A La Salette Parish on Murrieta Road
St. Vincent Ferrer Catholic Church sits along Murrieta Road in Menifee, California, where it has served the surrounding communities for nearly six decades. The parish belongs to the Roman Catholic Diocese of San Bernardino and is one of the few parishes in the region staffed by the Missionaries of Our Lady of La Salette, a religious order whose ministry centers on reconciliation. The church's own materials state plainly, "We are a La Salette Parish. We are staffed by the Missionaries of Our Lady of La Salette, an order that is dedicated to the ministry of reconciliation." Three priests of the order, along with three permanent deacons, currently shepherd a community of more than 3,800 families, with weekend liturgies offered in English, Spanish, and Tagalog and a calendar that fills every room in the parish complex.
Mass Schedule in Three Languages
Visitors arriving for Mass will find one of seven Sunday options and three Saturday vigil Masses, all celebrated in the main sanctuary. On Saturday evenings the vigil Masses are offered at 4:00 PM and 5:30 PM in English, and at 7:00 PM in Spanish. Sunday morning begins with an early 6:30 AM English Mass, followed by additional English Masses at 8:15 AM, 10:00 AM, and noon. A Spanish Mass is celebrated at 2:00 PM, and the 5:00 PM English Mass is noted as a celebration with the youth, with all welcome. On the second Sunday of each month a Tagalog Mass is added at 3:30 PM, drawing the parish's Filipino community together around the Eucharist.
Daily Mass is offered Monday through Saturday at 8:00 AM in English, with an additional noon Spanish Mass celebrated on Wednesdays. The Sacrament of Reconciliation is heard on Saturday mornings beginning at 9:00 AM, with a customary limit of sixty people; arriving earlier in the hour is advisable during Lent and holy days. For those unable to attend in person, the parish livestreams Mass and other devotions on its YouTube channel.
Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament is offered twice a week, on Saturday mornings at 8:30 AM and on Wednesday evenings at 6:00 PM. A monthly Young Adults Adoration night gathers parishioners in their twenties and thirties for a quieter hour before the Blessed Sacrament.
How the Parish Began
Long before the first church was built, Catholics in the Sun City area drove out of town for Sunday Mass. Father Munnelly of St. James Parish in nearby Perris began traveling to the Sun City Town Hall to celebrate a weekly Mass for the small but persistent congregation. The breakthrough that brought the parish into being came in the form of a gift: Mr. Vincent Carbo, a parishioner whose home parish in Palermo, Sicily, was dedicated to St. Vincent Ferrer, offered a donation of $35,000 to Bishop Furey to build a church, on the condition that the new parish bear the same name. Even with that gift, an additional $100,000 was needed for construction, and the response from parishioners was remarkable. Savings, stocks, and securities were cashed to fulfill the amount and go beyond it.
In January 1966 the parishioners of St. Vincent Ferrer broke ground for a new church. Membership at the time stood at 512 families. The first liturgy was celebrated six months later on June 5, 1966, and a rectory was completed that fall. A church hall followed in 1981. Over the years the surrounding community has shifted from its original character as a seniors-only neighborhood to a richly diverse mix of cultures and ages, and parish membership has grown to more than 3,800 families served through forty or more ministries.
The parish's patron, St. Vincent Ferrer, was a Dominican preacher of the fourteenth century whose work of reconciliation and preaching is remembered across the Catholic world. The choice of name by the Carbo family gave the parish its spiritual identity, and the devotion to reconciliation that marks the La Salette Missionaries who now serve here echoes the preaching of the saint himself.
The Missionaries of Our Lady of La Salette
St. Vincent Ferrer is served by priests of the Missionaries of Our Lady of La Salette, a religious order whose name comes from a Marian apparition in the French Alps. According to the parish's account, "Our Blessed Mother, Our Lady of La Salette, appeared to two children on the morning of September 19, 1846, near the hamlet of La Salette in southeastern France. Her message was an invitation to live the message of her Son, Jesus. Her parting words to the children were: 'Well, my children, make this known to all my people.'" Mary's apparition at La Salette is described in the parish's materials as a reminder that Mary constantly intercedes for her children before God, and that she is the Reconciler of Sinners, calling the faithful back to the message and way of her Son.
The priests of the La Salette Missionaries are identified by the letters MS (Missionaries of La Salette) or SMMM (Société des Missionnaires de Notre-Dame de La Salette) after their names. Fr. Frederick Costales, MS, serves as pastor, with Fr. Gabriel Ezeh, SMMM, and Fr. Mel Collier serving as assisting priests. The parish's three assigned deacons - Deacon Donald W. Hitzeman, Deacon Juan Navarro, and Deacon Paul Ahan - assist at Mass, preach, baptize, witness marriages, and bring Holy Communion to the homebound.
Sacraments at St. Vincent Ferrer
The seven sacraments of the Catholic Church form the rhythm of parish life at St. Vincent Ferrer, with preparation programs tailored to each.
Baptism
Baptism is celebrated in both English and Spanish, with Deacon Juan Navarro coordinating the preparation. Parents are asked to stop by the parish office for a registration packet or to call (951) 679-4531. Baptisms are ordinarily scheduled on designated Saturdays in the main church, with parents and godparents asked to attend a preparation class beforehand.
Confirmation
High school confirmation is directed by Melanie Montoya. Candidates journey through a two-year formation that includes class time, retreats, service hours, and a sponsor interview, culminating in the conferral of the sacrament by the bishop. Confirmation classes meet in the parish hall and adjoining meeting rooms on Sunday evenings.
First Communion and the Mass
First Communion is prepared through the parish religious education program, with Blanca Cervantes coordinating that effort. Children who have completed the appropriate formation receive the Eucharist for the first time during a Sunday Mass in the spring. The parish teaches that in the Eucharist the Risen Christ is truly and substantially present, that the bread and wine become the Body and Blood of Christ through the act of transubstantiation, and that the celebration of the Mass is the source and summit of the Catholic life.
Marriage
Couples preparing for marriage are asked to contact the parish office at least six months before the proposed wedding date. The parish provides marriage preparation, guidance on liturgical planning, and a wedding coordinator, Nena Navarro, who assists couples in arranging the ceremony and the details that surround it. The Catholic teaching on marriage holds that it is a covenantal union in the image of the covenant between God and his people, a sign of the union of Christ and the Church, and an unbreakable bond between the spouses.
Anointing of the Sick
The Anointing of the Sick is offered to anyone struggling with serious illness, not only those at the moment of death. Parishioners or their family members may call the parish office at (951) 679-4531 and may also leave a message on the Emergency Sick line. The parish teaches that "the hoped-for effect is that, if it be God's will, the person be physically healed of illness. But even if there is no physical healing, the primary effect of the Sacrament is a spiritual healing by which the sick person receives the Holy Spirit's gift of peace and courage to deal with the difficulties that accompany serious illness or the frailty of old age." The sacrament is ideally celebrated in a communal setting, often within Mass.
Quinceañeras
The Quinceañera celebration is not a sacrament but holds a cherished place in parish life, especially within the Hispanic community. To schedule a Quinceañera at St. Vincent Ferrer, the family must be active and participating parishioners. The young lady, her parents, and her court must attend one of the special Quinceañera retreats offered four times a year, running from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM and concluding with the Spanish Mass. After the retreat, families request an application and provide a copy of the retreat certificate, Baptism certificate, and First Communion certificate. A non-refundable deposit of $100 is required to reserve the date, with the balance of $450 due no later than one month before the celebration; the total donation is $550.
The parish enforces a detailed dress policy for Quinceañeras. Strapless, backless, spaghetti-strap, low-cut, or short dresses are not permitted, and shawls are required to cover bare shoulders at all times. Dresses must be no higher than the knee. Photography and video are allowed but must respect the sanctuary, with no flash permitted. Mariachi is welcome at the family's expense, and the parish asks families to notify the coordinator when one will be present.
Becoming Catholic, Returning Catholics, and OCIA
St. Vincent Ferrer hosts the Order of Christian Initiation for Adults, known as OCIA, for those inquiring into the Catholic faith or preparing to receive the sacraments of initiation. The parish welcomes newcomers, returning Catholics, and those who wish to be baptized, and Blanca Cervantes coordinates the program. Classes meet through the year, and those who complete the formation journey are received into the Church at the Easter Vigil.
The parish also reaches out to Catholics who have been away from the practice of the faith. Its returning Catholics ministry affirms that "you are always welcome back. The Church misses you and hopes that you will choose to come home as an active member." The parish links to resources such as Catholics Come Home for those who want to explore questions about Church teaching or simply find their way back to regular worship.
Parish Office, Directions, and Practical Information
The parish office is open Monday through Wednesday from 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM, with the office closed for lunch from noon to 1:00 PM. On Thursdays the office is open from 8:30 AM to 12:30 PM, and on Fridays from 8:30 AM to 2:00 PM. The office is closed on weekends and holidays. The parish mailing address is 27931 Murrieta Road, Menifee, California 92586, and the main phone line is (951) 679-4531. Email reaches the parish at stvincentferrer@sbdiocese.org.
For those driving in, directions from the 215 Freeway call for an exit at McCall Boulevard, heading west for about a mile before turning right on Murrieta Road; the parish sits on the left. From Railroad Canyon Road, drivers continue until the road becomes Newport, then turn left on Murrieta Road and find the parish on the left.
Four Parish Commissions, Forty Ministries
The parish organizes its many lay ministries under four commissions, each led by a priest moderator and supported by coordinators and ministry leaders.
Prayer and Worship Commission
Moderated by Fr. Fred Costales, MS, and coordinated by Carolina Hernandez and Maya Cervantes, the Prayer and Worship Commission oversees the liturgical life of the parish. Maya Cervantes directs the altar servers, while Corazon Paraan serves as Music Director, leading the parish choirs and coordinating music for liturgies throughout the year. The commission trains and schedules extraordinary ministers of Holy Communion in English and Spanish, sacristans, lectors in both languages, and a funeral coordinator. Ushers and hospitality ministers welcome the community at every liturgy, and the Church Environment committee prepares the sanctuary for the seasons of the liturgical year.
Evangelization and Catechesis Commission
Moderated by Fr. Gabriel Ezeh, SMMM, and coordinated by Carolina Hernandez, this commission is responsible for the parish's formation programs from kindergarten through adulthood. Religious Education for children, OCIA for adults, the High School Confirmation program, the Youth Ministry, and the Faith Builder Ministry for younger children all fall under this commission. Scripture Study is offered in English and Spanish, and the Misioneros con Jesus y Maria, the Movimiento Familiar Cristiano Catolico, Pequeñas Comunidades, and the Library Ministry round out the formation offerings. Sandra Contreras leads the Faith Builder Ministry, Melanie Montoya directs youth ministry and confirmation, and Blanca Cervantes oversees both Religious Education and OCIA.
Community Life Commission
Moderated by Fr. Gabriel Ezeh, SMMM, the Community Life Commission helps parishioners identify their gifts, celebrate cultural diversity, and form small faith communities. The Chamorro Ministry, Divine Mercy prayer group, Fatima Prayer Group, Filipino Ministry, Ministerio Guadalupano, El Milagro del Señor prayer group, Sacred Hearts Secular Branch, and Talleres de Oración y Vida are among the groups organized under this commission, with Virginia Tejada serving as coordinator.
Service / Social Concern Commission
Moderated by Fr. Fred Costales, MS, the Service / Social Concern Commission is the parish's outreach arm. It includes the Bereavement Ministry, Boy Scout Club Pack 56, Couples For Christ and their Family Ministries, Encuentro Matrimonial, Grupo de Apoyo Psicología, Knights of Columbus Council 7846, the Legion of Mary with both Our Lady of Lourdes and Our Lady of Grace praesidia, the Pro-Life Ministry, Promotores Vocacionales, the SCRIP gift card program, the Safety Ministry, and the Serra Club for vocations.
Faith Formation for Children and Youth
The Faith Builder Ministry, directed by Sandra Contreras, gathers younger children for faith formation and the annual Nativity Play. Religious Education classes gather weekly through the school year for students from kindergarten through eighth grade, with the Junior Ministry program supporting middle-school-aged students as they prepare for Confirmation. The High School Confirmation program, directed by Melanie Montoya, walks teens through a two-year preparation that includes class time, retreats, service hours, and a sponsor interview. Youth Ministry meets for fellowship, formation, and service, with a recurring Sunday evening gathering that gives teens a place to bring their questions and friendships into the life of the parish. The parish also supports the Movimiento Familiar Cristiano Catolico for families and Couples For Christ for married couples seeking to deepen their relationship with God and one another.
Music and Cultural Ministries
The Music Director, Corazon Paraan, leads the parish's music ministry across its weekend liturgies. The Faith Builder Ministry Choir practices during the week to lead music for the parish's family-oriented liturgies, and El Milagro del Señor Choir rehearses for Spanish-language celebrations. The Filipino Ministry holds meetings and fellowship gatherings throughout the year and gathers especially for the monthly Tagalog Mass on the second Sunday of the month. The Ministerio Guadalupano and the Talleres de Oración y Vida sustain devotion to Our Lady of Guadalupe and offer prayer workshops for Spanish-speaking parishioners. The Hispanic Ministry folkloric dance practice brings together those who want to share in the parish's cultural celebrations through traditional dance. The Chamorro Ministry serves the parish's Chamorro community in the same spirit.
Reaching Out: Service and Social Concern
Outreach is woven into the life of the parish through the Service / Social Concern Commission. The Bereavement Ministry accompanies families through the loss of a loved one, providing prayer, planning, and presence at funerals. The Pro-Life Ministry gathers for prayer, education, and occasional fundraisers on behalf of life at every stage. The Knights of Columbus Council 7846 hosts a monthly Pancake Breakfast and a Donut Sunday, with proceeds supporting parish and charitable causes. Couples For Christ offers a pathway for married couples and families to grow in their relationship with God and one another. The Boy Scout Club Pack 56 anchors the parish's scouting ministry, welcoming young people and their families into service and outdoor activities. The Legion of Mary, in two praesidia, brings parishioners together for weekly apostolic work in the parish and surrounding community. The Grupo de Apoyo Psicología offers a support group in Spanish for parishioners facing psychological and emotional struggles. The Encuentro Matrimonial welcomes couples seeking to renew the commitment of their marriage.
The Faith the Parish Hands On
The parish's catechetical resources echo traditional Catholic teaching. The Church is one, holy, Catholic, and apostolic, led by the Pope as successor of Peter and by bishops in apostolic succession. Catholics believe in the Holy Trinity, in the real presence of Jesus Christ in the Eucharist, and in the communion of saints. Prayer is at the center of Catholic life, with the Mass as its central communal form. The parish prays the Nicene Creed each week and offers the traditional prayers of the Catholic tradition - the Our Father, Hail Mary, Act of Contrition, and Hail, Holy Queen - as well as contemporary prayer practices such as Lectio Divina and silent meditation.
The parish teaches the seven sacraments of initiation, healing, and vocation - Baptism, Confirmation, Eucharist, Penance, Anointing of the Sick, Marriage, and Holy Orders - and the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit, the seven corporal and seven spiritual works of mercy, the theological virtues of faith, hope, and love, the cardinal virtues of prudence, justice, fortitude, and temperance, the Ten Commandments, the two greatest commandments of love of God and love of neighbor, the eight Beatitudes, the fourteen Stations of the Cross, the seven last words of Christ, the fruits of the Holy Spirit, the four marks of the Church, and the precepts of the Church. The liturgical year moves through Advent, Christmas, Lent, the Triduum, Easter, and Ordinary Time, with Solemnities, Feasts, and Memorials marking the days of saints and sacred events throughout the calendar.
Building a New Church
The parish family has outgrown its original 1966 church building, and a Capital Campaign is currently underway to fund a new worship space. The dream of a larger sanctuary is shared widely, and contributions can be pledged online through the parish's Online Giving platform, where donors may also contribute to the regular Sunday collection, the building fund, and other parish needs. The parish's giving portal accepts one-time and recurring gifts, provides year-end tax statements, and supports credit-card and direct-debit giving for those who wish to set up automatic contributions.
Staying Connected with St. Vincent Ferrer
The parish bulletin is published each week and posted online, providing the Sunday readings, the Mass schedule, ministry announcements, and reflections from the pastor. The parish calendar, kept current each week, lists daily Masses, devotions, ministry meetings, baptisms, weddings, quinceañeras, funerals, and the weekly schedule of Confessions and Adoration. The parish is also active on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube, with regular posts about parish life, devotions, and upcoming events.
Whatever brings a visitor to the doors of St. Vincent Ferrer - a Sunday Mass, a quinceañera, a wedding, a moment of grief, or the first tentative steps toward becoming Catholic - the parish family of more than 3,800 households gathers each week to pray, to serve, and to share the faith that has been handed down in this corner of the Inland Empire since 1966.