|
History
|
|
| THE
HISTORY AND HERITAGE OF After the end of World War II, the steady influx of people into Southern California began to have a marked effect upon Orange County. The construction of the Santa Ana Freeway through the middle of Anaheim brought businesses, jobs, and a new family theme park, Disneyland. Soon the orange groves and chicken ranches gave way to vast residential areas. This increase in population brought in a proportionate number of Catholics who, along with the clergy, soon became acutely aware of the urgent need for more parishes. His Eminence, James Cardinal McIntyre, Archbishop of Los Angeles, saw the need to establish a new parish in the growing Southwest Anaheim. In 1956, the Archdiocese purchased a six and one half acre plot on Ball Road at Empire Street, which was part of a chicken ranch. The new parish would also minister to the needs of the nearby Sacred Heart Mission, established in 1926. The new parish was named St. Justin Martyr, and was commissioned to begin operation on April 14, 1958. Since this was the feast of St. Justin Martyr, that was the name given to the church. Cardinal McIntyre chose, as pastor of the newly formed parish, Father Hugh O'Connor, who was then associate pastor at Immaculate Heart of Mary in Los Angeles. Fr. O'Connor emigrated from Ireland at the beginning of World War II, and had fulfilled assignments in three parishes in the Archdiocese of Los Angeles prior to becoming pastor of St. Justin Martyr Church. He arrived in Anaheim on Ascension Thursday, May 15, 1958, and temporarily moved into St. Columban’s rectory in Garden Grove. The newly appointed pastor's first task was to find a suitable location for a temporary church. He obtained a lease for a newly constructed industrial warehouse located at 1773 West Lincoln Ave. The first Masses said at St. Justin Martyr Parish, attended by 800 families, were celebrated in that building on May 25, 1958, the Feast of Pentecost. In addition to Sunday Masses, many parish liturgies and events were held in the warehouse for the next fourteen months, including baptisms, marriages, confessions, funerals, religious education classes, and parish meetings. The founding parishioners who attended Mass at this location were given the nickname "The Warehouse Group". In June, 1958, a Men's Club and a Women's Council were formed by the early parishioners who realized that a tremendous expenditure of time, talent, and money would be needed to realize the goal of establishing a new church and school. These two organizations acted as the core for lay participation in the parish. The first undertaking of the Men’s Club was to conduct a parish census. That summer, the first "Get Acquainted" dance was held in the warehouse. This was just the first of many various fund-raising events, such as fashion shows, parish dinners, card parties, bake sales, fireworks sales, picnics, the 50/50 Club, rummage sales, newspaper collections, and dances staged by the Men’s Club and Women’s Council. In addition to providing needed revenue, these events helped to build a spirit of community among the parishioners. Many of the friendships which began in those early days have developed and grown and are still flourishing in the parish today. An integral part of any Catholic parish is religious education. The first adult religious education at St. Justin’s began in July, 1958. Parents and volunteers planned throughout the summer for the children’s religious education to begin with the new school year. On Sept. 28, 1958, the first Confraternity of Christian Doctrine (CCD) classes began, with 684 elementary and junior high students being educated in the warehouse and the homes of volunteer teachers. Other "firsts" in 1958, included: the first Baptism on June 1, the first parish bulletin on June 29, the first funeral on July 7, the first wedding on July 20, the first altar boys trained on Sept. 7, and the first High Mass, celebrated on Christmas Day, accompanied by the first St. Justin’s Choir. The official groundbreaking for the church building and parish school on Ball Road was held on November 16, 1958. Through the generosity, volunteerism, and hard work of the parishioners, $400,000 was raised to pay for the new church building, as well as the many specific items that were needed for the church decor and liturgical needs. Work progressed rapidly on the new church and school buildings, and on July 26, 1959, only eight months after the groundbreaking, the first Mass was celebrated in the new, completed church. The parishioners, happy to be in the new church building, were also anxiously awaiting the opening of the eight room parish school. St. Justin Martyr School opened classes for 300 students in Grades 1, 2, and 3 on September 14, 1959. The classes expanded to Kindergarten through eight, and were taught by Felician Sisters and lay teachers. Cardinal McIntyre officiated at the solemn blessing and official dedication of St. Justin Martyr Church on June 26, 1960. A reception for the Cardinal, visiting priests, and the parishioners was held immediately following. In September, 1961, the construction of the convent and eight additional school classrooms was completed. The school rooms were also used for meetings and some CCD classes, but there was a definite need for a large parish gathering hall. Another parish building pledge drive was established in 1962, this time for a rectory on the church property and a parish hall. The request was for $100,000, and once again, the faithful, dedicated, and generous parishioners came forward to support the parish. The successful building fund drive enabled the construction of the rectory to be completed in 1963, and the parish hall in 1964. The new parish hall and kitchen were favorite gathering places for meetings, dances, plays, school assemblies, wedding receptions, and games. A small room adjacent to the hall was made into a parish library. Through the years it has also served as a sewing / craft supply room, a Catholic gift shop, and is currently being used as a meeting room. The Second Vatican Council established new directives for parts of the Mass and the church assembly area in 1965: Masses were no longer said in Latin only; lay people played a more important role in liturgies and were allowed to serve as Eucharistic Ministers and lectors during Mass; churches provided missalettes in the pews; and people were allowed to receive the Holy Eucharist in the mouth or in the hand. Also since Vatican II, the feast of St. Justin Martyr has been commemorated on June 1, and it is on this day each year that St. Justin Martyr Parish celebrates its anniversary. A much needed building was added to the property in 1970. It was designed to house the office of the School of Religious Education (formerly CCD) and two meeting rooms. This building now also contains the Youth Ministry room and two additional small offices. Adhering to the directives of Vatican II, some physical changes were made in St. Justin Martyr Church from 1972-1973. The altar was re-positioned so that the celebrant faced the congregation, and the altar rail was removed. In 1974, four Eucharistic Ministers were appointed to aid in the distribution of Holy Communion at Mass and to bring the Eucharist to the sick and the shut-ins of the parish. Today, their number has grown to over eighty. These ministers, along with a faithful band of lectors, altar servers, ushers, musicians, and vocalists, continue to assist and enhance the spiritual life at St. Justin’s. The parish was truly blessed by the contributions of two men who aided the priests in ministering to the spiritual needs of the parishioners. In 1975, Arthur Hiraga was ordained a deacon in the Church, and in 1979, Raymond Duthoy also received those Holy Orders. Through the years, these two dedicated and selfless deacons nurtured the spiritual lives of countless parishioners. Deacon Hiraga died in 1993. The new Diocese of Orange was formed in 1976. St. Justin Martyr Parish became part of the new Diocese, and was no longer under the jurisdiction of the Archdiocese of Los Angeles. In 1981, Bishop William Johnson conferred the title of Monsignor upon Fr. O'Connor, St. Justin's original pastor. Under the guidance and exemplary leadership of Msgr. O'Connor, many dedicated priests nurtured the spiritual growth of the parish during the first thirty three years of the parish, including Fathers: Jeremiah O'Neill, Patrick Gorman, Noel Griffin, Joseph McGovern, John Delany, John Sheahan, George Kramer, John O'Callaghan, John McQuaide, Timothy German, Joseph Justice, Joseph Karp, Juan Riu, Jack Sewell, Tim Ramaekers, Luis Larea, Giovanni Galvan, Mathias Ho, Benjamin Benedicto, and Patrick Philbin. Many priests from various communities also aided in the celebration of liturgies through the years. They included members of the following orders: Servite Friars; Divine Word Missionaries; Marinists; the Polish Carmelite Fathers, and the Norbertine Fathers. In 1983, St. Justin’s celebrated its Silver Jubilee, its 25th anniversary. A parish directory was published, and a St. Justin Martyr 25th anniversary banner was designed, sewn, and hung in the church. As a tribute to the founding pastor, Msgr. O’Connor, a plaque over the doors of the parish hall was unveiled, revealing "O’Connor Hall" as the new name for the hall. There were many activities planned for the weekend celebration, including a morning of fun and games for the children, and an afternoon reception featuring speeches, entertainment, historical displays, and socializing. Many past and present parishioners and priests were there to enjoy the memorable program, reminisce, and renew old friendships. In 1987, a Chinese priest was assigned to St. Justin’s, and the Chinese Catholics in the area began to attend St. Justin’s. He would say a Mass for them in Chinese. Soon the parish the religious center of Chinese culture in Orange County. Every Sunday, St. Justin Martyr School becomes the Sheng-Shing Chinese School, in which students learn about the Catholic faith and Chinese culture, arts, heritage, and language. A monthly Chinese Mass is said at St. Justin’s by a Chinese priest. The Tongan community also meets weekly at St. Justin Martyr, and religious and cultural education for their youth and adults is taught in Tongan. A priest from Tonga visits periodically to celebrate Mass. Filipino parishioners use the parish facilities for various cultural classes each summer, present the traditional Advent Simbang Gabi services, and promote the weekly devotion to Our Lady of Perpetual Help. Many of their members are in City on the Hill, a religious organization devoted to strengthening marriage and family values. The Hispanic Catholics in the community have grown in number and their devotion to the Church. Masses in Spanish are said at Sacred Heart Mission and at St. Justin’s. Religious education for children is offered in Spanish in portable classrooms at the Mission and at St. Justin Martyr School. Various choirs, spiritual and social groups for Hispanics meet at the Mission and St. Justin’s. All of the parishioners appreciate the multicultural diversity which is present and ever-growing in the parish, and they are edified by the strong religious convictions, generosity, and spirituality of these various groups who have contributed much to St. Justin’s. Some renovation took place in the church in 1988 and 1989. The inside of the church was painted and the pews were refinished. Air conditioning, carpeting, and new windows were installed. On June 25, 1989, Msgr. O'Connor celebrated the fiftieth anniversary of his ordination to the priesthood, and the following year, he retired as pastor of St. Justin's. Wonderful celebrations were held in his honor on these two momentous occasions. As part of his anniversary gift, the parishioners presented him with a reclining chair, a Notre Dame jacket, and tickets to a Notre Dame football game. Also a new plaque mounted to the wall above the doors to the parish hall was unveiled, revealing the new title, "O’Connor Hall". On the occasion of Msgr. O’Connor’s retirement in 1990, the parishioners surprised him with a new car. Msgr. O’Connor now holds the title of Pastor Emeritus and resides in an apartment attached to the rectory. He remains very active in the life of the parish, saying daily Mass, and ministering to the sick and elderly of the parish. In June, 1990, Fr. Joseph Nettekoven replaced Msgr. O'Connor as pastor of St. Justin's. Eight priests have served as his parochial vicars: Fathers Jeffrey Theiss, Patrick Rudolph, Antonio Zapata, Douglas Dale, John Neneman, Efraín Flores, Joseph Droessler, and Gilberto Escobedo. Fr. Martin Hughes, a priest from Ireland, and Fr. Michael Beattie, from England, assist at St. Justin’s each summer, and a Norbertine priest continues to help with Sunday Masses throughout the year. Fr. John Monestero is currently in residence at the parish and is involved with adult religious education. In June, 1992, Fr. Nettekoven began the renovation of the convent. The following year, the sisters moved out of the convent when the Felician order was no longer able to provide sisters to teach in the school. The renovation of the convent was completed in 1994, and it was converted into a Parish Center. This center has become an important part of the parish facilities, providing four meeting rooms, three offices, a chapel, living quarters, and a patio area. Many positive physical changes have occurred under the able direction and leadership of Fr. Nettekoven. In addition to the renovation of the former convent, a new parking lot was installed in 1994 on the vacant northwest corner of the parish property, at Ball Road and Empire Street. This allowed the main parking lot to be secured during school hours, with parking for visitors to the church, parish office, and Parish Center provided in the new lot. The parish offices were redesigned and expanded, affording ample space for the efficient conduct of daily parish activities. In the church building, a wireless microphone system and energy efficient lighting were installed. The original baptismal font was removed from the vestibule of the church, and a new font was placed near the sanctuary. Another major task, completed in 1996, was the thorough restoration of O’Connor Hall, including repairing and painting the walls, and new tables, chairs, paint, drapes, and protective window coverings. In 1994, Fr. Nettekoven obtained the services of Sister Rita Burnham, a Sister of Mercy of the Americas. She is the Director of Pastoral Services Director for the parish, and has initiated a bereavement ministry, a bereavement support group, a social club for seniors, and a parish library. She recruits parishioners to act as greeters at the Sunday Masses, and coordinates the Eucharistic Ministers to the sick. She also organizes adult educational and spiritual enrichment opportunities. Beginning in 1995, girls were offered the privilege of becoming altar servers. A Liturgy Committee was established, and the option of receiving the Holy Eucharist under both species at Sunday Masses was made available in 1997. The front and west side of the church was re-landscaped in March, 1998. New flowers, shrubs, trees, and grass were installed. The area between the side of the church and the rectory was converted into a prayer garden. The garden, dedicated to Our Lady of the Streets, features flowers, benches, trees, and a fountain, surrounding a statue of Our Lady. This serene garden quickly became a favorite stopping point for quiet prayer, reflection, and contemplation. In preparation of the 40th anniversary celebration of the parish, a parish pictorial directory was published. This book included photos of many parish groups, parishioners and their families, and a detailed history of the parish, school, SRE program, and Sacred Heart Mission. In May, 1998, a grand celebration for the 40th anniversary was held, which included a Saturday night dinner gala, and a special anniversary Mass and reception on Sunday. Many priests and parishioners, past and present, along with the many parish groups and organizations, came together to celebrate the occasion. The past, present, and future of the parish was there--it was a "time capsule" of St. Justin history. It is because of the continued growth of Sacred Heart Mission, and the limited capacity of the Mission Church, that in 1999, the decision was made to have confessions and the Sunday Masses for Sacred Heart parishioners at St. Justin Martyr Church. The Sunday Mass schedule was rearranged, to include one morning and two evening Masses in Spanish. Weekday Masses, as well as weddings and baptisms are still held at Sacred Heart Mission Church. The parish commissioned a nationally renown iconographer/artist, Charles Rohrbacher, to create an icon of St. Justin Martyr for the parish. Taking nearly two years to create, the icon was installed near the west entrance of the church in November, 1999. The icon is nearly five feet tall and is one of a kind. It was created especially for the parish, and shows Justin in heaven, surrounded by panels depicting the story of his life. To make room for the icon, the statue of St. Joseph was moved next to the statue of Mary at the east entrance of the church. The icon was officially blessed on June 1, 2001, St. Justin's feast day. The "Orange County Catholic", the Diocese's newspaper, featured an article about the icon in its July, 2001, issue. New doors for the exterior of the church building were installed in 1999. The new doors provided the perfect opportunity to begin the Jubilee Holy Year 2000 with the traditional and historical "blessing and opening of the doors" on Christmas Eve. Just as the Pope had done for centuries in St. Peter's Basilica, St. Justin's also blessed and opened their new doors, in commemoration of the Jubilee Holy Year and new millennium. In April, 2000, a new baptismal font was installed in the sanctuary of the church. The large cruciform shaped font allowed for the catechumens to be baptized by immersion at the Easter Vigil Mass, and continues to be a soothing, daily, visible reminder of our own baptism. Two wonderful events occurred at St. Justin's in 2000 when two of our priests celebrated their Silver Jubilee of ordination to the priesthood. Both the pastor, Fr. Joseph Nettekoven, and the priest in residence, Fr. John Monestero, were classmates at St. John's Seminary, and were ordained in 1975. It was an extraordinary opportunity for Fr. John, in May, and Fr. Joe, in August, to celebrate their Silver Jubilees in the Jubilee Holy Year 2000. Both celebrated with a special Mass, which were followed by receptions attended by family, friends, and parishioners. St. Justin's deacon, Raymond Duthoy, led a group of over thirty parishioners on a pilgrimage to the Holy Marion Shrines in Spain and Portugal during October, 2000. Their visits to Fatima and Lourdes, along with other holy sites, churches, cathedrals, and places of beauty and historical significance were spiritually enriching and unforgettable. The growing community of Sacred Heart was in need of upgraded portable classrooms on the Mission property. The old classrooms were moved away, and two new, larger, handicap accessible classrooms were installed in 2001. In 2004, a new floor was installed in O'Connor Hall, and the inside of the church was painted. Deacon Ray Duthoy celebrated his 25th anniversary of ordination as a deacon. A Mass was celebrated in his honor, which was followed by a reception. Deacon Ray also traveled with a group of parishioners on a pilgrimage to Ireland. While in Ireland, they attended the 25th anniversary Mass of Ordination of Fr. Martin Hughes. When Fr. Martin came to St. Justin's, the parish also celebrated his jubilee here with a Mass and reception. Msgr. O'Connor celebrated his 90th birthday on November 19, 2004, with a Mass in his honor. Fifteen other priests, along with a bishop and abbot concelebrated the Mass with him, which was attended by hundreds of friends and family members. History was also made in 2004, with the creation and publication of this parish web site. St. Justin Martyr Church hopes to use this new technology to continue to grow, to reach out to those in our community and to those who visit, and to continue to spread the message of Jesus Christ. It is impossible to evaluate the spiritual growth of the parish, but due to the guidance and direction of Msgr. O'Connor and the present pastor, Fr. Nettekoven, the parishioners, both past and present, have received a spiritual life which has enabled them to grow as Christians and faithful members of the Catholic Church. Their sacrifices, commitment, and donations have helped build not only St. Justin Martyr Parish, but the Diocese of Orange, and have aided countless other causes through the years. It is difficult to recount in these pages the complete story of St. Justin Martyr Parish. The names of all the persons, both lay and clergy, who gave so much of their time and talent to the building and growth of this parish would be too numerous to list here. Many who shared parish life with us have moved to other areas, while some have passed to their eternal home. But the spirit of these people, both past and present, has prevailed. It is this spirit and dedication that has formed St. Justin Martyr Parish into a real, living community of faith of over 4,000 families. The following article, printed in the December 29, 1963 parish bulletin, was written by Fr. O’Connor at the end of the fifth year of St. Justin Martyr Church. He thanked the many people who worked so hard and diligently to support and build up the parish. The message was true then, as it is also true now -- that the people of the parish are the true blessings and spiritual inspirations of our church; past, present, and future. MANY THANKS: A good laity is the backbone of every parish. It is the support and indispensable helpmate of the priests. St. Justin’s is blessed with this caliber of people. At the end of another year we rejoice in the privilege of "singing their praises." The long list of groups and individuals include the Sisters, the lay-teachers, the members of the Confraternity of Christian Doctrine, the Legionaries of Mary, the Men’s Club, the Women’s Council, the organists and choir members, the ushers, the priests’ transportation committee, the altar boys, the altar workers, the rectory and school office helpers, the Chi Rho Club and their adult sponsors, the custodian and his staff, the West Anaheim Knights of Columbus, and all other individuals and groups who have done voluntary work when called upon. We are mindful, too, of the general body of parishioners who have lightened considerably the material work of the priests by their generous and regular contributions. To the devout persons of the parish we are grateful for their good example and the spiritual inspiration they have given to us and to their fellow parishioners. To one and all we say: "Many Thanks" and we pray upon them abundant graces and blessings from Almighty God." St. Justin Martyr School History |