St. John the Baptist

Parish History

St. John the Baptist was established in 1953 to serve the growing Catholic population on the southside of Santa Fe, where the nearby parishes of St. Anne and Our Lady of Guadalupe were over capacity. Plans began in 1950, and the parish was formally created on September 13, 1953 by Archbishop Edwin Vincent Byrne. It was named for St. John the Baptist in honor of Santa Fe's first Archbishop, Jean Baptiste Lamy, and was founded during the centennial of the Diocese of Santa Fe.

Founding and Early Years

Rev. Carlos Blanchard was the parish's first pastor. The first Masses were celebrated at the Chapel of St. Michael at St. Michael's College (now the College of Santa Fe). The site on Osage Avenue was purchased in 1952 from Joseph A. and Hazel J. Bursey using the Lamy Memorial Church Fund established in 1950.

• Parish established: September 13, 1953
• First pastor: Rev. Carlos Blanchard
• Land purchased: 1952
• All-purpose building/gym completed: January 21, 1954

Construction of the Church

An all-purpose building/gym completed in January 1954 served as the parish's worship space and gathering place until a dedicated church could be built. The new church and rectory were planned and approved by April 22, 1963, blessed by Archbishop Byrne on October 6, 1963, and finished with floors on December 18, 1963.

• Architect plans approved: April 22, 1963
• Church blessed: October 6, 1963
• Construction completed: December 18, 1963

Renovations and Modernization

Between 2005 and 2009, Father Nathan Libaire directed a major renovation that spent close to a million dollars updating the church complex. Work included updating utilities to meet state and federal codes, installing a new heating and cooling system with new ducting, adding wall insulation, refurbishing pews and altar furnishings, and a general beautification of the building and grounds. A solar energy system was also installed that produces all the electricity needed to operate the church complex.

• Renovation period: 2005–2009
• Directed by Father Nathan Libaire
• Solar energy system installed

Patron Saint: St. John the Baptist

St. John the Baptist was born in Judea about six months before Jesus. His parents, St. Elizabeth and St. Zachariah, raised him with awareness of his calling. His mother Elizabeth, a descendant of the priestly line of Aaron, was a cousin of Mary. John withdrew to the desert beyond the Jordan River to fast and pray, sustaining himself on locusts and wild honey, and wearing camel skin. He returned to preach and baptize in Judea, telling crowds he was not the Messiah but had come to prepare His way. He baptized Jesus in the Jordan, after which the Spirit descended as a dove and a voice declared, 'You are my beloved Son.' Herod Antipas later had John imprisoned and, at a birthday feast, beheaded at the request of Salome.

• Feast Day: June 24

Mass and Sacrament Schedule

The parish celebrates Vigil Mass on Saturday at 4:00 PM and Sunday Masses at 9:00 AM and 11:00 AM. Weekday Mass is celebrated Tuesday through Friday at 9:00 AM, with a Communion Service on Monday at 8:00 AM. Each weekday morning from 8:00 to 9:00 AM includes Adoration and the Rosary. The Sacrament of Reconciliation is offered Saturdays from 2:00 to 3:30 PM.

Parish Staff and Clergy

The parish is served by Father James Sanchez as pastor, with Deacon Andy Carrillo assisting in ministry. Office staff includes Rose Garcia, Michelle L'Heureux, and James Kirby.

• Pastor: Father James Sanchez
• Deacon: Deacon Andy Carrillo
• Staff: Rose Garcia, Michelle L'Heureux, James Kirby

Outreach and Charitable Programs

St. John the Baptist operates charitable outreach programs for the southside Santa Fe community, including food distribution and direct assistance to families in need.

• Food Pantry – Commodities
• Congregate / Group Meals
• Utilities Assistance (Limited)

Contact and Office Information

Parish offices are located at 1301 Osage Avenue in Santa Fe, New Mexico. Office hours run from 9:45 AM to 12:00 PM and 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM. The parish can be reached by phone, fax, email, Facebook, or Twitter.

• Address: 1301 Osage Ave, Santa Fe, NM 87505
• Phone: (505) 983-5034
• Fax: (505) 983-1861
• Email: [email protected]
• Office Hours: 9:45 AM–12 PM and 1–5 PM