History of Blessed Sacrament Church

Blessed Sacrament Church was established in 29 Palms in 1940 by Bishop Charles Buddy of the San Diego Diocese. Father H.J. Han was the first pastor assigned and initially started the building fund for the construction of a new church

It was Christmas Eve 1948. At midnight, church bells rang out to herald the first Mass celebrated in the beautiful new Catholic Church. Parishioners, townspeople and visitors filled the church to overflow. All had responded to the call for both labor and finances toward the construction of this classic mission-style building located in view of the Oasis of Mara and the Joshua Tree National Park.



Prior to this time, Masses were said in a building at the corner of Joshua Way and Cholla Avenue. Soon after Father O'Dowd's arrival, plans were in progress to build a church and rectory, and groundbreaking took place on June 6, 1948. When Bishop Buddy came to 29 Palms on February 12, 1949, to preside at the dedication ceremony, he expressed amazement at what had transpired since his previous visit in 1943. He exclaimed, "A miracle in the desert!"

Father O'Dowd saw the need for a parochial school, and once again, the round of dinners, bazaars and bake sales began. School buildings and a convent were completed in 1956. Four sisters from Sligo, Ireland were recruited to staff the school and in the fall school opened. It was with great sadness that the school was closed in 1972. The school reopened in 1984, then finally closed in 2005 due to financial constraints.

In 1978, Blessed Sacrament Church came under the auspices of the newly formed San Bernardino Diocese.