Our History
In 1835, Catholics of German descent arrived in Dubois County. German immigrants were attracted to this area as the similar surroundings reminded them of their native homeland in Europe. These early immigrants brought along their deep Catholic heritage and they desired to be spiritually fed by their Catholic faith.
1949 - Laying of Cornerstone
On January 15th 1948, the Evansville Diocese officially decreed the establishment of Holy Family Parish. At that time the census showed a total of 221 families with 1031 people at Holy Family Parish. In November, 1949 the cornerstone for the initial building was blessed and laid. This first building included an eight room school and gymnasium which served as the original church for the parish until December, 1979.
1951 - First Mass
On June 16th, 1951, Bishop Grimelsman celebrated the first Mass at Holy Family Church and also dedicated the school which opened in the Fall of 1951 with grades 1 through 8. Holy Family Catholic School began with an enrollment of 207 students.
1953 - Convent
In 1953, the parish built a new red brick residence on Holy Family Drive for the Sisters of Providence who served as teachers at the school. This building remained as the convent until a larger building could be built on the property next to the school in 1959.
1968 - Classroom Addition
In 1968, as enrollment increased, nine additional classrooms were added to the original building and were dedicated by Bishop Leibold on April 21st 1968. The Sisters of Providence continued to teach at Holy Family School until 1975 when leadership was turned over to the Sisters of St. Benedict.
1976 - New Church Construction
In 1976, as Holy Family Parish continued to grow, Bishop Shea approved the plans to build a new church. On October 9th, 1977, groundbreaking was held for the new church.
1979 - Dedication
On December 30th 1979, the Feast of the Holy Family, Bishop Shea dedicated the present church and consecrated the altar.
1985 - Church Grounds
Aerial view of Holy Family Catholic Church and Holy Family Catholic School.
2005 - Renovations
In 2005, Holy Family church was renovated and a new heating and air system was installed.
2006 - Baptismal Font
In the Spring of 2006, the current baptismal font was installed.
2007 - Expansion
Further expansions needed to be made in order to accommodate the growing community and in 2007 the Narthex, Fellowship Hall, parish conference rooms, new school offices and new parish offices were constructed and were dedicated by Bishop Gettelfinger on December 30th, 2007.
2015 - Holy Trinity Catholic School
In 2015, Holy Trinity Catholic School was established by merging Holy Family Catholic School and Precious Blood Catholic School.
2023 - Parish Community
In October 2023, the Parish Census showed a total of 676 families with 1646 parishioners registered at Holy Family Catholic Church.
Stained Glass Windows
Holy Family Church has become world famous for its windows depicting the biblical story of the Holy Family on the right side of the sanctuary and the historical development of Jasper on the left side of the sanctuary.
The two large stained glass windows were designed by Maureen McGuire of Phoenix, Arizona. The larger of the two windows measures 67 feet in length and 45 feet in height, making it the second largest window in America.
Jasper Window
From left to right when viewed from inside
*A sailing ship and covered wagon illustrate the journey of Jasper's early settlers.
*Buffalo symbolizes that Jasper was a frontier settlement along the Buffalo Trace.
*Left foreground is the figure of Fr. Joseph Kundek, who was instrumental in the development of Jasper
*German flag represents strong German heritage.
*Fr. Fidelis Maute, OSB, builder of present day St. Joseph Church.
*St. Mother Theodore Guerin, established the first Catholic school in the area.
*Enlow Mill, Jasper's first industrial site.
*St. Joseph Church, Jasper's first Catholic Church.
*Two men sawing lumber symbolize the beginning of Jasper's principal industry - the making of fine hardwood products.
*Farmer represents the importance of agriculture in our rural community.
Holy Family Window
From right to left when viewed from inside
*The Annunciation - Archangel Gabriel announces to Mary that she is to be the Mother of God. To the right of the scene, Joseph is depicted receiving the message in a dream.
*The Visitation - Elizabeth, pregnant with John the Baptist greeting her cousin Mary who is bearing the unborn Christ.
*The Nativity of Jesus beneath the star of Bethlehem and the visit of the shepherds and three wise men.
*The Holy Family's Flight into Egypt.
*The finding of Jesus in the Temple.
Holy Family Church Features
Church Design
The church was designed by Lawrence P. Melillo & Associates of Louisville Kentucky. The bell tower is 100 feet tall and the heighth of the tallest interior wall is 54 feet. The longest interior beam is 130 feet in length, making it the longest unsupported beam ever used at the time that the church was constructed. Solid oak pews offer seating for 850 with space for 200 additional seats in temporary seating. The exterior walls are constructed of Indiana limestone and the roof is made of stainless steel.
Wood Figures
The large risen Christ crucifix, Stations of the Cross, and all figures inside Holy Family Church were designed and carved by Weberding's Carving Shop in Batesville, Indiana. They are carved from Buckeye wood.
Blessed Sacrament Chapel
The Blessed Sacrament Chapel is located behind the altar and offers a quiet place to pray.
