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St. Rita of Cascia Church |
Address: 203 S. Main,
Mancos, CO 81328
Mailing Address: 28
Montezuma Ave., Cortez, CO 81321-3299 |
Phone: 970 565-7308
* Fax: 970 565-0822 * Email:
smm@fone.net *
Website:
www.montelorescatholiccommunity.org |
| Pastor: Rev. Joseph L.
Gallegos, CR |
Summer Mass Schedule:
Sundays: 8:30 a.m. * Holidays: 8:00 a.m.
Weekdays: 8:30 a.m.; Fridays: 10:30 a.m. Nursing Home |
| Winter Mass Schedule: Same as
Summer Schedule |
| Missions: Our Lady of
Victory, Dolores; Rico |
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STAFF |
| Rev. Joseph L. Gallegos, CR, Pastor |
| Rev. Salvador Cisneros, CR, Parochial Vicar |
| Rev. Michael Papesh,
Director of Life-Long Learning |
|
Karen Andrews, Business Administrator |
| Sheila Aspromonte, Liturgy |
| Marilynn Hughes,
Accounts Payable Clerk |
| Marie Ray
Richmond, Office Manager |
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HISTORY |
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Mancos sits in a beautiful valley with Mesa Verde
National Park to the west and the La Plata Mountains to the east. The largest
employers in Mancos are the school district, Valley Inn Nursing Home, and
Western Excelsior. The area is also home to many farmers and cattle ranchers.
Many individuals drive to Cortez or Durango for employment.
The foundation of St. Rita Church was begun in 1911
with funds donated from the Catholic Extension Society, and contributions
donated by Catholics and non-Catholics alike. Then in October 1911, destructive
waters flooded the area and delayed the work. The flood was so severe that it
prevented the pastor from visiting Mancos for four months, as travel was
impossible on the washed-out rail tracks and roads.
When
the pastor was again able to visit Mancos, it was not to continue to lay the
foundation of a church; instead he purchased church property from the Baptists.
The property was purchased for $1,350, leaving surplus funds to build a modest
rectory on the foundation originally intended for St. Rita. In 1914, St. Rita
was officially granted parish standing. Today the parish serves a congregation
of 92 families.
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