Celebrating a history of worship and community service, the members of Holy Name of Jesus Catholic Church gathered for the parish’s 100th anniversary on September 10-12.
The three-day celebration was designed to spotlight the tremendous impact that the ministry has made upon L.A.’s Jefferson Park district. The festivities featured a school alumni mixer, a Thanksgiving Mass and anniversary reception.
Bishop John Ricard, superior general of the Order of the Josephites, was the chief celebrant for the Mass and Father Greg Chisholm, a former pastor of Holy Name, delivered the homily.
Family and Friends Fun Day was another highpoint of the rejoicing occasion as local residents joined with Holy Name members for food, games, entertainment and fellowship. The outdoor event, situated on the church’s parking lot, attracted nearly 200 people of all ages and ethnicities.
“It’s been really wonderful celebration. I’m very glad to be a part of this history,” said Father Kenneth Ugwu, Holy Name pastor who was appointed to the church in February 2020.
“When I came, it was only one month before the shutdown because of the pandemic, but I was able to make it because of the people, who are really beautiful. I love them. It’s really a blessing to be here!”
Holy Name has proved a blessing to the greater community as well through its operation of a K-8 school and outreach programs to aid people who are less fortunate. The church’s ministries emphasize religious education, assistance to the infirm, intercessory prayer and feeding the homeless.
“One of the things I am passionate about is working with the Young Adult Ministry,” said Deacon Douglas Johnson. I work with with Deacon Jose Pente and his daughter, Rosa Pente and it’s an African American and Latino ministry.”
As Rosa Pente explained, “Every Thursday, we have a revival, which includes an altar call and people come from everywhere – Montebello, San Pedro, other parts of Los Angeles – to experience this. It’s a good way for us to spread the message of God.”
Every since its founding in 1921, Holy Name has shared God’s word through a robust evangelism program. While the congregation was originally White, a significant influx of African Americans united with the parish during the Great Migration from southern states in the 1940s and 50s.
Today, the membership is comprised of mostly Black Americans, but there are also Latino, Belizean and Nigerian congregants. The diverse groups come together for Mass, available in both English and Spanish, and other programs sponsored by the church.
Acknowledging that Holy Name is one of the few majority-Black Catholic parishes in L.A., member Monica Lewis credited the church’s forerunners with setting the stage for future generations.
“All of parishioners before us laid the foundation. They instilled in us the importance of supporting your church and that really has helped to keep Holy Name going as well as the spiritual vibrancy of the pastors that we’ve had,” noted Lewis.
She added that those ancestors also stressed civic involvement, which continues today through Holy Name’s close relationship with elected officials and neighbor-based organizations.
Looking forward to another century of worship and service, the Holy Name congregation invites the Angelenos to join them for the journey. One of the membership’s future goals is “massive evangelical outreach to the uncommitted and strengthening community unity.”
Holy Name of Jesus Catholic church is located at 1955 W. Jefferson Blvd. in Los Angeles. To learn more, call (323) 734-8888.
