On Saturday, June 15th, the Catholic Community of San Agustín gathered to celebrate 50 years as parish serving the community of Scotts Valley and beyond. The celebration began with a special Anniversary Mass officiated by the new Bishop of the Diocese of Monterey, Bishop Danny Garcia, just recently appointed in November after the former Bishop’s passing. Being from Texas, this was Bishop Danny’s first visit to Scotts Valley and to San Agustín where he was enthusiastically greeted and welcomed. Also in attendance, Retired Bishop Sylvester Ryan, current Pastor Fr. John Griffin and previous pastor, Fr. Seamus O’Brien, who will be returning as pastor of San Agustin once again in September upon Fr. John’s retirement.
The church was full with current and even past parishioners who came back to celebrate the special occasion. At the end of the service, a fun role call took place where Fr. John asked all those to stand who had been Baptized, received Holy Communion, Confirmation and or were married in the church over the years.
A second role call took place where Fr. John then asked those to stand by decade when they had come to join the parish until the current day until all were standing. There were even a few who stood representing original parishioners who helped start the parish in 1969.
After mass, all went out to the upper parking lot which was transformed into a colorfully decorated dining area for a festive celebration complete with mariachi band and catered taco bar. Many generations were in attendance and the anniversary marks another momentous occasion in San Agustín’s history.
