The Parish Story
The History of Assumption Church
The Catholic community of Atco has a long and meaningful history of faith, family, and service. For generations, Assumption Church has been an important spiritual home for Catholic families in Atco and the surrounding communities.
Located in the Atco section of Waterford Township, Assumption Church grew as the Catholic population of the area increased. Over the years, the parish became much more than a place of worship. It was a community where families celebrated the sacraments, educated their children, gathered for fellowship, and supported one another through life's joys and challenges.
The Early Years
The original Assumption Church was located at the corner of Schoolhouse Lane and the White Horse Pike, facing the White Horse Pike. The parish rectory and church office were located at 2116 Atco Avenue, in a building constructed in 1940.
Assumption Church also played an important role in serving Catholics throughout the surrounding communities. St. Anthony Church in Waterford became attached to Assumption Church in the late 1940s. Sacred Heart Church in Cedar Brook was a mission of Assumption by 1947, while St. Lucy Church in Blue Anchor came under the pastoral care of Assumption in 1949.
Through these connections, Assumption became an important center of Catholic life for families throughout the area.
A Growing Catholic Community
As Atco and the surrounding communities continued to grow, so did Assumption Church. The parish developed a strong tradition of Catholic education through Assumption School, which served generations of local children.
The school eventually provided education from preschool through eighth grade and became an important part of parish life. For many families, Assumption Church and School were at the heart of their children's spiritual and educational formation.
After decades of service to the community, Assumption School closed in 2012. The former school building continues to serve the parish community today as the Faith Formation Center.
Assumption Parish was also blessed with the service of many dedicated priests.
The Present Church
As the parish community developed, Assumption Church eventually moved from its original location to its present campus at 318 Carl Hasselhan Drive.
The church and school became the center of Catholic family life in Atco. Generations of parishioners celebrated Baptisms, First Communions, Confirmations, weddings, funerals, and countless Sunday Masses within these walls.
The memories created here continue to be an important part of the parish's history.
The Formation of Christ the Redeemer Parish
In 2008, Bishop Joseph Galante, facing a shortage of parish priests and declining Mass attendance, called for a reduction in the number of parishes within the Diocese of Camden through consolidation.
Under this plan, Assumption Parish in Atco, St. Anthony Parish in Waterford, and Blessed John XXIII Parish, which consisted of St. Lucy Church in Blue Anchor and Sacred Heart Church in Cedar Brook, were brought together to form a new parish.
Under the leadership of Father Thomas Barcellona, representatives from the four communities met for approximately two years to work through the many details involved in creating a new parish. Each community worked diligently to preserve its unique identity, traditions, and history.
Through prayer, cooperation, and perseverance, Christ the Redeemer Parish was officially established on November 10, 2010.
On November 7, 2010, St. Lucy Church celebrated its final Mass and closed as a parish church. The inaugural Mass of Christ the Redeemer Parish was celebrated on November 13, 2010, welcoming parishioners from St. Lucy, Sacred Heart, St. Anthony, and Assumption into their new parish family.
Preserving Our Heritage
Although the four communities became one parish, their individual histories and traditions remain an important part of Christ the Redeemer.
The parish made a special effort to preserve elements of each former church and incorporate them into the new parish campus. St. Lucy's Chapel was established inside Assumption Church. Stained-glass windows from the former churches were incorporated into the Faith Formation Center, while statues, banners, and the former church bell were preserved.
Across from the church, the Meditation Garden serves as an outdoor memorial to the four former parish communities. The garden brings together statues and the historic church bell, symbolizing the unity of the communities that came together to form Christ the Redeemer Parish.
Christ the Redeemer Parish Today
Today, the parish campus centers around the former Church of the Assumption at 318 Carl Hasselhan Drive. The building serves as the parish's principal worship space and houses the parish office, St. Lucy's Chapel, and Pastoral Center.
The former Assumption School building continues its ministry as the Pastoral Center, providing space for religious education, parish programs, and the parish office.
Effective July 1, 2021, Bishop Dennis Sullivan appointed Father Joseph Wallace as pastor of Christ the Redeemer Parish.
Today, Christ the Redeemer Parish is home to nearly 2,650 parishioners and continues to grow as a vibrant Catholic community. The parish remains deeply grateful for the generations of families, priests, religious educators, volunteers, and parishioners whose faith and dedication have shaped its history.
A Continuing Legacy
The story of Assumption Church is an important part of the story of Christ the Redeemer Parish. While the parish structure has changed, the faith and traditions of the people who built and sustained Assumption continue to live on.
From the early Catholic families of Atco, through generations of worship and education, to the formation of Christ the Redeemer Parish, Assumption Church has remained a place of faith, hope, and community.
We give thanks for the generations who came before us, celebrate the faith community we share today, and look forward with hope to the future God has in store for Christ the Redeemer Parish.
