Clergy
Rev. Oscar Mendez, OFM
Pastor
Fr. Oscar is a native of El Salvador, Central America. He came to the U.S.A. in 1972, and graduated from San Francisco State University in 1977, with a B.A. in Cell Biology. He entered the Franciscans while living in San Francisco in 1982, and studied at F.S.T. (Franciscan School of Theology) in Berkeley. He was ordained to the priesthood on Dec 16, 1989. His first assignment was as a parochial vicar at St. Anthony of Padua church in San Francisco. He went back to his country to study medicine and graduated in 2000. He practiced medicine for several years. Fr. Oscar has been a pastor at St. Anthony’s in San Francisco, and St. Elizabeth’s in Oakland. He served as Vocations Director for three years with the Franciscans and came to Mission San Luis Rey Parish in April of 2018 as Associate Pastor. He has also been working as a Formation Director for the past year. Fr. Oscar began serving as our pastor on July 1, 2020.
Rev. Alberto Villafan, OFM
Associate Pastor
Let us as a community welcome back our Associate Pastor, Fr. Alberto Villafan, OFM. Fr. Alberto was away from the parish on a year sabbatical, to care for his parents in Mexico. There, he helped serve at his nearby Parish as well. He has now returned to continue his assignment with us at Mission San Luis Rey Parish. Please continue to pray for his parents and extend a warm welcome to Fr. Alberto when you see him! - August 2023
I was born and raised in Mexico, Chavinda, Michoacan. I arrived in the United States in 1986. I joined the Franciscan Friars in 1990. I graduated from Holy Name College in 2000, in Oakland, California. In 2004, I graduated from the Franciscan School of Theology, in Berkeley, California. I was ordained as a priest in 2005 at Saint Francis of Assisi Parish, Los Angeles, California. I moved from Los Angeles to Oakland, California, Saint Elizabeth Parish, to work as an associate pastor. I worked there from 2010 to 2016. Then I was transferred to Our Lady of Guadalupe, Guadalupe, Arizona to serve as a pastor. I was there from 2016 to 2020.
Rev. Salvador Mejia, OFM, MDiv.
Confirmation & High School
I am Salvador Mejia. I was born in a small town in Mexico that was founded by the Franciscans in 1526. I grew up immersed in Franciscan spirituality with the love, care, and family values that were provided by my loving family. As a poor family, we experienced many challenges. But we were also witnesses of God's love and care. I joined the Franciscan minor Seminary when I was 14 years old. After 4 years of studies I had to leave the Seminary and work to help my family.
I came to this country as an immigrant and worked hard in all kinds of jobs, especially in the restaurant and hotel business. In this country, I had the opportunity to meet wonderful people who helped me and advised me that education was the door to success. I started by taking ESL classes at a community college and continued my education. I worked in a Franciscan Parish in Oakland California and finished my Masters of Divinity at the Franciscan School of Theology in Berkeley California. In 2017, I was officially admitted to the formation program in the Order of Friars Minor of the Saint Barbara Province. Today I am a joyful man who responded to God's call to serve him as a vowed religious. I am thankful to God my family and all of you beautiful friends for your love prayers and support.
(Note: Brother Salvador Mejia, OFM was ordained as a priest for our parish by Bishop Cardinal Robert McElroy on Wednesay, June 7th, 2023. Click here for a YouTube video of his ordination, presided by His Eminence Cardinal Robert McElroy.)
Deacon Lyle Blackmon
Deacon
Hello! My name is Deacon Lyle Blackmon. I have been a deacon for over five years now. I have been a parishioner/deacon on Camp Pendleton for thirty-six years. My journey and calling to becoming a deacon are a combination of many churches, people, and spiritual events. To all I am eternally grateful. I am a retired Marine and college professor for many years. I have been married for forty years to my beautiful wife Emi, and have two grown kids and two growing grandchildren. See you in church! Peace and All Good.
Faith Formation
Rev. Salvador Mejia, OFM, MDiv.
Confirmation & High School
I am Salvador Mejia. I was born in a small town in Mexico that was founded by the Franciscans in 1526. I grew up immersed in Franciscan spirituality with the love, care, and family values that were provided by my loving family. As a poor family, we experienced many challenges. But we were also witnesses of God's love and care. I joined the Franciscan minor Seminary when I was 14 years old. After 4 years of studies I had to leave the Seminary and work to help my family.
I came to this country as an immigrant and worked hard in all kinds of jobs, especially in the restaurant and hotel business. In this country, I had the opportunity to meet wonderful people who helped me and advised me that education was the door to success. I started by taking ESL classes at a community college and continued my education. I worked in a Franciscan Parish in Oakland California and finished my Masters of Divinity at the Franciscan School of Theology in Berkeley California. In 2017, I was officially admitted to the formation program in the Order of Friars Minor of the Saint Barbara Province. Today I am a joyful man who responded to God's call to serve him as a vowed religious. I am thankful to God my family and all of you beautiful friends for your love prayers and support.
(Note: Brother Salvador Mejia, OFM was ordained as a priest for our parish by Bishop Cardinal Robert McElroy on Wednesay, June 7th, 2023. Click here for a YouTube video of his ordination, presided by His Eminence Cardinal Robert McElroy.)
Sandra Dominguez
Director of Religious Education, Elementary & Middle School
I was born and raised in Oceanside CA. I’ve been a parishioner at St. Mary’s Star of the Sea since I was a child. My faith role models are my parents. As a child, my dad would share biblical stories and evangelize my siblings and me through simple family dinner conversations. That is where the seeds of faith were planted, where I grew to love my faith and felt the desire to share it with others.
I volunteered in Youth Ministry for fifteen years, teaching Confirmation, planning retreats, and attending and coordinating trips like Steubenville, Camp Emmaus, Synergy, and LA Youth Day. I also worked with young adults planning youth groups, bible study, praise and worship services, youth masses, Eucharistic Adoration, and fellowship events.
In Religious Education, I’ve taught children from grades preschool through eighth grade. I’ve seen many of my former students go to college, get married, start a family and continue living out their faith.
Watching the children and youth who have been a part of my catechetical journey grow up and serve the Church is one of the most rewarding feelings.
I started working at the parish in December of 2016 as the admin for the faith formation office. I then transferred to the Mission and worked as the admin and HR for 2 years. I am now back at the parish happy to reunite with the amazing catechists and families of our community. I am currently working towards my certificate in Catechetical Ministry from the Diocesan Institute of San Diego.
I am married to my wonderful husband Giovanni. We have three wonderful children, two of which have special needs. My father was ordained a Deacon three years ago, I am so proud of him.
My favorite pastimes are singing, reading, and spending time with my family. Please pray for me and our entire catechetical team.
Leslie Garcia
Administrative Assistant for the Office of Religious Education
Mission San Luis Rey Parish welcomes Miss Leslie Garcia. She joins our staff as our new Administrative Assistant for the Office of Religious Education.
Leslie has been an active member of our youth ministry and now shares her love for the Church in this new position. She will be the welcoming face of the Religious Education Office and will assist you with all questions pertaining to our different faith formation and sacramental programs.
Welcome, Miss Leslie!
Youth Ministry
Jazmyn Cabrera
Youth & Young Adult Coordinator
I have grown up here at Mission San Luis Rey Parish since I was seven years old. My relationship with my faith began when a priest from the Parish showed me how to play a few chords on the guitar to a song called Alabaré. I fell in love with the guitar as well as worshiping God through music. From there, I became more involved in the church through the music ministry which led to further service including Altar Servers, Eucharistic Ministers, Social Outreach, Youth Ministry, and eventually as a Catechist for the Confirmation program. I have always felt the calling to serve God and my community. My lovely parents, three sisters and I are all active parishioners here at the Mission. I love collecting crosses to hang up on my cross wall! One of my favorite saints is St. Mother Teresa of Calcutta. In my free time, I enjoy cooking, reading, playing guitar, and spending time with my family and friends. Please keep me and our ministry in your prayers.”
“He crecido aquí en la Parroquia Misión San Luis Rey desde que tenía 7 años. Mi relación con mi fe comenzó cuando un sacerdote de la Parroquia me enseñó a tocar unos acordes en la guitarra de la cancion Alabaré. Me enamoré de la guitarra y de adorar a Dios a través de la música. A partir de ahí, me involucré más en la iglesia sirviendo en el ministerio de la música. Segui con mi servicio en los ministerios de Acolitos, Eucaristía, la Casa de Loretto, Grupo de Jovenes y como catequista para el programa de Confirmación. Siempre he sentido el llamado a servir a Dios y a mi comunidad. Mis queridos padres, tres hermanas, y yo somos activos aquí en la Paroquia. ¡Me encanta coleccionar cruces para colgar en mi pared de cruces! Mi santo favorito es la Santa Madre Teresa de Calcuta. En mi tiempo libre me gusta cocinar, leer, tocar la guitarra y estar con mi familia y amigos. Por favor, manténganme a mí y a nuestro ministerio en sus oraciones."
Liturgy and Music
Kerey Quaid, MTS
Music Director
Kerey Quaid was born and raised in Fremont, California. He studied Creative Arts and Music at San Jose State University. He has been a music minister since 1982, and that has been his vocation for twenty-eight years. He has a Master of Theological Studies from the Franciscan School of Theology. He and his wife, Randi, moved from Fremont to Oceanside eight years ago.
Francisco Osio
Associate Music Director
Our parish welcomes Francisco Osio, a long-time parishioner, to the position of Associate Music Director.
Francisco’s whole family has participated in our parish music program for years, and he has already been leading the music for most of the Saturday afternoon masses, and for the Sunday 5 p.m. mass, for many months now.
As many of us already know he is deeply devoted to God and our community, sharing his talents here while completing his studies in engineering. His more extensive and varied duties will be a great help to our worship music program!
Social Outreach
Grisel Barrios
Food Pantry
LORETTO HOUSE FOOD PANTRY / DESPENSA DE ALIMENTOS CASA LORETTO
Thank you for your ongoing support to refill our Food Pantry. Your generous donations help assist many who come to our door looking for assistance. The Loretto Food Pantry is available: Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, from 9 am to 2:30 pm.
Most Needed Items Include: Rice, beans, eggs, top ramen (chicken/beef), canned soup/chili, boxed dinners, canned fruit or vegetables, canned meats (tuna, chicken, ham), peanut butter and jelly, macaroni and cheese, crackers, granola bars, boxed cereal. Various toiletries are also appreciated.
Gracias por su apoyo continuo para rellenar nuestra Despensa de Alimentos. Sus generosas donaciones ayudan a asistir a muchos que vienen a nuestra puerta en busca de ayuda. La Despensa de Alimentos Loretto está disponible: martes, miércoles y Jueves, de 9 am a 2:30pm.
Los Artículos Más Necesarios Incluyen: Arroz, frijol, huevo, sopas ramen, sopa enlatada, cenas en caja, frutas o verduras enlatadas, carnes enlatadas (atún, pollo, jamón), crema de cacahuate y mermelada, macarrones con queso, galletas saladas, barras de granola, cereal en caja. También se agradecen artículos de higiene.
Administrative Services
Gwyn Grimes
Parish Administrator
I’m originally from Ohio but moved to California with my family after high school graduation. I attended Chapman University where I received my Bachelor’s degree in Accounting. I worked for many years in finance in the medical manufacturing field, but after volunteering for several non-profit organizations I realized that working in a non-profit setting was where I saw my future. I was blessed to become a part of the Mission staff in 2010 as the Director of Finance. In 2018 I took over as the Executive Director at the Mission and Parish Administrator at the Parish. I love to read, go to the movies, hike, play board games, and card games, and bake.
Elizabeth Rose
Bookkeeper
Elizabeth has worked in the field of accounting for over 25 years and has been the bookkeeper for Mission San Luis Rey since March of 2013. She grew up in Hemet, CA and graduated from San Diego State University with a BS in Business Management. After spending some years living in Montana, Massachusetts, and Georgia, she settled in Oceanside in 2001. Elizabeth and her two children have been parishioners of MSLRP since 2007. In her spare time, she enjoys reading, concerts and traveling.
Shirley González
Pastoral Associate
Shirley González serves as Pastoral Associate, sharing responsibility for the daily pastoral care of the faithful. Shirley’s competence and compassion find expression in a wide range of services to Mission San Luis Rey Parish. From Baptisms to Funerals or Weddings, and many years of service in parish administration, Shirley supports the priests and staff to work creatively and cooperatively in a lively, faith-filled community. Shirley is happily married with two beautiful children.
Karen Willson
Director of IT/Communications
Karen Willson is the Director of IT and Communications for Mission San Luis Rey Parish. Her background includes Computer Science teacher for six years, magazine editor, writer, producer, production manager, and public relations manager for a wide range of projects for children and adults: drama, educational and online multimedia, special effects, and live shows. With her husband and writing partner, Chris Weber, Karen has written more than 50 produced children's television shows for companies such as CBS, Disney, Warner Brothers, Filmation, TMS and many more.
Facilities & Rentals
Giovanni Dominguez
Facilities Manager
Born and raised in San Diego, CA. I moved to Oceanside when I was very small and have not moved since. I have been married for over ten years and have three lovely boys. Both of my parents were born and raised in Tonatico, Estado de Mexico.
I have been a hand-drawn artist all my life since I was a very small boy. I remember drawing hand-drawn birthday cards for my parents. I currently continue to create art but through a different medium which is photography. I love to take landscape photography and portraits. There is just so much peace and tranquility being out in nature and just taking in that sunset or that view of mountains. I find peace being with nature and it gives me time to pray. Some of my main hobbies are drawing, painting, photography, graphic design, videography, and playing soccer.
I have a very diverse educational background, I recently received my Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Certificate, Emergency Medical Responder (EMR) & CPR/AED certification. I have also studied graphic design, and art & design to expand my creativity with my hobbies.
I previously just worked at the Mission San Luis Rey Retreat Center for four years. The last year at the mission I worked as a security guard while also helping out at the Retreat Center. Prior to working at the Mission San Luis Rey, I worked as the Purchasing Manager at the Five Star, Five Diamond Awarded, The Lodge at Torrey Pines Resort & Spa in La Jolla, CA. This resort sits right next to the world-famous Torrey Pines Golf Course, home of the annual Farmers Insurance Open and 2008, 2021 U.S. Open. Former President Barrack Obama & Donald Trump, Tiger Woods, Phil Mickelson, and many other professional athletes and celebrities have played at this famous golf course and have also stayed at The Lodge at Torrey Pines.
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