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September 30, 2025By New OutlookCelebrating 71 Years in Marana
This fall, St. Christopher Catholic Parish in Marana will mark a major milestone in its history, and an exciting step toward its future. As the parish celebrates 71 years of ministry in the community, it also looks forward with hope and determination through its Capital Campaign to build a new 10,000-square-foot parish hall.
To support this effort, parishioners and friends are invited to the St. Christopher Parish Gala on Saturday, October 11, 2025, at 5:00 p.m. at The Highlands at Dove Mountain.A Parish Rooted in History
St. Christopher’s Catholic Church is more than a parish—it is a living reminder of the faith and perseverance of those who built the Marana community. Its story began in the 1930s, when John J. MacNeil, an early resident of Marana, dreamed of a church to serve homesteaders, ranchers, and migrant families. His vision took shape after World War II, when the MacNeil family purchased land, moved a barracks onto the site, and dedicated it to God.
On Easter Sunday, April 17, 1949, the first Holy Mass was celebrated by Rev. Father Amancio A. Manubens, O.C.D. Within a few years, the parish received generous donations, its land and buildings were deeded to the Diocese of Tucson, and by October 8, 1954, St. Christopher’s received official canonical status.
From humble beginnings, the parish has blossomed into a vibrant faith community of 900 registered families, serving not only Marana but also Red Rock, Rillito, Cortaro/Silverbell, Avra Valley, and beyond.A Growing Need
While the historic church, with its art deco touches and intimate atmosphere, remains a spiritual home for worship, its size (just 200 seats) no longer meets the needs of a rapidly growing community. Gladden Farms alone now has more than 3,500 homes, with many more under development.
The reality of our current challenge is we do not have enough space to meet the needs of our parish’s formational, catechetical, and social life. We cannot say that the Eucharist is the center of our hearts and of our parish if we cannot accommodate those who really want to grow in their knowledge of and personal relationship with God. Our outreach and evangelization efforts like The Rescue Project are attracting greater numbers of people to the Faith, but our available space is limited.
To respond to this growth, St. Christopher Parish launched a Capital Campaign in April 2025 to build a new parish hall titled Building on the Past – Believing in the Future.
This 10,500-square-foot facility will include meeting spaces, classrooms, and a commercial kitchen, becoming a true center of fellowship. Beyond serving parish programs, the hall will also allow for the celebration of large parish Masses, like for Easter and Christmas, and will be available to the wider Marana community for gatherings, events, and celebrations.
Because of significant building cost increases over the past few years, we will build the new multi-purpose Parish Hall in phases. The current capital campaign is to raise $3,000,000, which will allow the parish to build the occupiable and useable 10,500 square foot structure with bathrooms. When people see and use the building, along with the need to finish it, it will generate excitement for the next campaign to accomplish the next phase. The future campaign and phases will then allow the project to be completed, providing a commercial kitchen, retracting walls for classrooms, and paved parking.
The Gala: An Evening of Fellowship and Support
The October 11 Gala will be the highlight the Capital Campaign, bringing together parishioners, community members, and friends for an evening of faith, fellowship, and fun.- Guest Speaker: Paul Zucarelli, joined by Beth Zucarelli, will share a powerful message of faith and hope.
- Silent Auction: Guests will have the opportunity to support the campaign through a wide variety of auction items, generously donated by parishioners and friends.
- Special Program: The evening will also feature contributions from parish members including Karen Alff, Karen Z. Baker, Teresa Liverzani Baker, Laura Bonney, Elizabeth Huss, Jeanne Jameson, Arianna Jimenez, CeCe McKean, Enid Moore-Crenshaw, Mary Ochua, Victoria Ralston, and Sofia Rodriguez.
Looking Ahead with Gratitude
Guided by the leadership of Fr. Edson Elizarraras, St. Christopher Parish continues to live its mission:“Empowered by the Holy Spirit and nourished by the Eucharist and the Sacramental Life of the Church: St. Christopher’s proclaims, witnesses, and shares the Good News of Jesus Christ!”
The Gala will not only celebrate the parish’s 71 years of history but will also invite all who attend to help build a legacy for future generations.
For more information, visit StChristopherMarana.org or call 520-682-3035.
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