Archief - St. Thomas of Villanova Parish (Topsail, Newfoundland) fonds

St. Thomas of Villanova was established 15 September 1982 when the Archbishop of St. John's, Alphonsus L. Penney, dismembered St. Edward's Parish (Topsail) to create three new parishes: St. Thomas of Villanova (Topsail); Holy Family (Paradise); and St. Edward's (Kelligrews). St. Edward's Parish (Topsail) was established in 1877 and its original boundaries encompassed the whole of the south shore of Conception Bay. With the erection of St. Thomas of Villanova,however, the communities of Topsail Pond, Long Pond, Three Island Pond, Chamberlains, Manuels, and Topsail became a separate entity (a decree issued by the Archbishop 14 September 1982 transferred the seat of St. Edward's Parish from Topsail to Kelligrews, allowing the former community to become the seat of St. Thomas of Villanova). Assets of the former St. Edward's Parish were proportionately divided among the three new parishes created from the division.

After the erection of the parish in 1982, the church in Topsail, built between 1916 and 1922, underwent a name change from St. Edward's to St. Thomas of Villanova. This building was in use until 1986, when it could no longer accommodate the needs of the parish. A sod-turning ceremony for a new church was held in Powers Court, Manuels, 31 July 1985 and the cornerstone was laid 22 September of the same year. The official opening and dedication of the new parish church and centre, annexed to the Powers Court parish hall, was conducted by Archbishop Penney 25 November 1986.

St. Thomas of Villanova Parish actively supported the parochial schools located within its boundaries St. Thomas of Villanova School and Holy Spirit School (later, High School). However, parish support for these schools ceased after denominational education reforms were passed by the Provincial Government in 1997. They are now secular institutions.

A Steering Committee was established in 1982, shortly after the erection of St. Thomas of Villanova, charged with the responsibility of establishing a parish structure. A Parish Council was formed to administer parish affairs and activities and several committees and sub-committees were struck to aid in this cause, including the Finance Committee, the Building Committee, the Properties Committee, and the Liturgical Committee. In addition, church lay societies, including the Catholic Women's League, the Knights of Columbus, and the PowersCourt Pathfinders, were founded within the parish.

Pastors who have served the parish since its establishment in 1982 include: Gregory Hogan (1982-88?); Patrick J. Kennedy, Administrator (1988?); John Wallis, Administrator ([1988?]); James Doody, Administrator (1991-92); and Charles Hogan, Administrator (1988-1991, 1992-).