History of St. Mary's Parish
In the spirit of its missionary founders, St. Mary of the Miraculous Medal Parish in Texas City works to provide for the needs of all its parishioners, and for the welfare of the community as a whole.
The Oblates of Mary Immaculate began serving in the area around the turn of the century. The first Masses in Texas City were held in private homes and in the International Longshoremens Hall from 1900 to 1911 when, depending on the weather, a priest would ride over from Dickinson. By 1911, enough money had been raised to build a small wooden church. In 1945, after a hurricane had destroyed the first church, the current church was built, and Father William Roach became the pastor.
On April 16, 1947, the first of the tragic explosions of the Texas City Disaster rocked the city. Three ships exploded, setting off other explosions and fires that nearly destroyed the city. Over 3,000 persons were injured, and many buildings, including the present church, were damaged or destroyed.
Father Roach had just finished celebrating Mass when he heard and felt the explosion. He rushed to the docks where the watchman warned him to keep away. Replying "If my people need me, I'm going to them" the heroic priest began administering the last sacraments to victims of the explosions. He was killed in the second blast.
The Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word have played an important role in this parish. In 1949 they opened Our Lady of Fatima School, which today offers a full program for pre-school through 6th grade. In 1991, the order donated a Wicks pipe organ to the parish.
St. Mary of the Miraculous Medal joins with other churches in the Texas City area in number of projects. The parish has been a leader in the week of prayer for Christian unity and issued a special call for prayers for peace at the onset of the Gulf War. In October 1995, volunteers from the parish wholeheartedly joined other churches on "Make a Difference Day." Taking to heart the command "Love The Neighbor." The project gathered over 2,500 sacks of food for the needy of the community.
Today St. Mary of the Miraculous Medal serves 1800 families in the Texas City area.