Holy Family of Nazareth

History of Holy Family of Nazareth Parish

Established August 1, 1964 by Bishop Thomas K. Gorman with Fr. Robert C. Rehkemper as founding pastor, the parish began with Masses at Thomas Haley Elementary School and Donnelly's Colonial Funeral Home before dedicating its own church at Cheyenne and Rainier Streets on Christmas 1965. The school opened that same year under the Sisters of the Holy Family of Nazareth. The parish's first lay ministries — Altar Guild, Religious Education, Home & School Association, scouting, music — were all established in its earliest years, with a parish council and school board following. Father Jerome Duesman's 25-year pastorate (1987–2012) saw the 1991 dedication of the current church and the 2003 Family Life Center. Father Jacob Dankasa was installed as pastor on September 17, 2022, and oversaw a major sanctuary renovation rededicated by Bishop Edward Burns on March 21, 2024.

Multicultural Ministries

Reflecting Irving's diversity, the parish hosts regular Masses and fellowship in several languages. The Indian Tamil community gathers on the 2nd and 4th Saturday at 7:00 PM, the Kenyan Swahili community on the 2nd and 4th Sunday at 2:00 PM, and the Congo Ministry on the 3rd Sunday at 2:00 PM. A Spanish Mass is celebrated every Sunday at 7:00 PM.

• Indian Tamil Mass (2nd & 4th Saturday, 7 PM)
• Kenyan Swahili Mass (2nd & 4th Sunday, 2 PM)
• French Congolese Mass (3rd Sunday, 2 PM)
• Spanish Mass (Sunday, 7 PM)

Faith Formation

Faith formation spans every age at Holy Family. The OCIA (Order of Christian Initiation of Adults) program walks inquirers and returning Catholics through the Sacraments of Initiation, coordinated by Mindy Hyde. Children's Ministry (Michael 'Shane' Pringle) and Family Ministry (Samantha Gross) serve the youngest disciples, while middle school and high school youth meet Sunday evenings with the 5:30 PM Mass. Confirmation is celebrated in 8th grade after two years of formation.

• OCIA (adult initiation) — Mindy Hyde
• Confirmation Preparation — youth confirmed in 8th grade
• Children's Ministry — Michael 'Shane' Pringle
• Family Ministry Associate — Samantha Gross
• Teens Faith Formation — Jacklyn Porras-Sanchez (middle school), Juan Marquez (high school)

Holy Family Catholic Academy (Parish School)

Holy Family Catholic Academy (HFCA) is the parish's PreK–8 school, sharing the Cheyenne Street campus. The parish school dates to 1965, originally staffed by the Sisters of the Holy Family of Nazareth. On January 24, 2016 Bishop Kevin Farrell celebrated the school's 50th anniversary and announced the merger with St. Luke School; HFCA launched in the 2016–2017 school year as the second academy-model campus in the Diocese of Dallas. The school serves approximately 142 students with an average class size of 16. Kristy Martínez, M.A., M.A.Ed., was appointed Principal in May 2022.

• Grades PreK3–8
• Enrollment approximately 142
• Principal: Kristy Martínez, M.A., M.A.Ed. (since May 2022)
• Assistant Principal: Janet Muelschen, M.Ed., M.A., BSCD

Music Ministry

The Music Ministry leads and enhances music at all parish liturgies through several choirs ranging from traditional to contemporary styles. All parishioners — vocal or instrumental — are invited to share their gifts. The ministry is led by Marianne Lauda. The 5:30 PM Sunday Mass is celebrated as a Youth Mass with a contemporary worship atmosphere.

• Director: Marianne Lauda ([email protected])
• Traditional and contemporary choirs
• Sunday 5:30 PM — Youth/Contemporary Mass

St. Vincent de Paul Conference

The Society of St. Vincent de Paul conference at Holy Family was organized in 2012 and serves neighbors in northwest Irving. Vincentians respond to calls on a helpline, make home visits, deliver food from a free food pantry, and run a monthly food truck that distributes free food to the poor. Active members, food ministry members (some bilingual to serve Spanish-speaking families), and an Auxiliary team work together. The conference is supported by parishioners of Holy Family, the University of Dallas congregation, and Church of the Incarnation.

• Helpline: 972-665-8759
• Email: [email protected]
• President: Robert Greenfield
• Free food pantry, monthly food truck, bilingual outreach

Clergy and Parish Staff

The parish is led by Pastor Fr. Dennis 'Eugene' O'Donnell, with a Parochial Vicar and two Deacons supporting sacramental life. Administrative and pastoral staff oversee parish operations, communications, formation, facilities, finances, safe environment, and evangelization. Office hours are Monday–Thursday 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM and Friday 8:30 AM to noon.

• Pastor: Fr. Dennis 'Eugene' O'Donnell
• Parochial Vicar
• Deacon
• Deacon
• Carol Barber — Parish Secretary
• Johnny Bermudez — Facilities Manager
• Mary Cepe — Communications Coordinator
• Apollo Peralta — Parish Business Operations Manager
• Bookkeeper
• Receptionist/Director of Safe Environment
• Juan Marquez — High School Coordinator
• Michael 'Shane' Pringle — Children's Ministry Coordinator
• Samantha Gross — Family Ministry Associate
• Mindy Hyde — Coordinator of OCIA
• Jacklyn Porras-Sanchez — Coordinator of Middle School Ministry
• Director of Ministry and Evangelization

Sacraments

The parish celebrates all seven sacraments. Infant Baptism is held monthly during Mass (registration required). Those aged 7 and older enter the OCIA process for Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist. Reconciliation is offered Wednesday and Saturday (see schedule) and by appointment. Youth are confirmed in 8th grade after two years of formation. Couples must contact the parish at least six months before their desired wedding date. Anointing of the Sick and discernment for Holy Orders are arranged by calling the office.

• Baptism (infant and adult)
• Confirmation
• Eucharist
• Reconciliation
• Marriage
• Anointing of the Sick
• Holy Orders

Facilities and Campus

The Holy Family campus at Cheyenne and Rainier Streets includes the church (2323 Cheyenne), the rectory/office (2330 Cheyenne), Holy Family Catholic Academy, and the Family Life Center, which was dedicated in February 2003 and contains meeting rooms and a full-size gymnasium with bleachers for spectators. The sanctuary underwent a major renovation under Father Jacob Dankasa, rededicated by Bishop Edward Burns on March 21, 2024.

• Church — 2323 Cheyenne Street
• Rectory & Parish Office — 2330 Cheyenne Street
• Holy Family Catholic Academy
• Family Life Center (dedicated Feb 2003) — meeting rooms + gym

Connect and Get Involved

Newcomers are welcomed through the 'I'm New Here' page and encouraged to register as parishioners. The parish notes that 'everyone has special gifts from God' and invites participation in liturgical, formation, outreach, and social ministries. Annual events include Vacation Bible School (summer), the Praying with Sacred Images reflection series, and the Wednesday evening summer fellowship.

• Register as a Parishioner
• I'm New Here — visitor welcome page
• Vacation Bible School
• Praying with Sacred Images series
• Liturgical Ministers Mass Schedule