A Parish Planted in Rancho San Diego
The Church of St. Luke sits on Hillsdale Road in the Rancho San Diego community of El Cajon, a Roman Catholic parish of the Diocese of San Diego that serves roughly 1,100 registered families across East County. It is a younger parish than most: Bishop Leo T. Maher established St. Luke along with six other new parishes on July 12, 1985, and appointed Father Raymond G. (Jerry) O'Donnell as founding pastor. Father Jerry celebrated the first weekend Masses at St. Peter Chaldean Catholic Church on November 2 and 3, 1985, and for eight years Sunday Mass continued in that borrowed space or in the wrestling gym of Valhalla High School. Daily Mass was first celebrated in Father Jerry's home.
Faith formation began in the summer of 1986 in the living room of Margie Clark with a Scripture Safari, then traveled from house to house, including Father Jerry's house on Lola Lane, until the parish's first buildings rose in 1994. The new church, hall, and parish offices were opened on Palm Sunday, March 7, 1994, and Bishop Brom officially dedicated the property on July 26, 1994. The Learning Resource Center that now houses the parish offices followed later. Generations of families who arrived in those early years still shape the parish's identity as a welcoming community where the original members reach out to newcomers.
The pastoral team today includes Father Don Coleman as Parish Priest and Deacon Jerry Stenovec as Parish Life Director. Deacon Jerry has been a member of St. Luke since 1993 and was ordained to the permanent diaconate in June 2013. He leads the OCIA process, ministers to the homebound, and oversees parish operations. A second deacon, Deacon Michael Maria, assists. Michele Hayford coordinates faith formation and the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd program for children, and Jonathan Mansir coordinates youth and young adult ministry. Jonathan Gonzales directs liturgical music.
Mass Times and Eucharistic Adoration
Weekend Masses are celebrated on Saturday evening at 5:00 PM and on Sunday at 9:00 AM and 11:30 AM. Children's Liturgy of the Word is offered at both Sunday Masses, giving children preschool through fifth grade an age-appropriate experience of the readings before they return to the assembly for the Liturgy of the Eucharist.
Weekday Mass is celebrated at 7:30 AM on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday mornings, with a coffee cart called Holy Grounds serving fellowship after the 9 AM Sunday Mass. Reconciliation is offered every Saturday at 3:30 PM, just before the Vigil Mass.
Eucharistic Adoration fills Friday mornings in the church. On the first Friday of each month, adoration runs from 8:00 AM through the day, closing with Benediction at 5:00 PM. On the remaining Fridays of the month, adoration runs from 8:00 AM until noon. The parish considers adoration an extension of the Mass, a quiet continuation of the encounter with Christ that begins at the altar.
First Steps for Visitors and New Parishioners
The parish welcomes visitors warmly. Whether someone is exploring the faith, returning after a long absence, or looking for a Catholic community to call home, the parish office, the priest, and the deacon are ready to listen. Visitors are invited to introduce themselves to Father Don or the deacon after Mass, or to call the parish office.
Parishioners are encouraged to register so the parish staff can keep in touch. Registration forms are available from the ushers after Sunday Mass, in the parish office Monday through Friday from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM, or as a downloadable form that can be printed, filled out, and returned in person or by email. Registered parishioners can request donation envelopes and receive parish mailings, and may choose to receive email and text updates through Flocknote, the parish's messaging system.
For those who cannot easily come to Mass, the Visitation Ministry sends someone to the home, and Eucharistic Ministers bring Communion to the sick and homebound. The parish also loans books and DVDs through the parish lending library, and volunteers can arrange delivery.
Catechesis of the Good Shepherd
For children ages three through twelve, the parish offers the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd (CGS), a religious formation program rooted in the educational principles of Maria Montessori and grounded in Scripture and the Liturgy of the Church. The program recognizes the developmental stages and spiritual needs of the child and seeks to give children an experience of encounter with the Father, of listening to Jesus the one Teacher, and of openness to the Holy Spirit.
CGS is offered at three levels, each meeting weekly in the parish. Level 1 gathers on Mondays from 2:30 to 4:00 PM and Tuesdays from 4:00 to 5:30 PM. Level 2 meets on Mondays from 2:30 to 4:00 PM, Tuesdays from 4:00 to 5:30 PM, and Thursdays from 4:00 to 5:30 PM. Level 3 gathers on Mondays from 4:30 to 6:00 PM and Tuesdays from 4:00 to 5:30 PM.
CGS replaced the parish's earlier lower-level programs beginning in 2013, when the staff decided that a less school-like, more Church-like approach to religious education would help young disciples grow in relationship with the Lord.
First Communion, Middle School, and Confirmation
First Eucharist and First Reconciliation preparation is a two-year or longer process designed for baptized children preparing to receive these sacraments for the first time. Parents are recognized as the primary catechists and models of faith for their children, and regular attendance at Sunday Mass is essential. The preparation includes the faith formation program fee and an annual sacramental preparation fee, attendance at the EMMAUS Disciple Fests, weekly faith formation sessions, the at-home Growing Up Catholic online study, required parent meetings, a one-day Reconciliation Retreat in March, and the disciple being at least seven years old by the day of First Holy Eucharist, which is celebrated at a parish Mass in May.
Middle School Faith Formation serves students in grades six through eight, whether or not they are preparing for a sacrament. The group meets on Mondays from 4:30 to 6:00 PM in the parish, offering a welcoming environment for building a personal relationship with Christ through catechesis, small groups, prayer experiences, service projects, and social events.
High School Youth Ministry and Confirmation gather on Monday evenings from 6:30 to 8:15 PM. The High School Youth Group is a Christ-centered community that meets twice a month on Sunday mornings between Masses for community building, games, small and large group discussion, prayer experiences, service activities, and social events. A leadership Core Team of juniors, seniors, and young adults helps plan and facilitate the ministry.
Confirmation Ministry is a two-year process built around regular participation in Sunday Mass, the Ascension Press Chosen curriculum completed at home with parents, twice-monthly participation in the High School Youth Group, attendance at EMMAUS gatherings, an annual parish high school retreat, San Diego Youth Day, and informal conversations with the Youth Minister. A three-day Confirmation retreat at Pine Valley, open to all high school teens, has become a particular touchstone of the ministry.
EMMAUS: The Whole Community on the Way
EMMAUS is the parish's whole-community, intergenerational faith formation program, gathering single adults, couples, families, and teens once a month for a meal, prayer, singing, large-group learning, breakout sessions by age, and a closing prayer before sending everyone home. The program began in 2009 and is built on three key concepts: Learning the Way, Living the Way, and Sharing the Way. The parish considers the family to be the primary locus for learning the faith, and EMMAUS is designed to help each household function as a domestic church where the Lord is encountered daily.
EMMAUS Disciple Fest is the centerpiece of the program and is open to all parishioners, whether or not they are enrolled in any other faith formation program. Past topics have included the Mass itself and the sacrament of anointing. Children in kindergarten through fifth grade also meet at a parallel Scripture Club, and middle schoolers engage with Life's Questions - Scripture's Answers. High schoolers reflect on the Sunday scriptures at their youth group gatherings.
Young Adults, Men's, Women's, and Small Groups
Young Adult Ministry gathers adults in that in-between space of life, ages 18 through 39, on the first, third, and fifth Mondays of each month from 7:00 to 9:00 PM at the parish. Through prayer, discussion, formation, social gatherings, and service opportunities, young adults are invited to deepen their relationship with Christ and one another.
COR is the parish men's Bible study, named for the Latin word for heart and the root of the word courage. COR brings men together bi-weekly on Tuesday evenings from 6:30 to 8:00 PM for fellowship, prayer, and discussion of the coming Sunday's scriptures. The group is open to all men and boys in the parish.
Walking with Purpose is the women's Catholic Bible study program, gathering weekly on Tuesday mornings and Tuesday evenings at the parish and using a study series by author and speaker Lisa Brinninkmeyer. The group welcomes women new to Bible study as well as longtime learners.
Small Church Groups are groups of usually eight to twelve parishioners meeting regularly to socialize, read scripture or other spiritual material, share faith journeys, and pray for one another's intentions. Sharing is optional and confidential, and small groups can be started by anyone who is interested.
A parish Book Club meets virtually once a month, mixing secular and spiritual reading. The Widows and Widowers Ministry meets monthly to provide spiritual, emotional, and social support to those who have lost a spouse. The Las Madrinas, the parish's Ladies Guild founded in 1986, raises funds through fashion shows, bake sales, and other events to support the parish and the community. The Knights of Columbus, founded locally by Bill Paupenhausen, supports the pastor and provides help and funds for those in need, meeting on the second Wednesday of each month.
OCIA: Becoming Catholic
The Order of Christian Initiation of Adults (OCIA), formerly known as RCIA, is the process through which adults enter into full communion with the Catholic Church. The parish welcomes anyone who is curious about Catholicism, returning after time away, or seeking full sacramental initiation.
OCIA Inquiry gathers for approximately twelve weeks of weekly sessions, during which participants can ask questions and learn what Catholics believe and how they live. At the end of the inquiry, the group discerns together the path forward.
The parish also offers OCIA adapted for unbaptized children and teens over the age of seven, a process that may take up to two years and is in addition to their regular Sunday Mass participation, monthly EMMAUS Disciple Fests, and supplemental faith formation programs. OCIA adapted for baptized children and teens serves disciples who were baptized in another Christian tradition or who have not yet received First Eucharist and Reconciliation at the usual age.
Liturgical Ministries
The parish liturgical ministries bring together laypeople and clergy to serve the celebration of the Mass and other liturgies.
Altar Servers assist the clergy with preparations for Mass. The ministry is open to boys and girls in fourth grade or above who have received First Communion.
Children's Liturgy of the Word dismisses children from both Sunday Masses to learn about the readings in an age-appropriate setting, returning before the Liturgy of the Eucharist.
Eucharistic Ministers assist the clergy in administering the Eucharist at Mass and on holy days of obligation, and bring Communion to the sick and homebound. Ministers must be fully initiated Catholics dedicated to the parish.
Lectors proclaim the Word of God at the liturgies. The ministry is open to men, women, and young adults who are fully initiated Catholics.
The Music Ministry welcomes cantors, choir members, and instrumentalists who encourage community singing, with weekly practice and involvement in all parish Masses.
Ushers welcome and greet parishioners, distribute the bulletin, and assist through various duties throughout the Sunday liturgy. The ministry is open to men, women, and confirmed youth.
Care and Support: Walking Through Hard Seasons
Rooted in the teachings of Christ and inspired by the love of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the Care and Support Ministry offers spiritual, emotional, and practical support to individuals and families in need. The ministry embodies Christ's love through prayerful accompaniment and compassionate service.
The Caregiver Support ministry provides resources, support groups, referrals, and self-care curriculum to those caring for loved ones with dementia, Alzheimer's, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and other conditions.
Catholics in Recovery blends the spiritual wisdom of twelve-step programs with the sacramental life of the Catholic Church, offering support for individuals and families through virtual and in-person recovery meetings, retreats, online resources, and content that weaves together recovery principles and Catholic traditions. The Serenity Prayer, Lord's Prayer, and St. Francis Prayer are woven into the meeting format.
Grief support is available to those who have lost a loved one, a friend, a co-worker, or a pet. The parish recognizes that grief has no timetable and no boundaries, and accompanies those who are grieving.
Marriage Enrichment Support offers workshops, date nights, presentations, and referrals for marriages in difficulty, and points to enrichment opportunities throughout the diocese.
Mental Health support is offered with a mission of non-judgmental love to those suffering from any form of mental illness or mental health challenge and their caretakers. The ministry works to remove stigma, provide resources and referrals, and accompany people on their journey.
The Sick and Homebound Ministry brings the Eucharist to parishioners' homes. The Visitation Ministry sends volunteers to visit the homebound, those recovering from a surgery, and anyone who would appreciate a visit from the parish. Volunteers can loan items from the parish Lending Library and at times provide rides to Mass.
Senior Care Ministry coordinates trained lay ministers who assist at Mass or celebrate the Liturgy of the Word with Communion at La Vida Real, an assisted living and retirement community, on Wednesday afternoons, with Father Don celebrating Mass there on the second Wednesday of each month.
Safe Place Faith Community
The Safe Place Faith Community addresses all forms of violence through awareness, support, and education. Trained volunteers are ready to listen, to believe, and to offer assistance to parishioners, their families, and friends who suspect or know of domestic violence in their everyday relationships.
The parish's position is that no one is expected to stay in an abusive marriage, that violence against women inside or outside the home is never justified, and that any form of violence - physical, psychological, or verbal - is sinful and often a crime. The parish supports all those abused regardless of gender, race, or religion.
Safe Place provides resources and information on Domestic Violence, Teen Dating Violence, Child Abuse, Child Trafficking, Elder Abuse, Stalking, and Strangulation. Those in need of help can reach out to the parish office for connection to a Safe Place volunteer.
Outreach in East County and Beyond
The parish's community outreach ministries bring the parish's mission to the wider East County and San Diego region, rooted in the Matthew 25 message that what is done to the least of the brethren is done to Christ.
Parish-led outreach includes the Back to School Drive, which collects school supplies for local elementary schools; East County Christmas 4 Kids, one of the largest community gift and meal events for families in need in El Cajon; the Giving Tree at Christmas; the Thanksgiving Food Drive in support of Mama's Kitchen; Operation Stand Down, which provides food, beverages, and hygiene products to homeless and hospitalized veterans of war; the San Diego Blood Bank ministry, which coordinates four blood drives a year; and St. Paul Street Evangelization, which witnesses twice weekly from 5:00 to 7:00 PM on Tuesdays and Fridays in the East County area.
Youth Prison Ministry sends a group of about 24 men and women volunteers to the Youth Transition Center in Kearney Mesa and the East Mesa Juvenile Detention Facility in south county. Pairs of ministers meet two to six youths per one-hour session in the different units to share the Gospel.
The Outreach Committee meets every fourth Tuesday at 3:30 PM in the parish office conference room to coordinate parish responses to material and financial need across the parish, East County, and San Diego County. The committee makes home visits to validate need and either provides direct support or refers individuals to appropriate resources.
Parishioners also serve individually with a wide range of community partners, including Big Brothers/Big Sisters of San Diego, the Christopher J. Collins Foundation, Culture of Life Family Services, the El Nido Project for homeless victims of domestic violence, the God Box weekly prayer project, Grossmont Hospital Volunteers, Holy Trinity Pantry, the Hoover High Foundation, Kiwanis International, Lions Club International (which runs the parish eyeglass collection), Mama's Kitchen, Meals on Wheels, Nativity Prep Academy, Noah Homes, the Prison/Detention Ministry, St. Jude Children's Research, Sharp Hospice and Palliative Care, Survivors Teaching Students, and USO and Veteran's Village.
Music, Lending Library, and the Parish App
Music at St. Luke is led by Director of Liturgical Music Jonathan Gonzales and a community of cantors, choir members, and instrumentalists who encourage and enhance the sung liturgy. The Music Ministry gathers weekly and is involved in all Masses celebrated at the parish.
The Parish Lending Library stocks books, CDs, DVDs, and cassettes on spiritual reading. Parishioners can browse titles online, check items out by filling out the clipboard at the library shelf, or arrange delivery by contacting the lending library coordinator. Books can be returned by checking the returned box.
The Parish App, built on the WeConnect platform, gives parishioners access to the official parish calendar, Mass times, daily readings, staff contacts, Catholic news and prayers, the latest bulletin, and online giving. Messaging tools let staff send instant updates to fellow app users. To download, parishioners can search The Church of St. Luke in the parish app and select it as their home parish.
Sacraments of Marriage, Baptism, and Funeral
Marriage preparation at St. Luke typically takes six to nine months and is required by the Diocese of San Diego. Marriages are normally celebrated on Saturdays before 2:00 PM. Couples begin by talking to the priest or deacon who will officiate, scheduling the date and time, and leaving a deposit on the church-use fee. The preparation includes a Pre-Cana Conference, an FOCCUS inventory and review, and an Engaged Encounter weekend or Evenings for the Engaged program. Couples provide their own music, budgeting several hundred dollars or more for musicians. Catholic marriages are not celebrated on Sunday.
Infant baptism is normally celebrated in a group on the third Sunday of the month after the 11:30 AM Mass. Parents and sponsors must be instructed in the meaning of the sacrament and its obligations. If St. Luke is not the family's parish, permission from the family's pastor is required. Sponsors must be at least 16, Catholic, fully initiated, and in good standing with the Church.
The Rite of Christian Burial for Catholics consists of a Vigil Service the evening before, the Funeral Liturgy on the day of burial (usually a Mass), and the Graveside Service. The Church allows cremation and teaches that cremains are to be treated with the same dignity as the body. At St. Luke the funeral Mass usually begins in the baptistery with holy water, and the family is invited to choose scripture readings, provide readers, and bring up the gifts.
O'Donnell Hall, the parish hall, is available for rental for funerals, weddings, quinceañeras, and other special events. Features include recessed lighting with four rounded chandeliers, surround sound, a commercial kitchen with bar, and a wooden dance floor.
Online giving is available through WeShare, with options for one-time and recurring donations to the Sunday collection. Registered parishioners may also receive donation envelopes for use at Mass. Catholic Relief Services is supported through the parish as part of the wider mission of the Church.