GET TO KNOW FR. JOHN

I am a convert to the Catholic Faith who was raised in Southern California. As a kid, I used to go to my buddy Eddy’s house on Sunday mornings. He lived across the street from a big Catholic Church, St. Emydius in Lynwood, CA. He was Prebysterian and we were always getting into trouble, as little boys always do. We even used to throw rocks at the Catholics as they drove their cars into the parking lot! How mature right!?

One day during a hot summer of the early 1960s, I went to his house and he wasn’t home so I walked across the street and saw the doors open for St Emydius. I went in to check  this church out… There were people inside! It wasn’t even Sunday, but they were praying. Women with their children  ,elders,  and kids with their fathers were there. I also saw a police officer come in and I thought there was going to be some trouble, but he too knelt down and started to pray.Upon this moment, I knew I want to be Catholic…

I am a priest of the Catholic church. I have been blessed with 40 years of service to God and his people. And now, after 25 years as a pastor at St Raymond’s parish in Downey CA, I am retired. I am still available for sacraments and answering questions on “Ask Father John”.

I can not wait to reach and connect with you all while I do all I can to teach, engage, and aid through Faith, Hope, and Love.