Parish History: 2004 Centennial Edition
Blessed Sacrament Parish History Book
Blessed Sacrament Today
More than ever, Blessed Sacrament today reflects the roots and very foundation of what has always been Southern California's strength - cultural tolerance and racial diversity. Hispanics make up approximately 70% of the 4,500 registered parish families, with the rest a mix of Filipino, Asian, African-American and Anglo. "This parish, in its multicultural diversity, is very much a reflection of what Los Angeles is,"observes pastor Fr. Michael Mandala. "The faith of the people makes me believe in them and makes me believe in the future of Los Angeles."
As it has for the past century, Blessed Sacrament continues to serve the greater Hollywood community through outreach to the homeless, ESL classes and Legal Health Clinics. The former convent now serves as a Social Services Center and the school continues to nurture and educate children so that they mature into hardworking, moral and productive citizens.
In the autumn of 2003, the Jesuit Community at Blessed Sacrament formalized its ministry vision for the church as an Urban Pastoral Center under the theme, "Many Made One Around the Table of the Lord" (Appendix C). In a written mandate created by the organizing committee - Bill Masterson, Province Assistant for Planning; the Jesuit and Lay parish staff; and the parish Pastoral Council Officers - it is noted: "Traditionally, Blessed Sacrament has had an extensive sacramental ministry. While this ministry will continue to be of great value in the future, the style of this ministry will change with the decreasing number of priests, and with the theological education of our parishioners." It is a process that will shape our ministry into the second century of the parish.
"We are multi-ethnic and multi-lingual, yet we are made one in Jesus who we celebrate at Eucharist. In addition, our ministry is multifaceted, yet carried out around the one table. We are a center for worship, elementary school education, religious education and social services. Each of these components works best if energized by the others."
While the Urban Pastoral Center vision gives Blessed Sacrament a collective goal and purpose, the true heart and soul - and future - of any church are its parishioners. The final words of this history will go to them.
Testimonials ...
Yolanda Lichtman: "Social Services is a very important part of this parish. Even though we are a poor parish, we are able to provide a service that helps the homeless and less fortunate members of this community."
Jan Sooter: "Volunteering at the church has made a profound difference in my life so to me, the involvement of the laity - women especially - in the Liturgy and all other ministries has been an important evolution for Blessed Sacrament."
Carlos Rublacava: "For me, the carnival is without a doubt the best thing this parish has to offer the community. At no time else does the effort of all involved come together to promote the community and family as then. I look upon my service to this parish as storing treasures in heaven. I have met beautiful and interesting people, and I cherish and treasure each and every moment that I have experienced here."
Lauro Literte: "I have been a parishioner since 1991 and what makes Blessed Sacrament special to me is its diversity which lets people learn about other cultures."
Valerie Milano: "Blessed Sacrament is my second family and it's important to me that my children share and grow in that closeness. I want them to experience and appreciate the diversity the parish has to offer because I think our greatest strength is how through that diversity, we come together to meet and overcome the many challenges faces our community."
Mrs. Haylock: "The most important responsibility we undertake as a Catholic School is the commitment to educate our children for the future: An Advantage for Life! At Blessed Sacrament School we don't just teach the required courses, we build the students' future through strong beliefs, morals and actions."
A Changing Neighbhorhood << current page >> Bibliography/References