A Catholic Home in Jefferson Park Since 1921
Holy Name of Jesus Catholic Church sits in the Jefferson Park neighborhood of Los Angeles, a few blocks from the intersection of West Jefferson Boulevard and Crenshaw Boulevard. The parish was founded in 1921, with Rev. Mathew Marron as its first pastor. From those early years the parish drew its original boundaries along Adams Boulevard to the north, 38th Place to the south, Crenshaw to the west, and La Salle Avenue to the east, and the community has been gathering for worship at the parish ever since.
More than a century on, the parish describes itself with a five-word motto that runs across the top of its communications: Service - Community - Faith - Gospel - Eucharist. The greeting from the pastor is simple and direct: "Holy Name of Jesus Catholic Community invite you with open arms to our Church. We hope you can join us in worship and God's word. May you find it a place where all feel welcomed, loved, forgiven and encouraged to live according to the good life of the Gospel."
A Roman Catholic Identity in the African American Tradition
Holy Name of Jesus is a Roman Catholic community rooted in a rich tradition of African American spirituality. The parish hears and repeats the call Pope Paul VI addressed to the sons and daughters of Africa: "You must give your gift of Blackness to the whole Church." As a family of diverse African and Hispanic heritages, the parish is dedicated to proclaiming the saving message of Jesus Christ through spirit-filled worship, evangelization, Catholic education, and social justice outreach that respects, values, appreciates and celebrates the cultural heritages of its members.
That Catholic-African-American identity is also expressed through the parish's fraternal and devotional life. The parish is home to Council 121 of the Knights of Peter Claver, the historic Black Catholic fraternal order, and to the Ladies Auxiliary Court 121 and Junior Branch 121. The Garifuna Culture Group gathers at the parish as well, and each November celebrates a special Thanksgiving Mass in remembrance of their ancestors.
The parish belongs to the Archdiocese of Los Angeles. Pastoral leadership is provided by the Society of the Sacred Heart, the Josephite Fathers, who have a long tradition of serving Black Catholic communities across the United States. The pastor carries the post-nominal letters SSJ, the mark of that religious order.
Sunday Worship: The Gospel Mass, the Spanish Mass, and the Saturday Vigil
Sunday at Holy Name of Jesus begins with the 9:00 AM English Mass, celebrated in a Gospel style that gives this liturgy its character. The second Sunday Mass is celebrated in Spanish at 12:00 PM, serving the Hispanic members of the parish. The Saturday Vigil Mass is offered at 4:30 PM in English and is celebrated in a more traditional style. The Holy Rosary is prayed thirty minutes before each Mass.
On weekdays, Mass is celebrated at 7:30 AM on Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday. On Wednesday mornings the school community gathers for the 8:15 AM School Mass, a weekly celebration that brings the children of Holy Name of Jesus School together with the parish. First communicants and other students are regular participants in this liturgy, and families are welcome to attend.
Mass is livestreamed on the parish YouTube channel, so parishioners who are traveling, homebound, or simply unable to attend in person can join the celebration remotely. The parish identifies its Mass as "the central, binding celebration of the Church" and centers its sacramental life on the Eucharist.
Visiting the Parish: Practical Details
The parish office is open Monday through Thursday from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM and on Fridays from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM. The office is closed on Saturdays and Sundays. Visitors can reach the parish office at 323-734-8888, or write to the parish at 1955 West Jefferson Boulevard in Los Angeles. Mail, including donations by check, can be sent to 2186 West 31st Street, Los Angeles, CA 90018.
Those who want to register as parishioners can do so through the parish registration form. Newcomers, returning Catholics, and people exploring the Catholic faith are all invited to make themselves at home. Hospitality ministers and ushers greet visitors at each Mass, assist with seating, and help direct the assembly during the liturgy, including during the collection and at Communion time. They are trained to respond to medical situations and to call emergency responders when needed.
The Josephite Pastor and the Pastoral Team
The pastor of Holy Name of Jesus is Very Rev. Dr. Kenneth C. Ugwu, SSJ, Ph.D., a Josephite priest. He is assisted by three deacons: Deacon Hosea Alexander (retired), Deacon Douglass Johnson, and Deacon Jose Penate. Catherine Brown serves as Director of Religious Education and Faith Formation, coordinating the catechetical programs for both children and adults. The parish secretary manages day-to-day operations from the office.
The Worship Committee, led by Fr. Kenneth Ugwu, plans and coordinates the spiritual and liturgical celebrations of the parish across the church year. The Parish Pastoral Council reflects on issues, concerns and suggestions that come before the parish and proposes recommendations to the pastor; the Finance Council consults with the pastor on the budget and the financial life of both parish and school.
The Knights of Peter Claver, Council 121
The Knights of Peter Claver, a Roman Catholic fraternal organization founded to serve Black Catholic communities, has been part of Holy Name of Jesus since Council 121 was chartered on July 29, 1951. The council describes itself as one of more than 700 subordinate units of the order and is currently the largest council in the Western States District.
Council 121 sponsors the St. Theresa Mini-Kitchen, which provides more than 7,000 meals a year to the surrounding neighborhood. The council also offers annual scholarships to HNOJ graduating students pursuing continued Catholic education, and additional scholarships for high school seniors moving on to college. Members of the council serve in nearly every parish ministry, including as Eucharistic ministers, lectors, choir members, religious education instructors, members of the Pastoral and Finance Councils, leaders in the St. Vincent de Paul Society, and in the Girl Scouts.
The Ladies Auxiliary Court 121, the Sacred Heart of Jesus, gathers practicing Catholic women of at least 18 years of age around works of Catholic charity. The Junior Daughters Branch 121 welcomes girls ages 8 to 17 who have made their First Holy Communion. The Junior Branch 121 is the parallel branch for boys of the same age range. Contact information for the Grand Knight, Recording Secretary, Financial Secretary, Treasurer and Junior Knight Commander is available from the parish.
Council 121 is also home to the Knights of Peter Claver Emerging Leaders, a group for young adults between the ages of 18 and 35 that runs service projects for college students and people experiencing homelessness. The Emerging Leaders Chairs for the Western States District, Brother William King and Lady Barbara King, are members of Unit 121.
Music Ministries: Choirs That Lift the Liturgy
Music is central to worship at Holy Name of Jesus, and the parish supports several distinct choirs. The Morning Star Choir is a Gospel choir whose music is deeply rooted in scripture and alive with contemporary awareness; the choir ministers at the 9:00 AM Mass on most Sundays. John and Joan Allen lead the Morning Star Choir and coordinate music at the 9:00 AM Mass and the 4:30 PM Saturday Mass.
The Brighter Day Youth Choir, founded in 1987, sings every fourth Sunday at the 9:00 AM Mass. The choir is open to boys and girls ages 6 to 18 and is led by Kathleen Brown and Marcus Pettit. The Shining F.A.I.T.H. Young Adult Choir is open to singers from college age through 40; under the direction of Syreeta Scott, the choir ministers at Masses and special events and participates in social justice activities.
For the 12:00 PM Spanish Mass, Santiago Zayes coordinates the music. Together, these choirs give each Mass its own character: Gospel-rooted at the first English Mass, sung in Spanish at the noon liturgy, and traditional at the Saturday Vigil.
The St. Theresa Mini-Kitchen and Social Justice Outreach
The St. Theresa Mini-Kitchen is one of the most visible signs of the parish's commitment to its neighborhood. Known throughout Los Angeles simply as the mini-kitchen, it serves hearty and wholesome meals Mondays through Thursdays to people in the surrounding community. The Knights of Peter Claver Council 121 sponsors the kitchen, and the St. Theresa Mini-Kitchen Ministry oversees the day-to-day work, with Mr. Michael Mosley as the point of contact. Volunteers and donations are always welcome.
The St. Vincent de Paul Society carries the parish's outreach into homes and neighborhoods. Members make personal visits, advocate for those in need, and provide assistance in the form of food vouchers, financial help, clothing and furniture. The society is guided by a spirit of love, charity and justice.
The Social Justice Ministry gathers parishioners who care about housing, employment, physical and mental healthcare, human trafficking, bullying, incarceration, the right to vote, fair treatment by government, and access to quality education. The ministry is locally partnered with OneLA and works on both local and global issues. Sheila Thomas is the contact for the ministry.
The Raphael F. Blount Health and Wellness Committee brings medical care directly to the Jefferson Park community. The committee sponsors the annual Free Flu Shot Clinic and COVID vaccinations each October and supports the parish Spring Health Fair. Other practical ministries include the Eucharistic Ministers to the Sick and Shut-In, who visit parishioners at home and in nursing homes and bring them Communion, and the Extraordinary Ministers of the Cup, who assist with the distribution of the Eucharist at Mass and on those visits.
Faith Formation: The Parish School, CCD, and RCIA
Holy Name of Jesus School is the parish school, serving students in Kindergarten through 8th grade. The school's mission is to educate children to become responsible, faith-filled individuals within the community and society. The school is open to parish families and to families from the wider neighborhood, and the Wednesday School Mass brings the school community into the heart of the parish's liturgical life. Families interested in enrollment can contact the school office at 323-731-2255.
For children attending public school, the Religious Formation Education program (formerly known as CCD) provides religious education for students in K-8. Classes are held on Saturdays from September through May, from 9:30 to 11:00 AM. Confirmation classes are held on Thursdays at 7:00 PM. Catherine Brown, the Director of Religious Education and Faith Formation, oversees the program.
The Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults (RCIA) welcomes inquirers who are not yet baptized, as well as baptized Christians from other traditions who are preparing for full communion with the Catholic Church. The RCIA process follows the ancient practice of the Church, restored by the Second Vatican Council as the normal way adults prepare for baptism. Adults are normally baptized at the Easter Vigil, and the newly initiated go through a period of mystagogy, a time of reflection and celebration, after their reception into the Church.
The Safeguard the Children Committee develops and implements policies to ensure the safety of the children of the parish. The committee provides classes on recognizing and avoiding abusive behavior and is co-chaired by Sharmaine Haylock and Catherine Brown.
Bible Study Groups and Adult Faith Formation
Bible study is a regular part of parish life at Holy Name of Jesus. A Men's Bible Study, led by Fr. Gus Taylor, meets on the first Tuesday of every month in the Acacia Center. The Weekly Reflections Bible Study meets on Thursdays at noon and on Fridays at 7:00 PM, also in the Acacia Center. Journey Through the Bible meets on the fourth Monday of every month at 10:30 AM, led by Fr. Kenneth Ugwu. A Young Adult Bible Study, coordinated by Deacon Douglass Johnson, meets every Tuesday at 7:00 PM in the Acacia Center.
Ministries for Every Age and Stage
Parish life at Holy Name of Jesus includes ministries for nearly every age and family situation. The 50+ Club provides spiritual and social programs to enhance the well-being of older parishioners and offers presence and assistance to those in need. The African American Catholic Center for Evangelization (AACCFE) ministers to and serves the African American Catholic community within the Archdiocese of Los Angeles, collaborating with the African Diaspora and other organizations to promote programs of evangelization and education.
Liturgical ministries include the Altar Servers (boys and girls in 5th grade and above), the Altar Society (which designs church decorations to mark the liturgical seasons), the Proclaimers of the Word (lectors and commentators in both English and Spanish), the Extraordinary Ministers of the Cup, the Eucharistic Ministers to the Sick and Shut-In, and the Worship Committee.
For families, the Bereavement Ministry assists families with funeral planning and grief counseling. The Marriage Encounter ministry offers married couples an opportunity to deepen their relationship through communication techniques and shared reflection. The Choosewell 1st Single-Parent Ministry reaches out to single parents in the parish who may need God's love and support.
The F.A.I.T.H. (Fully Anointed Inspired Through Him) Young Adult Ministry gathers men and women in their 20s and 30s around a Covenant Bible Fellowship (Tuesdays at 7:00 PM in the Acacia Center), a Youth Mentorship Program, retreat programs, community service, and Faith Exchange speaker events. The Youth Ministry serves boys and girls between the ages of 6 and 18 with age-appropriate parish activities, helping the youngest parishioners develop a personal relationship with God and a lifelong love of the Catholic faith.
Girl Scouts, co-led by Yvette Levarity and Maude Wilkins, brings together young ladies for field trips, camping, cooking, arts and crafts, and the annual cookie sale. The Hospitality Ministry, led by Albert Haylock, focuses on providing a fresh encounter with Jesus Christ for parishioners and visitors, reaching out to those who may have drifted away from the Church.
Becoming Catholic, Returning Catholics, and Stewardship
For those who are curious about the Catholic faith, the parish has gathered materials introducing the beliefs and practices of the Church: the Nicene Creed, the seven sacraments, the liturgical calendar, the corporal and spiritual works of mercy, the gifts and fruits of the Holy Spirit, the Ten Commandments, the Beatitudes, the Stations of the Cross, the precepts of the Church, and the four marks of the Church (one, holy, catholic and apostolic). The parish offers practical guidance for returning Catholics and points visitors to Catholics Come Home, an independent charity that helps inactive Catholics and others searching for a faith home.
The parish describes stewardship in the words of the U.S. Bishops' pastoral letter: "A Total-Stewardship Parish is ALIVE! It is a prayerful, welcoming, Eucharist-centered community with a common vision: GOD IS THE SOURCE OF ALL. Its members are committed to furthering the Word and work of Christ by caring for each other and all of God's creation. In gratitude, they joyfully give back a portion of their God-given gifts of TIME, TALENT and TREASURE."
Giving, the Bulletin, and Staying Connected
Parishioners can support the work of Holy Name of Jesus in several ways. Online giving is available through the parish's online giving platform, with options for ACH transfers and credit or debit card donations. Text-to-Give is available by sending a donation amount to 323-897-1618. Checks may be made payable to Holy Name of Jesus Catholic Church and placed in the offering plate at Mass or mailed to the parish office at 2186 West 31st Street, Los Angeles, CA 90018. Estate planning gifts, including bequests, charitable remainder trusts, charitable gift annuities and life insurance policies, may be arranged through the parish office. Many employers also offer matching gift programs that can multiply a parishioner's contribution.
The weekly bulletin is published in both English and Spanish and is available in print at Mass and online. The bulletin carries photos, stories, news and information about events; a complete archive goes back several years. Catholic news and commentary is available through the parish's Catholic News & Perspectives feed, and the Simply Catholic feed offers reflections on Catholic life and practice.
For a complete list of upcoming Masses, meetings, and events, the parish calendar lists the week-by-week rhythm of the community. Each Sunday at 9:00 AM the parish gathers in the Gospel style that has long been its signature; at noon, in Spanish, the parish gathers again; and on Saturday afternoon, the Vigil Mass in the traditional style closes the week that the Sunday Masses have opened.