Immaculate Conception

Parish Identity & Mission

Immaculate Conception identifies itself as a Catholic community within the Diocese of Tucson that strives to be united, welcoming, and compassionate, bringing Jesus to others through education, prayer and worship, sacramental living, and works of charity. The parish sees Mary as its model on the journey of faith and invites parishioners to share their time, talents, and treasures. The community numbers roughly 4,000 parishioners and reflects Yuma's diverse population: long-time farm families, migrant workers, Marines from nearby bases, business owners, and working-class families.

History

Father Patrick Birminghman came to Yuma in 1866 and laid the adobe foundation for the first Immaculate Conception church near the Colorado River, in what was then Arizona City. The Reverend John Salpointe blessed the edifice in 1869 and Father Peter Bourgady became pastor in 1870. A flood forced the parish to relocate and in 1960 a fire burned the church building; the present church on Avenue B was opened in 1963. The parish celebrated its 125th anniversary on December 8, 1991, with Bishop Manuel D. Moreno and Pastor Msgr. Richard W. O'Keefe, and its 150th anniversary in 2016 with Father Javier, who traced Catholic presence in the region back to 1605.

• 1866 – Father Patrick Birminghman founds the parish
• 1869 – Rev. John Salpointe blesses the church
• 1870 – Father Peter Bourgady becomes pastor
• 1960 – Fire destroys the previous church; statues rescued
• 1963 – Current Avenue B church opens
• 1991 – 125th anniversary celebrated with Bishop Manuel D. Moreno
• 2016 – 150th anniversary celebrated under Father Javier

Our Lady of Guadalupe Mission

The parish operates a Spanish-language mission, Our Lady of Guadalupe, at 417 15th Avenue in Yuma, to serve its Spanish-speaking Catholic community. The mission offers a Saturday anticipated Mass at 6:00 PM in Spanish, Sunday Mass at 7:30 AM in Spanish, Thursday evening Eucharistic Adoration at 6:00 PM, and Holy Mass with praise (Santa Misa y Alabanza) at 7:00 PM each Thursday followed by a time of worship.

• Address: 417 15th Avenue, Yuma, AZ 85364
• Saturday anticipated Mass: 6:00 PM (Spanish)
• Sunday Mass: 7:30 AM (Spanish)
• Thursday Adoration: 6:00 PM
• Thursday Santa Misa y Alabanza: 7:00 PM with praise following

Ministries & Volunteer Opportunities

Immaculate Conception invites parishioners to become an active part of parish life, offering ministries in both English and Spanish for liturgical service, community outreach, faith formation, and fellowship. The parish's published volunteer page lists opportunities that range from serving at the altar to forming new Christians through RCIA.

• Altar Servers
• Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion
• Lectors
• Music Ministries
• Ushers/Greeters
• RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults)
• Religious Education
• Community outreach and fellowship groups

Faith Formation & Sacraments

Faith formation is a core pillar of parish life. The parish runs Religious Education for children and the RCIA process for adults preparing to enter the Catholic Church, and it prepares parishioners for the sacraments of Baptism, First Communion, Confirmation, and Marriage.

• Religious Education (children)
• RCIA (adults)
• Baptism, First Communion, Confirmation preparation
• Marriage preparation

Immaculate Conception Catholic School

Immaculate Conception Catholic School is the parish's affiliated school for Pre-K through 8th grade, founded and historically staffed by the Franciscan Sisters of Christian Charity, who have served in Yuma since 1930. The school describes itself as family-oriented, preparing students to be active Christians, responsible citizens, critical thinkers, positive thinkers, and selfless leaders. The curriculum includes daily religious education, core academics (reading, writing, math, science, social studies), and specials such as PE, Music, Computers, Sports, Choir, and after-school activities. In May 2024 the school unveiled a Donor Tree honoring the 193 sisters who have served in the community, blessed by Father Manuel.

• Founded by the Franciscan Sisters of Christian Charity (serving since 1930)
• Pre-K through 8th grade, one classroom per grade
• Daily religious education and core academics
• Specials: PE, Music, Computers, Sports, Choir, after-school activities
• May 2024 Donor Tree unveiled in Saint Anne's Hall honoring 193 Franciscan Sisters

Giving & Annual Catholic Appeal

The parish participates in the Diocese of Tucson's Annual Catholic Appeal and has online giving set up through the Catholic Foundation. Both English and Spanish messaging invite parishioners to support the appeal and to share reflections on what it means for their faith.

• Online Giving via the parish website
• Annual Catholic Appeal participation through the Catholic Foundation (cathfnd.org)

Location & Contact

Immaculate Conception sits on South Avenue B between 5th and 7th Streets in downtown Yuma, the same site commemorated by a historical marker noting the parish's 125th anniversary. The parish office can be reached by phone at (928) 782-7516, and the website at icyuma.org provides ongoing news, the Mass schedule, online giving, and live broadcasts.

• Address: 505 South Avenue B, Yuma, AZ 85364
• Phone: (928) 782-7516
• Website: https://icyuma.org/
• Historical marker on the parish grounds commemorating the 125th anniversary (1991)