Our Lady of the Sierra Celebrating the 10th Anniversary

Today, we gather to celebrate as a parish the many blessings we have received through the great sacrifices of so many men and women toward this parish that we know today as Our Lady of the Sierra Parish. We owe so much to the Oblates of St. Joseph in Madera who began the ministry in the mountains after St. Theresita’s Camp came to an end. St. Dominic Savio and St. Joseph the Worker was built, both at the same time, to provide worship space for the local communities in the early 1960’s. As the communities grew, there was a need to build a larger church in the largest mountain community, Oakhurst, and thus the building of Our Lady of the Sierra was begun under the leadership of Msgr. Herman Bezunartea. The parish name was changed from St. Dominic Savio Parish in Bass Lake to Our Lady of the Sierra Parish in Oakhurst in 1999. This was in tune with the dedication of the new church of Our Lady of the Sierra in Oakhurst. Thank you to all who have been a rich part of the history of this parish and it’s past. It takes hard work and determination to get where we are now. We are also very grateful to Father Jerry Northup for his time of leadership here before his well deserved retirement in the spring of 2008. We keep both our retired priests in prayer.

As the parish continues to change and progress, we are on the threshold of new things. First, I am happy to announce that we have added Kevin Jonas to our staff, beginning September 1st, as the new Director of Music for Our Lady of the Sierra Parish. Kevin comes to us after many years of service in the Los Angeles Archdiocese as both pastoral music and parish administrator. Kevin joins his parents in their mountain home, and now makes this parish his parish home. He will be working full time, but will be receiving a part time stipend. Nancy continues as our office manager, but will be in the office four days instead of five. Katie continues as parish secretary, working three days a week. Peggy Stewart and Consuelo Mercier will continue to guide our children and youth in the faith. With the update of our computer system and other issues, we are able to give them the extra time off they need.