St. Isidore

Parish History

Although the parish of St. Isidore the Farmer was officially established on April 20, 1910, its history dates back to the founding of Mission San José in 1797 and the earliest Catholic worship in the San Ramon Valley. In 1772 Padre Juan Crespi accompanied the Fages expedition through the valley and may have celebrated Mass at their Danville campsite, calling it 'a charming site for a settlement.' The first known Mass in Green Valley was in 1875 at the McCauley home, celebrated by Dominican Rev. James H. Aerden, who then established monthly Mass at the Alamo Hotel. The new parish was created by Archbishop Patrick W. Riordan, with the Rev. John Collins as first pastor. The original 1911 Mission-style church at Hartz Avenue and Linda Mesa was dedicated July 28, 1912, served the community for over 50 years, and was razed in 1963. The present church on La Gonda Way was dedicated by Bishop Floyd Begin on May 27, 1962.

St. Isidore the Farmer

The patron of the parish is St. Isidore the Farmer, born in Madrid, Spain, in the 12th century. For most of his life he worked as a laborer on a farm near Madrid, attending Mass daily and maintaining a spirit of prayer at his work; he was favored with celestial visions and angels were said to help him in the fields. He was canonized in 1622. Because Danville in 1910 was the center of an agricultural area, 'Saint Isidore the Farmer' was chosen as patron. The small chapel to the right of the sanctuary is dedicated to his wife, Santa Maria de la Cabeza. A cream-white statue of St. Isidore stands on La Gonda Way, erected in 1985 on the parish's 75th anniversary and dedicated to Msgr. Julius Bensen.

Devotions & Other Services

Beyond the regular Mass and confession schedule, the parish offers Stations of the Cross during Lent on Fridays at 6:00 PM in the Church, a monthly First Friday evening Mass with overnight Adoration, and Holy Week/Easter liturgies (Easter Sunday Masses are held in the church and the Cardelli Gym). Children's Liturgy of the Word is offered at most 9:00 AM Sunday Masses during the school year.

• Stations of the Cross (Lent, Fridays 6:00 PM)
• First Friday Mass at 6:00 PM with overnight Adoration
• Benediction before the Saturday 8:30 AM Mass on First Saturdays
• Easter Vigil and Easter Sunday Masses (including 9:15 AM Mass in Cardelli Gym)

Sacraments

St. Isidore offers the full range of Catholic sacraments. Baptisms are arranged through the Parish Office; First Communion and Confirmation require two consecutive years of Faith Formation. Marriages must be arranged at least six months in advance per Diocesan policy. Funerals and Anointing of the Sick are coordinated through the Parish Office. Adults seeking full initiation are welcomed through the OCIA process (formerly RCIA), and children through the OCIC (formerly RCIC).

• Baptism — contact Parish Office
• First Communion & Confirmation — requires 2 years of Faith Formation
• Marriage — 6-month Diocesan requirement
• Anointing of the Sick & Funerals — Parish Office
• OCIA (RCIA) — Director Lesli Rivera, 408-621-4683
• OCIC (children) — Jean Schroeder

Faith Formation & Religious Education

The parish's Faith Formation programs serve school-age children, youth, and adults. Children's Faith Formation (K–5) is staffed by Jean Schroeder and Jan Conway, with the OCIC for children. Confirmation is led by Jean Morrison (Confirmation Youth Minister). The Director of Faith Formation & Evangelization is Keith Machi. Adult faith formation is supported through Bible study, OCIA, That Man is You, and The Chosen movie nights.

• Children's Faith Formation (K–5)
• OCIC (Order of Christian Initiation for Children)
• Confirmation Youth Ministry
• OCIA (Order of Christian Initiation for Adults)
• Adult Bible study and The Chosen movie nights

St. Isidore School (K–8)

St. Isidore School, located at 435 La Gonda Way directly across the street from the church, is a Catholic grade school (K–8) and a vital part of the parish. It was founded in 1958, originally designed by architect Jack Buchter, A.I.A., of Lafayette. The school was conducted by the Sisters of the Third Order of St. Francis, who occupied an adjacent convent with a chapel. The school was formally dedicated in 1963 and was nationally recognized as a Blue Ribbon School by the U.S. Department of Education in 1993–94. It continues to offer a Catholic, academically rigorous education under Principal Carol Bender.

• Grades K–8
• National Blue Ribbon School (1993–94)
• Originally staffed by Sisters of the Third Order of St. Francis
• Principal: Carol Bender ([email protected], 925-837-2977)

Parish Organizations & Ministries

St. Isidore is known for its many active lay organizations. The Knights of Columbus Council 4060 (founded 1975 under Msgr. Bensen) is one of the most active councils in the diocese, partnering with local charities like the De La Salle Soccer Team and SVdP of Contra Costa County. The St. Vincent de Paul Society helps the needy with rent, utilities, medications, food, clothing, and furniture. The Legion of Mary, Italian Catholic Federation (Branch 257), Young Ladies Institute, Filipino American Parishioners, and Respect Life round out the spiritual and social groups. The parish also runs a Food Pantry for area residents and hosts DivorceCare, That Man is You, Bible study, and the St. Isidore Networking Group (S.I.N.G.).

• Knights of Columbus Council 4060 — Grand Knight Rich Schiffer
• St. Vincent de Paul Society — Jose Yanes
• Legion of Mary — Michael Deal
• Italian Catholic Federation — Fred Sanchez (Branch 257)
• Young Ladies Institute
• Catholic Youth Organization (CYO) Basketball and Cross-Country/Track
• Food Pantry
• DivorceCare, That Man is You, Bible study, Respect Life, Filipino American Parishioners

Liturgical Ministries

Lay faithful can serve in liturgical roles: Sacristans coordinate the altar before Mass; Lectors proclaim the First Reading, Second Reading, and Prayers of the Faithful; Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion distribute the Eucharist and Precious Blood; and Altar Servers assist the priests at the altar. The parish regularly recruits and trains new volunteers. Children's Liturgy of the Word brings the Sunday readings to young children in a kindergarten classroom during the 9:00 AM Mass during the school year.

• Sacristans
• Lectors
• Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion
• Altar Servers (contact Tom Rood)
• Children's Liturgy of the Word (9:00 AM Sunday Mass)
• Music Ministry / Choir (Director Sarah Phelan-Flores)

Pastoral Council

The Pastoral Council advises and supports the Pastor in his role as spiritual leader of the parish, helping direct the community toward a missionary outlook. The 2025 Parish Council members are Keith Cosbey (Chairperson), Justin Gagnon, Cindy Hendricks, Bill Lewis, and Andrew Mesic. Inactive members listed include Darcy Cavanagh, George Moody, and Grace Cavanagh.

• Keith Cosbey — Chairperson
• Justin Gagnon
• Cindy Hendricks
• Bill Lewis
• Andrew Mesic

Parish Staff

St. Isidore is served by Pastor Fr. Matthew Murray, Parochial Vicar Fr. Mark Ruiz, and Retired Priest in Residence Fr. Wayne Campbell, along with a strong lay staff. School Principal Carol Bender oversees St. Isidore School. Keith Machi is Director of Faith Formation & Evangelization; Sarah Phelan-Flores is Director of Music; Kendee Sigmon is Business Manager; Bert Morrison is Facilities Manager; Marilyn-Rose Z Dayleg is Secretary. Faith Formation is staffed by Jean Schroeder and Jan Conway (Children's), Jean Morrison (Confirmation), and Maura Piombo-Pacas.

• Rev. Matthew Murray — Pastor (925-837-2122 ext. 21, [email protected])
• Rev. Mark Ruiz — Parochial Vicar (ext. 18, [email protected])
• Rev. Wayne Campbell — Retired Priest in Residence
• Carol Bender — School Principal (925-837-2977)
• Keith Machi — Director of Faith Formation & Evangelization
• Sarah Phelan-Flores — Director of Music
• Kendee Sigmon — Business Manager
• Bert Morrison — Facilities Manager
• Marilyn-Rose Z Dayleg — Secretary / Parish Office

Facilities & Campus

Today the parish campus stretches along both sides of La Gonda Way in central Danville and includes: the main St. Isidore Church (1962), the chapel of Santa Maria de la Cabeza, the parish offices, St. Isidore School (K–8), the Rettig Activities Center (a double gymnasium used for CYO and events), the Cardelli Activities Center, the Msgr. Julius Benson Community Center, the Ministry Center (where the Knights of Columbus meet), Kids Konnection (baby and child care), and a Youth Center. The cream-white statue of St. Isidore the Farmer on La Gonda Way, erected in 1985 in honor of Msgr. Bensen, is a local landmark.

• Main Church (1962)
• Chapel of Santa Maria de la Cabeza
• St. Isidore School (K–8)
• Rettig Activities Center (double gymnasium)
• Cardelli Activities Center
• Msgr. Julius Benson Community Center (1978)
• Ministry Center
• Kids Konnection (child care)
• Youth Center
• Statue of St. Isidore the Farmer (1985)

Join the Parish

New parishioners are warmly welcomed. The parish mission is 'to build the Parish into a living and growing Christian community, carrying out the work of Christ in the world.' To register, complete the online registration form found under the 'Home' dropdown on the parish website. Registered parishioners receive the diocesan newspaper, The Catholic Voice, and periodic mailings. The parish office is open Monday–Friday, 9:00 AM–5:00 PM (closed holidays), and can be reached at (925) 837-2122.

• Online registration form (under 'Home' menu on sichurch.com)
• Diocesan newspaper: The Catholic Voice
• Parish Office: 925-837-2122, [email protected]