Brief History of the Parish of Saint Alan

St. Alan's parish was founded in July, 1966 to serve the needs of the growing number of Catholics in the Troy-Birmingham area. In the beginning, mass was celebrated at Troy High School by the founding Pastor, Father Joseph Lisee until the church structure was completed. On August 12, 1967, the church building was dedicated by Archbishop John Cardinal Dearden. With the growth of the Religious programs, a wing was added to the church building in May of 1981, dedicated in memory of Father Joseph Lisee who suddenly passed away in July, 1982.

In that same year, October 1982, Father Edward Konopka was assigned as the new Pastor of St. Alan's. The very next summer, 1983, various groups of the parish, including the Pastor and the Parish Council, began evaluating the feasibility of renovating the worship area in the church. Wanting to respond to the Archdiocesan liturgical guidelines, and after a study-filled report, a committee approved the renovation of the church in 1986. Work was completed in time for the Christmas liturgy in 1987. The blessing of the new church structure took place in May 1989. On May 10, 1991, St. Alan's celebrated its 25th Anniversary. With the retirement of Fr. Konopka in July of 1993, Fr. Ted Blaszczyk was appointed as St. Alan's third Pastor. On July 1, 1998 Fr. Ted retired at which time Fr. Gary Tierney became the new Pastor.

In 1996 St. Alan's celebrated its 30th anniversary. The parish numbers about 640 family units. Its Mission Statement identified its present purpose of its existence.

"St. Alan's Parish is a Roman Catholic Community of Christians who have come together under the guidance of the Holy Spirit to give witness to Jesus Christ. Our Mission is to celebrate the Eucharist, to proclaim the Good News of the Gospel, and to grow in Faith, Justice, Love and Service to others.”

St. Alan's has a history of dedicated Christian Catholic people who through their warm faith and love have become a people who really care about their church and who really care for others. Since its founding it had earned its reputation of

“THE LITTLE PARISH WITH THE BIG HEART."