Ignatius was a Bishop of Antiock. He is famous for his writings and devotion to the Eucharist. He helped develop the early structures of the Church by saying that the Bishop must represent the people before Jesus making sure the community remains united to Jesus and faithful to his teachings. He appointed deacons to carry out the charitable works of the community. Ignatius refused to obey the Emperor Trojan's order to renounce Jesus. As a result he was condemned to die. The ship taking Ignatius to Rometo stopped at many sea ports along the way. Ignatius used these opportunities to encourage the people to have faith and courage. Saint Ignatius Parish was established in the early 1870's. The history of Saint Ignatius Parish is the history of strong people. They overcame many adversities through the years. Families living near the Big Ditch and Corduroy Roads area established the parish in the early 1870's. Initially, Mass was celebrated in homes by Father John MacMahon. Enos Momenee donated 2 ½ acres for the Church and cemetery. The people provided lumber and labor. Mass was first celebrated in the new church in 1883 by Father MacMahon. Edward Momenee, son of Enos, was the first baby in the new church. Father James Rouchy, the first resident pastor, lived with parishioners until the rectory was built in 1893. By 1900, the church and rectory were both enlarged. In 1904, a school hall was added to the church. Almost immediately, the church was hit by a cyclone. Parishioners were able to do the repair work. On November 26, 1915, disaster struck in the form of a fire destroying the church. Exactly one year later Mass was celebrated in the new church. On the Saturday before Easter in 1926, the Notre Dame Sisters who taught in the parish school discovered a fire which again destroyed the church. Once more, the parishioners rebuilt. Saint Ignatius Parish is more than its church building. It is foremost ifs people. These people are a strong people. Their faith and passing this faith on to their children has always been a priority. The parish school opened in 1921. The financial burden of the school was too much for the parish and the school closed in 1939. Although the school closed the religious formation of the children continued, first with the Notre Dame Sisters and later with the hiring of a Religious Education Director, Mrs. Mary Simon, who was one of the first full time directors in the Toledo Diocese. In the 1970's a full time Youth Minister was added to the staff. To accommodate the active parish life a Parish Life Center was built. I was dedicated on May 23, 1983. Father Dan Ring established the Parish Council following the directives of Vatican Council II. Among our parish activities are the works of Altar Rosary and Holy Name Societies, Credit Union, Choir and Folk Group, various dinners and committees, the Helping Hands volunteers and St. Vincent DePaul Society. Our Christian Formation Program depends on parish volunteers. The Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults is another active group of volunteers. The ministry which most impacts our parish life is the Liturgy. Here we have ministers of the Eucharist, lectors, servers and church cleaners. From a parish which could worship in family homes in 1880, the parish now has 1,100 registered families and 3,000 members in our church.

St. Ignatius Parish is located at 212 N. Stadium Rd. Oregon, OH, 43616
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