Holy Family Catholic Church stands at 1001 Georgetown Road in Copperas Cove, a central Texas community closely tied to nearby Fort Hood and served by the Diocese of Austin. The parish is known for the family character that grew from its mission beginnings, a full pattern of daily and weekend worship, and a broad network of formation, family, sacramental and outreach ministries. Holy Family began with a Sunday Mass in a Copperas Cove home in 1956, became a parish in 1963, and has continued to serve families shaped by the growth of the city and the adjacency of Fort Hood.
A Mission in a House, Then a Parish of Its Own
Before Holy Family had a building of its own, Copperas Cove had only a handful of Catholics. They attended St. Mary's in Lampasas, a church established in 1885, and Rudolph and Elizabeth Troe became long-time members when they moved to the area in 1934. Father Francis Weber, C.S.C., founded St. Joseph's in Killeen in 1954, and it became the nearest Catholic church for Copperas Cove. Seeing the need for outreach, he began a local mission.
On September 2, 1956, Father Weber traveled from Killeen and celebrated the first Mass in the home of Joseph and Jane LaFountain with about 35 people present. The congregation moved into the LaFountains' Hy-Way Hardware and Supply building on October 14. Father Weber then acquired a surplus barracks and mess hall from Fort Hood for the mission property. That building hosted Mass on November 25, 1956.
Father James A. Donnelly, C.S.C., became the first resident priest on September 8, 1962, and was appointed pastor on March 10, 1963, establishing Holy Family as a parish. Over the next five years he raised approximately $300,000 for the church and rectory, mostly from sources outside the parish. Ground was broken on the Feast of the Holy Family in 1967, and the church was dedicated on May 12, 1968, by Bishop Louis J. Reicher. The social hall was completed in 1973. The mission grew into a parish remembered for parish-sponsored dances, Knights of Columbus Oktoberfest celebrations, and a distinctive familial feel.
A Campus Shaped by Fort Hood
The parish campus carries visible pieces of that early story. When the government established Fort Hood during the Second World War, residents displaced from military lands had to leave their homes. Mr. Urbantke moved his house to the spot now occupied by the Holy Family Catholic Education Center sign. The house remained vacant until parishioner Frank Seffrood repaired it and added rooms.
Around 1965, the first building erected by the parish, now called the D-Building, was designed as a social hall that could be adapted into four apartments. The C-Building began as a Fort Hood barracks; after a fire, the present building rose on its original foundation and was known for years as the Judo Hall. The B-Building was purchased and moved onto the property, while the A-Building was built of cinder block by local labor. Except for the house, these varied structures became classrooms for religious education.
In 1993, Father William Donahue directed an effort to give the education buildings a unified appearance. The house was repositioned, the colors were matched to the church and social hall, and a planter and sign designed by Bernard Meuth completed the new appearance. Work on the current office, including Andre Hall, began in 1996 and finished in 1998. Another parish building was converted into a social ministries site with a food pantry for people in need.
Holy Cross priests staffed Holy Family until 2005, when the transition to diocesan priests began. Under Father Barry Cabell, extensive work renewed the nave and sanctuary, updated parish technology, and brought guest musicians and commissioned compositions into the liturgy. Father Jim Robertson oversaw a renewed social hall, improved education facilities, and the parish's community involvement. Father Chris Downey introduced programs emphasizing renewed catechetical instruction for youth and adults and a stronger social dimension for the parish.
The Rhythm of Mass and Reconciliation
- Sunday: Mass at 8:00 a.m., 10:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m.
- Saturday: Mass at 8:00 a.m. and 5:30 p.m.
- Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday: Mass at 5:30 p.m.
- Thursday: Mass at 8:00 a.m.
- Tuesday and Friday: Reconciliation from 4:45 to 5:15 p.m.
- Saturday: Reconciliation from 4:00 to 5:00 p.m.
The first Saturday morning Mass is followed by the Fatima Rosary. The parish asks visitors to arrive before Mass begins, place their hearts and minds in the presence of the Blessed Sacrament, participate by saying the Mass prayers and singing hymns, and remain until the celebrant has given the final blessing and left the church. These practices express Holy Family's reverent approach to the liturgy and give a first-time guest a clear understanding of how worship is expected to unfold.
Joining the Parish and Staying Connected
Holy Family's parish boundaries encompass Copperas Cove and Kempner. Catholics living within those boundaries who regularly participate in the liturgy are invited to complete parish registration; attendance alone does not make a family a registered member. Parishioners can sign up for Evangelus for email or text messages and use MyParish Classic for messages, daily readings and bulletins. eGiving is available through Pushpay, while tithing envelopes can be collected at the parish office Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
The Finance Council monitors monthly income and expenses, recommends major expenditures and prepares an annual budget for the pastor's acceptance. The Pastoral Council, made up of elected and appointed parishioners, advises the pastor on all aspects of parish life. These bodies connect practical stewardship and shared pastoral perspective to the parish's commitment to giving Time, Talent and Treasure.
Faith Formation That Spans Generations
Faith formation at Holy Family is designed as a lifelong process flowing from Church life into the home, known as the domestic church. The program for youth in grades one through nine is carried by a large body of volunteer teachers under Director of Religious Education Virginia Rodgers. Children in grades one through eight meet Sunday from 9:15 to 10:15 a.m. and Wednesday from 6:15 to 7:15 p.m. Ninth-grade faith formation is also offered. Confirmation preparation for tenth graders meets Wednesdays from 6:15 to 7:30 p.m.
Adult Bible Study is a weekly Sunday gathering at 9:15 a.m. in the Faith Formation Center. The group studies the Old and New Testaments along with other adult formation materials. Adults preparing for fuller participation in Catholic life can join the Order of Christian Initiation of Adults, or OCIA, a process of instruction, prayer and fellowship. It welcomes adults who have not been baptized, those baptized in other Christian traditions, and baptized Catholics who have not received Confirmation and Eucharist. Its twofold purpose combines Sacred Scripture, Church teaching and Church tradition while preparing participants for Baptism if needed, Confirmation and Eucharist. Seasoned Catholics can serve as sponsors, and others may participate as auditors without deciding to join the Church.
Children's Liturgy of the Word is offered once each month during the 10:30 a.m. Mass. Its team includes volunteers who guide the children during the approximately half-hour program. Vacation Bible School also forms part of the parish's formation calendar, while the MyParish Classic app provides families with daily readings, messages and bulletins.
A Full Team for the Liturgy
Holy Family's worship is supported by a broad team of lay ministers and musicians. Altar servers must be at least 10 years old and have received First Holy Communion. They carry the cross and processional candles, hold the Sacramentary, present the bread, wine and water, assist the priest and deacon, and may ring the bells when appropriate. Hector Flores serves as Altar Coordinator.
Lectors proclaim the Scripture readings at Sunday, daily and holy day Masses. They attend training at least once each year and are commissioned to serve. Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion bring the Eucharist to parishioners living in nursing homes, assisted living facilities and their own homes when they cannot travel to church; they may also assist the priest in distributing Communion at Mass.
The Music Ministry shares sung and instrumental prayer at all weekend liturgies, holy day Masses, funerals and weddings. Choirs serve weekend Masses, special services and occasional weddings and funerals. Guest musicians and commissioned compositions have added to the parish's repertoire over the years. Angel Lopez serves as Music Director. Ushers and greeters arrange seating, take up the collection and distribute parish bulletins and other materials, while sacristans prepare and coordinate liturgical activities.
Groups for Families, Men, Women and Young Adults
Beyond the altar, Holy Family offers groups for children, adults, couples, men and women. Youth Group provides volunteer opportunities, and Andrew Miles serves as the point of contact for the Young Adult Group. Volunteer choices also include a Men's Group and Young at Heart for older adults. Ladies Society unites women in religious, social and educational activities. Millions of Monicas, Momma's Group and Vocation Ministry create additional settings for conversation, service and discernment. Vocation Ministry especially asks whether some are called to nourish the Church as priests or in the consecrated life.
Knights of Columbus Council 6658 is organized around charity, unity and fraternity. Council members have supported the Stuff the Bus program with filled backpacks and hoodies. Its Catholic Citizenship Essay Contest has given young Catholics a forum for civic discussion and religious and life-affirming values. Council meetings are held on the first Thursday of each month and assembly meetings on the second Thursday at 7 p.m. The Knights Hall, with or without a kitchen, is available for rental. The Fathers for Good initiative also offers resources for men through the Knights.
My Brother's House Food Pantry
My Brother's House Food Pantry is operated by the Saint Vincent de Paul Society conference at Holy Family and serves people in Copperas Cove and Kempner. The conference is open Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to noon. Anyone using the pantry must reside in Copperas Cove or Kempner and show proof of residence and identification. The conference also provides financial assistance and help with electric, gas and water bills, but it does not offer rental assistance or require deposits. Those financial requests are handled through the conference rather than the parish office.
Support for Pregnancy, Prison and Human Life
Gabriel Project gives emotional, material, educational and spiritual support to pregnant women and families facing unplanned or difficult circumstances through mentorship, advocacy and Christian friendship. The ministry also accepts gently used boys' and girls' clothing in sizes 2T to 4T. Its family assistance extends through St. Gabriel's Pregnancy and Parenting Program, which offers confidential services in English and Spanish to expectant parents and parents of children from birth to 36 months. Services include family case management and guidance, prenatal and parenting education, life-skills mentoring, advocacy and basic-needs assistance such as diapers and wipes.
St. Dismas Prison Ministry brings the Catholic faith to women at Mountain View and Hill Top correction facilities in Gatesville, Texas. Deacon Tim Hayden leads participation in Tuesday and Thursday evening Mass or Communion services followed by faith formation and group discussion. RCIA is conducted regularly.
The Pro-Life and Respect Life Ministry proclaims the gospel of life through prayer, education and action. Its materials connect people with Catholic resources on mental illness, human trafficking and child exploitation and point toward Our Lady of Angels Maternity Shelter in Temple. The shelter has provided free emergency shelter and housing for pregnant women in crisis since 1999.
Grief Care and Spiritual Direction
Grief to Grace is a monthly support group for people who have lost a spouse, child, grandchild, parent, family member or friend. It meets every second Monday from 6:30 to 8 p.m. in the conference room. The group works through Grieving with Great Hope material and focuses on the Spiritual and Corporal Works of Mercy, setting a renewed goal for living forward with love and hope. A friend may accompany someone attending.
Holy Family also offers commissioned spiritual direction through Deacon Tim Dorsey. Spiritual direction is Christian listening in which a trained director helps another person discern the direction of God through relationships, work, prayer and challenges. For men seeking help breaking free from pornography, the parish provides STRIVE, a 21-day detox program created with Matt Fradd. Together these ministries make room for prayerful and practical support as well as sacramental worship.
Preparing for Baptism and Marriage
Holy Family's sacramental life includes Baptism, Confirmation, Eucharist, Reconciliation, Matrimony and the Anointing of the Sick. For Baptism, every child has a right to the sacrament regardless of circumstances. Parents and godparents attend pre-baptismal preparation classes held quarterly, and children may be baptized through their seventh birthday. After the seventh birthday, an adapted RCIA program leads toward Baptism, First Communion and Confirmation. The process runs from the beginning of September until the Easter Vigil.
Both parents and godparents are expected to attend preparation. Those living outside Holy Family may attend class in their own parish and provide proof of attendance. Parents must live within the parish boundaries or obtain written permission for a Baptism outside their regular parish. At least one parent must be Catholic. Ideally, parents are married according to the laws of the Catholic Church, although a child may still be baptized when the parents accept responsibility for the child's faith formation and take steps toward convalidating their marriage where possible. Godparents must be at least 16, fully initiated in Baptism, Eucharist and Confirmation, and live an active Catholic faith. Required paperwork includes the child's birth certificate, a Baptism Information Form and a Baptism Sponsor Covenant.
Engaged couples are asked to begin preparation at least six months before the wedding. Preparation begins with the PREPARE and ENRICH survey of many areas of the relationship and includes Together in God's Love retreats and Natural Family Planning. Couples must submit an updated baptismal certificate, a prenuptial questionnaire and an Affidavit of Free Status. A decree of nullity is required when a prior marriage occurred, and the bishop's permission or dispensation is needed for a mixed marriage. The state marriage license expires after 30 days and is not valid if the ceremony occurs fewer than 72 hours after it is issued. The officiating priest or deacon must receive the license before the ceremony begins. These requirements reflect Holy Family's stated sacramental understanding of marriage as a total, faithful and fruitful commitment modeled on Christ and the Church.
A Catholic Community in Copperas Cove
Pastor Reverend Augustine Ariwaodo was appointed by Bishop Joe Vasquez on May 23, 2021. Born in southeast Nigeria and raised by devout Catholic parents, he was the youngest of six children and has an older sister who is a nun. He entered the seminary after high school and earned philosophy and theology degrees through the Pontifical Urban University in Rome. He migrated to the United States in 2008, spent a short time in the Diocese of Savannah and entered the Diocese of Austin in 2010 as a seminarian.
After graduating from St. Mary's Seminary in Houston with a Master of Divinity in 2013, Father Augustine served as a parochial vicar in Austin, Waco and College Station and as rector and chaplain at St. Peter Catholic Student Center in Waco. He is joined by Deacons David Cardon, Tim Dorsey and Tim Hayden, with Virginia Rodgers leading religious education and Angel Lopez directing music.
Holy Family defines itself as a community united by faith in the Gospel of Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. It raises minds in liturgical and private prayer, gives special concern to the poor and needy, works to educate children and adults in the teachings entrusted by Jesus to the Apostles and their successors in the Holy Catholic Church, and joins other groups in ecumenical endeavors. That identity continues in the daily rhythm of Holy Family: prayer, instruction, sacraments, service and shared belonging.