OUR LADY OF REFUGE
CATHOLIC CHURCH
FOUNDING
The founding of Our Lady of Refuge Church
​
The Diocese of San Jose Finance Council and the College of Consultors have given unanimous approval to the purchase of a church and adjoining buildings on Lucretia Avenue in San Jose.
​
The purchase was made possible by funds generated from the Capital Campaign and in the custody of the Catholic Foundation of Santa Clara County – was anticipated to close by August 12, 2011.
​
It has been over a decade since the Diocese of San Jose established a parish. Demographic studies and the 2010 Census confirm that the anticipated population increase that was foreseen in our Pastoral Plan continues.
​
Most parishes on the East Side were at capacity, with 10 to 14 weekend Masses at each location. The area for the new parish has been served for 20 years by the Santee Mission and supported by Saint Maria Goretti Parish. Most recently they have been renting a school auditorium for a single Mass on Sunday that is able to serve just 350 people in this densely populated area.
​
On February 19, 2012, Our Lady of Refuge Church officially opened with a Rite of Dedication Mass celebrated by Bishop McGrath and attended by the Diocesan Community.