St. Mel (Woodland Hills, California): Difference between revisions
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Revision as of 04:41, 6 April 2008
St. Mel is a Catholic church and elementary school located on Ventura Boulevard in Woodland Hills, Los Angeles, California. St. Mel's parish was established in 1955 with Monsignor Michael J. O'Connor, pastor. At that time, the parish numbered 415 families. Before the church building was constructed, Mass was celebrated in a variety of settings including the Tarzana Women's Club House and the Canoga Park Theater. The new church opened in 1958.
The school, staffed by the Immaculate Heart Sisters, opened in 1956 to 700 students. When the Sisters of St. Louis took over the school in 1958, the enrollment had jumped to nearly 900 students in eight classrooms with children attending double session school days. This crowded situation continued until the mid 1960's when nearby St. Bernadine Parish was formed.
In 1984, Monsignor O'Connor retired as pastor of St. Mel Parish, and Monsignor John Naughton was appointed as his successor. Due to failing health, Monsignor Naughton retired as pastor of St. Mel in 1990, and Monsignor Padraic Loftus became St. Mel's third pastor.
In January 1994, the Northridge earthquake caused significant damage to the church building as well as to homes of many parishioners.