A New Sacred Space at St. Anne: The Rev. Jay Walsh, CSB Memorial Rosary Chapel – Houston, TX.

A touching ceremony led by Fr. David Zapalac and Dcn. Thad Kudela was enhanced by a performance delivered by St. Anne School Choir, while the St. Anne School Ambassadors handed out pocket rosaries to everyone in attendance.

If you’ve been on the St. Anne’s Catholic School campus in Houston recently, you may have noticed a beautiful new addition. We are blessed to introduce the Rev. Jay Walsh, CSB Memorial Rosary Chapel. This open-air chapel stands as a tribute to Fr. Jay, who was known for always carrying a pocket rosary and sharing them with those he met.

A touching ceremony led by Fr. David Zapalac and Dcn. Thad Kudela was enhanced by a performance delivered by St. Anne School Choir, while the St. Anne School Ambassadors handed out pocket rosaries to everyone in attendance.

This chapel would not have been possible without the generosity of our donors. A heartfelt thank you to John and Margaret Ale, David and Maire Baldwin, Dick and Pat Cloutier, David and Kathleen Dunwoody, Jack and Sally Farley, Delbert and Darlene Fore, Martin and Kristi Gollwitzer, Richard and Susan Gordon, Charles Quartaro, Bishop Ricardo Ramirez, CSB, Joann Roach, and Gene and Sandy Williams. Your kindness and support have created a space for reflection and prayer that will serve the St. Anne community for years to come.

This open-air chapel stands as a tribute to Fr. Jay, who was known for always carrying a pocket rosary and sharing them with those he met.

Thad Kudela, permanent Deacon (ordained in 2019) at St. Anne, reflected on the new site of worship – “The Fr. Jay Walsh Outdoor Rosary Chapel is a serene and sacred space is dedicated to the memory of Fr. Jay who served the St. Anne Community for many years. Beloved and known for his devotion to the Rosary, he could often be seen taking his reflective walks around campus, saying “a decade or two.” This simple structure evokes the feeling of a small chapel and features stained glass panels that resemble rosary beads, creating a vibrant display of light and color that shifts with the day. This peaceful retreat invites visitors to pause, pray, and reflect, honoring Fr. Jay’s legacy of faith and devotion.”

Remembering Fr. Jay Walsh, CSB

Fr. Jay Walsh CSB (1935-2022, ordained 1965), dedicated 65 years of his life to the Congregation of St. Basil (the Basilian Fathers) and served as a Roman Catholic priest for 56 years.

Fr. Jay Walsh CSB (1935-2022, ordained 1965), dedicated 65 years of his life to the Congregation of St. Basil (the Basilian Fathers) and served as a Roman Catholic priest for 56 years.

Born in Rochester, New York, his journey with the Basilians began at the Aquinas Institute. His early ministry included teaching English Literature at his former high school, eventually, moving to parish ministry, serving as parochial vicar at St. Anne Catholic Church in Houston, pastor at St. Basil Catholic Church in Angleton, and Holy Family Catholic Church in Missouri City. His journey also took him to Canada, where he served at various parishes before returning to Houston and St. Anne Catholic Church.

He had a special place in his heart for the students of St. Anne Catholic School. Whether it was blessing pets on the feast of St. Francis of Assisi or celebrating the children’s Mass on Christmas Eve, Fr. Jay always made time for the youngest members of the parish. He was known for his love of poetry, his joy in singing, and his wonderful sense of humor—always ready with a good joke to brighten someone’s day.