About Our Parish
Humble Beginnings
Our parish has a rich history in our town, being founded by people who trusted in the Lord and gathered together under the leadership of our bishop. Who we are today is based on who we were yesterday.
In 1904 Newman's 1st Catholic Church was constructed. It was a small wooden structure located on the southeast corner of Main and Mariposa Streets. On Feburary 12th, 1905, Bishop Montgomery of San Francisco assisted by Father Giles presided over the dedication of the Church. On the fourth of July, a fire destroyed the building and building of the West Side Index and endangered the entire town. The severity of the fire was exaserbated because hundreds of residents were atttending the Knights of Pythias picnic at the San Joaquin River that afternoon. The fire, presumably caused by a firecracker, started in the dry grass on a lot near the Index building at approximately 3:30pm. In 1913 Renovations of the Catholic Church were completed, costing the Parish $30,000. In 1960 The old Catholic Church was demolished and at a cost of $144,000, the newly contructed Catholic Church opened.
Growing Through Change
Have you ever arrived a few minutes late to the airport and missed your flight? Or have you passed up a social event only to discover later that the people there had a great time? Everyone hates that sinking feeling you get when you realize you missed out on something. Missing a party is one thing, but you don't want to miss an opportunity to be a part of something God is doing in our Church.
Be Involved in YOUR Parish
The primary reason God gave you gifts, passions, and abilities was not to be a success in the workplace or to pursue hobbies, but to make a difference for eternity. There is no shortage of opportunities here to do just that. Don't miss out on what God is doing because you decided to stand on the sidelines instead. One way you can be a part of a growing church is to get involved so that God can use you to accomplish something great for His Kingdom.