A Brief History of All Saints
All Saints Catholic Community was officially established as a parish of the Diocese of Dallas by the Bishop, Most Reverend Thomas Tschoepe on March 26, 1976. Reverend Raphael Kamel was appointed the Pastor. He was also the Chancellor of the Diocese of Dallas. There were 390 families when the parish officially began on March 28, 1976.
At the request of the new Pastor, Bishop Tschoepe left the selection of the parish name to the people. Ballots were mailed to the parishioners, and during a Town Hall meeting led by Father Kamel, the name All Saints was chosen by the majority (other names considered were Church of the Risen Saviour, St. John the Baptist, St. Theresa of the Child Jesus, and St. Anne's).
All Saints grew quickly in size and spirit. Father Michael Duca became the first Associate Pastor and Frank Milliken was the first parishioner to receive Holy Orders with his ordination to the Permanent Diaconate. An 800 seat church was the first parish project. After construction was completed on this first phase, the official blessing and dedication of the Church and Rectory was held on All Saints Day, November 1, 1979. The following year, Father Kamel was elevated to the rank of Monsignor. By 1981, All Saints had 1900 registered families and weekly Mass attendance was an average 3600 worshippers.
Staff expansion included the departments of Liturgy, Music, Religious Education, Business Manager, Youth Ministry, and the Community Life Center Director. By the mid 1980's the parish program schedule was filled with activities for everyone from tots to senior citizens. A successful RCIA Program was introduced to the parish by Associate Pastor, Fr. Gregory Kelly.
Under the guidance of Msgr. Kamel the spirit of All Saints continued organizing itself. As the same time additional outreach efforts were undertaken. Monthly ecumenical dialogue was initiated between Lutheran and Catholic ministers. Study groups were initiated between Congration Shearith Isreal and All Saints emphasizing Jewish roots and origin, which resulted in an annual common Thanksgiving Service. In 1984, the second phase of the building was completed.
By 1990 registered households numbered 4056. Was is now the school offices and meeting area were constructed into unused attic space. The Diocese announced the establishment of a new parish in Plano (Prince of Peace) with Father Balint as its Pastor. With Msgr. Kamel's backing, All Saints became a member of the Dallas Area Interfaith and Tony Fleo was named staff leader.
The start-up of Prince of Peace reduced the level of registered households at All Saints to 3500. In June of 1991, Fr. Paul Gray became an Associate Pastor. Msgr. Kamel and his parishioners celebrated his 65th birthday and the 15th anniversary of All Saints on November 1st of that year.
On May 18, 1992, Msgr. Raphael Kamel died after a long battle with illness. The parish celebrated the Rite of the Order of Catholic Funerals at All Saints and returned his body to his home town of Tyler, Texas to be buried in the family plot. Msgr. Robert Rehkemper was assigned the new pastor on August 30. Fr. Richard Weaver was named Associate Pastor.
In July, 1995 a discernment process was established to seek guidance from the Holy Spirit on how 'to best pass on our faith to our children'. The Discernment Committee recommended that the parish 1) enhance adult and family education programs, 2) enhance and expand the parish youth ministry, and 3) build and elementary school as soon as practical.
In June of 1996, Msgr. Rehkemper announced parish intent to begin construction of the new school in time for the 1998 academic year. Property was purchased within parish boundaries at Frankford Rd. near 190. Martha Owan accepted the position of Principal of the All Saints Catholic Elementary School and classes began at All Saints until construction of the school was completed.
In 1998 Msgr. Rehkemper retired as Pastor and requested reassignment. Fr. Tom Cloherty was appointed Pastor in 1999.