OUR HISTORY

Our History

Our Mother of Mercy Catholic Church has been a pillar of faith and service in Fort Worth since its founding in 1929.

Father Narcissus Denis of the Josephite Fathers was assigned to Fort Worth in December of 1928. Shortly after, property was purchased at the corner of Missouri Avenue and Verbena Street. On January 13, 1929, the first Mass was celebrated in a modest house that served as a rectory, attended by just a dozen faithful. Father Denis noted his first “convert” was the transformation of an abandoned drug store into the first chapel. By the end of that same year, a new church had been constructed, and the parish had grown to about seventy members. By 1935, that number had more than doubled.

Another important milestone in the parish’s early years was the opening of the mission church of St. Veronica on December 14, 1941. Located in the Lake Como area—an all-Black settlement on the west side of Fort Worth—this mission began with only one Catholic parishioner. Through the dedicated work of Father Philip Trallo, SSJ, Father Brophy, SSJ, and Father Denis, SSJ, St. Veronica’s flourished for more than 25 years, serving the needs of Catholics in that area until it was absorbed by surrounding parishes.

In 1952, Our Mother of Mercy relocated to its current location at 1001 East Terrell Avenue, the former site of Holy Name Church. This move allowed for greater space and facilities to support the parish’s growing presence and mission in the community.

One of the parish’s most memorable honors came in 2015, when Bishop Michael F. Olson of the Diocese of Fort Worth selected Our Mother of Mercy as the principal church for the Diocese’s celebration of the Jubilee Year of Mercy, declared by Pope Francis. From December 8, 2015 to November 20, 2016, pilgrims from across the diocese—and beyond—were introduced to the parish, many for the very first time. The church opened its doors wide to welcome the faithful, offering a sacred space of mercy, reflection, and renewal. It was a proud and humbling moment in the parish’s history, one that reaffirmed its role as a spiritual beacon in the city and the diocese.

Throughout its history, Our Mother of Mercy has produced leaders in the Church, education, government, and business. It continues to serve a growing multiethnic congregation, grounded in faith and committed to service. The parish remains a strong symbol of Catholic identity in Fort Worth and a place where spiritual heritage and community pride come together.

The Josephite Fathers served Our Mother of Mercy for 78 years, guiding the parish with the help of 13 pastors, 10 assistant pastors, and 1 pastor from the Missionaries of St. Paul. With the aging Josephite population and fewer priests available, the Josephites concluded their service at the parish in 1997.

In 2006, the Society of the Divine Word (S.V.D.) was invited to serve the parish. Father Jerome Ledoux, S.V.D., became the first priest of this order to serve in the Diocese of Fort Worth, and the S.V.D. remained at Our Mother of Mercy until June 30, 2022. Each priest who has served the parish has contributed to beautification, restoration, and spiritual leadership—always with a focus on evangelization and prayerful guidance.

On July 1, 2022, Bishop Michael Olson appointed Very Rev. John Robert Skeldon as Canonical Pastor, while continuing his service as Rector of St. Patrick Cathedral. Deacon Tom Giovannitti was appointed Parish Life Coordinator, continuing the legacy of strong pastoral leadership.

Today, Our Mother of Mercy Catholic Church stands as a testament to the enduring power of faith, resilience, and community. With nearly a century of service behind us, we remain deeply committed to sharing the love of Christ with everyone who walks through our doors.