Parish History
Blessed Sacrament was established in October 1956. At that time, the surrounding region primarily consisted of orange groves, with the city of Placentia only beginning to expand northward from its center, situated a mile or two to the south of the church.
The founding priest, Father Ernest Scully, rapidly developed a thriving congregation. Under his stewardship, the church, offices, and a modest parish hall were constructed. Father Scully retired in 1969 and passed away in 1983. His successor, Father Tony Rasch, continued to attract parishioners to the community.
In 1976, a larger parish hall and an expanded kitchen were completed. Father Rasch resigned early in 1978, and Father David Bauman assumed leadership in October 1978, serving until his retirement in 2012. Following Father Bauman’s departure, the parish benefitted from the guidance of several dedicated interim priests, prior to the arrival of the Very Reverend Barrett Van Buren in April 2019. Father Barrett was officially installed as the third Rector of Blessed Sacrament in October 2019.
The Children’s Learning Center commenced operations in September 1998 and has since become one of the parish’s most successful ministries, offering high-quality education and formation for preschool children. Over its more than twenty years of operation, it has positively impacted several hundred families within the community.
On October 7, 2006, the parish celebrated its fiftieth anniversary. Blessed Sacrament remains committed to traditional liturgy, meaningful fellowship, and a faith inspired by the Scriptures’ call to support and care for all of God’s children.
Throughout its history, the parish has been privileged to see two deacons receive their calling from within its congregation: Steve Sterry, ordained as the first deacon at Blessed Sacrament in January 2009, and Dominique Piper, who currently serves as deacon.
On May 15th, 2024, Blessed Sacrament officially opened the Santa Angelina Affordable Senior Housing apartments on its campus, providing 65 residences for seniors aged 62 and older. These apartments are managed by the Hope for Housing Foundation, with National Core and Episcopal Community Services playing key roles in realizing the parish’s mission to serve those in need of safe and compassionate housing. The project also included the construction of a new parish hall, kitchen, and two preschool classrooms with restrooms, replacing the previous facilities.
