Demonstrating that it is “committed to the future” of Woodland, Holy Rosary Parish will hold a historic groundbreaking and Mass in May as work begins on a new church.
Once completed in 2025, this church will be the fifth one since Holy Rosary Parish was founded in 1870, according to Father Jonathan Molina, pastor of Holy Rosary.
“The motto for this building project is ‘Grateful for the Past, Committed to the Future,’ and parishioners are enthusiastically supportive of this project as shown by their significant financial commitments,” Molina added.
The groundbreaking ceremony is scheduled for 10 a.m., Sunday, May 12, at the site of the new church on California and West Cross streets.
Bishop Jaime Soto is expected to join Molina, Father Lupe Vazquez, parishioners, community leaders and other guests in blessing the first phase of construction.
When the last beam has been raised and last nail hammered the new church will seat 1,000 parishioners surrounded by the stained-glass windows taken from the Walnut Street church.
“Since the sale of the previous church building several years ago at Walnut and Court streets in Woodland, services have been held in the Parish Community Center on California Street,” said Janet Ruggiero, chair of the Church Building Committee.
“Extensive needed repairs, limited worship space and street parking at the old church site prompted the sale and the move to the current location next to Holy Rosary school,” Ruggiero continued.
There has been a dynamic Catholic presence in the city of Woodland since 1870 when the first church was built on Main Street, between Elm and Walnut streets and dedicated in memory of the Holy Rosary of the Virgin Mary, according to church historical documents.
These documents recounted, “This first church lasted only one year due to construction and weather-related issues. Three other church buildings followed, the last constructed in 1949 at Court and Walnut.”
The Holy Rosary Church’s history of these first 154 years shows an often “difficult and challenging journey to not only survive but establish a strong Catholic identity in this region,” as described by Molina. “It demonstrates a strong testament to the endurance, faith, commitment, and mission of the Catholic clergy, Religious Sisters, and parishioners in Woodland.”
Molina stated, “Holy Rosary has been a key contributor to the common good and strong civic life of Woodland with its many ministries and outreach services such as food pantries, interreligious collaborations, education, and many more services and joint ventures.”
“The new church is not just a construction project,” he stated, “it is a testament to a shared commitment to Christ’s teachings and a dedication to fostering a vibrant faith community for generations to come.”
“It will be a sacred space where families come together to celebrate the Sacraments, where our children receive their First Holy Communion and Confirmation, where couples unite in marriage, where funeral Masses are held, and where we find solace in moments of prayer and reflection,” he concluded.
For additional information, contact Juanita Mendoza, business manager, at (530) 662-2805 Ext. 120. The website for Holy Rosary: www.holyrosary.com
