History of St. Charles Apache Mission Church
- Early 1900s - Msgr. Ketcham of the Catholic Indian Bureau visits San Carlos.
- After determining the needs of the Apache people, he visits with the Franciscans in Phoenix to accept San Carlos as one of their missions.
- 1918 - Fr. Gerard Brenneke was sent to work among the Apache's.
- A year later, he receives a donation from the CIB to begin building the church.
- 1920 - St. Charles Mission Church was completed.
- 1921 - The church was dedicated by Bishop Grandjon.
- Fr. Gerard began taking 3 children to attend school at St. Johns in Laveen, Az. In time, other families expressed interest to have their children sent to other Catholic Schools. This led to other mission doors opening at St. Michaels (Navajo reservation), St. Catherine's in Santa Fe and St. Boniface in Banning, California.
- 1922 - San Carlos Apache's had members confirmed and adults preparing their sacraments to become Catholic.
- 1926 - A total of 151 were baptized and a total of 14 marriages were celebrated. St. Charles was accepted by the community of Apache's and the number of Catholics among them grew.
- 1930s - Fr. Bartholmew Welsh came to the reservation as the new Franciscan priest. Many of the Apache mothers and grandmothers approached him with a request to build a school here in San Carlos.
- 1965 - St. Charles Apache Mission School opened its doors to receive local children in grades 1st through 3rd grades. The first teachers were from the order of the Sisters of the Blessed Sacrament.
Fr. Madhu George is the pastor of St. Charles Apache Catholic Church in San Carlos, Arizona. Our church is a faith community, a testament to our shared values, and a tribute to the rich cultural heritage of the Apache people. For over 65 years, St. Charles Apache Catholic Mission has been at the heart of the San Carlos Apache community. As a Native American parish, we strive to integrate the spiritual richness of our Catholic faith with the unique traditions of our Catholic faith with the unique traditions and wisdom of the Apache culture. Together it offers a glimpse of our history, our hopes, and our journey as a community united in faith and love.
Our parish is more than a place of worship, it is a sanctuary where faith, culture, and education converge. The St. Charles Catholic School has been a cornerstone of our mission, nurturing young minds and hearts from Kindergarten through seventh grade. This year, we are thrilled to announce the expansion of our school to include an eighth grade, marking a significant milestone in our commitment to the holistic development of our students.
The San Carlos Apache community is deeply rooted in a profound respect for nature, a value that aligns beautifully with Pope Francis' call to care for our common home. Through initiatives like our Green Spaces project, we aim to educate our students and parishioners about environmental stewardship, fostering a love for creation that echoes the traditions of our ancestors. From the achievements of our students to the wisdom of our elders, from the beauty of our liturgical celebrations to the vibrancy of our cultural traditions is a reflection of the unique spirit of our community.
Thank you for your support, prayers, and interest in our mission. May God bless you abundantly and may our shared journey of faith and culture continue to inspire and transform lives.
Your Parish &School Staff
Fr. Madhu George, Pastor
Anna
(928) 235-2363
Alyssa
Business Manager
(928) 235-2428
Rose
School Secretary
(928) 235-2428
Mrs. Reves, Principal