Parish History

The foundation of St. Francis Borgia Parish is securely built on the passion and desire of the Catholics living in Sturgis in the late 1940's and early 1950's. The person who in many ways led the charge was Regina Long, who persistently wrote to Bishop Cotton with the desire for a Catholic Church in Sturgis, Kentucky and the promise of the needed support. 

In a letter dated November 4, 1949, to Bishop Cotton, Mrs. Long states, "...spent some time this morning talking with Father Spalding and he said that he did not have to be convinced of the need of a Church in Sturgis and I must say, I have talked with our Blessed Lord, and He is convinced also."

With this conviction, and the support of the founding families, St. Francis Borgia Parish became a reality. The parish was established on the generous donation of land from Regina Long and her husband, James, along with the local community pledges of $10,000.00. Through the Catholic Extension, the remainder of the needed money was raised and on September 30 ,1952, St. Francis Borgia Catholic Church was dedicated. 

Initially, St. Francis Borgia was a mission parish of St. Ann in Morganfield, with Rev. Joseph Spalding as pastor. In 1962, Fr. Leonard Reisz became the first resident pastor, also serving St. Ambrose in Henshaw and St. William in Marion. The buildings have grown as needed to house the many activities of a vibrant faith community. In 1963 a rectory was built for the priest to live in the community. A parish hall was built in 1968, and then expanded in 1986. The corner property of Main and 11th Street was purchased in the fall of 2013. The storage building was added to the property in April of 2015. In December of 2023, the Main Street building which previously housed the parish offices, was demolished due to extensive water damage.

Pastors over the years:

• Rev. Leonard Reisz (1962-1965)

• Rev. William Hagman (1965-1968)

• Rev. Joseph J. Pilger (1969-1971)

• Rev. Alan Pierson (1971-1973)

• Rev. Louis A. Telegedy (1973)

• Rev. James C. Hite (1974-1982)

• Rev. Henry "Hank" Cecil (1982-1988)

• Rev. Albert A. Reed (1988-1994)

• Rev. Terry Divine (1994-1997)

• Rev. Carl McCarthy (1997-1999)

• Rev. Dan Kruetzer (1999-2001)

• Rev. Joseph O'Donnell (2001)

• Rev. Bruce Fogel (2002)

• Rev. Richard Cash (2003-2005)

• Rev. Larry McBride (2005-2011)

• Rev. Greg Trawick (2011-2014)

• Rev. Ryan Harpole (2014-2018)

• Rev. John C. Okoro (2018-2024)

• Rev. Jojy Joseph Olickal (2024-present)

Rooted in faith since 1952, St. Francis Borgia continues to be a living testament to the enduring presence of Jesus Christ among His people.