Fr. Al Shimalonis was assigned by Bishop Hanifen to develop parish in the Bailey area in July of 1990. Fr. Al became the first resident Priest/Pastor in Park County. The boundaries were set from the Jefferson County line In the east to the top of Kenosha Pass in the west; from the Clear Creek County line in the north, to route #550 in the South. Established as a Quasi-Parish in July of 1991, St. Mary of the Rockies was made an official full-fledged parish by Bishop Hanifen on May 1, 1992.

The parish began with 19 families, today it has about 170 families. It began worshiping at in the Chapel at Camp Santa Maria near Grant. Outgrowing this Chapel, they moved to Deer Creek Methodist Church, then Crow Hill Bible Church, then to Deer Creek Elementary School. Saint Mary of the Rockies celebrated its first Mass in its own new parish home on Palm Sunday, March 27, 1999.

Fr. Al retired in October of 1995 and moved to his Cabin near Leadville. Unfortunately he passed away on November 30,1996. He is buried in Horn Cemetery, according to his wishes. He wanted to remain ever close to the parish and people he loved.
Abbot Warren
Fr. Bond
SMR History
Close Window