Bishop John J. Wright raised St. Ferdinand Mission to the status of parish on May 31, 1961 when Fr. William McAndrew was appointed as the first Pastor. The congregation was a mission of St. Alphonsus Church in Wexford. At that time, Cranberry Township was a rural farming community.
In the beginning, Mass was celebrated at Hartner’s Restaurant on Rt. 19, and afterwards at the Cranberry Fire Hall. Upon completion of the all-purpose rectory, Mass was celebrated in the rectory basement beginning on May 27, 1962.
On June 5, 1962, Fr. McAndrew suddenly died and on July 3, 1962, Bishop Wright appointed Fr. James Biller as Pastor.
March 8, 1964 was the groundbreaking ceremony for the transitional church, parish social hall and CCD classrooms. The first Mass was celebrated in the new church on Easter Sunday, April 18, 1965. Bishop Wright officially dedicated the church on February 20, 1966. During the 60’s many wonderful ministries began including the summer CCD or Vacation Bible School, “Castile” Men’s Club, “Cordova” Women’s club, “Catacombs” Youth Group, CCD Religious Education classes for children, the first Mother & Daughter Dinner and Days of Recollection for Women. The statue of our Lord at the church entrance was dedicated in memory of Fr. McAndrew.
Fr. Bartley Sorenson was named the first Parochial Vicar of St. Ferdinand in November of 1976. He remained until July 1981 at which time Fr. Charles Speicher was appointed to minister at our parish. The 70’s introduced the new rite of Mass with English as the language, Saturday evening liturgy, formation of the first folk group, Youth Ministry, Eucharistic Ministers, Lifeline, Parish Council elections, option of receiving communion in the hand, and the Friends of St. Ferdinand. On December 31, 1980, our parish membership numbered 1214 families and 4398 members. Fr. Thomas J. Galvin was appointed parochial Vicar in July 1982 to replace Fr. Speicher. Fr. Kenneth E. Oldenski was appointed the third Pastor of St. Ferdinand Church on May 3, 1983 by Bishop Vincent Leonard following Fr. Biller’s retirement on April 10, 1983. Fr. Timothy M.P. Dawes began as Parochial Vicar in September 1986 when Fr. Tom Galvin was transferred. Fr. Joseph P. Newell joined our pastoral staff, also in the capacity of Parochial Vicar, in February of 1989.
In 1986 planning and fundraising efforts began to build a new, larger worship facility to accommodate the rapidly growing parish membership. Groundbreaking for this new facility occurred on October 8, 1989.
In the 1980’s the Funeral Luncheon Ministry began, the Cry Room became the Daily Mass Chapel, Living Stations started, a census of the parish was taken, the Prayer Group and RCIA began. Completion of the new church was celebrated on December 23, 1990 with a ceremony of blessing and dedication by Bishop Donald W. Wuerl. Fr. Edward Czemerda was appointed as a Parochial Vicar on February 8, 1993 when Fr. Tim Dawes was re-assigned to St. Joseph in Coraopolis. Fr. John Gallagher was appointed the fourth Pastor of St. Ferdinand Church on January 16, 1996 following Fr. Ken’s sabbatical and assignment to St. Richard Church. Fr. Charles T. Geiselhart was appointed as Parochial Vicar on January 27, 1997 to replace Fr. Ed Czemerda when he accepted the position of Diocesan Coordinator/Spiritual Formation of Youth. Fr. Kevin F. McKnight was then assigned to the parish as a Parochial Vicar on April 26, 1999 when Fr. Chuck was assigned Pastor of St. Maurice Church in Forest Hills.
Effective January 6, 2002, Bishop Donald W. Wuerl amended the boundaries of St. Ferdinand Parish and those parishioners living East of Route 19 became members of St. Kilian Parish.
Newly ordained, Fr. Gary W. Krummert was appointed Parochial Vicar when Fr. Kevin F. McKnight was assigned to Word of God Parish in the spring of 2002. In the summer of 2005, newly ordained Fr. Stephen Kresak was appointed Parochial Vicar and Fr. Gary Krummert was assigned to Our Lady of the Most Blessed Sacrament. Fr. Stepehen Kresak was assigned to St. Louise de Marillac in October of 2006. Fr. Edward Kunco became our new Parochial Vicar. In asddition, Fr. George Dalton was appointed to our parish in August of 2007.
In 2012 the Education wing was built which included a teacher's workroom, 12 classrooms, and restrooms. Renovations were made to the Faith Formation Office, Youth Ministry Office, and Small Hall. The Adult Education wing was formed creating offices for the pastoral associate and assistant, the Upper Room, Holy Family Room and the Library
Fr. Ed Kunco retired in 2013, but continues to return to help with weekend Masses and when needed for other duties.
Fr. George Dalton was transferred in September of 2014 and Fr. Andrew Fischer joined St. Ferdinand as a parochial vicar December 1, 2014.
In 2016 the Administration Office wing was added to the existing education building and the Rosary Garden was created in the center of the building. A children's liturgy room was added in the church, and renovations were made to the restrooms and the music room, and a ramp was added in the front of the church.
October 14, 2018, the parish groupings began for The On Mission for The Church Alive! Fr. Andrew was transfered to Our Lady of Victory and Fr. Gallagher was named Administrator to St. Ferdinand, St. Gregory and Holy Redeemer. Fr. James Torquato and Fr. Mark Thomas, are Senior Parochial Vicars and Fr. James Young is Chaplain.
July 2019 Fr "DJ" David Egan was assigned to the grouping to replace Fr. Jim Young.
Our parish continues to grow. Our dedication to service continues in our Family-Centered Religious Education, Parish Health Ministry, support groups, youth and children choirs and in many other areas.
History is written every day through and by the lives of those who live in a certain place at a certain time. Hopefully, in God’s eyes, we have lived our story as He desired and with His grace we will continue.