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OUR HISTORY

1962 – The Vision Begins

  • Archbishop James Francis Cardinal McIntyre appoints Fr. Michael Collins to establish a new Catholic community in West Santa Ana.

  • The site: a 10-acre tomato field at Euclid and McFadden.

  • Masses begin at the Garden Grove Elks Lodge while construction starts on the first two school buildings.

1963 – School and Parish Take Root

  • September: The first school classes begin.

  • A section of the school building serves as a temporary parish church.

  • The rectory is initially on Wisteria Avenue, later moving to Maxine Avenue.

  • Fr. Collins is joined by his first assistant, Fr. Frank Buckman.

1965 – A New Church and Facilities

  • September 24: The new church building opens, followed by the rectory and parish hall/gym.

  • Religious programs expand, led by Fr. Collins, Fr. Erwin Bauer, and the Poor Clare Missionary Sisters, with Sr. Rose Mary Uribe as the first principal.

Late 1960s – Expanding Ministries

  • 1967: Parish joins the Cursillo Movement.

  • 1970: Formation of the Men of the Sacred Hearts, helping families welcome Christ into their homes.

1970s – Community Outreach and Growth

  • Home visits by priests begin as the parish grows.

  • 1973: Introduction of lay Eucharistic Ministers.

  • 1975:

    • Deacon Richard Naumann is ordained—the first permanent deacon at St. Barbara.

    • St. Barbara becomes a center for Vietnamese refugee resettlement after the Vietnam War.

    • New religious communities join:

      • Franciscan Sisters of Syracuse lead the school.

      • Sacred Heart Sisters lead Religious Education.

  • 1977: A Parish Council is formed, with Bernie Selz elected president.

1980s – Leadership Transitions and Ministry Growth

  • 1980: Fr. Collins transfers; Fr. Richard Delahunty becomes pastor (1980–1988).

  • Under Fr. Delahunty:

    • Parish Council, music ministry, and RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults) programs begin.

    • Sr. Pat Spangler leads ministries for the elderly, sick, and bereaved.

  • Other pastors follow:

    • Fr. Gary Kinzer (1989–1990)

    • Fr. John Joyce (1990–1996)

1996–Present – Renewed Growth and Modernization

  • Fr. Richard Kennedy returns as Pastor in 1996.

  • Major developments under his leadership:

    • 2001: A third school building opens, adding kindergarten, computer, and music rooms.

    • Launch of the Parish Festival, Neo-Catechumenate groups, and a Parish Pastoral Council.

  • The council supports seven pillars of parish life: Evangelization, Word, Worship, Service, Community, Stewardship, and Leadership.

  • Current plans include renovating the worship space, adding iconic artwork, and creating an Adoration Chapel.

TODAY

Our Staff, Faculty, & Clergy

Currently, St. Barbara Catholic School has a dedicated staff of a principal, thirteen lay teachers, one religious Sister, three teacher’s aides, extended day care staff, and three office staff. The combined efforts of the administration, faculty and staff, clergy, parent volunteers, and parishioners have enabled St. Barbara Catholic School to be a model of faith formation and educational excellence in the Diocese of Orange.