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The Catholic Mission of Prescott Valley began on June 10, 1979, when about 60 people attended the first mass at the Prescott Valley Community Center.

St. Germaine - Original

St. Germaine - Original
Artist: Unknown

In a copy of a letter to Bishop James Rausch dated August 12, 1980, Fr. Reiser described the process of choosing the patron saint for the Catholic Mission of Prescott Valley. The parishioners submitted potential names for this new mission, and on the following Sunday the top five names were voted on. The three receiving the most votes were: St. Bernadette 36 votes, Saint Germaine 35 votes, and St. Rita of Cassia 32 votes.

Statue of Sainte Germaine

Statue of Sainte Germaine
Photograph by Gabrielle le Jeu 2

In a letter from Bishop Rausch to Fr. Reiser dated August 18, 1980, Bishop Rausch wrote, “Regarding the Patron Saint for the new mission parish – the vote certainly was mighty close. If we add your vote and mine, Saint Germaine has it. That’s what I would like to do. I only hope St. Bernadette and St. Rita won’t take offense.”

Maison de Sainte Germaine

Maison de Sainte Germaine
Artist: Unknown 3

An article in the Extension Magazine over 50 years earlier called Saint Germaine the “Forgotten Saint.” She is the Patron Saint of abused women and children. A pamphlet describing her life was obtained and submitted to the Bishop. A copy of this pamphlet is sealed inside the cross on the roof of the original Church.

Saint Germaine - Mission Detail

Saint Germaine - Mission Detail
Artist: Wayland Moncrief 4

Saint Germaine - Sanctuary

Saint Germaine - Sanctuary
Artist: Wayland Moncrief 5

The first Mass was celebrated in the new church on June 14, 1981. Dedication of the church was held on March 28, 1982. The parish continued to grow, so in 1984 the Religious Education classrooms were built. On October 15, 1984 Saint Germaine Mission became Saint Germaine Parish. The growth of Prescott Valley and the number of people attending mass warranted the elevation of Saint Germaine from a Catholic Mission, to a Catholic Parish.

In 1987 construction began on the Parish Hall. It was dedicated on May 21, 1989 and officially named “Reiser Hall”, in honor of the “Builder Priest”. In 1993 Fr. Reiser left due to poor health.

Saint Germaine - Cross on West Wall

Saint Germaine - Cross on West Wall
Artist: Wayland Moncrief 6

Architectural Summary

Architects:

Builder:

Date:

Style:

Johnson Walzer Associates LLC

Forefront

2020

Mission Modern

Saint Germaine Catholic Parish

Our New Church - Our History - Page 1

Prescott Valley, Arizona

Saint Germaine - Front SW View

Saint Germaine - Front SW View
Artist: Wayland Moncrief 7

The voting on those three names was so close that Fr. Reiser did not want to disclose the tally to the parishioners, and left it up to the bishop to choose from the three. In his letter to the Bishop, Fr. Reiser wrote, “In conclusion, I believe any one of the three would be a good patron and each one has something in her favor. There is no question about it, St. Bernadette and St. Rita are the most well known and honored, but perhaps St. Germaine also needs to become more known, loved, and honored. We will be grateful for whomever you choose.”

Saint Germaine - Cross and Tabernacle

Saint Germaine - Cross and Tabernacle
Artist: Wayland Moncrief 8

Saint Germaine - Baptismal Font

Saint Germaine - Baptismal Font
Artist: Wayland Moncrief 9

On November 23, 1980, the first shovels full of dirt were turned over at the groundbreaking for the first Catholic Church in Prescott Valley, Arizona. Fr. Philip Reiser, the first Pastor, had written a letter to all charter members challenging them to form a Catholic Parish Community Center to share the love of God with all. A small number of parishioners, working together, formed a building committee, pledge committee and publicity committee---then they all went to work! Rummage sales, bake sales and bazaars were among the many efforts of these hardworking parishioners, determined to raise money for the building.

Saint Germaine - Rose Window

Saint Germaine - Rose Window
Artist: Carla Foster 10

Fr. Michael Shay arrived July 1, 1993, bringing humor and instructive homilies. He was also very instrumental in updating the décor of the Church. July 1, 1994 brought Fr. Gerald Yaeger to Saint Germaine along with plans to build a new rectory. In November of that year, Fr. Jerry, his mother, and their two dogs moved into the completed rectory. The parishioners helped Fr. Jerry celebrate his birthday, and then on May 28, 1996, his 30th Ordination Anniversary. A blue spruce tree was planted near the mosaics at the church to commemorate the 10th anniversary of Saint Germaine Parish. As it grows, so grows the Parish…spiritually and in family members!

References