A Parish in the Garden Oaks Neighborhood of Houston
St. Rose of Lima Catholic Community sits at 3600 Brinkman Street in Houston, just north of the Houston Heights in the Garden Oaks neighborhood. The parish belongs to the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston and gathers roughly 1,600 registered families from across the northside of the city. Its mission statement, displayed prominently on the parish materials, reads: "At St. Rose of Lima, our mission is to create a welcoming community where all are invited to experience the love and grace of God. We fulfill this mission by making room for all at the table of the Lord through loving service, extending hospitality, compassion, and support to everyone - whether lifelong parishioners, newcomers, or those in need."
The parish campus is a working complex that has grown outward from a single auditorium-church built in 1948 to include the current sanctuary, an early childhood center, a Catholic school, a parish hall, a chapel, a fellowship center, classrooms, and a food pantry. Mass is celebrated in English and Spanish every day, and a wide network of ministries reaches outward into the city: into prisons through Kolbe Prison Ministry, into homes of the elderly through the St. Mother Teresa Ministry, and into neighborhoods facing food insecurity through the St. Vincent de Paul Food Pantry.
Eight Decades on Brinkman Street
St. Rose of Lima Catholic Community was founded in March 1946, named for the seventeenth-century South American saint known for her piety, love, and dedication to the poor and sick. At its inception there was no church building or land, but 110 founding families gathered for Mass in a school auditorium on West 21st Street or a fire station on West 34th Street. Rev. Paul C. Pieri was appointed as the first pastor. That same year, a tract of land between 34th and Wakefield on Brinkman Street was purchased, with two additional land purchases expanding the property. Plans for a parish complex were drawn up immediately, but post-war government restrictions delayed construction until April 1947. Inclement weather and a shortage of materials further delayed progress, and the complex was completed in August 1948.
On August 30, 1948, Bishop Christopher E. Byrne, assisted by 45 priests, dedicated and blessed the new buildings on what was then the Feast Day of St. Rose of Lima. The original complex consisted of a rectory, an auditorium (now the East Hall) that also served as the church, five classrooms, a cafeteria, and a convent for the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet, who helped establish St. Rose of Lima Catholic School. The school opened in September 1948 with 185 students and continues today as a parish institution focused on the holistic formation of mind, body, and spirit.
In August 1961, construction began on the current church complex, with the cornerstone being laid on July 1, 1962. Bishop Wendelin J. Nold dedicated the church on August 30, 1962, marking the Feast Day of St. Rose of Lima. The sanctuary's contemporary architecture is highlighted by a cross-topped bell tower rising 63 feet, which quickly became a local landmark. The sanctuary's green and gray ledge stone walls, German-made stained glass windows, and hand-carved Stations of the Cross imported from Italy make the church distinctive in the neighborhood.
Msgr. Pieri passed away in September 1969, and Rev. John J. Ruddy was appointed as pastor but tragically passed away less than a month later. In January 1970, Rev. Joe Crosthwait became pastor and served the parish for most of the next decade. Rev. Rudy Beranek succeeded him in 1979 and led efforts to build the Parish Activities Building, which was dedicated in August 1987 and now houses the parish and school offices, meeting rooms, and the West Hall, which serves as a gymnasium and auditorium. In 1989, Msgr. Tom Wendland became pastor and oversaw the purchase of two residences across the street, converting them into a rectory. He also led a capital campaign to build the Early Childhood Center and renovate the old rectory into the Fellowship Center, while making other improvements such as new lighting and sound systems for the church.
Rev. Clint Ressler served as interim pastor until Msgr. James B. Anderson joined St. Rose in June 1999. Msgr. Anderson led the parish until August 2007, when Rev. Clint Ressler returned to serve as pastor. Rev. Ressler spearheaded a capital campaign that resulted in the construction of Pre-K school wings, the new Parish Hall, an expanded Early Childhood Center, and the purchase of property for the Food Pantry. He served until May 2015, when Rev. Rafael Becerra - affectionately called "Father Rafa" - joined St. Rose of Lima Catholic Community. Under his leadership, the parish added the Education and Formation Building to house the school and youth formation programs, and his outreach to the Hispanic community helped create a more unified parish. Fr. Linh Nguyen subsequently served as pastor and oversaw continued growth of the parish's ministries and youth programs.
In July 2025, Fr. Jacob Ramirez was named parish administrator and was formally installed as pastor of St. Rose of Lima on Sunday, September 13, 2026, during the 10:00 a.m. Mass. The installation was celebrated in the presence of the Episcopal Vicar of the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston, the Very Reverend Sean Horrigan. Fr. John Samuel serves as parochial vicar. The 80th anniversary of the parish was celebrated across the weekend of August 29-30, 2026, beginning with an Anniversary Mass celebrated by the Bishop, followed by a gala dinner at The Bell Tower on 34th and a parish picnic the next day.
Mass in English and Spanish
Mass is the center of parish life at St. Rose of Lima, and the schedule is built to accommodate both English-speaking and Spanish-speaking Catholics. On Saturday evening, a Vigil Mass is celebrated at 5:00 p.m. in English. Sunday Masses are at 8:00 a.m., 10:00 a.m., and 5:00 p.m. in English, with a 12:00 p.m. Mass celebrated entirely in Spanish (Español). Weekday Masses are at 8:15 a.m. Monday through Friday in English, with an additional Wednesday evening Mass at 7:00 p.m. in Spanish.
First-time visitors can expect a warm welcome from the parish community. The atmosphere at Mass blends prayer, music, and reflection. Ushers and Hospitality Board members are on hand to greet newcomers and direct them to seats, and families are welcome to sit wherever they are comfortable. The Children's Liturgy of the Word, run by the Legion of Mary, dismisses children aged 5 to 8 (or 3 to 10 if accompanied by an older sibling or parent) during the Liturgy of the Word at Sunday Mass, where they hear the readings at their level and discuss the teachings of the Church. A children's bulletin is sent home with each child to reinforce the Sunday message.
The parish bulletin and announcements include information in both English and Spanish, and the Annual Report to the Parish is published in both languages. Parish registration is available online, and visitors who would like to register can fill out a form on the parish site or visit the parish office during office hours, which run Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Confession and Eucharistic Adoration
The Sacrament of Reconciliation is offered on Saturdays from 4:00 to 4:45 p.m., with confessions heard in both English and Spanish. Weekday confessions are heard on Wednesdays from 6:00 to 6:45 p.m. and on Thursdays from 6:00 to 6:45 p.m., again in English and Spanish. Confessions can also be arranged by appointment by contacting the parish office.
Eucharistic Adoration is offered every weekday. On Monday, Tuesday, and Friday, adoration begins after the 8:15 a.m. Mass and continues until noon. On Wednesday, adoration runs from after the 8:15 a.m. Mass until noon, with a Spanish-language holy hour from 6:00 to 6:50 p.m. in the evening. On Thursday, the exposition is all day, from 9:00 a.m. until 7:00 p.m., making it the longest adoration period of the week.
The parish's moments-of-grace reflections, written by clergy and published online, encourage parishioners to make use of adoration time to "spend time in Adoration listening for God," emphasizing that the sanctuary - with its stained-glass windows, baptismal font, statues, stations, altar, candles, and tabernacle - is itself a place of encounter.
Sacraments and Sacramental Preparation
St. Rose of Lima prepares parishioners for all seven sacraments. Infant Baptism is celebrated during scheduled Masses or on specific dates throughout the year. Parents must attend a Baptism preparation class prior to scheduling the sacrament. Godparents must be baptized Catholics who are at least 16 years old and have received the Sacraments of Eucharist and Confirmation. Baptism paperwork is available in both English and Spanish and can be submitted to the parish secretary.
First Reconciliation and First Holy Communion are prepared through the parish's Continuing Christian Education (CCE) program, with sacramental preparation typically taking place in second grade. Confirmation is normally celebrated in the ninth or tenth grade after a two-year preparation that includes classes, retreats, service projects, and spiritual formation. Adults seeking Confirmation can prepare through OCIA, the Order of Christian Initiation of Adults.
Couples preparing for Matrimony are asked to begin at least six months before their desired wedding date. The process includes meetings with a priest or deacon, a marriage inventory, and an in-person marriage preparation course or retreat. At least one of the parties must be a registered parishioner, and both individuals must be free to marry in the Catholic Church. Deacon Ray Rodriguez coordinates marriage preparation at the parish.
The Anointing of the Sick is available to anyone who is seriously ill, facing surgery, or dealing with the challenges of aging. The sacrament can be received more than once, and priests are available to anoint parishioners at home, in the hospital, or after Mass. The Sacrament of Holy Orders is supported through the parish's Vocations Committee, which fosters a culture of prayer and discernment for those called to serve as deacons and priests.
Faith Formation for Children and Teens
The parish's Continuing Christian Education (CCE) program offers religious instruction for children from Pre-K through twelfth grade, with classes tailored to each age group's developmental stage and with the goal of teaching Catholic doctrine, fostering a love of God, and preparing children to actively participate in the Church's sacramental life.
Elementary CCE classes for Pre-K, Kindergarten, and First Grade meet on Sundays from 9:45 to 11:00 a.m. in the Fellowship Center. Second through fifth grades meet on Monday evenings from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. in the East Hall/Cafeteria. Students in second through fifth grade are dropped off and picked up under the school awning along Brinkman Street in a car line. Lucy Martinez serves as the Religious Education Coordinator and Chrissy Witney as the Religious Education Assistant. CCE registration is online and first-come, first-served.
Youth Faith Formation for grades six through twelve meets on Sundays during the school year, with separate calendars for middle school and high school. The program includes classes, retreats, service opportunities, and fellowship activities designed to deepen faith and prepare teens for Confirmation. Stephanie Ruiz serves as Director of Youth Ministry and coordinates the parish's participation in the Archdiocesan Youth Conference (AYC), a weekend gathering held at the Hilton Americas-Houston that brings together thousands of Catholic teens from across the archdiocese for Mass, Adoration, dynamic speakers, and fellowship.
Vacation Bible School is offered every summer for children in kindergarten through fifth grade. The 2026 program, "Rome and the Popes Through History," ran July 20-24 from 8:30 a.m. to noon. Registration includes a T-shirt, daily snack, and craft activities, with sponsorship opportunities for parishioners and businesses to support the program.
OCIA and Adult Faith Formation
The Order of Christian Initiation of Adults (OCIA), formerly known as RCIA, guides adults and older children into the Catholic faith. The program is coordinated by Deacon David Dufilho and includes inquiry sessions, prayer, study, and fellowship. Inquiry sessions are held several times a year, with no obligation to enroll, and they welcome anyone who has been thinking about becoming Catholic, completing their sacraments, or simply learning more about the Catholic faith. A VIMEO testimonial video shares one parishioner's inspiring faith journey through the program.
Adult faith formation at the parish also includes Bible study, with video-based group discussions and study materials designed to help parishioners grow in their understanding of Scripture. The Charismatic Prayer Group meets every Monday evening at 7:00 p.m. in the chapel for worship, praise, teaching, healing prayer, and intercessory prayer. Spiritual Direction is available at no charge through one-on-one conversations with trained directors, often held in the Church Cry Room, and can be scheduled either in person or remotely.
Gratia Plena is the parish's Catholic-centered counseling ministry, supporting individuals, couples, and families facing emotional, psychological, and spiritual challenges. The approach integrates faith with professional counseling, guiding clients toward healing, personal growth, and a deeper connection with God.
Music Ministry
Music is described by the parish as a vital part of the worship experience, "bringing our faith to life through the power of song." The Music Ministry is led by Music Director Dolores Del Bosque and organist Andy Barrera, and it offers three main ensembles for parishioners of all skill levels.
The Children's Choir welcomes singers in grades 1 through 8 for weekly rehearsals and regular participation in Sunday Masses and special liturgical celebrations. The Adult Choir sings traditional choral music at Masses and at special liturgical services, and the Worship Team leads contemporary Christian music during Mass with a more informal and dynamic style. Singers and instrumentalists of all skill levels are welcome; dedication, enthusiasm, and a desire to praise God through music are the only prerequisites. Members may serve in more than one ensemble.
ACTS Retreats and Spiritual Renewal
The ACTS Ministry offers transformative weekend retreats focused on deepening one's relationship with God through Adoration, Community, Theology, and Service - the four pillars of the ACTS movement. Retreats are open to both men and women and are held offsite, with round-trip transportation provided from the parish hall. The cost is $275 per person, with financial assistance available and a $50 deposit required to reserve a spot. The retreat begins Thursday evening at the Parish Hall and concludes on Sunday with a family fellowship lunch at St. Rose of Lima immediately following the 10:00 a.m. Mass.
The parish also hosts single-day women's encounters such as "The Table at Cana," a gathering that uses the wedding feast at Cana as its inspiration. The afternoon includes dinner, drinks, dessert, a commemorative T-shirt, and time for prayer and reflection, with a $45 registration fee. Word Made Visible is a half-day women's morning that includes Mass, breakfast, a keynote, and a social hour focused on how sacred art opens the eyes to Scripture.
The St. Vincent de Paul Food Pantry
The St. Vincent de Paul Ministry at St. Rose of Lima is dedicated to providing compassionate assistance to those in need within the community. Through its food pantry, the parish offers nutritious food, personal care items, and essential resources to individuals and families facing food insecurity. The pantry is open Saturday mornings from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. except for holiday weekends. No identification or proof of income is required; the focus is on providing help with dignity, and the only information requested is the size of the household.
Donations of non-perishable food items, personal care products, and financial contributions can be dropped off during pantry hours or coordinated through the parish office. The pantry also connects visitors with information about local resources, including housing support, job training, and healthcare services. Those seeking rental or food assistance can call the Society of St. Vincent de Paul directly at (832) 320-4181, leaving their name, phone number, and zip code; a volunteer will return the call within a few business days.
The Gabriel Project, Prayer Blankets, and S.T.A.R.
The Gabriel Project is a parish ministry dedicated to supporting expectant mothers and families in need, offering both practical assistance and spiritual guidance. Volunteers provide essential resources such as baby items, emotional support, and prayers, ensuring that no mother walks her pregnancy journey alone.
The Prayer Blanket Ministry provides handmade blankets - either crocheted or fleece - to individuals in need of comfort and prayer during difficult times. Each blanket is blessed by a member of the clergy or a prayer group, and recipients are lifted up in prayer by the parish community. Blankets are available to anyone in need, not only parishioners, and the ministry welcomes donations of yarn, fleece, and other crafting supplies.
S.T.A.R. (Stitching to Assist Recovery) is a ministry dedicated to providing comfort and support to individuals recovering from cancer by creating handmade items. Volunteers sew, prepare materials, and deliver finished goods to the American Cancer Society. The parish invites anyone interested in making a meaningful difference through crafts to join the group.
Kolbe Prison Ministry and the St. Mother Teresa Ministry
Kolbe Prison Ministry is dedicated to bringing the message of Christ's love and healing to incarcerated individuals through faith-based programs, prayer, and mentorship. Volunteers help facilitate prayer sessions, Bible studies, reflection, and discussions inside prison facilities, supporting inmates in their journey toward redemption and reintegration. Volunteers must undergo a background check and complete required training before serving. Kolbe Retreats typically last one to three days, depending on the prison schedule.
The St. Mother Teresa Ministry supports elderly and isolated parishioners, offering companionship, help with errands, transportation to Mass, delivery of groceries, and visits. Volunteers meet on the third Wednesday of each month at 5:30 p.m. in Room C of the Administration Building and are asked to commit to serving at least once a month with a designated individual. The ministry is named for St. Mother Teresa, whose quote - "We must proclaim Christ by the way we talk, by the way we walk, the way we laugh, by our life, so everyone will know we belong to him" - frames the group's work.
Back to Bethany, The Gathering, and Other Parish Communities
Back to Bethany is a prayer group for women seeking to deepen their relationship with God through scripture, reflection, and communal prayer. The name reflects the village where Jesus found rest and solace with Martha, Mary, and Lazarus. The group meets one Wednesday each month from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. in the Fellowship Center. All women are welcome, regardless of religious background or parish affiliation; participants are asked to bring an open heart, a notebook, and a Bible (if they have one).
The Gathering is a safe, fun, and engaging day for individuals with special needs - including Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, stroke recovery, dementia, and those who are homebound. Autoimmune Friends in Faith, a new parish ministry, offers fellowship, encouragement, and faith-filled support to individuals living with autoimmune conditions, with monthly meetings in the Parish Hall followed by the 5:00 p.m. Mass.
The Thursday Club welcomes all parishioners aged 50 and over, meeting on the first and third Thursdays of each month for a covered pot luck lunch on the first Thursday (and a bring-your-own-lunch meeting on the third). The Men's Club meets on the first Thursday of each month at 7:00 p.m. in the East Hall, hosting a meal, fellowship, and parish service projects such as the semi-annual Fish Fry, the adult beverage booth at the Spring Festival, and assisting with the Altar Guild's Chocoholic event. The Men's Club contributes roughly $5,000 annually to raffle prize sponsorships, Veterans Day dinners, Boy Scout and Girl Scout support, and other needs as they arise.
Other parish communities include Boy Scouts Troop 40, which surrounds Scouts with men of faith and helps them build character, leadership, and service; Girl Scouts, which fosters leadership skills and self-esteem; That Man Is You, a men's program combining faith with practical guidance; and the Hispanic Ministries, which enrich the parish through vibrant expressions of faith, cultural celebration, and committed service. The Legion of Mary, a lay Catholic organization, focuses on prayer, study, and acts of service, with a special focus on teaching children and running the Children's Liturgy of the Word at Sunday Mass. A traveling statue of Our Lady of Fatima moves between parishioner homes every two weeks to promote the Rosary and consecrate families to the Sacred Heart of Jesus.
The Catholic School and Early Childhood Center
St. Rose of Lima Catholic School opened in September 1948 with 185 students under the direction of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet and has continued without interruption since. The school is led by Principal Stefanie Tellier and is supported by the parish through the School Advisory Committee (SAC), which meets monthly - except in July and December - in the Administration Building. The school's core values are a faith-based curriculum, strong traditions, community service, discipline, and academic excellence.
The parish also operates the St. Rose of Lima Early Childhood Center (ECC), which has cared for infants, toddlers, and preschoolers since 1982 and is located on the parish campus in Garden Oaks, just north of the Houston Heights. The ECC is licensed and offers year-round, full-time, and part-time programs for children ages six weeks through two turning three years old. The center uses the Frog Street Press Curriculum series, with a play-based, hands-on approach designed to foster physical, social, emotional, and intellectual development. Lisa Weatherly has served as Director since 2006, and Laura Gonzalez serves as Assistant Director. Registration is offered throughout the year as openings become available, with a free waitlist for full age groups. To schedule a tour, families can call (713) 692-1941.
Parish Events and Calendar
The parish maintains a robust calendar of recurring and one-time events. Recurring community gatherings include Taco Sunday, which fills the Parish Hall with parishioners after Mass; Sunday Do-nuts and St. Rose Day, organized by the Hospitality Board; and the Spring Festival, which features a children's midway, bingo, dinner plates, live bands, and a raffle drawing for prizes such as a golf cart, gift cards, and gaming consoles.
Other parish traditions include the Blessing of the Backpacks at the start of the school year, the Vocations Committee discernment breakfast, First Saturday Mass, the Sacred Heart Prayer Service hosted by ACTS, the Divine Mercy Sunday holy hour with the Chaplet of Divine Mercy, the Stations of the Cross each Friday in Lent (English at 6:00 p.m. and Spanish at 7:00 p.m.), and the Feast of the Assumption Vigil Mass in Spanish on August 14 followed by an English Mass on August 15.
The Hispanic Ministries host cultural and devotional events throughout the year, including the Misa de Graduación for graduates. The parish also participates in Operation Backpack with the YMCA each summer, collecting new backpacks to help local students begin the school year with the supplies they need. The parish regularly publishes a weekly bulletin with announcements, reflections, and schedules, and the Annual Report to the Parish is published in both English and Spanish.
Giving, Volunteering, and Getting Involved
Parishioners are encouraged to share their time, talent, and treasure. Online giving is available through PushPay, and one-time as well as recurring donations are accepted. The parish emphasizes that "true stewardship is about giving of our time, talent, and treasure," and that all donations are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law, with receipts provided for tax purposes.
Volunteers are required to complete the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston Safe Haven training provided by the Catholic Mutual Group (CMG) before serving in any ministry that involves children or vulnerable adults. Ministry opportunities span every area of parish life: altar serving, lecturing, Eucharistic ministry, hospitality, music, faith formation, the food pantry, the Gabriel Project, prison ministry, hospital visits, the Hispanic Ministries, scouting, and many more. The Vocations Committee, the Pastoral Council, the Finance Council, the Building and Maintenance Committee, and the Hospitality Board all welcome new members.
The parish office is open Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and can be reached at (713) 692-9123. Information about parish life, registration, sacramental preparation, OCIA, the school, the early childhood center, and giving is available on the parish's online home, and the bulletin is updated weekly with the latest announcements, Mass intentions, and reflections from the pastoral team.