Hosptitality, Prayer, Formation and Service, to lead souls to Everlasting Life with our Savior, Jesus Christ
"When the Holy Spirit came upon the people of Chandler, they gathered in Faith and they worked a MIRACLE"
Bishop Edmond Carmody
On June 25, 2017, St. Boniface Church joyfully celebrated its Twentieth Anniversary and advancement from a Mission church, within the Athens, Texas parish, to a "full" parish in the Diocese of Tyler. The newly installed Pastor, Rev. Paul Key, S.T.L., was commissioned by the Most Reverend Bishop Joseph Strickland in a beautiful and sacred celebration that also included the Sacrament of First Holy Communion for two young parishioners. Over 200 parishioners and visitors packed the tiny church, then, after the Installation of Father Key and Celebration of the Holy Mass, members hosted a delicious feast for all who gathered that morning.
Prior to this, St. Boniface Mission Church had been established in 1997 after a small group of local Catholics, along with Bishop Edmond Carmody, worked to establish the new church in Chandler. For a time, they met in the Community Center, and then in other locales, until a building could be constructed on donated land on South Broad Street. The current structure was completed in June, 1998. Several priests were assigned through the 19 years previous to Father Paul Key's move to Chandler in 2016. Father Paul, once a Presbyterian Minister and still happily wed to Mrs. Patricia Key, joined the Catholic church in 1992 and was ordained a priest in 2007. For more information about his journey, please see video on the Staff page. Once Father Key came to Chandler, he realized that the small church's members were highly committed and that the Spirit was calling them toward growth as a Parish. He met often with Bishop Strickland to discuss his church's needs and soon was met with his blessing and approval to move forward as a new Parish.
Father Paul Key lists the following Priorities for the new Parish:
Please join us in praying for heavenly assistance during this time of turmoil in our world, and the widespread terror attacks...
"St. Michael, the Archangel, defend us in the day of battle; be our safeguard against the wickedness and snares of the devil. May God rebuke him, we humbly pray, and do Thou, Oh Prince of the Heavenly Host, by the Power of God, cast into hell satan and all the other evil spirits who roam throughout the world, seeking the ruin of souls. Amen."