Rev. James D. Conley, D.D., S.T.L. | Diocese of Lincoln website

Ashland Parish marked a significant milestone with the centennial celebration of St. Mary in Ashland on November 3, 2024. This parish was founded in 1870, shortly after Nebraska became a state in 1867. The event was part of a year-long series of activities celebrating the parish's history and growth.

Father Robert Matya, the pastor of St. Mary Parish, reflected on the beauty and significance of their religious practices: “Our Mass is so beautiful,” he said. “We have such a wonderful religion. Our art, prayers, ceremonies all are beautiful.”

Bishop James Conley played an integral role in the celebrations by visiting Marie Groenjes, a 97-year-old parishioner who was married in the old St. Mary Church in 1947. He also participated in the centennial Mass alongside Father Matya.

The celebration included participation in Ashland’s annual Stir-Up Days in July and various other community events throughout the year. The parish even created a float for the grand parade featuring an eight-foot-tall birthday cake to commemorate its 100th anniversary.

The historical development of St. Mary Parish began with Mrs. Edward Larkin's donation of land to Bishop Thomas Bonacum in 1900 for building a Catholic church. Though initial plans were not feasible, funds from the Catholic Extension Society helped establish a church dedicated by Bishop Francis Beckman on October 29, 1924.

As time passed and needs grew, a new church was built with ground-breaking taking place on March 18, 1956. Msgr. Thomas Kealy dedicated this new structure on February 27, 1957.

Today, Ashland is experiencing notable growth due to nearby lake developments like Sandy Point and Lake Allure, contributing to an increase in parish membership as well.

“There have been initial conversations about a new church to accommodate anticipated and continued Catholic growth,” noted Father Matya regarding future expansion plans.

A recent survey emphasized maintaining St. Mary's small-town atmosphere despite ongoing growth—a sentiment echoed by Mollie Sundermeier: “It’s an exciting time of growth...a core value of our parishioners is a small-town familial atmosphere.”