The Diocese of Birmingham will break ground on a new Catholic church in Madison, Alabama, marking the first construction of its kind in North Alabama in two decades.

Bishop Steven J. Raica and Father Joy Chalissery, the founding pastor of Most Merciful Jesus Parish, are scheduled to lead the ceremony on Sunday, September 27. The event follows an 11:30 a.m. Mass at the parish campus on Segers Road.

From Garage to Groundbreaking

The parish traces its origins to late 2015, established during the Year of Mercy declared by Pope Francis. The first Mass was celebrated in March 2016, but the community lacked a permanent sanctuary for years. Early weekday services were held in the rectory garage, while weekend Masses took place in the cafeteria of Mill Creek Elementary School.

In 2016, the parish broke ground on a multipurpose building on its 25-acre property. That structure, which serves as a sanctuary, classroom, meeting space, and fellowship hall, was paid off during the height of the pandemic. The new church project represents the next phase of growth for a community that has expanded significantly since its inception.

Growing Parish Needs

Most Merciful Jesus Parish began with approximately 175 registered families. Today, the parish reports more than 600 registered families and over 50 active ministries serving both the parishioners and the surrounding community.

Bishop Raica highlighted this construction project, along with a similar initiative at Annunciation of the Lord in Decatur, in his 2026 diocesan annual report. He noted that these developments are direct responses to the growing Catholic population in North Alabama.

Design and Funding

The new church design features a gabled chapel, rose windows, and warm wood finishes. The facility is expected to seat about 900 people, with capacity for up to 1,200 attendees. The first phase of the project includes site work and the main level of the two-story structure.

Parish leaders estimate the cost of this initial phase at approximately $20 million. Funds are being raised through the Faith in Action Capital Campaign. The parish aims to raise half of the required amount to secure a matching loan from the diocese.

Ceremony Details

The groundbreaking ceremony is set for 12:30 p.m. on September 27. Following the official proceedings, the parish will host a community picnic featuring lunch, live music from the Mercy 5 band, and family activities.