About Our Lady of the Assumption

Our Lady of the Assumption Parish traces its origins to the Portuguese Catholic community of the Central Valley and began as a designated Portuguese Cultural Center within the Diocese of Stockton. In 1972, a dedicated group of Catholic families, inspired by two Portuguese missionaries, Father José Carlos and Father Ivo Rocha, envisioned a place where they could celebrate and preserve both their Catholic faith and Portuguese heritage. With faith, determination, and courage, they purchased five acres of land on South Walnut Road in Turlock, California.

The community initially gathered for Mass in Portuguese in a mobile home located on the property while construction of the first church was underway. On June 11, 1973, Bishop Don Merlin Guilfoyle blessed and dedicated the first church, providing a permanent home for this growing faith community.

In 1981, the Portuguese Cultural Center was officially established as Our Lady of the Assumption Parish. Father Ivo Rocha was appointed Pastor, with Father Valentim Freitas serving as Associate Pastor. As the parish continued to grow, Father Richard Forti began offering Mass in English and helped establish faith formation programs for children and youth, broadening the parish’s outreach to future generations.

The following year, the Parish Hall was constructed. To this day, it serves as a center for worship, faith formation, social gatherings, cultural celebrations, and community events.

In 1986, Father Eugene Trainer was appointed Administrator of the parish. In January 1987, Father Manuel Fontes Sousa joined him as Co-Administrator. On the Feast of Our Lady of the Assumption in 1989, Father Manuel Fontes Sousa was formally installed as Pastor.

Under Father Manuel’s leadership, the parish experienced significant growth. By 1996, the community had outgrown its original church and broke ground for the larger church building where Sunday Masses are celebrated today. The original church remains an important part of parish life, hosting daily Masses, Confessions, Eucharistic Adoration, and private prayer. It continues to be a cherished place of peace and devotion.

The new church was solemnly dedicated on August 16, 1998, during the Feast of Our Lady of the Assumption. The dedication was celebrated by Bishop Donald Montrose of the Diocese of Stockton and Bishop António de Sousa Braga of the Diocese of Angra in the Azores.

After more than three decades of faithful pastoral service, Father Manuel Fontes Sousa retired on June 30, 2023. His leadership, dedication, and love for the parish left a lasting impact on generations of parishioners.

Following his retirement, Father Larry Machado was appointed Parochial Administrator on July 1, 2023. On April 25, 2025, he was formally installed as Pastor by Bishop Myron J. Cotta of the Diocese of Stockton.

Today, Our Lady of the Assumption Parish remains deeply rooted in its Azorean Portuguese heritage while welcoming people of every background into its vibrant Catholic community. Many parish families include three and even four generations of members, reflecting a rich legacy of faith handed down through the years.

Our parish is a place where the Sacraments are celebrated with reverence, where prayer and lifelong faith formation are nurtured, where friendships are formed, and where faith and culture are joyfully celebrated. Whether you are new to the area, returning to the Church, or seeking a spiritual home, we warmly invite you to join us for worship, prayer, fellowship, and service.

We look forward to welcoming you to Our Lady of the Assumption Parish—you will be glad you came.