In 1970, a small seed of faith was planted in Valley Center. This seed was a Religious Education program. It blossomed into St. Stephen Catholic Church. Let’s step back in time to that era. Imagine a small group of families gathering. Their children learned about the Catholic faith. This humble beginning laid the groundwork for something bigger. Fast forward to April 1974. The first mass was held in Valley Center Community Hall. Fifty families attended this momentous occasion. It was a sign of the growing Catholic community.
St. Stephen Catholic Church wasn’t built overnight. It faced a temporary setback in June 1977 when masses were canceled. The faithful community rallied. They persisted in their desire for a local church. Their determination paid off. Masses resumed on November 11, 1978, in the same community hall. The celebrations were led by visiting priests from Resurrection Church in Escondido. Each mass concluded with a potluck. This fostered a sense of community among the parishioners.
By 1980, the congregation had outgrown the community hall. They had saved around $12,000 for a property. They temporarily moved services to Grandview Church. The religious education program, now with 75 children, continued to thrive. St. Stephen Catholic Church officially became a parish on February 10, 1981. Father Roger Lechner became the first pastor. The early days were marked by ingenuity and community spirit. Mass was held in a converted garage. During summer, the orange grove, shaded by cloth, became a sacred space. Parishioners volunteered their time and labor to expand the basement area. This served as a gathering place.
The groundbreaking ceremony for a new building took place in December 1985. This marked the beginning of the church’s physical growth. On July 1, 1987, Father Lechner was transferred. Father Donald Coleman became the new pastor. The new church building was finally completed and dedicated on February 10, 1989. Bishop Maher presided over the dedication mass. This marked a significant milestone for St. Stephen Catholic Church. From a small religious education program, it had grown into a thriving parish with its own dedicated space. The journey of St. Stephen Catholic Church demonstrates the power of faith. It showcases the importance of community. It’s a testament to the dedication of its parishioners. Their vision and hard work transformed a simple dream into a vibrant reality.