Christ the Healer Church, a Catholic parish in Metcalfe County, Kentucky, is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year. The parish, which began as a mission in 1975 with five people meeting in a farmhouse, now serves about 25 registered families.

As the congregation grew, it moved from the farmhouse to a renovated barn known as “The Stable.” In 1982, the parish built its current church building in Edmonton, which seats 250 people. It is now the only Catholic parish in Metcalfe County.

The church is located next to a park that was established by Father George K. Bowling, a priest from the Archdiocese of Louisville. Father Bowling, who served as Christ the Healer’s first pastor, created the Municipal Area Recreational Community (M.A.R.C.) Park in 1972 while he was assigned to Holy Redeemer Church in Green County. The park, now named George K. Bowling Community Park, offers facilities such as a playground, sports courts and fields, a food pantry, and a homeless shelter.

Father Bowling described his work on the park as “pre-evangelization,” stating, “the park aimed to ‘show the community that the church will serve the people.’” The park’s services continue today, managed by a director and an executive board.

Deacon John Froehlich, who serves at Christ the Healer and represents the parish on the park’s board, said, “Father Bowling was a very big influence in Edmonton. People will speak of him very reverently.”

Kathy Frick, a parishioner, noted that Father Bowling’s efforts to introduce Catholicism to a largely Protestant county have helped foster acceptance over time. “They don’t have as many qualms; they’ve gotten to know that we are just like them,” she said.

Members of Christ the Healer are active in local community service, including work at a nursing home, food pantry, and participation in programs like Relay for Life, Angel Tree, and backpack initiatives. The parish also takes part in a monthly community meal at Bowling Park, with sponsorship rotating among local churches and organizations.

The parish holds a monthly potluck for members, and those attending Wednesday Mass often share lunch afterward.

Deacon Froehlich, who moved to Kentucky from Alaska in 2007 and has served as deacon since 2016, described the parish as close-knit. “It’s a close-knit parish. The people are wonderful; they truly care,” he said. “Here, we know each other and we are a spiritual family.”

Frick, who joined the parish in 1990, echoed this sentiment: “It’s small and welcoming and family. Parishioners get to know each other, and they can tell when someone needs that hug. I really love the community of it, the friendship and love and concern.”

The parish will mark its anniversary with a Mass celebrated by Archbishop Shelton J. Fabre and a luncheon on October 26. The Mass is scheduled to begin at 11 a.m. CST.