On September 15 2002 a momentous occasion unfolded at Saints Peter & Paul Catholic Church. A new church building seating 1200 was dedicated. Bishop Norbert Dorsey presided.
Saints Peter & Paul Catholic Church wasn’t always this grand. It started much more humbly. The parish was established on July 27 1967. The first Mass was held on August 13 1967 at Camp San Pedro. For two years the community was nomadic. Masses took place at the San Pedro Center New Hope Baptist Church and Aloma Elementary School.
Pastor Michael Troy guided those early 200 families. Their journey is a testament to faith. They were a community on the road.
By 1980 the parish had grown to 1000 families. A larger church became essential. Thanks to parishioner generosity a new church was built. It was dedicated on September 14 1980 by Bishop Thomas Grady and Pastor John Mitzi.
The original domed recreational building served many purposes. It was church rectory offices and community hall. It was later demolished in 2007. The 1980 church building also met its end. It was demolished in 2015.
Over the years Saints Peter & Paul Catholic Church expanded. A social hall built in 1974 became an Early Learning Center in 1980. The current Parish Family Center dedicated on March 3 1991 serves religious education and community events.
A 1996 study created a 20-year Master Site Plan. The top priority was a larger church. The current church is a response to that need and a growing community now exceeding 3100 families.
A new Ministry Center completed in early 2017 provides space for staff and ministry functions. It reflects ongoing efforts to serve the community. The church continues to expand its facilities and community outreach. The story of Saints Peter & Paul Catholic Church is one of growth perseverance and unwavering faith.