Parish History
St. Mary Catholic Parish was established in 1965 under the guidance of Fr. Robert V. Nevans, our founding Pastor. They broke ground on April 29, 1964 and dedicated by Archbishop Vehr on May 4, 1965. Fr. Nevans was Pastor of St. Mary from 1965 - 1968.
Fr. Charles Jones was Pastor from 1968 - 1970. During his tenure he was instrumental in introducing the new liturgy changes directed by the Second Vatican Council. Fr. Jones left St. Mary to be the Chaplain at St. Joseph Hospital in Denver.
Fr. Michael Smith was attending classes at UNC in 1971 when he was appointed Pastor. Fr. Smith returned to his Jesuit community in St. Louis, MO in the fall of 1971.
Fr. Thomas Stone was Pastor from 1971 - 1972, bringing his beloved golden retriever with him. Fr. Stone initiated Lay Ministers serving at Mass.
Fr. Robert Greenslade was Pastor of St. Mary from 1972-1984. Fr. Greenslade was an accomplished muscian. Keeping with his love of music he had a Baldwin Organ installed in the church, the organ was used until the renovations in 2018.
Fr. Dorino DeLazzer was pastor from 1984 - 1991. Fr.Dorino took the initiative to build the current Parish Center. The Parish Center has offices, a 550 seat meeting hall, 8 classrooms and offices. The Parish Center was dedicated by Archbishop J. Francis Stafford in 1987.
Fr. Robert Fisher was pastor from 1991 - 1997. Fr. Fisher established the Parish Mission Statement that is still used today.
Fr. Peter Quang Nguyen was appointed Pastor in 1997. Fr. Quang served St. Mary until 2008. Fr. Quang took the initiative to build St. Mary Catholic School, serving the 3 parishes of Greeley. The school broke ground in July of 2000. Archbishop Charles J. Chaput dedicated the school August 12, 2001. The school opened with the first and the second floor complete. The plan was to complete the third floor at a later date. Due to the generosity of the parishioners of St. Mary the third floor was completed in the summer of 2002 completing the school. Fr. Quang had a love of music and produced several CD's while Pastor of St. Mary.
Fr. Reinhold Weissbeck became our Pastor in 2008. Fr "Ron" was only our Pastor for three short years. During his time here Fr. Ron worked diligently on a stewardship program for the Parish.
Fr. Pawel Zborowski was appointed to St. Mary in 2011. Fr. Pawel is a young vibrant priest from Poland, who has a true calling working with young people.
Fr. James Goggins was appointed the Pastor of St. Mary in June of 2013. Fr. Goggins brought a joyful presence to the Parish and led the remodel of the Church in 2018. Father took special care of the grounds and diligently ensured that the facilities were well-maintained and clean. His keen eye and warm humor helped St. Mary to become a welcome place and spiritual home for many.
Fr. Wojciech Gierasimczyk was appointed to St. Mary June of 2022. Welcome to St. Mary!