About Most Blessed Sacrament · Savannah, Georgia
Most Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church is a Roman Catholic parish located at 1003 East Victory Drive in Savannah, Georgia, in the Diocese of Savannah. Founded in 1920 under Bishop Benjamin J. Keiley, the parish has grown from a small wooden-frame church seating 200 people to a thriving community of more than 1,600 families with its own parish school. Today, under the pastoral leadership of Father Brian O'Shaughnessy (effective July 1, 2026), the parish offers daily and weekend Masses, a K-8 Catholic school, faith formation programs, and an active schedule of ministries, devotions, and parish life rooted in the rich traditions of the Catholic faith.
- Established
- 1920
- Patron
- Blessed Sacrament (Eucharistic devotion — the Most Blessed Sacrament)
- Rector
- Rev. Brian O'Shaughnessy (effective July 1, 2026)
- Diocese
- Roman Catholic Diocese of Savannah
Why belong here
Blessed Sacrament is a welcoming, growing parish family with a vibrant history dating to 1920 and a strong commitment to faith formation for all ages. Worshippers can attend Mass seven days a week, bring children to an on-site Catholic school (PreK–8) and a Parish School of Religion program, and serve through ministries like the Altar Servers, Parish Council, and stewardship groups. The parish is currently investing in its physical plant through the 'Faithfully Forward' capital campaign, making it an exciting moment to join a community that takes both spiritual growth and fellowship seriously.
Mass times at Most Blessed Sacrament
Weekly Mass schedule
Confession times
- Saturday: 4:00–5:00 p.m.
- Wednesday: 4:00–5:00 p.m.
Welcome to Most Blessed Sacrament
Rooted in the rich traditions of the Catholic faith, Most Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church strives to be a place where every person can encounter Jesus Christ and experience the love of God. Pastor Father Brian O'Shaughnessy invites newcomers to explore the parish's ministries, activities, and Mass schedule — whether one is a longtime parishioner, new to the area, or simply visiting. The parish is blessed with a vibrant history dating back to 1920, a strong commitment to faith formation, and a welcoming spirit that embraces all who enter its doors.
- Weekend Schedule: Saturday Vigil 5:30 p.m.; Sunday 8:00 a.m. and 10:30 a.m.
- Daily Mass: 8:00 a.m. Monday through Sunday
- Wednesday evening Mass: 5:30 p.m.
- Quick Links on the home page: Schedule, Daily Readings, Bulletin, New Here?, Upcoming Events, Contact Us, Watch Online
History of the Parish
Most Blessed Sacrament was founded in 1920 when the expansion of Savannah prompted Bishop Benjamin J. Keiley, the 7th Bishop of Savannah, to appoint Father Daniel J. McCarthy as founding pastor. The Women's Auxiliary of Blessed Sacrament Parish — formed March 18, 1920 — was instrumental in raising construction funds. The original wooden-frame church seating 200 people was formally dedicated on July 10, 1921, with the first Mass celebrated May 21, 1921. A parish school was established in 1939 under Father Conlin with Sister Stella Maris as principal and sixty-eight students enrolled.
- 1920 — Parish founded by Bishop Keiley; Father Daniel J. McCarthy named first pastor.
- 1921 — Original white wooden-frame church (200-seat) dedicated July 10.
- 1922 — Sunday school established.
- 1939 — Parish school opens under Father Conlin.
- 1941 — Original wooden church rolled to an adjoining lot on 44th Street to make way for new construction.
- 1942 — Cornerstone laid July 19 by Bishop Gerald P. O'Hara.
- 1943 — New church and school dedicated September 26; Father Daniel J. Bourke succeeded Father Conlin as pastor.
- 1995 — Father J. Kevin Boland (9th pastor) installed as 13th Bishop of Savannah.
- 2013 — Father Brett Brannen assigned to the parish.
- 2014 — 'Seeds of Change, Believe in Our Legacy' capital campaign launched.
- 2018 — New campus buildings dedicated April 27.
- 2019 — Interior church renovations begun.
- 2020 — Father David Koetter appointed pastor (July 1).
- 2025 — 'Faithfully Forward' capital campaign kicked off in April.
- 2026 — Father Brian O'Shaughnessy appointed pastor effective July 1.
Parish Staff and Clergy
The parish is served by a pastor, a parochial vicar, and three permanent deacons, along with a parish administrator and parish staff. The Parish Council, chaired by Kris Tindol, serves as a consultative and advisory body to the pastor and meets every other month, with a summary of major topics published regularly in the Sunday bulletin.
- Rev. Brian O'Shaughnessy — Pastor
- Rev. Justin Ankwagh — Parochial Vicar
- Rev. Mr. John Burns — Deacon
- Rev. Mr. Jerry Clark — Deacon
- Rev. Mr. Bob Fritts — Deacon
- Ms. Paige Phillips — Parish Administrator
- Parish Council: Chair Kris Tindol; Vice Chair Dave Capallo; Secretary Caroline Archer
Faith Formation and Religious Education
The Office of Christian Formation (OCF) of Most Blessed Sacrament parish coordinates religious education for both the parish school (Grades K–8) and the Parish School of Religion (PSR, Grades K–10) for children attending public or other private schools. Sacramental preparation is a two-year process, with First Reconciliation and First Communion typically received in 2nd grade, and Confirmation celebrated in 11th grade in the Diocese of Savannah. The OCF also oversees the Rite of Christian Initiation Adapted for Children (RCIC), Adult Confirmation, Vacation Bible School, and the Peer Team youth ministry.
- Parish School of Religion (PSR) — Grades K–10, meets approximately two Sunday mornings a month, 9:15–11:00 a.m.
- First Reconciliation / First Communion — 2nd-grade sacramental year; first-grade religion is mandatory prerequisite.
- Confirmation — 11th grade; 9th and 10th-grade religious education required.
- Rite of Christian Initiation Adapted for Children (RCIC)
- Adult Confirmation program
- Vacation Bible School
- Peer Team
- Office of Child Protection
- Grades 9–10 — Classes meet once a month on Sunday evenings, 5:30–8:00 p.m., in the MBS school classrooms.
Sacraments
Most Blessed Sacrament prepares parishioners for the sacraments of Christian initiation — Baptism, Confirmation, and Holy Communion — as well as ongoing sacramental life. Infant Baptism is offered for children under age six; older children and adults enter through the RCIA process. Sacramental preparation for children and teens is a two-year process, and enrollment in either a Catholic school or the Parish School of Religion is required the year prior to receiving any sacrament.
- Baptism — infants and children under 6; adults via RCIA.
- Confirmation — teens 10th grade and above; adults via RCIA.
- First Holy Communion — children 2nd grade and above; adults via RCIA.
- First Reconciliation — paired with First Communion preparation.
- RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults)
- Matrimony — contact the parish office.
Ministries and Parish Life
Parishioners of all ages are invited to live out their faith through stewardship and ministry at Most Blessed Sacrament. The Altar Server ministry welcomes young people ages 10 and up to assist at daily Masses, weekend Masses, Holy Days, funerals, and weddings, after required training. The Parish Council represents the parishioners at-large and brings ideas to the pastor during regular meetings, coordinating initiatives and core committees.
- Altar Servers (youth, ages 10+; girls and boys)
- Parish Council (six elected and three appointed members, three-year terms)
- Respect for Life committee
- Stewardship and parish committees coordinated through the Parish Council
Blessed Sacrament Catholic School
Blessed Sacrament Catholic School shares the parish campus and serves students in PreK through 8th grade. Father Brian O'Shaughnessy serves as the school's pastor in addition to his role at the parish. The school is featured prominently on the parish website and accepts applications for the coming academic year, with tours of the new state-of-the-art facility available on request.
- PreK through 8th Grade Catholic school on the parish campus
- Pastor: Rev. Brian O'Shaughnessy ([email protected])
- State-of-the-art facility completed as part of the 2018 campus expansion
Capital Campaigns and Campus Growth
Most Blessed Sacrament has undertaken two major capital campaigns in recent years to enhance its physical plant. The 'Seeds of Change, Believe in Our Legacy' campaign, launched in 2014 under Father Brett Brannen, resulted in the dedication of new campus buildings and a refreshed church exterior on April 27, 2018. In April 2025, Father David Koetter's pastorate launched the 'Faithfully Forward' campaign to renovate the church and revitalize the parish, continuing the legacy of growth that began with the parish's founding in 1920.
- 2014 — 'Seeds of Change, Believe in Our Legacy' campaign launched.
- 2018 — New campus buildings and church exterior dedicated April 27.
- 2019 — Interior church renovations begun.
- 2025 — 'Faithfully Forward' capital campaign kicked off in April.
Diocese of Savannah
Most Blessed Sacrament is part of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Savannah, which is currently led by Bishop Stephen D. Parkes, the 15th Bishop of Savannah. The parish was founded under Bishop Benjamin J. Keiley, the 7th Bishop of Savannah, and the Diocese itself marked an important milestone when Father J. Kevin Boland, the 9th pastor of Blessed Sacrament, was installed as the 13th Bishop of the Diocese of Savannah on April 18, 1995.
- Diocese: Roman Catholic Diocese of Savannah
- Current Bishop: Stephen D. Parkes (15th Bishop of Savannah)
- Parish founded under Bishop Benjamin J. Keiley (7th Bishop of Savannah)
Visit, Contact, and Connect
Most Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church is located at 1003 East Victory Drive in Savannah, Georgia — on the corner of US-80 (East Victory Drive) and Waters Avenue. Parishioners and visitors can reach the parish office at (912) 356-6980 or by email at [email protected]. Mass is also available online via the 'Watch Online' link on the parish website, and the parish maintains an active Facebook presence.
- Address: 1003 East Victory Drive, Savannah, GA 31405
- Phone: (912) 356-6980
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: http://www.mbschurch.org/
- Facebook: facebook.com/BlessedSacramentCatholicChurchSavannah
- Online Mass available via 'Watch Online' link
Pastors & rectors through the years
- Rev. Daniel J. McCarthy1920–
Founding pastor; young native Savannah priest named by Bishop Benjamin J. Keiley to begin the parish.
- Rev. Conlinserved until 1942
Oversaw planning and groundbreaking of the new church-school; became ill and resigned in November 1942.
- Rev. Daniel J. BourkeNov 1942 –
Succeeded Father Conlin; oversaw completion and dedication of the new church and school on September 26, 1943.
- Rev. J. Kevin Boland9th pastor
Installed as the 13th Bishop of the Diocese of Savannah on April 18, 1995.
- Rev. Brett BrannenJune 2013 –
Launched the 2014 'Seeds of Change, Believe in Our Legacy' capital campaign; oversaw 2018 dedication of new campus buildings and exterior updates.
- Rev. David KoetterJuly 1, 2020 – June 30, 2026
Oversaw the launch of the 'Faithfully Forward' capital campaign in April 2025.
- Rev. Brian O'ShaughnessyEffective July 1, 2026
Appointed from Christ the King Church, Pine Mountain.