Timeline

• 1916 - Ave Maria Church established in Parker as part of the Elbert missions
• 1955 - Ave Maria Mission closed.  The building was moved in 1982 to 6930 E University Park Place and is known as Ave Maria Chapel at St. Matthew's
• 1976 - Parker Catholic Mission established with 80 families registered
• 1984 - First mass celebrated in the new church building on October 7
• 1998 - Capital Campaign begins for the new Evangelization Center
• 2000 - Construction begins on the Evangelization Center; Ave Maria Catholic School opens in September
• 2001 - Capital Campaign kicks off to finish the second floor of the Evangelization Center
• 2004 - Second floor of the Evangelization Center completed

The Miracle of the Dove in the Church Window

A beautiful dove of peace mysteriously appeared on a north window of Ave Maria Catholic Church on February 9, 1985, right before its dedication on February 10.  The image, like a white etching, is a bird in flight, wings extended and tail feathers spread open, its wingspan measuring 30 inches from tip to tip.  Each feather is perfectly traced on the glass and the beak and eyes are clearly visible.  Many believed the imprint was made by a bird that crashed into the window, but no feathers or remnants of a bird were found.  Because the imprint is so clear and detailed, a protective glass was installed to safeguard it.

The dove has been called 'an extra blessing from God.'  In Christian teachings the dove symbolizes the Holy Spirit.  It is a constant reminder of the wonders and mysteries of God.

The Logo

The figure is built off the figure of a circle to form the letters of Ave Maria.  The alpha and omega, the first and last letters of the Greek Alphabet are formed in these two symbols as well.