About Queen of Peace · El Paso, Texas
Queen of Peace Parish is a Roman Catholic parish in the Coronado / westside area of El Paso, Texas, in the Diocese of El Paso. Founded on July 1, 1982 by Bishop Raymundo Joseph Peña, the parish has grown from its first improvised worship space on Festival Street to a thriving bilingual (English and Spanish) community at 1551 Belvidere Street, serving the northwest side of the city. It offers daily and weekend Masses, the full sacramental life (Baptism, Confirmation, Eucharist, Matrimony, Anointing of the Sick), a robust K–8 and Confirmation Religious Formation program, OCIA/OCIC, and more than twenty ministries spanning liturgy, prayer, formation, and outreach. The parish is currently shepherded by its fourth pastor, Fr. Allan Alaka, alongside Deacons Orlando Sanchez and Adolfo Rubio.
- Established
- 1982
- Patron
- Our Lady, Queen of Peace (Marian title; the parish's namesake)
- Rector
- Rev. Allan Alaka Olouch (Fr. Allan Alaka)
- Diocese
- Diocese of El Paso (Vicariate of St. Peter, Westside)
Why belong here
Queen of Peace is a bilingual, westside El Paso parish where every member is invited to find a spiritual home. With four weekend Masses (including a Spanish Mass and a youth-led 1 pm Mass), daily Mass Monday through Friday, First Saturday Mass, and First Friday overnight Adoration, the Eucharist is at the center of parish life. The parish offers the full sacramental life — Baptism, Reconciliation, First Communion, Confirmation, Matrimony, Anointing of the Sick, plus OCIA for adults and OCIC for children — alongside a vibrant Religious Formation program for K–8 and a two-year Confirmation preparation for teens. More than twenty ministries (Knights of Columbus, Ladies Guild, St. Vincent de Paul, Youth Ministry, Young Adult Ministry, ACTS, That Man is You, Quinceañera Ministry, Marian Cenacles, and many more) mean there is a place for every age, language, and calling.
Mass times at Queen of Peace
Weekly Mass schedule
Confession times
- Saturday at 3:30 pm in the church
- Reconciliation also available by appointment
Adoration times
- First Fridays: 8:30 am – 7:00 pm, with overnight Adoration continuing until 8:00 am Saturday, ending with Benediction
About Queen of Peace Parish
Queen of Peace is a Roman Catholic parish serving the Coronado / westside area of El Paso, Texas, in the Diocese of El Paso. Founded in 1982 by Bishop Raymundo Joseph Peña and now shepherded by its fourth pastor, Fr. Allan Alaka, the parish is bilingual (English and Spanish) and offers daily Mass, four weekend Masses, First Saturday Mass, First Friday overnight Adoration, the full sacramental life, a K–8 and Confirmation Religious Formation program, OCIA and OCIC, and more than twenty ministries across liturgy, prayer, formation, and outreach.
History of Queen of Peace
The parish was established on July 1, 1982 by Bishop Raymundo Joseph Peña, with Fr. Joe Hermoso as its founding pastor. The very first Mass was celebrated on July 31, 1982 in a leaky building on Festival Street. Within a few years, dedicated parishioners helped acquire the land and build the Parish Hall, rectory, offices, and classrooms at the parish's current site on Belvidere Street. The community celebrated its first Mass in the new Parish Hall at the Easter Vigil on April 6, 1985, and was proud to learn the same year that the design had won an American Institute of Architects Design Award (1985). The main sanctuary was dedicated on November 5, 1994. Over the decades the parish has grown through four pastorates, expanding facilities and ministries at every stage.
- Founded: July 1, 1982 — Bishop Raymundo Joseph Peña
- First Mass: July 31, 1982 on Festival Street
- First Mass in new Parish Hall: Easter Vigil, April 6, 1985
- AIA Design Award for original facilities, 1985
- Main sanctuary dedicated: November 5, 1994
A Fun Fact About the Parish's Name
According to the parish, Queen of Peace was almost named St. Kateri. St. Kateri Tekakwitha — the first named Native American saint — was the runner-up in voting among the original parishioners. Her statue is honored in the Blessed Sacrament Chapel in recognition of this.
Parish Staff & Clergy
The parish is currently led by Fr. Allan Alaka, Pastor, and assisted by Deacons Orlando Sanchez and Adolfo Rubio. The parish office number is (915) 584-5817; fax 915-584-7761.
- Rev. Allan Alaka Olouch — Pastor
- Deacon Orlando Sanchez
- Deacon Adolfo Rubio
Faith Formation & Religious Education
The Religious Formation Program at Queen of Peace treats catechesis as a total parish experience involving children, parents, families, catechists, clergy, and religious. Programs are offered in English and Spanish, using curricula from the Augustine Institute, and span the non-sacramental years (Kinder, 1st, 4th–8th) through the two-year sacramental preparation for First Reconciliation and First Holy Communion, as well as a two-year Confirmation program for grades 9–10. Older children and adults who have not yet been baptized are served through OCIC and OCIA respectively.
- Kinder & 1st Grade — early faith formation, Augustine Institute curriculum, non-sacramental
- 2nd–3rd Grade Sacramental Prep — First Reconciliation (Year 1) and First Holy Communion (Year 2), English & Spanish
- Older First Reconciliation / First Holy Communion — bilingual, ages 10–12
- 4th–8th Grade — non-sacramental continuing formation, Augustine Institute
- Confirmation — two-year program for grades 9–10 (ages 14–17), Wednesdays 6:30–8:00 pm, English & Spanish; usually conferred during the Easter Season
- OCIC (Order of Christian Initiation for Children) — ages 7–15 not yet baptized; Sundays after the 9:00 am Mass until 11:30 am
- OCIA (Order of Christian Initiation for Adults) — Sundays after the 9:00 am Mass until 11:30 am
- Adult Confirmation program
- Directors: Mayela Martinez (K–8), Tony Martinez (Confirmation), Jane Snyder (OCIC), David Ortega (OCIA / Adult Confirmation)
Liturgical Ministries
Liturgical ministries at Queen of Peace welcome and serve the assembly at every Mass, in both English and Spanish. Coordinators are listed below; Virtus training and a current background check are required for ministry with minors or vulnerable persons.
- Ministers of Hospitality (Ushers) — Coordinator: Bobby Valdiviez
- Altar Servers — Coordinator: Tina Edwards-Milam
- Proclaimers of the Word (Lectors) — Coordinators: Bob Weatherley (English), Carmen Naked (Spanish)
- Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion — Coordinators: Chole Armendariz & Laura Cooksey
- Music Ministry / Choir — Coordinators: Carmen Natera & Bryan Daw
- Liturgical Environment — Coordinator: Susie Weatherley
- Children's Liturgy of the Word — Sundays at the 9:00 am and 1:00 pm Masses (English) and the 11:00 am Mass (Spanish); Coordinator: Ann Darnell
Music Ministry (Choirs)
The Music Ministry proclaims the Good News of Jesus Christ through song at every Mass. Choir directors are listed by Mass schedule; new singers and instrumentalists are always welcome (some experience may be required).
- Saturday 5:00 pm — Carmen Natera
- Sunday 9:00 am — Carmen Natera
- Sunday 11:00 am (Spanish) — Christian Haro
- Sunday 1:00 pm Youth Choir (1st, 3rd, & 5th Sundays) — Bryan Daw
- Sunday 1:00 pm Adult Choir (2nd & 4th Sundays) — Bob & Paula Rankin
Prayer Groups & Devotions
The parish offers a wide range of prayer groups, Bible studies, and retreat programs to enrich the prayer life of parishioners and help them on the journey of faith.
- ACTS Retreats
- Adoration Ministry
- Bereavement Ministry
- Bible Study (English)
- Marian Movement of Priests Cenacles of Prayer
- Divine Mercy Devotion
- Men's Rosary Group
- Matrimonios Para Cristo
- Prayer & Life Workshops / Talleres de Oración y Vida
Service & Social Ministries
Through service and social ministries, parishioners reach out to others in need and build community across generations and languages.
- Youth Ministry
- Young Adult Ministry
- Quinceañera Ministry
- Knights of Columbus
- Ladies Guild
- St. Vincent de Paul
- Reverence for Life
- Serra Club
- Vacation Bible School
- Parkinson's Westside Support Group
- That Man is You
Sacraments
Queen of Peace celebrates all seven sacraments of the Catholic Church, with formation and preparation offered in English and Spanish. The Sacraments page lists Baptism, Confirmation, Eucharist (First Communion), Reconciliation, Matrimony, Holy Orders, and Anointing of the Sick. A dedicated Marriage Preparation Ministry called 'For Better and Forever' supports engaged couples, and convalidation of civil marriages is also offered.
- Baptism of Infants/Toddlers — pre-Baptismal class first Saturday; Baptisms usually second Saturday; donation $10 per child
- Baptism of older children (OCIC, ages 7–15)
- Baptism of Adults (OCIA, ages 18+)
- First Reconciliation & First Holy Communion (two-year prep)
- Confirmation (two-year prep, grades 9–10)
- Holy Matrimony — 'For Better and Forever' preparation program; donation $200 for registered parishioners; couples arrange the choir
- Anointing of the Sick
- Reconciliation — Saturdays 3:30 pm and by appointment
Marriage Preparation Ministry
The Marriage Preparation Ministry assists the priest in preparing couples who wish to marry or convalidate their marriage in the Catholic Church. The 'For Better and Forever' program touches every aspect of marriage and is grounded in Canon Law and the Catechism of the Catholic Church.
- Coordinators: Cristie & Eddie Urquiza
- Mixed-marriage and convalidation cases handled individually
Quinceañera Ministry
The Quinceañera Ministry spiritually guides the quinceañera and her family in preparing her fifteenth birthday celebration in the love of God and His Church, with a Quinceañera Mass at Queen of Peace.
Visit & Contact
Queen of Peace welcomes visitors and returning parishioners alike. The parish office can be reached by phone during office hours; the parish is also accessible through its official website and through the MyParishApp (select 'Queen of Peace Parish').
- Address: 1551 Belvidere St., El Paso, Texas 79912
- Phone: (915) 584-5817
- Fax: (915) 584-7761
- Website: https://www.queenofpeaceparishep.org
- Diocese: Diocese of El Paso (Vicariate of St. Peter, Westside)
Pastors & rectors through the years
- Fr. Joe Hermoso1982–1995 (approx. 13 years)
Founding pastor; first Mass celebrated July 31, 1982 on Festival Street. Oversaw construction of Parish Hall, rectory, offices and classrooms on Belvidere Street; AIA Design Award (1985); sanctuary dedicated November 5, 1994. Parish hall / Building A classrooms named after him.
- Fr. Trini Fuentez1995 – November 2013 (approx. 18 years)
Second pastor. Oversaw the atrium, the second classroom building, and the prayer grotto. Brought ACTS retreats to El Paso and to Queen of Peace. Departed November 2013 when named Rector of St. Patrick Cathedral.
- Fr. Emanuel AlcazarNovember 2013 – July 2021 (approx. 7+ years)
Third pastor. Empowered new ministries, encouraged parishioners to 'live for the other person,' significantly reduced the debt on the new classroom building. Named Pastor of La Purisima Parish / Socorro Mission in July 2021.
- Fr. Allan Alaka OlouchJuly 2021 – present
Fourth pastor. Focused on updating and modernizing parish facilities and grounds; emphasizing gifts of time, talent, and treasure.