Madison Catholic parish breaks ground on historic new church

MADISON – Most Merciful Jesus Catholic Parish broke ground on a new church in the city of Madison on Sunday, Sept. 27.

“It’s not often we get to see the start of a new church, a big project, and you’ve been longing for this for ten years,” said Bishop of the Diocese of Birmingham Steven Raica. “It’s just a real honor for me to be part of this experience that is part of growth.”

The parish was founded in 2015 to respond to the growing North Alabama community and overcrowding at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church on Hughes Road. Masses were first offered in the rectory garage and Mill Creek Elementary School cafeteria until a multi-purpose building was built on Segers Road where services are offered today.

“We are beginning something that will prepare something for the next and future generations yet to come. So, this is our task is to pay it forward, and that’s what we’re doing today,” said Bishop Raica.

The parish currently has over 600 active families and 50 active ministries. The new $20 million church is expected to hold up to 1,200 people and will be built next to the current multi-purpose building. In later construction phases, the church is expected to be joined by an education space and a columbarium.

The congregation is aiming to raise half of the $20 million price tag through the Faith in Action Capital Campaign and fund the other half through a matching loan. Most Merciful Jesus’s pastor, Father Joy Chalissery, also encouraged parishioners in a parallel spiritual campaign.

“I just want to invite you to continue to pray. We have what we call the spiritual campaign for the construction. So, it’s not just the construction here, but the prayer is going to be powerful,” said Fr. Joy.

Most Merciful Jesus is the second Catholic parish in the city of Madison, and the new church is the first new Catholic church in North Alabama in 20 years.