Elizabethtown, Hardin Co.
Established 1851
Registrations: 1722
PARISH OFFICE
307 W. Dixie Ave., Elizabethtown, Ky. 42701-1701
Phone: (270) 765-6268
FAX: (270) 234-9598
E-mail: parishoffice@stjames-etown.org
Web site: www.stjames-etown.org
CLERGY
Pastor: Rev. Charles D. Walker
Associate: Rev. Matthew T. Hardesty
Senior Associate: Rev. Stanley L. Osborne
Permanent Deacons: Joseph Chathaparampil, William V. Clark, Karl A. Drerup
MASS SCHEDULE
Sundays — Sat vigil: 5 p.m.; Sun: 8 a.m., 10 a.m., 12:15 p.m.; 5 p.m. (Spanish); Youth Liturgy, 7 p.m. every 4th Sunday
Holy Days — Vigil: 7 p.m.; Holy Day: 8 a.m., 12:15 p.m.
Daily — Mon: 6:30 p.m.; Tue–Fri and 1st Sat: 8.a.m.
SAINT JAMES ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
200 N. Miles St., Elizabethtown, Ky. 42701-1831
Phone: (270) 765-5587
FAX: (270) 765-4799
Principal: Sister Michael Marie Friedman, O.S.U.M.S.J.
E-mail: sjs@stjames-etown.org
Web site: www.stjames-etown.org
SAINT JAMES MIDDLE SCHOOL
114 N. Miles St., Elizabethtown, Ky. 42701-1535
Phone: (270) 765-7011
FAX: (270) 769-5745
Principal: Sister Michael Marie Friedman O.S.U.M.S.J.
E-mail: sjs@stjames-etown.org
Web site: www.stjames-etown.org
HISTORY
As Catholic pioneers from Maryland branched out to Hardin County, a cluster around Elizabethtown developed into a mission in 1851. Father Terrence J. Disney resided here briefly in 1867. The Sisters of Loretto began a school in 1870, first named St. Mary’s Academy and renamed St. James School in 1920. Father Augustine Degauquier was the first resident pastor.
St. James now worships in its third church building in the same prominent location: the first from 1852 to 1884, the second from 1884 to 1970; the third erected in 1970. The current church implemented the changes called for by the Second Vatican Council. This outstanding example of modern architecture embraces the congregation with beauty and grace in order to engage all the senses in worship.
From its rural beginnings, Elizabethtown and the surrounding Hardin County have developed with industry and a regional medical center. With over 4,500 parishioners today, St. James has expanded its ministries to meet new needs. Sixty volunteers take communion daily to ten nursing and rehabilitation facilities, to the homebound, and to the regional hospital. A television ministry broadcasts Sunday Mass on the local cable channel for the sick and homebound.
Education has always been important to St. James. Although Elizabethtown Catholic High School closed in 1969, it bequeathed a rich tradition. Its alumni/ae strongly support St. James Elementary School, which is thriving with over 400 students. St. James is now the regional school for Hardin County, as others were forced to close because of dwindling numbers and rising costs. Students, well grounded in Catholic teaching, eventually become leaders within the church and community, continuing the legacy started more than 150 years ago by a small band of faithful Catholics.
Hardin County is experiencing rapid population growth, including more people from different cultures. St. James is well poised to meet the future and looks forward to welcoming new members.