|
Spanish History
|
|
| HISTORY OF SACRED HEART MISSION In the 1920’s, the area that is now St. Justin Martyr Parish was under the jurisdiction of the first Catholic church in Anaheim, St. Boniface. The local Hispanic residents in the Independencia area appealed to the pastor of St. Boniface to build a church for them. The pastor consented, and the first Sacred Heart Mission church was built by those residents, along with the pastor, and was completed in September, 1926. This church still stands on the property, located at 10852 Harcourt Avenue, just northwest of Katella and Gilbert Streets. This original building is currently used as a parish center and meeting area. During the early years, the church was ministered to by the priests from St. Boniface, St. Isidore’s in Los Alamitos, Redemptorist Fathers, and Servite Friars. In 1948, Sacred Heart Mission came under the jurisdiction of Blessed Sacrament Parish in Westminster. On July 7, 1958, Sacred Heart was officially transferred to the newly formed St. Justin Martyr Parish. From its beginning, the small white wooden structure was the center for religious services and celebrations, as well as education, family, and community activities. The Men’s Club and Women’s Council were formed, which planned and organized many church events and fund-raisers. As the community grew, the need for a larger church building became apparent. In July, 1968, the first Mass in a new, larger church, built to seat 280, was celebrated. The local people contributed greatly to the new church, built next to the old one, by fund-raising and manual labor to make the church a reality. St. Justin Martyr parishioners also helped create the new House of God through the generosity of their Sunday donations. Along with the old church and the new church, the property also houses several portable classrooms and an office. Parking is across the street. Since the Mission is within the geographical area of St. Justin Martyr Parish, one of the priests assigned to St. Justin’s has the responsibility of ministering to the needs of its people. Many people continue to volunteer for ministries in the church, including lectores, comentadores, ministros do hospitalidad, coordinadores de liturgia, ministros de la Eucaristia, and choirs. The School of Religious Education offers sacrament classes for children and youth, all taught by volunteers. There is also an active community of groups and organizations at Sacred Heart, including Bible Study, the Prayer Group, and Jovenes Para Cristo. Sacred Heart Mission continues to be a vibrant, active and growing church. Its pews were overflowing with people from over 800 families who attended the Sunday Masses. It is because of its growth, 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. Weekday Masses, as well as weddings and baptisms are still held at Sacred Heart Mission Church. 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. Its continued growth, both physically and spiritually, is an inspiration and model for the mission of the Catholic Church. History of St. Justin Martyr Church History of St. Justin Martyr School |