Santa Barbara Catholic Parish

Santa Barbara Catholic Church was created by Archbishop Edward McCarthy in 1987 to serve west Hialeah and the new City of Hialeah Gardens. Father Rafael Pedroso set about finding a suitable facility. He and the original community rented a warehouse and transformed it into a house of worship, blessed by Auxiliary Bishop Agustín Román on November 25. On the First Sunday of Advent, 190 people attended Masses.

A year later, there were 420 parishioners and both liturgical and catechetical ministries, with much volunteer assistance in operating the parish. Soon the Cursillo, Charismatic Renewal and other spiritual ministries were active, along with the Knights of Columbus, the Community of the Ark of the Covenant, and an annual festival. As the community grew, other priests assisted the pastor.

By late 2000, hard work and careful planning had resulted in a welcoming and functional new facility, with a beautiful plaza, all dedicated by Archbishop John Favalora on December 4 — the feast day of our patron saint. Though Father Pedroso retired in 2001, some of the original parishioners still share in the faith and love that continue to characterize Santa Barbara.

Today, Santa Barbara Catholic Parish continues to be a vibrant center of faith and Hispanic culture in Hialeah. Our community gathers daily for Mass celebrated in Spanish, maintains active ministries and sacramental programs, and welcomes all who seek to grow closer to Christ.