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Renewal in Changing Times

Photos This section: Father Henry Alker, Original Mission Circle, Reverend Tulio Maya, Reverend Daniel Laner

Laying the Foundation The Years of Growth The CCD The Great Depression The War Years and After Decorating the Lord's House Christ the King Statue Building the School Those Who Helped Renovations Time of Sadness Renewal in Changing Times Needed Extra Help Time of Joy Spiritual Statistics SINCE 1976 Photo Gallery 1 Photo Gallery 2

It was during Monsignor Trower's pastorate that the Second Vatican Council was convoked. This momentous event for the Universal Church proved a challenge for the new pastor and Father John Cunningham (then Associate Pastor) to make known the Council's teachings to the people. The work had hardly begun when in 1967 Monsignor Trower's experience in administration was needed in the rapidly developing area of Orange County where he was transferred. The third pastor of Christ the King, Father Henry Alker, was not new to this area. A native Angelino, he had grown up and had been educated in Los Angeles, and in the course of his priesthood had served in several parishes in the Archdiocese. When he was appointed to Christ the King he had already served as pastor of Resurrection and St. Agnes parishes in Los Angeles. The renewal of the Church as recommended by the Council became a continuing challenge to the new pastor. Prayer and love of God formed the basis on which Father Alker tried to establish true growth. It was at this time that the Parish Council was established under the splended leadership of its council presidents who served two-year terms each. The St. Theresa Mission Circle was founded in 1947 under the sponsorship of Monsignor Peter Corcoran . Its first president was Mrs. Doris Elliot. While it existed, during these post-Vatican II years, it sponsored three missions: St. John's Indian Mission in Arizona, Paragjuay Jesus in Paraguay and the Chepo Mission in Panama. Father Cunningham was transferred in 1968 and was succeeded by the following priests: Father Thomas Dowd, Vather Vitoldo Palubinskkas and Father William Monaghan C.S.C. Go to Post-1976 for Father Alker's sucessors

Father Henry Alker Third Pastor of Christ the King Church

Original Mission Circle with Msgr. Corcoran and unidentified Associate Pastor

In 1969, Father Anthony Page, newly ordained, was assigned as associate, immediately involving himself with the many parish activities. He directed his attention especially to teaching religion to the children of the parochial school and the public schools, besides guiding the members of the Youth Club. In 1971, Father Tulio Maya, S.D.S. replaced Father Kranewitter, S.V.D. He had offered his service to the Archdiocese while furthering his education. Due to the gradual growth of an international population in the parish, he was assigned among other tasks, to take over the Spanish-speaking ministry of the parish. The annual International Dinner revealed the broad spectrum of over forty different nationalities within the parish. Christ the King is a small model of the Universal Church indeed. Father Daniel Laner Father Daniel Laner, who also served during this time of change within the church, was ordained in 1973 came here as associate, this being his first assignment. He involved himswelf in the various programs of the church and effectively expanded those held by his predecessor. A third priest, Msgr. Michael G. Sheahan, helped on weekends after his retirement during this time. Reverend Tulio Maya, S.D.S. Ran first Spanish-speaking ministry to the parish   Go to: Help for an Ever-Developing Parish