Didn’t Saint Vincent de Paul say it is not enough for me to love God if my neighbor does not love Him? Welcome to San Vincente Community Church. This church’s story is one of community. It is one of faith and service.
San Vincente Community Church has a rich history in San Diego. The Vincentian Fathers first staffed the parish in 1910. They named the parish after their patron saint, St. Vincent de Paul. The original site with three houses was transformed. It became a rectory and a church.
In 1922, Augustinian priests were assigned here. Then in 1925, diocesan priests were permanently assigned to St. Vincent de Paul Church.
Monsignor Patrick Dunne saw a need to serve the community. In 1948, he initiated plans for a parish school. Construction finished in two years. The Dominican Sisters of Tacoma, Washington, staffed the school. Increasing enrollment led to two more classrooms in 1959.
In 1969, the Dominican Sisters were transferred. Monsignor Peter Mimnagh invited Mercy Sisters from Ireland to staff the school. The school continued to grow. Another new classroom was built in 1983. Over the next twenty years, new programs were added. Music, Spanish, physical education, art, and computer education were included. In 1988, an extended care program started. An after-school sports program was also initiated. A computer lab and a multi-purpose room were added in 2003.
From 2005 to 2010, Msgr. Dennis Clark renovated the church. He created its current look and feel. The old rectory was torn down. The current Preschool was built in 2010. This allowed for a dedicated science lab. A new library above the preschool was created for the school.
Since 2010, the facilities have been updated. A new electrical system was installed. Phase I of the technology improvement plan was completed. Carpeting was replaced in the hallways and stairs. New flooring was installed in the first and second-grade classrooms. Blinds were installed in five classrooms. Lock-down shades were added to classroom doors. A rechargeable cart with 30 notebook computers was purchased. Promethean boards were installed in every grade and the science room. Security cameras were installed in 2019 as part of Phase II of the technology plan.
Late in 2016, Father John Dolan agreed to accept the Historic Jones House. An agreement was made for interior and exterior restoration.
San Vincente Community Church offers many services. Saturday Vigil Mass is at 4:00 p.m. Sunday Masses are at 8:30 and 10:30 a.m. Weekday Mass is at 7:15 a.m. American Sign Language interpretation is available at some Masses. Reconciliation is on Fridays and Saturdays. Adoration is available on certain days.
Today, San Vincente Community Church is a vibrant community. It is filled with the Holy Spirit. The community is eager to share God’s love. They seek to do the works that Jesus did. Father Alex de Paulis arrived in 2017. Deacon Kevin Helfers came in 2021. They guide the community in authentic missionary discipleship.
The community focuses on discipleship. They seek to follow Jesus. They want to make Him the reason for living. Eternal life is their vision. They aim to baptize people. They teach them how to live in God’s family. They unite with Jesus in His Sacraments.
San Vincente Community Church invites everyone to join their family. They encourage all to become disciples of Jesus. The Body of Christ needs everyone.
Remember Saint Vincent de Paul’s words. He was born in France in 1581. He was a priest known for his service to the poor. Captured and enslaved for two years, he later returned to France. He dedicated his life to preaching and helping the poor. He founded the Ladies of Charity and the Vincentians. His legacy lives on in this community.
San Vincente Community Church is more than a building. It is a family on a mission. It is a place to encounter Jesus. It is a community striving to live out the Gospel.