History of CTK Parish

1895

In June, 1895, land was purchased in Daphne for a Catholic church. The Church of the Assumption was built by the early Italian colonists. Father Angelo Chiariglione, a Scalbrini missionary from Torino, Italy, was the first resident pastor (1898-1909).

1898

The Queen of Italy, Margherita of Savoy, sent a gift of rich vestments, an illuminated missal, a chalice, monstrance, candlesticks and other articles. The vestments are on display in a special case in the church vestibule today.

1925

A rectory was built under the pastorate of Father Manual Campodonico.

1937

Bishop Thomas Toolen blessed the cornerstone of a new church on October 24th, and the parish name was changed to Christ the King. Father James Loftus was the pastor at the time. This church still stands today on the Christ the King campus. It was renamed "Assumption Hall" in honor of the parish's roots, and is used for ministry and social functions daily.

1949-1950

Under the leadership of Fr. Father Denis Gray, pastor, the dream of a parochial school was realized.  Christ the King Catholic School opened in September of 1950, staffed by the Sisters of Loretto (1949-1972). The Presentation Sisters from Lismore staffed the school beginning in 1972, and ending with the retirement of Sr. Maureen Nolan in 2008.
 

1970

The Ladies of Christ the King Parish organized the Festa Italiana. This annual festival still takes place today at the parish. While recognizing Daphne's Italian heritage, the Festa provides funding for the Ladies Soldality, and supports the Burse Club and ACCW.

1975

The Parish Council was established and remains an active leadership body for the parish today.

1993

To better serve the growing Parish, a new church was completed, and dedicated on the Feast Day of Christ the King, November 22.

1993-Present

Father Matthew O'Connor is the present pastor for Christ the King Parish. The parish currently serves over 1,900 families. 

The Perpetual Adoration Chapel, built and dedicated on March 10, 2013, has over 400  weekly committed "guardians" who dedicate an hour praying in front of our Lord Jesus. 

The Parish maintains over 30 ministries for Children, Youth and Adults, Development and Stewardship, Family Life, Liturgy and Worship, Outreach, and Religious Education.