Immaculate Heart of Mary Church holds final Mass ahead of closure in west Louisville
Worshippers gathered at Immaculate Heart of Mary Church in Louisville’s Park DuValle neighborhood on December 14 for its final Mass, marking the end of a parish that has served the community since 1953. The closing service was held on Gaudete Sunday, the third Sunday of Advent.
Father George Otuma, pastor and member of the Apostles of Jesus religious order, addressed those assembled: “In this emotional moment, how can we rejoice? How can we find the joys in the imperfections, in the sufferings and in the disorder? Because the Lord is the source of hope. God is our source of hope.”
The church’s closure follows a decree by Archbishop Shelton J. Fabre on November 24. The official decree cited declining Catholic population and parish registrations as reasons for shutting down Immaculate Heart of Mary. Parish leadership requested that it be “suppressed,” with its territory to be incorporated into St. Martin de Porres Church.
“Today is the last Mass at Immaculate Heart of Mary, there is hope and the hope is here,” said Father Otuma during his homily.
Immaculate Heart of Mary began holding services in an old barn without electricity before dedicating its parish and school buildings in 1955. The Verona Fathers originally led the parish, with Dominican Sisters joining later to support education efforts. Over time, it contributed to West End Catholic School and All Saints Academy until both schools closed.
Parish ministries included Family Life programs, Knights and Ladies of St. Peter Claver, Lifelong Learning initiatives, Junior Daughters, Men’s Club, and Women’s Club.
Valarie Boone-Johnson, chair of the Parish Leadership Team and a member for more than 60 years, reflected on her hopes for continuity: “As we celebrate our legacy, we also look confidently to the future. Together we will lead our children and grandchildren forward, celebrating our African American heritage and the rich roots of West Louisville.”
Boone-Johnson noted that after Christ the King Church closed earlier this year nearby, they had hoped some members would join Immaculate Heart of Mary; however, membership continued to decline along with increasing operating costs. Parish leadership then approached Archbishop Fabre about closing their church and merging with St. Martin de Porres Church.
“It’s where my earliest religious education took place. Everything I learned about being a servant of Christ took place here,” Boone-Johnson said about her experience at Immaculate Heart.
Kim Burse has been part of Immaculate Heart since 1972. She emphasized generational continuity: “It’s about our grands and great-grands. We want to pass on a vibrant celebration of faith. That is our vision for the future. We want to preserve the faith for the future of our children and grandchildren while honoring the past.”
Items from Immaculate Heart such as Stations of the Cross will move to St. Martin de Porres Church as part of this transition.
Father Otuma urged attendees not to lose faith: “Do not lose hope but be patient. Do not lose heart because of the situation you are going through. Do not lose heart,” he said during his remarks at Mass.“When God closes one door, he opens another.”
The service featured music from its choir as well as liturgical dance performances; presentations honored individuals who contributed over many years.
Immaculate Heart will officially close on December 31, 2025.
The Archdiocese overseeing these changes operates across central Kentucky under guidance from its archbishop according to its official website. It provides spiritual development opportunities through various ministries while maintaining historical archives related to parishes like Immaculate Heart as detailed online. The Archdiocese supports local communities by delivering sacraments, fostering faith education programs such as those previously offered by parishes now merged or closed according to published information.
