To ensure Encountering Christ gifts were stewarded wisely, the diocese used the same architects, engineers and contractors for all four projects, and the churches were built with pre-engineered steel frames. In addition, San Francisco Javier, Santa Barbara and St. Joseph have identical floor plans, and Sacred Heart’s is similar.

Previously, these churches could only accommodate 1,400 people combined — now, that number is close to 3,000.

The last of the four churches completed, Sacred Heart was dedicated by Bishop Daniel Garcia last December. Given that the parish was welcoming new families during construction, when Mass was being celebrated in the parish hall, Father Hudson was not surprised to see packed pews in the new church. In fact, outgrowing the new church quickly was a possibility the parish council had discussed beforehand.

“It’s maybe a little early to rush into anything,” he said, surmising that many people attending Mass during the first few months may belong elsewhere but wanted to see the new church for themselves. “Right now, we’re kind of looking at what options may be.”

Dedicated by Archbishop Joe Vásquez in 2023, St. Joseph in Manor continues to see new parishioners each week. “Manor is exploding,” said Father Henry Cuellar Jr., pastor. “Our Spanish Masses are the ones that keep getting full.”

To accommodate the growing Spanish-speaking population and eliminate a return to standing-room-only Masses, the parish has added two Masses each weekend: a Saturday vigil Mass at 7 p.m. and an additional Sunday Mass at 2 p.m. Still, the pews are “more and more full.”

“Eventually, there will be a need for expansion of the church or the addition of more Masses,” Father Cuellar said. “Right now, what we're facing is that we have to start thinking about a building for offices and meeting spaces.”

St. Joseph has been making do with portables, but those do not provide enough room for parishioners to participate in ministries, which are vital to experiencing the full life of the parish, Father Cuellar said. In addition to new parishioners, St. Joseph is also seeing more new Catholics — both catechumens (those never baptized) and candidates (baptized Christian but seeking full communion with the Catholic Church).

Santa Barbara’s new church was also dedicated in 2023 and has seen an increase in parishioners since the sanctuary’s completion. Father Froy Jerez, pastor, credits many factors — new developments and neighborhoods as well as having a new sacred space.

“Before, we were outdoors celebrating just under a roof without walls,” he said.

As growth in Santa Barbara’s footprint diversifies, Father Jerez has worked to ensure all are welcome. An English Mass was added for the Saturday vigil in addition to a Spanish Mass on Sunday at 2 p.m. to alleviate standing at the noon Mass. The parish also offers bilingual Masses for first Friday and Saturday devotions, as well as on special occasions, such as Ash Wednesday, “to give the opportunity for the community to come together,” he said.

Melissa Valles and her husband have witnessed Santa Barbara’s growth in attendance at English Masses as well as the increase in diversity since moving to the area and joining the parish in 2020. She credits Father Jerez for making the mix of parishioners feel like one parish family.

“I think it has a lot to do with our pastor,” Valles said. “He makes that connection between us, and he brings us together. I think it’s a lot, too, that our parishioners and our community, they want to work together.”

Of Santa Barbara’s 50 current ministries, only three are offered in English, including an English religious education class Valles teaches. The remainder are bilingual. But Father Jerez expects to add more English ministries soon, which will require more space. The parish is currently using its old, very small church as a parish hall. So, in addition to plans to expand the parking lot, a new parish hall may be on the horizon as well.

The new San Francisco Javier Church, also dedicated by Archbishop Vásquez in 2023, continues to serve its community well, according to Father Amado Ramos, pastor. There is enough room to accommodate worshippers at most Masses, except for special occasions.

“With the new sanctuary, we unified the mission church and the parish, which resulted in a strong community,” he said, as well as an increase in families. “As we continue to welcome new members, we are working diligently to ensure everyone has a place during Mass.”

More parishioners are taking part in ministries, especially youth ministry, adult faith formation and religious education. “We have a very dedicated and active community,” Father Ramos said. “We love our beautiful new church.”