Is it possible for a church to be a home? Immaculate Heart of Mary Church in Los Angeles is such a place. It is more than just a building. It’s a vibrant multi-cultural Catholic Christian community.
Immaculate Heart of Mary Church is located in East Hollywood. This historic area is where Route 66 runs through. The parish was officially established in 1912. From the start, it has welcomed immigrant families. Today, its community includes people from the Philippines, Mexico, El Salvador, Guatemala and other Central and South American countries.
But there’s more to this church than just Sunday service. The Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish founded a school. The Sisters of the Immaculate Heart of Mary staffed it. The school opened on September 8, 1922. Sr. Wilhelmina was the first principal.
In June 1968, the Sisters of Immaculate Heart withdrew from the school. Monsignor John O’Donnell then invited the Religious Sisters of Charity. They took over the school’s administration in September 1968. They guided the students’ academic and spiritual growth until 2008.
As the parish grew, the original school was replaced. A larger building was built in 1956. Originally, the school taught first through eighth grade. In 1992, a kindergarten was added. This required a modular building for the extra students. A Library/Resource room was also added. It allowed space for growth and addressed the school’s technical needs.
After the tragedy of 9/11, a Garden of Peace was created. It memorializes those who lost their lives on that day. The student ecology team and Student Council maintain the garden. It now includes a memorial to members of the school community who have passed. In January 2014, the school opened a Transitional Kindergarten room for four-year-olds. In 2015, the Shea Foundation renovated the resource lab. In the summer of 2016, the Archdiocese and Sprint provided iPads for the entire school. This improved the Blended Learning program.
In 2008, the Religious Sisters of Charity withdrew from administration. Khia Bautista, a layperson, became the administrator. She and the lay staff remain committed to the original beliefs.
Immaculate Heart of Mary School has opened its doors to children with special needs. They implemented the Support Team Education Plan. A STEP Coordinator tests and evaluates students with special needs. They also assist teachers in making modifications based on individual needs.
The school has kept up with technology. The Shea Foundation and C3 Ignite from LA Archdiocese and Sprint helped. Chalkboards were replaced with whiteboards and short-throw projectors. iPads and Apple TVs were also added. This allows students to be active learners. Technology helps individual learning styles through media and technology.
In the spring of 2018, Mr. & Mrs. Smet remodeled the kitchen. In the summer of 2022, Shea Family Charities helped modernize the school.
Immaculate Heart of Mary values community. Every class participates in Family Nights. Families and friends celebrate a prayer service and community dinner. Each class is also in charge of Family Fun Days. The church and parish community come together to pray worship and eat.
Celebrating Mass together is a long-standing tradition. Students, faculty, and staff celebrate the Liturgy and Eucharist at Mass once a week. Prayer services are also planned for holy days.
Performing Arts is highly valued. All grades participate in school plays. Drama, visual art, and music are taught and cultivated. Immaculate Heart of Mary prepares its youth for leadership academic excellence and Christian stewardship.
So as you stand here take a moment. Consider the history and the community. Immaculate Heart of Mary Church is more than just a parish. It is a family.