In 1989, Fr.
Jim launched the Capital Development Campaign an effort aimed at funding years
of development for modernizing the old buildings as well as adding new needed
construction. The actual work was going to be implemented in phases. Phase I
would focus on air-conditioning, a lunch pavilion for the school, a convent for
the Sisters, and the upgrade of electrical supply.
The lunch
pavilion, a structure with concreting floor, ample lighting, and sprinklers,
would provide children with comfort and shelter and an open-air place for other
get-togethers for the parishioners and their various groups. Construction was
completed on June 24, 1990.
In 1992,
Phase II of the Capital Development Campaign starts.
Entrance ramps were
installed and the restrooms remodeled. The choir loft was expanded and
reinforced. The altar railing was removed and used to construct the baptismal
font, the ambo, and the chair, and the altar was relocated to its present
position in closer proximity to the assembly.
Fr. Jim
would not see the end of the project he started only a few years before as Fr.
Gehl became the new pastor on May 9 of 1993. He continued the work started by
Fr. Jim by completing the newly configured church and the new organ. He also
opened for business the Gift Shop which proved so successful that one year later
all the seed money for opening the shop had been recouped.
1994 is also
the year of the strong Northridge Earthquake and the church, the bell tower
suffered enough damage that all liturgical activity was moved to the Parish
hall. The parishioners responded with great generosity and enough money was
raised to complete all repairs by the following year.
The last few
years of the 20th century and the beginning of the 21st
saw the 40th Anniversary celebration of the Parish, the 50th
Birthday of Fr. Jim Gehl, a successful support program for the sister Parish of
Nativity in Los Angeles, and the Silver Jubilee to priesthood of Fr. Gehl. In
the year 2000, Fr. Gehl was elevated to Monsignor, and in 2001 work starts on
the Parish Hall expansion.
Among Fr. Jim Gehl’s dreams was to create a Gathering Area and Peace Garden
where the community could enjoy fellowship after Masses and special events.
Groundbreaking for this project took place February 25 and, upon its completion,
the Peace Garden was dedicated to Msgr. James Loughnane.
Monsignor Jim Gehl says farewell to St Joseph the Worker in 2004, and in 2005
the Parish welcomes its new current pastor, Fr. Kevin Retting. |
