About St. Philomena Parish
St. Philomena Parish was established by Cardinal McIntyre in 1956,
with Fr. Frederick Callahan as pastor. The first mass was held in
Plasterer's Union Hall on September 30, 1956. Significant events
took place during the founding years of St. Philomena: the first
parish meeting was held on October 3, resulting in the creation of
Men's Council and Women's' council; first baptism took place on
October 14; catechism classes were started; a residence at 21321
South Main Street was purchased to be used as rectory; and most
noteworthy was the initiation of a $35,000 building fund drive.
On April 28, 1957, the groundbreaking for construction of the church
and school buildings was held.
St. Philomena Parochial School opened its doors for the first time
on September 15, 1958 with grades one to four. The Carmelite Sisters
of the Sacred Heart were tapped to administer the school.
1959 was highlighted by the dedication of the church and school with
a High Mass celebrated by His Eminence, James Francis Cardinal
McIntyre. Fr. Callahan served as pastor until 1977. He had completed
the challenging task of constructing the church, rectory, school and
convent buildings.
Fr. William P. O'Toole was appointed pastor on April 15, 1978 and
served as pastor until 1994. It was during his tenure that the Staff
of St. Philomena was broadened. Directors of Religious Education,
Youth Ministry, Adult Education, RCIA, Confirmation and Liturgy were
hired as well as a Pastoral Associate. The first group of
extraordinary Eucharistic Ministers was formed in 1975. Bereavement
Ministry was also formed.
In 1983, Fr. O'Toole launched the Arise and Build building
fund. More than $1,245,000 was contributed over the years. Due to
prudent investment efforts by the parish and the archdiocese, the
fund has grown which has enabled the parish to purchase the annex
property in 1997.
In 1994, Fr. Rizalino Carranza assumed pastorship until 1999. He
created the Financial Council, a fiscal consultative group to the
pastor. He also created the Pastoral Council to help discern needs
and assist the pastor in the pastoral care of the parish.
Under the leadership of Fr. Riz, steps were taken to launch the
building of the new church. He formed the Church Construction
Committee to assist in the design and development of the new church
and the parish center. To raise funds for the construction, a Parish
Development Fund Campaign was started. The ground blessing ceremony
was held on April 18, 1998.
Fr. Demetrio Bugayong, who had been an associate pastor of the
parish since his arrival in 1992, was installed as pastor on March
5, 2000. He presided over the construction of the new church. Fr.
Dem guided the formation of Second Development Campaign to obtain
additional pledges of financial support for completion of the new
church and the conversion of the old church into a parish hall.
Even during the construction period, parish life and activities have
not slowed down. The number of parish organizations, groups and
ministries has grown to sixty-three. The Unity Workshop, organized
by a team form the Pastoral Council resulted from Fr. Dem's desire
for the different ethnic groups in the parish to gain better
awareness of each other's culture in order to promote loving
relationships, mutual respect and understanding among them.