About Our Lady of the Desert Mission · Baker, California
Our Lady of the Desert Mission is a small Catholic mission church serving the remote desert community of Baker, California, in the Mojave Desert along Interstate 15. Founded in 1966 and administered as a mission of St. Joseph Parish in Barstow, it belongs to the Diocese of San Bernardino and is located in the High Desert Vicariate. The mission offers Saturday evening Mass and sacramental support to local residents, travelers, and the broader High Desert region.
- Established
- 1966
- Patron
- Our Lady of the Desert
- Rector
- Rev. James F. Oropel
- Diocese
- Diocese of San Bernardino
Why belong here
Our Lady of the Desert Mission offers faithful Catholics in Baker and the surrounding Mojave Desert region a regular place to worship and receive the sacraments in a close-knit mission community. As a mission of St. Joseph Parish in Barstow, it is supported by an experienced pastoral team and the broader diocesan family, making it a welcoming spiritual home for residents and travelers passing through the High Desert.
Mass times at Our Lady of the Desert Mission
Weekly Mass schedule
Confession times
- Before Mass on Saturday
About Our Lady of the Desert Mission
Founded in 1966, Our Lady of the Desert Mission is a Catholic community that strives to spread the Gospel message through the support of St. Joseph Parish in Barstow. Located in the remote Mojave Desert town of Baker, the mission serves local residents, travelers along Interstate 15, and visitors to nearby Death Valley National Park. It is part of the Diocese of San Bernardino's High Desert Vicariate.
- Founded in 1966
- Mission of St. Joseph Parish, Barstow
- High Desert Vicariate, Diocese of San Bernardino
Ecclesial Staff & Clergy
Our Lady of the Desert Mission is served by a pastoral team from St. Joseph Parish in Barstow. The pastor and two parochial vicars provide pastoral care for the mission and surrounding High Desert region.
- Pastor: Rev. James F. Oropel
- Parochial Vicar: Rev. Charles "Gino" Galley, III
- Parochial Vicar: Rev. Alfredo Olmos-Marcelo, M.S.P.
History of the Mission
Our Lady of the Desert Mission was established in 1966 to bring the Catholic faith to the small desert community of Baker, California. From its founding, the mission has been sustained as a satellite community of St. Joseph Parish in Barstow, receiving pastoral and administrative support from the larger parish. It continues to serve as a spiritual home for Catholics in the remote Mojave Desert.
- Established: 1966
- Sponsoring parish: St. Joseph Parish, Barstow
Visit & Contact
Our Lady of the Desert Mission is located along State Highway 127 in Baker, California. Parishioners and visitors can reach the mission by phone or email through the diocesan parish office.
- Address: 57457 State Highway 127, Baker, CA 92309
- Phone: (760) 733-4308
- Email: [email protected]