History PDF Print E-mail

Now beginning its fifth decade, Blessed Sacrament Church is recognized as a parish which offers a warm welcome toalt newcomers. The Sign of Peace is extended with sincere good will in our faith community, a parish which boasts an unusual number of active participants and volunteers. However, many ministries await the talents of parishioners who are willing to share their special gifts with our friendly church family. 


Blessed Sacrament Church had its beginnings in June of 1957, when Bishop John Bennett commissioned Father Donald E. Hardebeck to organize a parish in West Lafayette. In early 1958 the parish received Bishop Carberry’s permission to being a fund-raising drive, and to seek a site for a piece of land to build the church upon. In September, nine acres of the rapidly growing northern section of West Lafayette were purchased, a property bordered by Navajo Street on the north and by the Wabash Shores subdivision on the south and east. Bishop Carberry presided at ground-breaking ceremonies on March 6 of 1961, followed by a cornerstone-laying ceremony held on June 16, 1961. On Laetare Sunday, April 1, 1962, the church was dedicated. Officially named The Church of the Blessed Sacrament, that designation became, colloquially, “Blessed Sacrament Church,”

With our growing parish family and many social activities, Blessed Sacrament Church saw the need for a larger parish hall, kitchen, Religious Education Classrooms and a Day Chapel for daily Mass. In August of 1995, under the direction of Father David Douglas and a Parish Building Committee, the addition and renovation project was finished. Bishop William L. Higi formally dedicated our beautiful facility on August 14, 1995. Fr. Douglas was granted retiraltement in July 2008 and Fr. David J. Buckles was appointed pastor on September 1, 2008.

The parish education program includes elementary, middle school and high school religious education. Sacramental preparation classes for First Reconciliation, First Holy Communion, and Confirmation classes are conducted every year for active parish families.

Parish socials have included a Fish Fry in August, a Parish Picnic in June and Parish Appreciation Party for volunteers in the fall. A Welcome Committee greets newcomers, and the Ladies of Charity provide funeral luncheons upon request of bereaved families. The men of the parish that belong to the Knights of Columbus welcome newcomers with a Pancake And Sausage Breakfast, as well as provide a monthly Pancake And Sausage Breakfast for parishioners. Coffee and Donuts are also available after the 8:00 am Mass on Sunday mornings during the school year, sponsored by the men of the Knights of Columbus. Our RCIA Program (Rite of Christian Initiation) also welaltcomes those newcomers who are interested in joining the Catholic Church.

Church of the Blessed Sacrament provides many opportunities for family involvement, spiritual growth and Christian service. We offer many opportunities for music and liturgical ministries in the parish. Our parish, being so closely connected with Purdue University, welcomes many new faces each year, so it is important that we extend a friendly smile and a stable sense of community. Please come join us.