Welcome to St. Columbkille School and Parish! I am very excited to embark on this faith-filled journey with the Lord and with all of you this year. I arrived here at St. Columbkille in July this past summer, and with great excitement, I look forward to growing in Christ with this blessed community of faith.
Before coming to St. Columbkille, I have always believed in the importance of Catholic Schools and their role in forming young men and women of faith. But especially here in the inner city, the Mission of Catholic Schools becomes more evident as we strive to provide a space where learning and faith become a sign of HOPE and PROMISE to the betterment of our community, truly building the Kingdom of God in our midst.
We continue to make every effort in making St. Columbkille School a place of deep love for the Catholic Faith. A place where there is a deep appreciation for learning and a deep respect for all of God’s children. We are equally committed to our outreach to the community at large. We are extremely grateful to all of our parents, teachers, and benefactors who generously give with great sacrifice so much of their resources allowing St. Columbkille School to continue its mission of being a light for our neighborhood and for the many children who attend here by spreading the Faith, Hope and Love of Christ.
May God continue to bless you all and fill you with His abundant blessings.
In Christ’s Peace,
Fr. Francis Mendoza
Parish History
St. Columbkille Church was opened in 1921 in Los Angeles. The parish was formerly a mission from Holy Cross Church and extended to almost the southern extremity of the city. There was a building at the corner of 64th Street and Main, but a complete parish plant was finished in 1923 with a school, convent, and rectory. In 1936 the church and rectory were remodeled and re-dedicated. The Church was again remodeled in 1999 thanks to the efforts of parishioners and generous donors. Father Thomas O’Toole was the first pastor. Monsignor Timothy Galvin was pastor for twenty-six years between 1946 and 1972. Monsignor Michael Lenihan, an associate in 1964, was named pastor in 1972, followed by Father Jules Mayer, Fr. John Keese, and Msgr. Timothy Dyer. The current pastor is Fr. Francis Mendoza and the associate pastor is Fr. Eduardo Martinez. The parish, built originally for Irish and German immigrants evolved into an African-American community and in the 1980’s became largely Latino. St. Columbkille is clustered/twinned with Nativity Church. Currently the parish is very active and offers various programs led by lay leaders. Programs include: family catechesis, religious education, confirmation, RCIA, RCIC, youth group, prayer groups, Movimiento Familiar Cristiano, St. Vincent de Paul Society, and more.
