St. Martin de Porres Parish began in the spirit of lay leadership
that continues to be one of its greatest treasures. The faith
communities of St. Benedict, Holy Cross and St. Charles Parishes in West
Louisville convened in early 1987 to explore ways and means of
strengthening their congregations, programs and ministries, and of
maintaining their facilities. The three small parishes were struggling
with financial and human resources.
Their prayer and discernment led to a relationship that would map the
future of a newfound community. Prayerful dialogue guided the three
groups’ leaders to select the Holy Cross facilities as the best site to
serve the needs of all. The result was a new parish, founded September
27, 1990. Through prayer and discernment the community, with the work of
the Holy Spirit, chose the name St. Martin de Porres. Father William
Medley was the first pastor, serving with Deacons Frederick Higgins and
James R. Turner. The parish began with 220 households.
Spearheaded by lay leadership, renovations to meet the needs of the
church family and community were made possible through committed
stewardship. In 1995 Archbishop Thomas C. Kelly, O.P., dedicated the
renovated church in the presence of over 600 people. The former school
building now houses the Catholic Enrichment Center, an archdiocesan
initiative of educational and social services. St. Martin de Porres is
proactive in reaching out to the community, particularly to young men at
risk.
Parishioners embrace their gifts as a strong Africentric worshipping
family of about 1,300 parishioners with a mission of evangelization. A
strategic planning process titled “Vision 5 and Beyond” recently guided
an expansion of ministries and services. Blessed by God’s goodness, St.
Martin de Porres celebrates that “We’ve Come This Far By Faith” and
serves as a beacon of hope in West Louisville.