Didn’t Fr. Carlos Siemes realize a need? He served at St. Ferdinand. It was the only Catholic Church in the San Fernando Valley then. Many Spanish-speaking parishioners needed a place. They needed to pray in their own language. They wanted to listen to the word of God in Spanish. That’s how the story of Catholic Church of Santa Rosa de Lima begins.
Catholic Church of Santa Rosa de Lima stands as a testament to faith. It also represents community. Its history is woven into the fabric of San Fernando. The church has served generations. It continues to be a spiritual home for many.
In 1923, a property was bought on Kalisher Street. It was in the Mexican district of San Fernando. By 1925, a church stood there. It could seat 300 people. This church was dedicated to Saint Rosa of Lima.
Later, in 1934, Fr. Felipe García, O.M.I purchased the current property on Workman Street. The church was moved to this location. The Catholic Church of Santa Rosa de Lima found its permanent home.
The parish hall was built in 1949 under Fr. William Grant, O.M.I. In 1955, Fr. Raymond Knopp, O.M.I oversaw the construction. Santa Rosa Catholic Church was built by the Franciscan Sisters of the Immaculate Conception.
As the Catholic population grew, a new church was needed. Bishop Timothy Manning and Father James Whelan blessed the current church in 1962. Father Amador López also assisted. The design reflects a traditional Spanish Mission.
Following the 1971 Sylmar Earthquake, Fr. Luis Valbuena mobilized the parish. He made Catholic Church of Santa Rosa de Lima a charity center. He established it as a new parish. He became its first official pastor. Fr. Luis also started the first bilingual adult school in the United States.
From 1972 to 1979, Fr. Amador Lopez added the bell tower. The Virgin of San Juan de Los Lagos and the Virgin of Talpa were installed. These additions enriched the church’s spiritual character.
Under Fr. Thomas Rush from 1979 to 1986, a counseling ministry began. It is now known as the Valley Family Center. The development of the Valley Organized in Community Efforts VOICE also occurred. The church was partially expanded. A religious education program for children with special needs was created.
Fr. David Ullrich led from 1986 to 1994. He initiated an Evangelism Program. This program created faith communities in Spanish and English. Additions and repairs addressed damage from the 1994 earthquake. Murals were painted over the Blessed Sacrament.
During Fr. Paul Wilhelm’s tenure from 1994 to 2002, the Ministry of Bereavement was established. The parish started collecting food for people in Tijuana, Mexico. Scholarships were provided for children in Tijuana. Repairs from the Northridge earthquake were completed.
Fr. Carlos Alarcón made improvements from 2002 to 2009. He worked on the parish, school, and convent. The Center of Santa Rosa was restored. The Faith Communities for Family and Youth Ministry was established.
From 2009 to 2015, Fr. Stan Zowada connected the parish to the world through technology. Communication was established in cyberspace. Mass was broadcasted. This allowed the parish’s message to reach every corner of the earth.
Since 2015, Fr. Webert Merriland has continued the work. He advances towards a future. In this future, the Gospel is lived up to the demands of our time.
Today, Catholic Church of Santa Rosa de Lima continues its mission. It offers mass in both English and Spanish. It provides various services. These services include adoration and confessions. The church remains a vital part of the community. It embodies faith, service, and unity. It is a beacon of hope. It continues to evolve. It adapts to the needs of its parishioners.