The decade of the 1950’s brought continued growth for the two newest parishes, and parish life was thriving in every parish. The practice of the faith was evident in such things like the refurbishing that took place at Saint Mary under Father Baumer. The rectory and convent, sidewalks, and even the interior of the church received attention as preparations were made to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the parish.
The grade school basketball team from Saints Cyril and Methodius won the section championship. Their convent chapel received a makeover, and new stained-glass windows were added to the church there. Parish organizations like the Holy Name Society were supported through the time and talents of members across the area, while additional grades were added to the schools at Holy Trinity and Saint Malachy.
Father Baumer died suddenly at the beginning of 1956. The bishop appointed Father Cornelius Becker as his replacement. In the coming years, he would look at improvements of the parish property, including expanding the area for the school children to have recreation. He demolished the old convent and a garage, building a four-car garage with a meeting room in its place.
Also, in 1956, Golden Jubilees were marked at Saint Mark and Mother of Sorrows, where Father Cillo celebrated 50 years of priesthood. Some families from Pittock approached Father Moore at Saint Francis de Sales, expressing the desire to have a church in their neighborhood. Arrangements were made to purchase an unoccupied building that could be used as a chapel of convenience by the parish. Mass was celebrated at Saint Maria Goretti Chapel for the first time in April 1957, and the priests assigned to Saint Francis de Sales continued to provide pastoral ministry there for several decades.
Because Holy Trinity Parish continued to grow, plans were made to build a new church that would include additional classrooms for the school, and a social hall/cafeteria. Bishop Dearden, ever the school advocate, nixed the plan and instructed the pastor to build an additional school building with 16 classrooms. This construction began in the fall of 1957, as the enrollment for the eight grades totaled 389 students.
Funding for all the parish projects taking place in the 1950’s was not always readily donated, but somehow the pastors were able to pull it together, even with accruing debt which then had to be paid off. One parishioner at Holy Trinity wrote anonymously to Father Krysmalski, “I’m disgusted with the way you beg for money.” The priest replied, “So am I.”