Here stands Our Mother of Perpetual Help Syriac Church. It is a beacon of faith in San Diego. The church welcomes you to celebrate the Eucharist.
Our Mother of Perpetual Help offers Mass every day. The schedule includes daily and weekend services. Join the community for worship.
Our Mother of Perpetual Help in Lakeside, CA began humbly. These words were part of the dedication mass. It took place August 31, 1947.
Bishop Buddy invited the Fathers of the Society of the Catholic Apostolate. They were to develop this parish. Rev. Louis E. Del Vecchio met with the Bishop. It was August 21, 1947. They discussed the newly established parish of Our Mother of Perpetual Help. Work began quickly.
An old army barracks became a small church. This conversion happened in weeks. The first Mass took place August 31, 1947 at 8 a.m. This first church stood where the new Holy Family Center is today. Parishioners admired the beginnings of Our Mother of Perpetual Help. They cooperated wonderfully with their pastor.
Father Del Vecchio departed in September 1949. Fr. Francis Leo Kaveney followed him. He was pastor from 1949 until October 1955. Msgr. James O’Donoghue then became pastor. He served until June 1964. Rev. Michael E. Flynn then arrived. He was from County Galway, Ireland. Msgr. Flynn was pastor until his death on June 19, 1988. Msgr. Neal Dolan became administrator in May 1988. He served as pastor for 13 years. Fr. Ronald Buchmiller became pastor July 1, 2001. He currently serves Our Mother of Perpetual Help.
Many associates assisted the pastors. They include Fr. Elio Zaratti and Fr. Thomas Gillespie. Others are Fr. Anthony Rodrigue and Fr. Vincent Curtis. Many more dedicated priests have served here.
Ground broke for the new rectory in March 1950. It finished in November. Groundbreaking for the new church occurred in 1957. The cornerstone was laid in November 1958.
In 1961, Our Lady of Perpetual Help School opened. It had 160 students. The Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet taught them. The first Convent was in the northeast parking lot. Later, it became the St. Joseph Retreat Center. Here, the Holy Family Sisters taught the first Catechism classes.
Today, religious education classes thrive. Sr. Frances Michelle leads them. Joan Lopez and Donovan Bailey assist. About 380 students are enrolled. Mrs. Jeanne Pate is the OLPH School Principal. She and her staff oversee about 220 students. Connie Finney directs the Adult Religious Education Program.
Our Lady of Perpetual Help parish started with 35 people. Now, it has 1300 registered families.
Our Lady of Perpetual Help nurtures growth in faith. It does so through prayer and worship. Its mission encourages love for our Heavenly Father. Scripture and sacraments are central. Join this active Catholic community.
Reflect on this history as you stand before Our Mother of Perpetual Help. Consider the dedication and faith that built this community. Let its story inspire your own journey.