About St. Dorothy · Glendora, California
St. Dorothy Catholic Church is a Roman Catholic parish in Glendora, California, within the Archdiocese of Los Angeles. The parish was founded in the 1950s and named after Saint Dorothy (Dorothea of Caesarea), the patroness of gardeners. It serves a diverse and growing community with daily Mass, perpetual Eucharistic adoration, a parish school, faith formation for all ages, and a broad ministry portfolio including Life/Justice/Peace, St. Vincent de Paul, and youth programs. The current pastor is Fr. Ron Clark, with Fr. Johndy Gonzales serving as associate pastor.
- Established
- 1958
- Patron
- Saint Dorothy (Dorothea of Caesarea)
- Rector
- Fr. Ron Clark
- Diocese
- Archdiocese of Los Angeles
Why belong here
St. Dorothy is a long-established, ethnically diverse Catholic community in the heart of Glendora with deeply rooted traditions: weekday and Sunday Masses that are livestreamed, perpetual Eucharistic adoration, an active Life/Justice/Peace ministry, St. Vincent de Paul outreach, a parish school, comprehensive faith formation from preschool through confirmation, women's Scripture study, and dedicated youth programs like Fidelis and Fraternus. The parish is also investing in its physical campus through the 'Next Generation Parish: Called to Renew' campaign, signaling both growth and a commitment to welcoming new generations of Catholics.
Mass times at St. Dorothy
Weekly Mass schedule
Confession times
- Wednesdays 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM
- Saturdays 3:00 PM – 4:30 PM
- By appointment (call 626-914-3941)
Adoration times
- Perpetual Eucharistic Adoration – daily in the Perpetual Adoration Chapel
- Respect Life Holy Hour – Thursdays 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM in the Perpetual Adoration Chapel
History of St. Dorothy Parish
St. Dorothy traces its origins to 1952, when Catholics in Glendora traveled to Azusa to attend Mass at St. Frances of Rome. By 1954 a priest from St. Frances was saying Mass at the Women's Club on Michigan Avenue (now Glendora Avenue). Four and a half acres were purchased in 1955, a small chapel was built, and on July 8, 1958 Bishop Arden Bell dedicated it as 'Chapel of Our Lady, Mother of God' — soon renamed St. Dorothy. Father William Trower, the first pastor, shepherded explosive growth, the construction of the present church in 1964 (first Mass on Christmas Eve), the founding of the parish school in 1960 staffed by the Benedictine Sisters, and a Sunday Mass schedule that grew from two to nine.
Pastoral Succession
Over six decades the parish has been led by a small number of pastors. The 'About Us' parish history credits Father William Trower with the founding era, succeeded by Msgr. John Acton (who initiated Vatican II renewal and built the Anyta Doyle Building in 1982), followed by Msgr. Michael Meyers around the turn of the millennium. Fr. Ron Clark, appointed Administrator in July 2019, presently leads the parish and is assisted by Associate Pastor Fr. Johndy Gonzales, with retired Msgr. Norm Priebe in residence and Deacon couple Phil and Rene Luevanos.
- Father William Trower, 1958–1977
- Msgr. John Acton, ~1978–~2000
- Msgr. Michael Meyers, ~2000–
- Fr. Charles Balamaze (Associate Pastor)
- Fr. Ron Clark (Administrator / Pastor), 2019–present
Parish School — St. Dorothy Catholic School
St. Dorothy Catholic School (K–8) was founded in 1960, originally staffed by the Benedictine Sisters, and continues to serve the parish today as one of Glendora's private Catholic elementary schools. Second-grade students receive sacramental preparation for First Communion and First Reconciliation in conjunction with the parish Religious Education program. Older children seeking sacraments are directed to the Director of Religious Education.
- Founded 1960; originally staffed by Benedictine Sisters
- K–8 boys and girls school
- First Communion & First Reconciliation prepared in 2nd grade
Faith Formation & Religious Education
The parish Religious Education program, directed by Bernie Martin, offers ongoing formation for children and adults who do not attend the parish school. Programs span preschool through eighth grade and beyond, including a multi-year Confirmation track and the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd atrium for ages 3–12. Adult formation includes OCIA (formerly RCIA), Scripture studies, and a women's Wednesday morning Bible study.
- PreK–5th Grade Faith Formation
- Catechesis of the Good Shepherd (ages 3–12)
- Confirmation classes for grades 6–8
- Women's Scripture Study (Wednesdays 11:00 AM)
Youth Ministry
Under Director Amanda Timko, St. Dorothy's youth ministry continues faith formation past Confirmation. Fidelis (for young women) and Fraternus (for young men) are parish-based mentoring programs designed to nurture spiritual growth and build community among teens; both are described by the parish as faith-based mentoring rooted in Catholic tradition.
- Fidelis (young women)
- Fraternus (young men)
- Confirmation & youth nights for grades 6 and up
Life, Justice, and Peace Ministry
The Office of Life, Justice, and Peace addresses a broad range of issues including abortion, assisted suicide, immigration, the death penalty, human trafficking, homelessness, poverty, foster care, healthcare, post-abortion healing, religious freedom, and environmental justice. It supports ministries such as Caring for the Whole Person, Catholic Healthcare, Immigration and Public Affairs, Assistance for Families of those Incarcerated, Social Services, and One Life LA. The committee meets the last Tuesday of each month, 6:00–7:00 PM, on the patio by the Anyta Doyle Building.
- Monthly meeting — last Tuesday, 6:00–7:00 PM
- Respect Life Holy Hour — Thursdays 6:00–7:00 PM in the Adoration Chapel
- Baby Shower collections benefiting Foothill Pregnancy Help Center (Duarte)
- March for Life anniversary collections
- Mother's Day Rose Sale; Father's Day Appreciation; World Day for Grandparents breakfast
Outreach & Charity
St. Dorothy has a strong tradition of outreach through the St. Vincent de Paul Society and parish-wide seasonal collections that support local charities such as the Foothill Pregnancy Help Center in Duarte and Annunciation Bake Sale proceeds. Bereavement support is offered through Sr. Beth Quire, and respect-life initiatives partner with regional Catholic efforts including One Life LA.
- St. Vincent de Paul Society
- Foothill Pregnancy Help Center baby-shower drives
- Bereavement Ministry
- One Life LA participation
Staff Directory
The parish is staffed by clergy, religious, and lay leaders. Fr. Ron Clark serves as Pastor, with Fr. Johndy Gonzales as Associate Pastor. Msgr. Norm Priebe is retired in residence, and Dcn. Phil and Rene Luevanos serve as the deacon couple. Bernie Martin is the Director of Religious Education; Amanda Timko directs Youth Ministry and Confirmation; Allen Everman is Director of Music Ministry; Sr. Beth Quire coordinates RCIA/OCIA and Bereavement; Arianna Malerba manages the bulletin and social media.
- Pastor – Fr. Ron Clark
- Associate Pastor – Fr. Johndy Gonzales
- Retired in Residence – Msgr. Norm Priebe
- Deacon Couple – Dcn. Phil and Rene Luevanos
- Director of Religious Education – Bernie Martin (Ext. 104)
- Director of Youth Ministry & Confirmation – Amanda Timko (213-352-2950)
- Director of Music Ministry – Allen Everman
- RCIA / Bereavement – Sr. Beth Quire
- Bulletin / Social Media – Arianna Malerba
Next Generation Parish — Called to Renew Capital Campaign
Inspired by the founders who built the current worship space more than 60 years ago, St. Dorothy has undertaken the 'Next Generation Parish: Called to Renew' campaign with a $7 million goal. Planned enhancements include renewal of the sanctuary, ceiling, walls, and flooring; renovation of the restrooms; and a new entrance that will improve accessibility and proudly display the parish identity. The campaign positions the parish for the next 60 years as attendance rises and new generations join.
- Campaign goal: $7 million
- Scope: sanctuary, ceiling, walls, flooring, restrooms, new entrance
- Framed as continuation of the founders' vision from the 1958 cornerstone
Hours, Location & Visiting
The Pastoral Office at 241 S. Valley Center Ave., Glendora, CA 91741 is open Monday–Friday, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (phone-calls only). The office is closed on all major holidays. Visitors are warmly welcomed; the parish encourages newcomers to attend Mass and connect through the many ministries available.
- Address: 241 S. Valley Center Ave., Glendora, CA 91741
- Phone: (626) 914-3941
- Pastoral Office Hours: Mon–Fri 9 AM – 5 PM
- Office closed on major holidays
Pastors & rectors through the years
- Father William Trower1958–1977
First Pastor of St. Dorothy; oversaw construction of the present church, the parish school, and rapid growth from 2 to 8 Sunday Masses.
- Msgr. John Acton1978–~2000
Succeeded Father Trower; implemented Vatican II liturgical renewal, removal of altar rail, construction of the Anyta Doyle Building (1982) and start of perpetual adoration (1993); later retired in place.
- Msgr. Michael Meyers~2000–
Became pastor as Msgr. Acton retired; oversaw the construction of the Perpetual Eucharistic Adoration Chapel beginning in 2000.
- Fr. Charles Balamaze
Associate Pastor supporting Fr. Ron Clark's pastoral ministry (per a prior parish announcement).
- Fr. Ron Clark2019–present
Appointed Administrator in July 2019; previously interned at St. Andrew's, Pasadena and was Associate Pastor at Our Lady of the Assumption, Claremont; ordained 2017.