Our History

Parish Events

From the beginning we have had Bible discussion clubs. In the early years there were a number of them meeting in parishioners’ homes. Also early in our history, Myron Mallay and Gene Trowbridge organized our troop of Boy Scouts.

In 1992 the St. Cecilia Conference of the St. Vincent de Paul Society opened a well-baby clinic on Long Point to give shots and physical examinations to babies under six years of age. Joe Cahill, President, Cade Nelms, Chief Pediatrician, and Joy Valentine, Chief Nurse head the clinic. Nine doctors, sixteen nurses, nine interpreters, sixteen receptionists, and four men who help out as needed staff it. With an annual budget of about $14,000 it treats about 75 babies a month that cannot afford such services elsewhere. There is no charge for these services; the budget is covered by contributions from St. Cecilia's, the Harris County Medical Society Auxiliary, the Memorial Assistance Ministries, Memorial City Hospital, and by contributions from private individuals. A major activity of the clinic is to educate parents in the care of their children through use of movies, lectures and printed material.

St. Cecilia’s has shared its resources over the years with financial and material contributions to other parishes. In the five years 1964-1969 we made cash contributions totaling $50,000 to Santa Teresita’s in Guatemala, Guardian Angel in Pasadena, and St. Peter Claver in Houston. We also gave two metal classrooms to St. Peter's in 1969. Our parishioners have generously supported the St. Vincent de Paul Society, the Campaign for the Homeless, our Mission Committee, and other sister parishes.

As is well known, we also have fun. Fr. Pekar instituted the forerunner of our Oktoberfest with a parish barbeque dinner for parishioners at no charge. Don Auty was in charge. After a year or two, this was replaced by our current Oktoberfest, an event which stimulates parish togetherness and also raises a considerable sum of money to help defray our debt.

Over the past 40 years the opportunities for our parishioners to contribute their time, money and efforts to others have increased to a total of 96 ministries at the end of 1995. It does seem that, collectively, our parish has oversubscribed to the commandment, 'Love thy neighbor...’ Our history is a wonderful testimonial of cooperation with God in establishing His kingdom. We are indeed blessed.