How about stepping back in time to when a golf course transformed into a spiritual haven? That’s precisely the story of Saint Bernadette Catholic Church. This church stands as a testament to faith and community.
Saint Bernadette Parish was established on April 28 1947. Archbishop John Joseph Cantwell founded it. Initially, the church was a converted part of an old rancho. This rancho dated back to 1790. Imagine Mass being celebrated in a building with such a rich history.
The story takes an interesting turn with the Sunset Fields Golf Course. Reverend William J. Duggan saw the closing golf course as a fitting site. He was the newly appointed pastor of Saint Bernadette. After negotiations, 3 1/2 acres became the property of the Archdiocese of Los Angeles.
August 24 1947 marked the first Mass. It was held in the Sunset Fields clubhouse. Saint John the Evangelist parish donated church furnishings. The new parish started with 147 families. Parishioners sat on folding chairs and knelt on the floor. Later, the clubhouse auditorium was converted into a permanent church.
May 2 1948 was a special day. Sixteen children received their First Holy Communion from Fr. Duggan. Lawrence Werner was the first to receive this sacrament at Saint Bernadette Church. Patrick Werner, his brother, was the first child baptized there.
Saint Bernadette is the only L.A. parish named for Marie Bernarde “Bernadette” Soubirous. She was a French peasant girl. In 1858, she witnessed apparitions of the Blessed Mother 18 times. Mary announced to her “I am the Immaculate Conception”. Pope Pius XI declared Bernadette a saint in 1933. Her feast day is April 16.
Saint Bernadette was the last parish established by Archbishop John Cantwell. This was before he died in October 1947. It was also the first church that Archbishop James Francis McIntyre dedicated in 1948. The Archdiocese Directory of 1948 lists the parish’s address as 3701 Stocker Street in Sunset Fields. By 1954, the listing changed to 3725 Don Felipe Dr.
Father William Duggan oversaw the construction of the church. He also built the hall, rectory, and school. The school opened in 1955. The St. Joseph of Carondelet Sisters headed the school. The first graduation took place in 1958.
Several pastors have led Saint Bernadette. Father Aidan Day tragically died in a rectory fire in 1982. Father Patrick Gorman served for 17 years. Father Thomas King led for four years. Currently, Father Allan Roberts is the pastor. He was named administrator in 2003 and pastor in 2005.
Today, Saint Bernadette continues to thrive. It provides sacraments and opportunities for worship. It serves a vibrant and diverse community. Under Deacon Jim Carper’s guidance, the church brings Christ’s love to its community. Saint Bernadette stands as a beacon of faith. It is a testament to a community’s enduring spirit. Its history echoes with stories of transformation. It began as a rancho, then a golf course, and finally a cherished church.