Brief History of Our Parish
The period from 1950 to 2025 has been marked by significant societal changes, technological advancements, and an ongoing reevaluation of human experience. On a global scale, the mid-20th century emerged from the aftermath of World War II, marking the onset of the Cold War. In the United States, the post-war boom of the 1950s brought unprecedented economic prosperity and spurred suburban expansion.
Amid this post-war backdrop, the community’s spiritual needs became increasingly urgent. In response, Cardinal Francis McIntyre appointed Fr. Timothy J. Crean, then an associate at St. Andrew Parish in Pasadena, to establish the new parish in northeast Pasadena. Fr. Crean was charged with serving the growing population in Hastings Ranch and the surrounding neighborhoods.
The rapid development of over 1,800 homes in Hastings Ranch made it clear that the surrounding parishes could no longer meet the spiritual needs of these new homeowners.
The birth of this new parish was a response not only to demographic needs, but also to a deeper spiritual hunger in the wake of global despair.
On the world stage, 1950 also saw a profound theological moment. Pope Pius XII defined the dogma of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, body and soul, into heavenly glory. Cardinal Timothy Manning later reflected, “The devastation of war … cast a pall of despair over the world. Calling attention to the belief that Mary was preserved, body and soul, men and women were again given a cause for hope in the resurrection of the body and life everlasting” (October 19, 1975). Thus, the naming of the parish was not incidental—it was a declaration of hope.
A cornerstone in the formation of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary community was the dedicated and “faith-filled” laypeople—a term Msgr. Crean often used to describe his cherished parishioners. From the very inception, these devoted individuals actively poured their hearts and hands into the growth of the parish. In those nascent days, the Confraternity of Christian Doctrine (CCD), now known as the Religious Education Program, was informally established by these faithful pioneers. Their boundless enthusiasm for the faith led to the creation of a Women’s Council, holding its first meeting in February 1951 at the Hastings Ranch home of James Glynn, with Louise Osterman at its helm as president. This women’s council, a testament to their leadership, later evolved into the Parish Council, guiding the community throughout Msgr. Crean’s administration.
While the women spearheaded various fundraising initiatives, their male counterparts diligently focused on conducting a census of Catholics in the area, warmly welcoming newcomers, and gently introducing them to the burgeoning parish family. Hospitality, a hallmark of Christian love, was the very benchmark of the Assumption Community from its earliest days. These foundational efforts, deeply rooted in faith and a profound sense of community, continue to resonate, shaping the parish’s welcoming spirit even today.
In September 1951, ground was broken for a temporary church and four classrooms to meet the growing needs of the parish. By November of that year, Archbishop McIntyre dedicated the new buildings, and a fresh group of “faith-filled” Catholics joined the community—the Sisters of the Society of the Holy Child Jesus.
The Sisters, who also served at the Mayfield Schools in Pasadena, assumed the responsibility for the newly established school, which enrolled 168 students in its inaugural year. Its first principal was Mother Anna Maria, SHCJ.
By 1953, the growth of the parish necessitated the acquisition of additional space. The City of Pasadena granted approval for the petition to expand the school, which included the addition of grades five and six that year. Subsequently, in the following years, grades seven and eight were incorporated, thereby completing the school. Meanwhile, the Sisters persisted in their service to the parish, commuting from Mayfield until the convent’s completion in 1962.
Although the Sisters officially relinquished their administration of the school in 1976, they remain an integral part of the parish community to this day, actively participating in various ministries. Sister Sheila McNiff, SHCJ, one of the original teachers, continues to take Holy Communion to the sick, Sister Susan Slater, SHCJ, continues to conduct Bible study, thereby demonstrating the enduring spirit of service and devotion that has consistently characterized Assumption.
By 1966, the parish had grown to nearly 1,100 families, so a new church building was needed. Msgr. Crean chose the firm of Chaix and Johnson to design a new church to incorporate the liturgical changes of Vatican II. Ground was broken in November 1966.
Our parish has been blessed with four pastors who left their native countries to serve the people of the Archdiocese of Los Angeles. Each pastor engaged parishioners in the life of the parish through worship, and involvement in various ministries.
On his arrival in 2018, Fr. Michael Ume identified four key projects: creating a parish Mission Statement, addressing the security of the school’s front office, and making Msgr. Crean Hall more hospitable by installing a bathroom and modern facilities. With the help of many parishioners, the parish Mission Statement was developed and encapsulates our ongoing commitment to the community.
The other two initiatives will be realized this anniversary year. Because of the commitment of our parishioners to the “Called to Renew” Campaign, Msgr. Crean Hall is being renovated to be a modern meeting place for our parish and school. Through the generosity of the Shea Foundation, our school entrance will be welcoming and secure.
