Woodland City Council to Celebrate Grand Opening of Holy Rosary Church

The Woodland City Council is set to commemorate the grand opening of the new Holy Rosary Church with a proclamation during its meeting on March 4, 2025. The meeting, taking place at City Hall located at 300 First St. at 18:00, will highlight the extensive planning that has gone into the church’s construction, which began two decades ago.

A Mass of Dedication is scheduled for noon on March 11, 2025, at the church, situated at the northeast corner of California and West Cross streets. The proclamation emphasizes the church’s significance, stating it is a part of a larger redevelopment initiative that includes a revamped pastoral center and the completion of a Community Center.

Construction officially commenced in early May 2024, addressing the needs of a parish that had outgrown the previous church. According to the proclamation, “Ongoing maintenance and necessary repairs for the old church posed a significant financial burden.” The church, which seated around 500 parishioners, has been replaced by a new structure designed to accommodate over 1,000 attendees.

The old church, located at 301 Walnut St., was sold in December 2021 and now houses a different congregation. Since then, masses have been held at the Holy Rosary Community Center, just north of the new church site. The new Holy Rosary Church will be the fifth Catholic church in Woodland, preserving essential elements from the previous structure, including historic stained-glass windows and Stations of the Cross paintings.

A Historical Perspective on Woodland’s Catholic Churches

The history of Catholic churches in Woodland dates back to 1870, with the first church dedicated to the Holy Rosary of the Virgin Mary. Although it was short-lived due to construction challenges, subsequent churches were established in 1874, 1913, and 1949, with the last building serving the community until its recent sale. The proclamation notes, “The last time Woodland witnessed such a ceremony was in 1949,” suggesting a strong turnout is expected for the dedication, which can hold up to 1,040 people.

The Mass of Dedication will be led by the Most Reverend Jaime Soto, Bishop of Sacramento, along with Auxiliary Bishop Rey Bersabal and Bishop Emeritus William Weigand. Bishop Soto, who participated in the groundbreaking ceremony in 2024, will bless the altar during the dedication, symbolizing the church’s sacred role as a place of worship.

A Broader Community Commitment

The opening of the new Holy Rosary Church follows the recent completion of the Woodland Muslim Mosque & Islamic Center, which marked its formal opening in late February 2025. This mosque, located at the northeast intersection of East Street and Oak Avenue, serves as a community hub for learning and prayer. Its president, Mohammad Shafi, described the mosque as a “center of learning, faith and peace for generations to come,” with over 500 attendees at the inauguration.

As Woodland continues to grow and evolve, the dedication of the new Holy Rosary Church represents not only a significant milestone for the local Catholic community but also reflects a broader commitment to fostering diverse places of worship that serve the needs of all residents. The upcoming celebration is anticipated to draw a large congregation, reinforcing the importance of community and faith in the area.