About St. John the Baptist · Madison, Alabama
St. John the Baptist Catholic Church is a large, growing parish serving Madison, Alabama and surrounding Madison County communities in the Diocese of Birmingham in Alabama. Founded in 1974 as a mission community and seated at its current 14-acre campus on Hughes Road since 1986, the parish today counts over 2,700 registered families and operates its own K4–8th-grade Catholic school. Under the leadership of its fourth pastor, Rev. Bryan K. Lowe, the parish describes itself as 'A Community of Faith Rooted in Word and Sacrament, in Education and Service,' offering daily and Sunday Masses, Eucharistic Adoration, a school, religious education, youth ministry, OCIA, and Catholic Campus Ministry at UAH.
- Established
- 1974
- Patron
- St. John the Baptist
- Rector
- Rev. Bryan K. Lowe
- Diocese
- Diocese of Birmingham in Alabama
Why belong here
St. John the Baptist welcomes both long-time Catholics and newcomers—whether visiting, returning, or seeking the Church for the first time—with an unusually full program of daily and Sunday Masses (including livestream), weekly and first-Friday Adoration, a robust OCIA process, a thriving K4–8 Catholic school of over 425 students, and youth ministry rooted in faith formation. The parish embraces a stewardship way of life and offers more than two dozen ministries—from liturgical roles (altar servers, lectors, Eucharistic ministers, sacristans, ushers, greeters) and Catholic Campus Ministry at UAH, to bereavement and hospitality outreach—giving nearly every family a way to share time and talent. With 2,700+ registered families across Madison County, the parish balances large-parish resources with the warmth of a single pastorate.
Mass times at St. John the Baptist
Weekly Mass schedule
Confession times
- Wednesday 5:30–6:20 PM
- Thursday 5:30–6:20 PM
- Saturday 3:30–5:00 PM
- Other times by appointment
Adoration times
- Every Wednesday 5:00–6:20 PM (Holy Hour)
- First Friday 9:00 AM–9:00 PM
- First Saturday 9:00–10:00 AM (one hour after the 8:30 AM Mass)
Our Church History
The early chapters of St. John the Baptist were intertwined with the growth of St. Paul Catholic Church in Athens. About 22 Catholic families in Madison began attending house Masses in February 1970 led by Fr. Timothy Hill, moved to the Madison Community Center in April 1970, then to Emmanuel Lutheran Church on Highway 20 in May 1970. After Fr. Hill's transfer in 1972, Fr. John O'Brien formed the first Parish Council and began fund-raising; twelve acres near the north end of Shelton Road were purchased, and on May 13, 1974 Bishop Vath dedicated the new community to St. John the Baptist. Throughout the 1970s and early '80s the mission was shepherded by a succession of priests from neighboring parishes and from St. Joseph's in Huntsville (including Fr. Bob Marsicek, Fr. Leonard Walker, and Fr. Gerald Sirois). Bishop Vath assigned the first resident pastor, Fr. Patrick J. Murphy, in June 1986, and the parish moved to its present Hughes Road home, dedicated by Bishop Boland on August 6, 1989.
- Feb 1970: First house Masses with ~22 families, led by Fr. Timothy Hill
- May 1970: Masses relocate to Emmanuel Lutheran Church on Highway 20
- April 25, 1973: Groundbreaking for the Shelton Road 'Butler' building
- May 13, 1974: Bishop Vath dedicates the new community to St. John the Baptist
- June 1986: Fr. Patrick J. Murphy becomes first resident pastor
- 1987: 14-acre Hughes Road tract purchased
- Aug 6, 1989: Bishop Boland solemn dedication of the current church on the Feast of the Transfiguration
Pastor Succession
St. John the Baptist has been served by four resident pastors. Fr. Patrick J. Murphy (1986–1998) built the Hughes Road campus and expanded the sanctuary; Msgr. Michael Sexton (1998–2007) added the school gym and cafeteria and installed the handmade wooden altar; Fr. Phil O'Kennedy (2007–2017) completed the parish office and the Parish Hall/Day Chapel/Nursery complex; and Rev. Bryan K. Lowe, the fourth pastor, has led the parish since July 2017.
- Fr. Patrick J. Murphy, 1986–1998
- Msgr. Michael Sexton, 1998–2007
- Fr. Philip N. O'Kennedy, 2007–2017
- Rev. Bryan K. Lowe, 2017–present
Mass & Sacramental Schedule
The parish offers a robust schedule of daily and Sunday Masses, with Sunday Masses at 7:00 AM, 8:30 AM (livestreamed), 11:30 AM, and 5:30 PM, and a Saturday Vigil at 5:30 PM. Weekday Masses are celebrated Monday–Friday and Saturday, with a 6:15 AM Mass added on Tuesday. The 8:30 AM Mass on Sunday and selected weekday Masses are livestreamed for the homebound.
- Sunday: 7:00, 8:30, 11:30 AM; 5:30 PM
- Saturday Vigil: 5:30 PM
- Holy Days: 6:00 AM, 8:30 AM, 6:30 PM
- Tuesday includes 6:15 AM and 8:30 AM Masses
Parish Staff
The parish is served by the pastor, a parochial associate, three permanent deacons, and a full lay staff in liturgy, religious education, music, youth ministry, school leadership, finance, facility maintenance, and parish ministries. The Office Administrator, Hollie Tersigni, and Finance & Personnel Manager Terry Hecker oversee day-to-day operations.
- Rev. Bryan K. Lowe — Pastor
- Rev. Joemon Koonon — Parochial Associate
- Deacon Daniel Laurita, JCL
- Deacon Darrell Diem
- Deacon Kevin Brady
- Kristen Fierro — Director of Liturgy & Music
- Andrew Tygielski — Assistant Music Director
- Lisa Mason — Director of Religious Education for Youth
- Kara Tollefson — Assistant Director of Religious Education for Youth
- Jennifer Colsch — OCIA Coordinator
- Rachel Granger — Youth Ministry
- Danny Garcia — Coordinator of Parish Ministries
- Betsy Lashley — Catholic Campus Ministry (UAH)
- Scott Smith — Principal, St. John's School
- Brandi Lumley — Assistant Principal, St. John's School
- Jennifer Culver — Librarian/Nursery Supervisor
- Leslie Harris — Kitchen Coordinator
- Michelle Nemec — Wedding Coordinator
- Hollie Tersigni — Office Administrator
- Terry Hecker — Finance & Personnel Manager
- Patrick Garcia — Security
- Frank Bliske — Facility Maintenance
- Denise Shrontz — Receptionist
Liturgical Ministries
Volunteer liturgical ministers are central to the parish's celebration of the Mass and Exposition. Schedules are managed through Ministry Scheduler Pro, and each ministry has age, formation, and training requirements to ensure reverent, well-coordinated worship.
- Altar Servers — boys and girls 3rd grade and up; biannual training
- Eucharistic Ministers — confirmed Catholics, 16+
- Lectors — confirmed Catholics, 16+; provided with annual Lector's Workbook
- Sacristans — care of sanctuary items, linens, vestments, candles
- Ushers — seating, collection, gift-bearers, post-Mass duties
- Mass Greeters — welcome parishioners and visitors at the door
- Mass Coordinators — per-Mass captains who ensure liturgy is fully prepared
- Arts & Environment — seasonal decoration of the sanctuary
Religious Education & Youth
Religious Education for Youth serves children in Pre-K through Confirmation, with Confirmation preparation occurring during the 9th-grade year and First Reconciliation/First Communion celebrated in 2nd grade. The dedicated Youth Ministry team coordinates programs for teens, with the Assistant Youth Minister position currently open.
- K4–8th Grade and Confirmation registration July 1 – August 6
- Lisa Mason, Director of Religious Education for Youth
- Kara Tollefson, Assistant Director
- Parent/Student Workshops prior to each First Sacrament
- First Reconciliation and First Communion celebrated in 2nd grade
OCIA — Becoming Catholic
The Order of Christian Initiation of Adults (formerly RCIA) welcomes adults seeking full communion with the Catholic Church, baptized Christians from other denominations, and baptized Catholics who have not received all the Sacraments of Initiation. Sponsors are also recruited from the parish community.
- Unbaptized candidates: Sundays 1:00–2:30 PM, August–May
- Already-baptized candidates completing initiation: Thursdays 7:00–8:30 PM
- Contact OCIA Coordinator Jennifer Colsch at [email protected]
Sacraments
The parish celebrates all seven sacraments: Baptism, First Reconciliation and First Communion, Confirmation, Marriage, Anointing of the Sick (via the sacramental emergency line), and Holy Orders discernment. Marriage preparation requires a six-month lead time through Deacon Dan Laurita, and annulment inquiries are also directed to him. Baptisms are scheduled for the 1st and 3rd Sundays at 1:00 PM after a parent baptism-preparation class.
- Baptism: 1st and 3rd Sundays, 1:00 PM
- First Sacraments: 2nd grade (after 2 years of formation)
- Confirmation: 9th grade (after 3 years of formation)
- Marriage: 6+ months notice via Deacon Dan Laurita
- Annulments: Deacon Dan Laurita
- Funerals: arranged through the parish office
Parish Life Ministries
Beyond liturgical roles, the parish supports ministries that walk with families through life's joys and sorrows. The Bereavement and Hospitality ministries serve funeral lunches and parish events, while Care & Compassion extends outreach to parishioners in need. The Coordinator of Parish Ministries, Danny Garcia, helps newcomers connect with the right opportunity.
- Bereavement Ministry — light meals for grieving families
- Hospitality Ministry — food preparation, set-up, service, cleanup
- Care & Compassion
- St. Vincent de Paul
- Knights of Columbus
Catholic Campus Ministry at UAH
St. John the Baptist serves the students and faculty of the University of Alabama in Huntsville through its Catholic Campus Ministry. Betsy Lashley coordinates the ministry, integrating UAH students into the worship and parish life of the broader community.
- Betsy Lashley — 256-325-7596
St. John the Baptist Catholic School
St. John the Baptist Catholic School, located at 1057 Hughes Road (the parish's own campus), opened in 1996 under founding pastor Fr. Patrick Murphy with grades K–4 and grew a grade each year to a full K–8 by 2005. The school is sponsored by the Diocese of Birmingham, accredited by Cognia (Southern Association of Colleges and Schools), and a member of the National Catholic Education Association. The school day runs 7:55 AM–3:00 PM, with K5–8 drop-off beginning at 7:25 AM, and currently serves more than 425 students.
- Grades K4 through 8
- Address: 1057 Hughes Road, Madison, AL 35758
- School Office: 256-722-0772
- Principal: Scott Smith
- Assistant Principal: Brandi Lumley
- Founded 1996 under Fr. Patrick Murphy
- Expanded to K–8 by 2005; K4 added 2010
Getting Involved
The parish embraces stewardship as a way of life — sharing presence, prayers, gifts, and service to continue Christ's mission. A printable Ministry Guide Book and online Ministry Volunteer Interest Form help parishioners find a role that fits their gifts; the Coordinator of Parish Ministries is available to assist.
- Ministry Guide Book (downloadable)
- Ministry Volunteer Interest Form
- Danny Garcia — Coordinator of Parish Ministries, 256-722-7929 x102, [email protected]
Parish Registration
Newcomers, returning Catholics, and visitors are warmly invited to register as parishioners. Registration forms and welcome packets are available at the Welcome Desk after any weekend Mass, in the parish office, or via the website. Completed forms can be hand-delivered or mailed to the parish office.
- Registration via the New Parishioner Registration Form
- Welcome Desk after any weekend Mass
- Office hours: Mon–Thu 8:00 AM–4:00 PM; Fri 8:00 AM–1:00 PM
Visit, Hours & Contact
The parish offices are open Monday–Thursday 8:00 AM–4:00 PM and Friday 8:00 AM–1:00 PM (the office is closed on Fridays in June and July, and on major holidays and Holy Days). Sacramental Emergencies are handled 24/7 at 205-902-9990.
- Parish Office: 256-722-0130
- Sacramental Emergencies: 205-902-9990
- Fax: 256-722-0303
- Email: [email protected]
- Address: 1055 Hughes Road, Madison, AL 35758
Pastors & rectors through the years
- Fr. Patrick J. Murphy1986–1998
First resident pastor; oversaw purchase of Hughes Road land and construction/dedication (1989) of the current church; expanded sanctuary seating to ~900 in 1998.
- Msgr. Michael Sexton1998–2007
Added new gym/cafeteria (dedicated by Bishop Foley 2002); installed handmade wooden altar and presider chairs carrying relics of St. Lucy and St. Cecilia; received the parish's first associate pastor (Fr. Alan Macky, 2000).
- Fr. Philip N. O'Kennedy2007–2017
Completed the new parish office building (Aug 2008); built Parish Hall, Day Chapel, Nursery and Mother's Room, dedicated by Bishop Foley in June 2012; renovated church basement for faith formation, St. Vincent de Paul and Knights of Columbus.
- Rev. Bryan K. Lowe2017–present
Fourth pastor of the parish; assumed pastorate in July 2017.