants flocked to this area in large numbers and found not only a land rich in resources
By its centennial in 1957, there were 196 registered homes. In the decades since the area has continued to grow. So once again, construction commenced in May of 2003 on another larger worship space which today is the new church that you see complementing the historic church. The desired goal of that project was attained by preserving our rich heritage while at the same time creating a welcoming spirit for all of the new parishioners moving into the area. In 2007, our sesquicentennial year, we celebrated the 150th Anniversary of the founding of St. Victoria Catholic Church.
As we began 2020, the parish was approaching 1,500 registered households and counting.
St. Victoria’s community of faith cultivates more than 60 volunteer ministries which focus on reaching out to others as the face and hands of Jesus. Christ calls us to be his body, his heart, his compassion, his forgiveness, to each other and to the world. We do so by proclaiming a God of sweet love, inviting radical hospitality and engaging in bold acts of charity and justice. These are the words of God made flesh in us, His people. Taken together and acted on, they create the vision and excitement for faith to come alive with meaning and joy as we spread the Good News.
As it has been and will continue to be, the richness of its land, people and faith continues to draw many from near and far to gather at St. Victoria. As we step forward on this journey of faith we know that God, the giver of all good gifts, will bless our work.
St. Victoria, Our Patron
There is little written about St. Victoria,
but what is known is a beautiful story of sisterhood, conversion, martyrdom,and sacrifice.
Few stories of saints contain all of these powerful elements.
Saint Victoria and her sister Saint Anatolia are remembered as beautiful Catholic noble women. They were unfortunately arranged to wed noble pagan men who were far from pleased at having heard that they were practicing Catholics. Saint Victoria was initially content with marrying the pagan as she hoped that she would be able to convert him but her sister refused to marry and convinced St. Victoria to do the same as they both sought to devote their lives solely to God.
The noble pagan suitors both managed to strike a deal with local authorities that allowed them to imprison each sister in their respective houses in order to hopefully convince them to denounce their faith. Both sisters responded by selling all of their possessions, giving all of their money to the poor, and devoting themselves to God. Both sisters, during their imprisonment, managed to convert all of the guards, maids, and servants in their respective houses. After years of failure to have them renounce their faith, both sisters were executed, dying as martyrs.
St. Victoria ~ Pray for us!
Photo: Statue of St. Victoria near the baptismal font
on the wall between the new and historic church)