In the San Fernando Valley after World War II a spiritual beacon emerged. This is the story of Saint Genevieve’s Catholic Church. A story of faith community and education.
In 1950 Cardinal James McIntyre established Saint Genevieve Parish. Monsignor Michael Ryan became its founding pastor. The community quickly started building a temporary church. This space is now known as Madonna Hall.
The Sisters of St. Joseph of Newark arrived in October 1950. They took a parish census and taught religion to the local children. These sisters played a vital role in Saint Genevieve’s early years. Over the decades other dedicated women joined them. They came from the Salesian Sisters of Don Bosco. They came from the Sisters of the Blessed Sacrament. They came from the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet.
Saint Genevieve’s commitment to education quickly became apparent. In spring 1951 a preschool and kindergarten opened. They were located in a warehouse on the church property. Blueprints were drawn for a permanent church and school. The elementary school opened in September 1951. It started with the first four grades. Each year another grade was added. The school needed two classes for every grade. So another eight classrooms were built.
The mission expanded in 1959 with Saint Genevieve High School. Only half of the current high school building was completed at first. Demand for admissions increased. The parish added a second wing. In spring 1963 the high school held its first commencement ceremony. The early parishioners were proud. Saint Genevieve provided a continuous Catholic education. It went from childhood to adulthood.
Interestingly the current Saint Genevieve Church building wasn’t completed until 1965. This shows the importance of Catholic education to the founding parishioners.
Enrollment peaked in the mid-1970s. The school had 1100 students. In the late 1980s and 1990s enrollment declined. The school’s reputation also suffered. By fall 1999 enrollment hit a low of about 300 students.
Saint Genevieve experienced a renaissance beginning in August 1999. A cutting-edge Character Education program was the catalyst. The senior class of 2000 also played a vital role. They helped implement major changes in student interactions. “Lessons Learned From Columbine” became the theme for the year. Freshmen were welcomed with enthusiasm. The school paid homage to the lives lost at Columbine High School.
In June 1996 a new gymnasium was completed. A new weight room and music room were also added.
On October 17 2003 Saint Genevieve High School achieved national recognition. It became the first Catholic school in the nation. It was the first high school in California. It was honored as a National School of Character. The Character Education Partnership based in Washington DC gave the award.
Saint Genevieve held a grand Celebration of Character on November 2 2003. Mrs Beth Nimmo gave the keynote address. She was the mother of Rachel Scott. Rachel was the first student murdered at Columbine High School in April 1999.
In 2005 Saint Genevieve High School received more recognition. It was featured in “Smart and Good High Schools”. Thomas Likona PhD and Matthew Davidson PhD authored this report. Saint Genevieve was one of 24 schools studied. The report called Saint Genevieve an exemplary school. Its programs provide a blueprint for success. The school integrates academic excellence with high ethical standards.
Saint Genevieve’s story includes a unique friendship. In October 2005 former President Jimmy Carter and his wife Rosalynn welcomed four students to their hometown. The students had presented at a National Conference on Character Education in Atlanta. The Carters’ relationship with Saint Genevieve continued to grow.
In July 2008 Father Alden Sison became pastor. He envisioned a united campus. Under his leadership a master plan was created. It aimed to unite the elementary and high schools.
Saint Genevieve High School celebrated its 50th birthday in October 2009. A beautiful Mass was held. A parade went down Roscoe Boulevard.
Music has become an integral part of Saint Genevieve. The school community is known to break out in song. There are 13 different bands. The school puts on two full-scale musicals each year.
Saint Genevieve High School continues to thrive. It enrolls students from over 20 San Fernando Valley parishes. Since 1963 more than 5000 young people have graduated. They have gone on to various careers and universities.
Saint Genevieve’s Catholic Church stands as a testament. It shows the power of faith education and community. Its history is rich. Its future is bright.