Immaculate Conception marks 50 years

December 4, 2003

Immaculate Conception Church in Sioux City will celebrate the church building's 50th anniversary, which was dedicated on the Feast of the Immaculate Conceptions on Dec. 8, 1953.

Immaculate Conception Church, which is at 1212 Morningside  Ave, was the vision of Msgr. Edward J. Smith. Construction began on the new church in 1952. The colonial-style church was designed by the Catholic University School of Architecture. The cost of construction was $300,000.

The 50th anniversary celebration will begin with a student-led Mass on Dec. 8. Each student will receive a Miraculous Medal in honor of the occasion. Students in the religious education program will also receive a medal at their opening prayer service on Dec. 10.

Following student-led Mass, there will be juice and doughnuts in the gymnasium to celebrate the church's anniversary.

There will also be a Mass at 12:10 p.m. and at 7 p.m. on Dec. 8. Preceding the 7 p.m. Mass, the church will host its annual lighting of the Tree of Lights on the church grounds.

Parishioner who purchase a $5 light can honor a living or deceased loved one or offer a special attention for someone, which will be will remembered in he Prayers of the Faithful during the Advent and Christmas seasons.

This year there will also be a special Anniversary Christmas Tree Ornament offered for $5. The ornament is royal blue with white and has the picture of the Immaculate Conception Church and is dated 1953-2003. All proceeds made from the ornaments will go to the church.

Following Mass, a reception is planned in the parish center where the Men's Club will serve pie and coffee. At the reception, there will be pictures and memorabilia of the past 50 years will be on display. The reception will also give anyone wishing to share stories or memories the opportunity to do so.

In preparation for the 50th anniversary, students from both Mater Dei sites and the students from religious education have been learning about the history of the parish: the names of former pastors; the Feast of the Immaculate Conception and the Miraculor Medal, which is also know as the Medal of the Immaculate Conception.

"We are really excited about our Golden Anniversary," said Linda Bracht, director of religious education and an anniversary committee member.

Bracht also said if anyone is wishing to have more information regarding Immaculate Conception's 50th anniversary to contact her at 276-4571 or 276-8730.