Our Story

FOUNDED IN 1952
BY Fr. John Brennan

Father John L. Brennan
Father John L. Brennan, ordained at St. Patrick's Seminary in Menlo Park, California, received orders from the archbishop to found a new Parish. He received little besides the name of the Parish and the location. Mrs. Virginia Guerrero and her five brothers and sisters donated the land for the Church. The plot was part of the larger Machado-Chavez holding in her family for at least four generations. The land had been used as a dairy and then later for agriculture. The property contained a large house surrounded by trees where Mrs. Guerrero resided. Father Brennan was quoted a price of $1,000 to clear the land. The new Parish could not afford this expense. The parishioners organized work parties for this project. They removed trees, filled in cesspools, and dismantled the house board by board. The lumber was in such prime condition that they were able to sell it. This sale earned $400 for the Parish. In addition to the land, Mrs. Guerrero also donated the large crucifix that still hangs behind the altar. This beautiful hand-carved crucifix came to St. Gerard's from Italy.

The First Mass
The first Mass was celebrated May 4, 1952, in the Rollerdome, with the altar set between the snack bar and a sign reading "Skate Slowly At All Times." In September 1952, construction for the church building began. The skating rink was used for Mass until July. Then a tent was erected near the site of the future church building, where Mass was celebrated until the completion of the new Church. The first Mass in the Church was held on February 22, 1953. Cardinal McIntyre blessed the new Church on the last Sunday of October, the old feast of Christ the King.

Construction of the School
In November 1953, in response to a request from the archdiocese and with the aid of pledges from parishioners, construction for the school began. The school opened in September 1954 and was blessed by Bishop Timothy Manning in October of that year. During Father Brennan's administration, two more buildings were added to the school, increasing the classrooms to 16, and a large convent was built for the Sisters of the Holy Names. These sisters have expertly administered the school from its inception.

Plans for the New Church Never to Come About
The church building was initially planned to serve as a parish hall once a larger, new Church could be built. However, this was never to come about. Father Brennan left for another parish in November 1960. The new pastor, Father John Doherty built a new wing and increased the capacity of the Church to 922. In 1964, Father Doherty began construction of the Rectory, which was completed in March 1965.

The First Festival
In November 1953, construction for the school began in response to a request from the archdiocese and with the aid of pledges from parishioners. In June 1976, Father McHugh organized the first Festival, a tremendous undertaking that would not have been possible without the leadership of the resident Spanish priest, Father Javier Altuna, and the goodwill and hard work of all the people of the Parish.

Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament and Pilot Parish Confirmation and RCIA
In early February 1985, Father William Connor joined the Parish. He made many contributions to the overall betterment of the Parish. With many more people, he started a new Men's Club and a Women's Council. Under his guidance, adoration of the Blessed Sacrament on the First Sunday of the month began. Also, in 1986, the sanctuary area of the Church was renovated to enhance the celebration of and participation in the liturgy by all present in the Church. Saint Gerard Majella Parish was selected to be a pilot parish for a new Confirmation process covering two to three years. This process began for Parish youth in the ninth grade to help give them a more profound commitment to our Lord and Savior and His Church. The Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults (RCIA) Program also began.