Good afternoon, My name is Mike Luckey, I am a member here at St.Blanche and serve on the Station Council as the Knights of Columbus representative for both St. Catherine’s and St. Blanche.

I have been asked to talk about a discussion that we had at the Station Council meeting concerning the possible name change of this church building.

It has been noted that there is actually no St. Blanche. The name Blanche has been associated in antiquity with St. Gwen, St. Wite and St. Candida. There appears to be no actual evidence that any of these women were named Blanche. Also, the Roman Martyrology which is the official church record of saints and martyrs which serves as both a historical and liturgical guide for commemoration, lists no St. Blanche.

The only association to Blanche and this particular church is the plaque to the right of the exit noting Blanche McGivney.

In 1959 the Catholic Church Extension Society of America promised a $5,000 donation for the construction of the church with the direction that it be named St. Blanche, ostensibly attributed to Blanche McKeaveny.

We as a board, do not wish to diminish the importance of a financial donation. We do, however, believe that our church should be named in a relatable, less nebulous way that aligns more with liturgical and commemorative purposes. At this point we cannot even commemorate our saint because there is no feast day for a Blanche.

That being said, we are only in the discussion phase of this topic. If you have thoughts on the subject, there are note cards in the pews. You can write your thoughts and comments on them and place them in the collection basket over the next few weeks or give them to Deacon, Fr. Reggie, myself or any of the other council members

This is not a matter that we take lightly nor are we rushing to make changes. At this point we are exploring the issue and would like to hear your thoughts on the matter. If you wish to see a copy of the original letter from the extension society in 1959, it is posted on the bulletin board in the entry.

Thank you for your time!