The parish continued to grow to over 600 families by 1974. In January
of that year, ground was broken on over seven acres of land to build a new
multi-purpose building. Eleven months later, in December of the same
year at 5 p.m. on December 14
th, more than 500 people attended the first Mass in the new building that
would serve as the church and parish hall for nearly ten years. The growth
and enthusiasm of the parish remained evident with new ministries being
added and attendance increased during the pastorate of Rev. Francis J. Dunleavy,
who led the faith community from June 1976 through June of 1978. When
the third Pastor, Rev. Frank Flynn arrived in July of that year, the parish
had grown such that an associate pastor was needed. Consequently,
a campaign was undertaken to construct a new rectory, which was dedicated
in 1979. At this point there were over 750 registered families being
served. In 1982, after extensive research and parishioner input, Fr.
Flynn determined that the parish growth and need was more than sufficient
to embark on a campaign to build a new church. The parish had dramatically
grown to nearly 2,000 families.
Thus, on Labor Day, 1983, parishioners placed stones in the foundation
site of the new church to symbolize their awareness that people are the ‘real
stones’ upon which a worship space is built. While under construction,
the Vatican announced the formation of the Diocese of Palm Beach and named
Most Rev. Thomas V. Daily of the
Archdiocese of Boston as its first Bishop. Due to the fact that
St. Ignatius was centrally located and accessible and could be modified
to meet the requirements for being a Cathedral, it was chosen to serve as
the Cathedral of the new five county diocese, with Fr. Frank Flynn now as
its first Rector. The Church was dedicated as a Cathedral by Archbishop
Edward A. McCarthy of Miami on October 6, 1984 and Most Rev. Thomas V. Daily
was installed as the First Bishop of Palm Beach on October 24, 1984.
On that day, the Diocese and the Cathedral were placed under the patronage
of Our Lady, Queen of the Apostles.
The architecture of the Cathedral building is modern and open. The
sloping terracotta tile roof covers pews that are arranged on a sloped floor,
stadium style, to provide a greater sense of intimacy and promote better
participation. The rear (north) wall of the church is of cut coral stone.
The sanctuary was built to rise 75 feet to an open, inverted arch.
The Cathedral (including the side chapel) holds 1250 persons.
In August, 1988, Rev. Frank O’Loughlin was named Pastor/Rector.
Under his leadership the parish continued to grow and the parishioners that
began worshiping together in humble beginnings became more accustomed to
‘sharing’ the parish church with parishioners from around the diocese.
Over the years there have been many beautiful and significant liturgical
diocesan celebrations that have brought people from across the diocese together
to worship. Yet, while ever welcoming, the parish community has never
lost its ‘family’ atmosphere and feel. The parish Outreach Program,
begun during Fr. Flynn’s tenure, was expanded, reflecting Fr. O’Loughlin’s
love for the poor and needy.
In 1992, Rev. James P. Malvey was named Rector of the Cathedral.
As Rector, he focused on promoting good business/office practices and lay
involvement. He appointed the first lay parish Office Manager.
He also established the first 13 member volunteer Finance Council as well
as other lay advisory committees. Fr. Malvey also oversaw the refurbishment
and re-dedication of the parish Chapel as the Chapel of Our Lady, Queen of
the Apostles.
Rev. Msgr. Thomas Klinzing became Pastor/Rector in September of
1996. The Cathedral continued to grow during this period and Msgr.
Klinzing was responsible for not only focusing on the spiritual welfare
of the parishioners but also for addressing many facilities and maintenance
issues as the campus began to age. Of particular note, during pastorate,
the beautiful statue of the Blessed Virgin Mary was placed in the Church.
Rev. John A. Kasparek became Pastor/Rector in May of 2000. Fr. Kasparek
saw the Cathedral parish grow to over 2,700 families. Fr. Kasparek
focused on enhancing the liturgy and the overall worship experience.
During his time, the music program was expanded and developed. It was
though his efforts that the Cathedral was fortunate to acquire the impressive
Rodgers Digital Organ, which produces one of the most advanced sounds in digital
organ “presence”. The parish also became one of six parishes to construct
and run the regional Catholic School of All Saints.
On July 1, 2005 Rev. Thomas E. Barrett became the current Rector of the Cathedral.
He was appointed Rector by our present Bishop, The Most Rev. Gerald M. Barbarito.
Fr. Barrett had been Pastor of St. Mark Parish in Ft. Pierce, but was happy
to come to the Cathedral because it is his home parish and was a place with
which he was very familiar. Shortly after his arrival Fr. Barrett,
with the support of the Bishop and the community embarked on a much needed
and desired renovation of the interior of the Cathedral. The changes
the worship space were enthusiastically received by parishioners and visitors
alike. The wood Reardos and Italian marbl
e Sanctuary appointments are more welcoming, warm, and inviting.
The Risen Christ Statue, which was an important part of the history of
the Cathedral, was placed in an outdoor shrine facing Military Trail, as
a welcoming sign of our community of faith and the love of Christ.
The renovation has become the outward sign of a new and forward looking
spirit for the Cathedral.
Fr. Barrett continues to make organizational and liturgical changes
that he hopes will attract new parishioners and provide for increased ministry
opportunities and parish growth. As we celebrate 25 years as a diocesan
and Cathedral parish family, we pray for God’s blessings for the future
and we will work to continue the family parish and welcoming philosophy
upon which St. Ignatius Church was founded.
Cathedral of St. Ignatius Loyola Parish
Less than two dozen people attended the first Mass. The first committee formed by Fr. Mulcahy was the social committe. Fr. Mulcahy not only began visiting each family in the parish, he began introducing people to one another. He said: “You can’t love your neighbor, unless you know who he is.” This emphasis of getting to know one another was, and continues to be the foundation and strength of our parish family.