St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, Athens, marked another milestone in its parish history when Mass was celebrated for the first time this month in Morgan County. The Mass was held in the Episcopal Church, Madison, Ga. About 50 people attended, including representatives of the Episcopal, Presbyterian, Methodist and Baptist faiths. In appreciation for their presence, the first Mass was offered for Christian unity.

Refreshments were served after Mass in the Episcopal parish house and there was a discussion on the subject of renewal in the Catholic Church.

The 30 Catholics in the area now attend weekly Mass Tuesday at 6 p.m. in the Magic Land Kindergarten. “I have lived in Madison for five years,” said Robert Engle, “and have constantly made the 70-mile round-trip to Athens for Mass. To have Mass celebrated in Madison is like a dream come true. I am proud to be a Catholic and a Madisonian.”

Graham Ponder, publisher of the Madisonian and a senior warden of the Episcopal Church said, “Having the Roman Catholic Mass in Morgan County is a definite step toward the union of Christ’s Church.”

Father Jarlath Burke, pastor of St. Joseph’s, Athens, is pastor of the mission church.