About St. William · Millington, Tennessee
St. William Catholic Church in Millington, Tennessee, is a vibrant parish rooted in the Catholic tradition, serving both military and civilian communities with a strong emphasis on faith formation, service, and spiritual growth. Founded in 1949 to meet the needs of Navy and Marine personnel and local residents, the parish has grown through community dedication, fundraising, and rebuilding after challenges including a 2012 office fire. The church continues to thrive with active ministries, sacramental programs, and a mission centered on loving God and neighbor through prayer, evangelization, and service.
- Established
- 1949
- Patron
- St. William
- Rector
- Reverend John Hourican
Why belong here
Join St. William Parish to be part of a community deeply committed to faith formation, spiritual growth, and service. Through ministries like Religious Education, Youth Ministry, and sacramental preparation, parishioners of all ages are nurtured in their Catholic faith. The parish also offers opportunities to serve as altar servers, lectors, ushers, and more, fostering active participation in the life of the Church.
Mass times at St. William
Weekly Mass schedule
Confession times
- Saturdays 3:00-4:00pm or by appointment
History of our Parish
St. William Catholic Church is a testament to the commitment of its founders and the continuing commitment of parishioners. The parish originated as a mission of Our Lady of Sorrows in Frayser to meet the needs of Navy and Marine personnel living off base and for Millington residents. In the Fall of 1949, Mass was celebrated in Millington in the Strand Theatre for about 35 people. The following year land was purchased and in 1951 a wood frame church was completed behind the site of the present church. Parishioners contributed to fundraising for the building of the church, sometimes going door to door and having bake sales. Money was granted by the Catholic Extension Society in Chicago and loans were given by the Bishop of Nashville. Parishioners also did most of the construction of the church and school building. Parishioners poured the foundation, finished the inside and made the doors, shelves, and desks. Parishioner Andy Bocklage, a cabinet maker, built the pews, the lector stand, the chapel altar and the Eucharistic symbol which is on the wall in the Narthex. St. William opened a school in 1953 with three grades and an enrollment of 160. By August 19, 1954 - the day that St. William became a parish - the convent, cafeteria and the present church, as well as an addition to the school building, were completed. The first Mass in the present church was on Thanksgiving Day, 1954. In 1969, the Bishop transferred the pastoral care of St. William Church to the Missionary Congregation of the Oblates of Mary Immaculate. Sadly in 1970, personal and financial difficulties forced the closing of the young parish school. The return of the diocesan priest as parish pastor came in 1989. The church offices experienced a fire on November 28, 2012 that destroyed the offices. A firewall protected the sanctuary from the fire, although there was smoke and water damage. Masses were held in the Family Life Center and the Church office was there as well. The restoration of the sanctuary was completed November 1, 2013, and the offices were completed May 15, 2014. The parish continues to serve a population that has a high percentage of military - retired or active duty - which adds to the wonderful diversity of the parish. Navy personnel have become more permanent members of the Millington community since the U.S. Navy Bureau of Personnel established a headquarters in Millington in 1998. While time and circumstances have changed in many, many ways, the Church of St. William continues to grow and serve both the military and civilian communities of greater Millington and southern Tipton County in the spirit of the original faith that took root here in 1949.
Faith Formation
Parish Religious Education is designed for lifelong education of the parish. The obligation of educating children is enhanced by attendance at the sessions as scheduled for specific age groups. Children are registered with the Director of Religious Education prior to attending classes. Programs are available for pre-Kindergarten to grade 8, teens (grades 9-12), young adults, adults, men and women. Ministries and organizations periodically sponsor other speakers and programs, so keep an eye on the weekly bulletin for specific offerings. The St. William Parish Religious Education (PRE) is available weekly from September to May. Grades Pre-K - Grade 8 Attendance at PRE Classes is a very important part of our Catholic faith and an obligation of all parents. If your child does not attend Catholic school, please ensure he/she attends these classes. For more information, please contact Debbie Breckenridge at 359-7063. Meet Sundays 9:45 - 10:45am Grades 9 -12 Attendance at PRE Classes is a very important part of our Catholic faith and an obligation of all parents. If your child does not attend Catholic school, please ensure he/she attends these classes. Meet Sundays 9:45 - 10:45am, except the Fourth Sunday meet 6:00 - 8:00pm Youth Participation Opportunities Altar Server- The Altar Server is a person, 4th Grade or older, who wishes to assist the priest in the celebration of Mass and other liturgical celebrations. Must have received First Eucharist. For more information, please contact the Parish Office. Grounds Cleanup - Assist in Clean-Up Day projects when held and in the general maintenance of the Parish plant when needed. For more information, please contact the Parish Office. Lector - The Lector proclaims the readings of the Word of God during the Mass. For more information, please contact the Parish Office.. PRE Aide - High School students help in classes for Grades Pre-K - 5. For more information, please contact the Parish Office. Usher - Greets the people and takes up the collection at the Youth Mass. For more information, please contact the Parish Office. Youth Ministry (High School Youth) - This organization is made up of Grades 9-12, and is dedicated to meeting the social, cultural and spiritual needs of the Parish youth. Adults The subjects studied vary and always have the approval of the pastor. Nothing heavy! Our usual subjects consist of videos or audios with discussion following. Occasionally there will be an evening study group that will be over Zoom. It is easy to get on, just follow the link sent in the email on the evening before class. There is usually no cost involved to participate unless a study guide is needed. Keep an eye open for announcements in the William Tell, the bulletin and flyers for current and upcoming studies.
Sacraments
Baptism For Catholics, the Sacrament of Baptism is the first step in a lifelong journey of commitment and discipleship. Whether we are baptized as infants or adults, Baptism is the Church's way of celebrating and enacting the embrace of God. Call the parish office during working hours to make arrangements. Parents must be registered three months in the parish and attend a Baptismal preparation class prior to setting a date. First Eucharist - Reconciliation - Confirmation Catholics believe the Eucharist is both a sacrifice and a meal. We believe in the real presence of Jesus, who died for our sins. As we receive Christ's Body and Blood, we also are nourished spiritually and brought closer to God. Reconciliation has three elements: conversion, confession and celebration. In it we find God's unconditional forgiveness; as a result we are called to forgive others. Confirmation is a Sacrament of mature Christian commitment and a deepening of baptismal gifts. It is most often associated with the gifts of the Holy Spirit. Attendance at Religious Education Classes required. Parents must also attend the parent sessions. Call Debbie Breckenridge at 359-7063 for information.
Ministries
Ministries include Religious Education, Youth Ministry, Altar Servers, Lectors, Ushers, PRE Aide, and Grounds Cleanup. These ministries provide opportunities for parishioners to serve and participate in the life of the Church. For more information, please contact the Parish Office.