HISTORY
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Beginnings In January 1986 Father Richard Danyluk, Provincial of the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary was approached by Bishop Phillip Straling to consider founding a new parish in the hills outside of Chino. Provincial Danyluk and his council set about to persuade Father Michael N. Maher, then pastor of Holy Name of Mary Church in San Dimas to establish the new parish. Father Mike's immediate response was, "No way. I like it here and where is Chino Hills anyway?" When asked again, Father Mike began to mull over the idea and pray about it wondering whether the Holy Spirit was calling him to leave the comforts of home to start a new parish from scratch. It didn't take long for him to become "captured."
In September 1986 Father Mike spoke at all the St. Margaret Mary Masses in Chino, inviting those who lived in the hills environs to join him in starting the challenging task ahead. Father Mike shared his sadness about leaving his former parish after twelve years and said he understood the same feelings St. Margaret Mary's people would have about leaving their current parish family.
Bishop Straling named the newborn parish St. Paul the Apostle which began with a 7.02 acre parcel of empty land and the energetic founding pastor. As of October 1, 1986, the "Chino Hills" people were no longer in St. Margaret's parish.
Jane Gorsky introduced Father Mike to Dona Silva, a member of the Chino school board who was instrumental in getting the Townsend Junior High School Media Center for weekly Masses.
Bob and Tacie Adams volunteered to be sacristans. They converted the school multi-media center into a place of worship every Saturday and on Sunday afternoon took all the linens, flowers and liturgical items back to their home. On several occasions they returned from distant places to carry out their service for the people of the parish.
Mary Unrein was the first to contact Father Mike offering her assistance. Soon she was serving as social chairman, getting volunteers to do what was necessary, cleaning the rectory, filing, procuring meals for Father and so on.
Charlie Callaci was the second person to contact Father and soon became his assistant by training lectors, attending and taking minutes at all parish meetings, guiding liturgical ministers and serving as the first Pastoral Council President. His wife Peggy typed all necessary correspondence, meeting minutes and flyers. Together they put together the weekly church bulletin.
Karen and Ken Natoli left Holy Name of Mary parish the same week Father Mike came to reside in Chino Hills. Karen began to organize a parish list after the first Mass. Ken entered the names in the computer. Karen also carefully recorded donations to the church and took care of sending offering envelopes to the new parishioners. One of their sons, Mitchell has the honor of being the first CCD student to make his first communion in the parish.
Joe Bok offered to help in any way required and he did, always ready and able at a moments notice.
Paul Rodriguez played piano at the 11:00 am Mass. Laura Callon and Bill Klein were music leaders for the 9:00 am Masses.
Kay Taylor (and her husband Paul) came on the scene in December 1986 to help count the offerings, type, file, and so on. Kay then became our volunteer parish secretary. Other helpers included Anne Fine and Julie Trowbridge.
Highlights of 1986 October 5 First Mass at St. Paul the Apostle Church. 9:00 am. at Townsend junior high school. Offering was $1,086.91. Joe Bok welcomed new pastor Father Mike. October 12 Father Mike moved into 14860 Cherry Drive, house rented for rectory and meeting place. October 15 First informal meeting initiated by John Callon at home of Xavier and Betty Perez. October 19 Pastor called for vounteers to organize and serve coffee and donuts for particular Sundays October 22 First of four lector training sessions at home of Charlie and Peggy Callaci October 27 First music meeting at home of John and Laura Callon October 29 Father Patrick Bradley, SS.CC., Superior General of the Sacred Hearts Fathers welcomed. November 2 Bishop Straling celebrated Mass at Townsend School; met and spoke with new parishioners Bulletin Announcement: Townsend School Vice principal says three or four pencils were removed from desks, etc. Father Mike says, "Please make totally certain that you watch all kids at all times. We can't afford to lose the privilege of being here on Sunday mornings." November 3 First meeting of Eucharistic Ministers at home of Joe and Diane Bok; Joe named head of ministry November 10 First meeting of Hospitality Ministers at home of Don Caropino, later to head the ministry, followed by Joe Iorio November 16 Collection $1,024.44 November 17 Meeting of Extraordinary Ministers at rectory, 7:30 pm November 23 First baptisms, 11:00 am Mass. Kelly Ann Rupp, Chad Thomas Sambito. Coffee and Donut ministry began November 29 First 5:00 pm Saturday Mass. About 30 attended December 20 First Communal Penance Service. Highlights of 1987 February Married Couples Club formed. Presidents are Chuck and Sharon Haeflinger March Babysitting Coop began for 9:00 am Mass. Pre-school program began March 12 Meeting to produce first Parish Pictorial. Mary Unrein organized and coordinated the activity March 15 Paulist Father Alvin Illig presented evangelization workshop. Father Pat Crowley, ss.cc., joined Father Mike "in residence" and continued his healing ministry in surrounding dioceses March 19 First meeting of parish Advisory Board March 26 First meeting to organize religious education (CCD) program. Terry Pardo to lead March 29 First Marriage Encounter weekend. Dan and Esther Pedroza later continued group activities April 14 First Lenten Penance Service April 17 Children participated in stations of the cross May CCD pre-registration for fall classes May 4 First meeting of Advisory Board's communication ministry; Elinor Takacs, chairperson. Click picture for a full view.
June Communications ministry worked on brochures announcing the presence of a Catholic Church. Flyer designed by Julie O'Hara. Mailing labels provided by Louise O'Hara. Printing by Skip Wandrey July CCD summer activities program began July 19 High School beach party July 26 "Marketing Analysis" questionnaire developed by Communications Ministry for Catholics within boundaries August 2 First pancake breakfast by Married Couples Club August/September Fall CCD program began September 15 Papal Mass, L.A. Coliseum. Bus was late, but we were able to participate in the Mass with the Pope. October 12 Forming of St. Vincent de Paul Society, Greg Myers, president October 18 Parish first anniversary Champagne Brunch at home of Don and Betty Fessett October 28 Kickoff meeting for Development Fund. Al Takacs and Don Fesset, co-chairman. Kay Taylor, secretary November Parish Center opened in room 109, Century Federal building on Pipeline Avenue November 2 RCIA classes began in temporary Parish Center November 16 Prayer meetings began. Fr. Crowley presided November 21 First marriage blessed, Mark and Hortensia Kamon December 31 First New Years's Eve Dance at Western Hills Country Club Highlights of 1988 - Fund drive pledges reached $560,00 from 600 families now in parish; up from 250 families when parish began.
- Knights of Columbus Chapter for our parish planned; calls to Lou Cartwright or Joe Bok.
- CCD Certification Classes began.
February 7 Father Mike called for development fund sacrifice to "have our own place of worship in Chino Hills." February 14 Call for parishioners to think about possibility of putting on our first Parish Festival March 18 First St. Paul the Apostle dinner dance sponsored by Married Couples Club. March 25 First weekend parish renewal April 11 Parish Council discussed plans to hire a Sister to assist pastor in growing responsibilities May 7 Father Pat Crowley gave Spiritual Growth and Development Retreat at behest of Married Couples Club. Calls to Jerry and Millie Mikulski June 5 Parish Town Hall general meeting at Townsend School to update parishioners and answer questions June 26 25th Ordination Party for Father Mike and for Father Pat Crowley at Chino's Basque Hall July 25 St. Paul the Apostle golf tournament at Western Hills Country Club in Carbon Canyon. Call Jerry Ruiz July Children's Liturgy began. Call Ginny Talley or Michelle Sohns August 10 Separated/Divorced parish support group met. Call Sally Reither September Parish Festival scheduled for October postponed till spring due to inability of company to provide rides September 25 Sister Sarah Shrewsbury officially welcomed as associate to Father Mike. Ellen Ahrens, Maggie and Bob Gonzalez thanked for working on postponed Parish Festival October 1 Filipino Block Rosary Group picnic October 9 Father Mike announced our parish is two years old, "a growing baby but growing rapidly." November 13 One year Development Fund effort resulted in $300,000. Father Mike reminded all that on judgement day when asked, "What did you do for the church?" the answer can be, "I built one." November 15 Call for volunteers to help in building pledge drive November 18 First Wine Tasting/Art auction at Western Hills Country Club November 28 Fr. Mike thanked Donna Beno, Shelly Kemp, Joanne Beckman, Jan Gorsky, Ronda Schneider, Karen Lenew, Mike Donovan, Marianne Napoles and all who made the first wine tasting/art auction a success Sister Sarah Shrewsbury began neighborhood gatherings to build community in the new paris December 4 Bishop Phillip Straling visited all Sunday Masses to meet with parishioners December 25 At all Masses Father Mike reminded everyone that we are privileged to use Townsend School for our Masses and to please "don't park on the basketball courts." Highlights of 1989 January 1 Fr. Mike reported that Bishop Phillip Straling was pleased with the enthusiasm he saw on his visit last week and commented, "He sensed the frustration that I and the community have in the lack of movement on the property we wish to purchase for our church." January A Mass for Spanish speaking parishioners was being planned by Fr. Mike and Sr. Sarah Successful neighborhood meetings were taking place with plans to develop prayer groups, welcoming of new people, babysitting groups and so on
February 10 Fr. Mike, Bishop Phillip Straling and diocesan representatives met with the owner and lawyers regarding our future church property on Peyton Drive October 1989 Fr. Mike, Bishop Phillip Straling and diocesan representatives met with the owner and lawyers regarding our future church property on Peyton Drive October 1989 Deacon Brian Costello joined our parish to assist our pastor Highlights of 1990 January 28 Call by Michelle Prenevost and Beth Beckman for recipes to be published in the first parish cookbook February 4 Town Meeting at Townsend School to update parishioners on building and other plans February 27 Building Fund leaders and workers meet with diocese representative Dan Healey April Respect Life Program developing June 10 SS.CC. Brothers Lester Lee and Brian Guerrini took final vows at 11:15 am Mass. Reception followed October 8 Meeting with parishoners who are architects, to advise and guide planning of multi-purpose building December First annual Christmas Carol Wagon Ride through Chino Hills organized by Sandy Baker Highlights of 1991 January Bulletin Announcement: We are now looking at the possible plot plans and so on in preparation for our building the multi-purpose building May 12 Call for volunteers for new outdoor ministry to children; teaching God's Word during Liturgy of the Word at Mass June 23 Farewell party after 11:15 am Mass for Sister Sarah Shrewsbury Bulletin Announcement: We've moved our temporary parish center and office to Kline Arabian Ranch at 14536 Peyton Drive July 28 Art and Architecture and Building Committee. Call Richard Gonser July 29 Bulletin Announcement: After a lot of consideration, we finally chose the architects for our building; WOLFF LANG AND CHRISTOPHER, who built Ayala High School Highlights of 1992 January 30 Town Meeting on building program March 17 Building plans approved by city of Chino Hills April From 300 to 400 families we are now up to 2,000 May 24 "Do not park in the fire lane at Townsend School. You may get a ticket." Bulletin Announcement: Although we have Masses in the school we are still very much in the presence of God. Please observe rules of modesty and good taste August 25 Bids opened for our building. Six different contractors were bidding. September 26 Official ground breaking for multi-purpose hall, offices and chapel on Peyton Drive Bishop Straling presided at Mass and the outdoor ceremony
Highlights of 1993 March 7 Auxiliary Bishop Gerald R. Barnes visited at a general meeting following 11:15 am Mass July 24-25 Sign-ups for help in preparation of upcoming new buildings dedication September 11-12 First masses in multi-purpose hall October 9 Bishop Straling officially dedicates parish hall, offices and chapel October 17 In the Sunday bulletin Father Mike expressed his gratitude to all who had a hand in making the official blessing of the new buildings with Bishop Straling a special day for the parish. "I was proud of all the people who made it possible. Special thanks to Abela and Bill Carroll, Bob and Tacie Adams, Ellen Ahrens, Mike Krick, altar servers, lectors, Orlando Fuertez and the music ministers, Knights of Columbus and Color Corps, Michelle Sohns and the decorating, food and entertainment committees; the set up, serving and cleanup crew, Mike Donovan and Lori Muniz. Laura Fischer for putting the colorful parish quilt together and for going beyond the call of duty in getting it ready for that special occasion."
November 21 The Congregation of the Sacred Hearts annual Mass of Thanks was held in the Parish Hall November 28 Sunday, 5:00 pm Mass added, geared to parish youth December 3 Bulletin Announcement: Looking into securing portable buildings for youth activities. Next phase, Church building Highlights of 1994 October Donor plaque mounted on wall in church hall October 30 Mass in Spanish Highlights of 1995 September Sister Deanna O'Neil, OSB, joined parish as pastoral associate October 1 Bulletin Announcement: Jeff and Sandy De Angelis and Myra Cruz will work with high school parishioners December 21 Parish town meeting to update progress on new church building
Highlights of 1996 January A special envelope given to Father Mike with a $30 offering for the building fund read: "Hi, I'm Ren Lescault. I'm 8 and I earned that money and more at work which is Disney. I started working when I was 6 which was the year before last year and it was pretty fun but last year was even better. Love, Ren."
January 21 PARISH TOWN MEETING on soon-to-be-built church building February 3-4 Ministry Faire: To learn about and join a ministry or social organizations. March 12 Bishop Gerald Barnes installed at Riverside Convention Center as second Bishop of Diocese of San Bernardino April 9 Building committee meeting on church construction July Deacon Lloyd Hawes left for new home in Colorado July 7 Filipino Cultural Night August Sister Deanna O'Neil, OSB, returned to Benedictine religious community to lead Vocations Ministry September Sister Mary Mackessy, SNJM, new Pastoral Associate September 21 Sister Sarah Shrewsbury celebrated 25th anniversary as a Sister of St. Claire. Pat O'Connell for information October Father Mike asked Bishop Gerald R. Barnes to comment on an item printed in the Chino Champion which spoke to a second Catholic church in our community. His reply was, "Dear Father Maher and members of St. Paul the Apostle, Chino Hills:
I wish to congratulate you on your commitment to build a church for your parish. I know that your present facility has been used well and is needed for other parish activities. A new and adequate Sanctuary will meet your present and future needs. I encourage you to go forward.
There has been some confusion as to whether the diocese has planned another parish in Chino Hills. I would like to categorically say that we have no such plans. We do not foresee at this time a need for another parish in your area, and that is why we encourage you to construct a church building that will meet not only your present needs by and projected future growth in the Chino Hills area.
Be assured of my blessings on your project and for you and your family, Sincerely in Christ, Most Reverend Gerald R. Barnes."
October 13 Parish 10th Anniversary celebration. Call Ernie Delgado December 8 Bulletin Announcement: Welcome Father Fintan Morris, a priest from the Diocese of Wexford, Ireland, on loan to us here for one year. Fr. Morris is 30 years of age and has been ordained for the past five years. he studied for the priesthood in Maynooth, Ireland. After ordination, he spent three years in Rome studying Church History and Patristics. For the past two years he has been teaching at St. Peter's Seminary in Wexford. In 1986 he worked in several north Florida hospitals. After his 1991 ordination he served parishes in the Diocese of Tallahassee-Pensacola.
Highlights of 1997 June 29 Bulletin Announcement: Approval to go-ahead on the building of the new church which will include a 32,500 square foot sanctuary and parking area on east side of Peyton Drive August 24 Father Fintan Morris' temporary assignment ended; He thanked all for the privilege of serving our community and returned to Ireland September 7 Father David Farrugia, OP, was welcomed as Parochial Vicar for our parish September 28 Bulletin Announcement: B.E. MC Murray Construction Company awarded contract to build parish parking lot. Bid was $446,777 October 26 Bulletin Announcement: I'm sure you've noticed our back lot is now being readied for our general parking area. We expect it to be completed before Christmas. We'll be going to the diocese with final plans in November and then to the city for a plans check. After that we go out to bid.
Soon I'll be able to present the locations and areas of our new church building in which we would like to install stained glass windows as well as estimates of possible cost.
November 17 Meeting of the Arts and Architecture committee discussed styles, types and placement of stained glass windows in our new church building November 25 "We're excited and privileged to welcome nationally-known liturgist Father Rod Stevens from the Diocese of Orange." Highlights of 1998 February "Father Michael Maher, SS.CC. and the Catholic Community of St. Paul the Apostle invite you to share the occasion of Ground Blessing for their future church on Sunday February 15, 1998, immediately following the 11:15 am Mass. Presider at Mass and blessing will be Father Martin O'Loghlen, SS.CC., Provincial of the Congregation of the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary." May 3 Bulletin Announcement: The decision has been made. TURNER CONSTRUCTION COMPANY will begin the project within days. July 12 Farewell gathering for Father David Farrugia as he took on his new assignment from his Dominican Order July Deacon Jon Schlemmer returns to Orange County to work with the poor and homeless July 26 Father Bob Tomkins welcomed as new Parochial Vicar December 13 Tour of the new church building Highlights of 1999 March 7 Bulletin Announcement: Our architectural glass designer Gordon Huether has completed his design for the stained glass windows to be installed high above the altar, another above the church entrance and dormer windows for the north and south side of the building to ensure a traditional spiritual environment and to enhance the "specialness" of our House of God. April 11 Bulletin Announcement: The date for the official opening of our church building will be between the end of June and the middle of July April 18 Bulletin Announcement: Next Easter we will be in our new church building. July 10 Church building dedication mass, 2:00 PM July 11 Bulletin Announcement: Deacon Pat Martinez is our new Pastoral Assistant and full time member of the parish staff September 12, 1999 At 2:00 pm, the people of St. Paul the Apostle Parish welcomed Bishop Gerald Barnes at the blessing of their new church building. Father Mike Maher called on all to thank the Lord on this occasion. In the Sunday bulletin he wrote, "Not too many years ago this site was used for our Harvest Festivals while our office was at the horse ranch down the street and our Masses were held at Townsend Junior High School.
I want to thank all those who made this day possible through their generous donations of time, talent and treasure, including Richard Gonser, head of Arts and Architecture Committee; office manager Joanne Seybert and with special mention and deep gratitude to Dave Beno, head of our Building Committee whose experience, guidance and stick-to-it energies brought this dream to fruition."
On the following Sunday, September 19, new Sunday Mass schedules began: 7:30, 9:30, 11:30 am and 5:00 pm. Saturday Masses continued at the usual times: 5:00 and 7:00 pm (Spanish)