In September 1977 the parishioners paid special tribute to their Pastor for his
labors. The Parish hall was dedicated to him and named the "Austin J. Greene
Hall". In June, 1978, Father Greene was elevated to the rank of domestic prelate
with the title Monsignor. By then however Monsignor had borne the rigors of his
labors and was approaching the twilight of his years, and Cardinal Manning, who
succeeded Cardinal McIntyre as Archbishop of Los Angeles on January 21,1970,
provided him with help when he appointed Fr. James. J. Loughnane, Administrator
of the parish in April 1980.
Fr. Jim focused on three areas of concern: Parishioner involvement, specifically
with the Renew program; new work on the rectory, convent and school that needed
new roofs, church and hall that needed painting, and painting, and landscaping
and the parking lot; and plans for the upcoming Silver Anniversary of the parish
which was celebrating on May 2, 1981 with Cardinal Manning as main celebrant of
the Mass. In September of that year Monsignor Greene retired and Cardinal
Manning appointed Fr. Loughnane, Pastor. Monsignor Greene died on October 29
shortly after retiring.
In January 1981 a Youth Minister was hired to develop a program for the
teenagers. Other programs introduced by Fr. Jim included the RCIA, Bible Study,
Contemplative Prayer and weekly Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, Finance
Committee, Liturgy Committee, Vocation Committee, Children's Choir and Youth
Choir. The ranks of Lectors, Eucharistic Ministers and Commentators were
increased and women and teenagers were also invited to participate. Fr. Jim
attributes the success of these programs to splendid work of his associates, the
Sisters, and the many lay volunteers. In these same years a Spanish Mass and a
Spanish ministry were introduced for the Hispanic Community. The Vietnamese
Community was also welcomed to celebrate Liturgy every Sunday in their native
language.
Many other groups and organizations were formed over and some go back to the
infancy of the parish. The Altar and Rosary Society had its first meeting on
June 1956 in the Winnetka Woman’s Club. The Holy Name Society was established in
July 1956. An then our inspiring adult choir, the Religious Education Program
which includes also the only class in the West Valley for the developmentally
disabled, and the members of the St. Vincent de Paul Society who since 1969 have
given much time to helping the poor, the needy and the unemployed by providing
food, clothing, shelter and advice.
On May 25, 1986, Fr. Jim celebrated 25 years as a priest. In September of 1988
he was elevated to Monsignor. |
