HISTORICAL HIGHLIGHTS OF ST. MARY’S BY THE SEA

In 1905, St. Mary’s was established as a mission of St. Joseph’s Parish in Santa Ana.  A former church building and property were purchased at Tenth & Orange Streets in Huntington Beach. Later the name was changed to Sts. Simon & Jude to avoid confusion with St. Mary’s Parish in Fullerton. A new church building and rectory were built in 1923 at a total cost of $21,000. Recent improvements to the church include new pews/kneelers and new carpet in the Church.

In 1976 the Diocese of Orange was established, and the parish officially became           St. Mary’s by the Sea Church.  Rev. Daniel Johnson was assigned here in 1978. Father Johnson celebrated his 50th Jubilee here in 2004 after seeing the parish grow from about 400 people to over 1500 families. Father Johnson walked through the whole parish almost five times during his 25 years here inviting fallen-away Catholics and other interested people to come to Mass. Father Sy Nguyen was our Administrator from 2004-2005, Father Martin Tran from 2005-2009,  Father Joseph Luan Nguyen from 2009-2011 and Father Quang Vinh Chu is our now current Administrator.

One of the unique characteristics of our parish is its small size, which means that there is a special closeness among the parish families. Also, the beautiful church built so many years ago provides a most inspiring and spiritual environment for our Masses.

Our organizations and activities include the Legion of Mary (two adult groups), Altar Guild, St. Vincent de Paul Society, Knights of Columbus,Adoration and Devotion, Altar Servers, Bereavement Committee, Extraordinary Ministers, Lectors, Stewardship Committee, Ushers, Faith Formation Classes and R.C.I.A. Our Social Activities include pancake breakfasts and our Octoberfest and Mardi Gras dinners.  We also have Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament every Thursday from 3:00-7:30 p.m. followed by Eucharistic Devotion, and 24-hour Adoration every First Friday.

St. Mary’s by the Sea is a Catholic/Christian community of faith, hope, and love, journeying together in the spirit of hospitality, stewardship, respect, unity and charity, welcoming and serving all brothers and sisters in Christ, under the mantle of Our Lady.