St. Kateri Tekakwitha Catholic Community
WHO WE ARE
The Most Reverend Gerald Barnes established on July 1, 2006 this new parish community and named it after the first Native American Saint, Kateri Tekakwitha, who was canonized by Pope Benedict XVI on October 21, 2012. This new parish is comprised of the combined parishes of San Gorgonio in Beaumont , Precious Blood in Banning, and St. Mary's chapel in the Native American Reservation in Cabazon. Ms. Lynn S. Zupan was appointed as the founding Pastoral Coordinator of the new parish. She was assisted by two Priest Ministers, Reverend Paul Boudreau & Reverend Hector Restrepo. Father Frank Lowe, the pastor of Precious Blood was given a new pastoral assignment. This combined parishes was also made into an incorporated community. St. Kateri Catholic community is located in a fast developing area called the San Gorgonio Pass where the three main freeways, namely 10, 60 & 79 converge. The community is also growing in its ethnic composition and masses are celebrated in English, Spanish and Filipino. From 2009 to 2016, the parish was under the administration of the Society of Divine Word Missionaries and several priests from the said congregation have served the community. On July 1, 2016, Bishop Barnes decided to put it back under the care of the diocese and named Rev. Dennis Legaspi as pastor and Frs. Eduardo Aguirre and Dominic Vu as associate pastors.
Succeeding Associate Pastors ( Parochial Vicars )
July 1, 2017 to - Rev. Steve Porter
July 1, 2019 to June 30,2020 - Rev. Theodore Drennan
July 1, 2020- March 31, 2023 - Rev. Miguel Ceja
July 1,2023- - Rev. Maurice Quindoy
Who is St. Kateri?
In the late 17th century, amidst the lush forests of upstate New York, a young Mohawk girl named Kateri Tekakwitha was born. Orphaned at a young age due to a smallpox epidemic that left her with scars and impaired vision, Kateri was taken in by her uncle, the chief of the Turtle Clan.
Despite the many challenges she faced, Kateri found solace in her deep spirituality. She was introduced to Christianity by Jesuit missionaries and was baptized at the age of 20, taking the name Catherine, which in Mohawk is Kateri.
Kateri's newfound faith was not without its trials. Her conversion to Christianity was met with hostility from her community, leading to ostracization and hardship. Undeterred, Kateri fled to a Christian mission in Kahnawake, near Montreal, where she could practice her faith freely and live among fellow converts.
At Kahnawake, Kateri's devotion to prayer and service made her a beloved figure. Known as the "Lily of the Mohawks," she took a vow of perpetual virginity and lived a life of piety and penance, caring for the sick and teaching children about the faith. Despite her frail health, Kateri's spirit remained unyielding.
Kateri Tekakwitha passed away at the young age of 24. Shortly after her death, witnesses claimed that the scars on her face vanished, leaving her skin miraculously clear. Her life and faith left an enduring legacy, and she was canonized as the first Native American saint by Pope Benedict XVI in 2012.
Today, Saint Kateri Tekakwitha is celebrated as a symbol of courage, resilience, and unwavering faith, inspiring countless individuals with her story of devotion and love. She is also considered as one of the patron saints for Care for Creation.
Time
Decide to join in one of our ministries especially in the Pastoral care and Liturgy.
Talent
You can share your skills and gifts by joining in the ministries of our Parish
Treasure
Support our Church financially or choose a project for your donation. See the Pastor's wish list for projects that needed support
St. Kateri Tekakwitha Catholic Community, Inc.