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Diocese of the Ecumenical Catholic Servants of the Good Shepherd

Serving Christ.
Shepherding God's People.

A Catholic community rooted in the Gospel, nourished by the Sacraments.

Saint Matthew Ecumenical Catholic Church — Brea, CA
The heart of our diocese, Saint Matthew Ecumenical Catholic Church in Brea serves as the diocesan home — offering the Eucharist, multilingual pastoral care, and a welcoming community for all who seek Christ.
Our Lady of Guadalupe Chapel — Victorville, CA
A reverent sanctuary adorned with sacred art, Our Lady of Guadalupe Chapel serves the faithful of the High Desert through the celebration of the Eucharist, pastoral care, and devotion to Our Lady.
Our Lady of the Rosary Church — Los Angeles, CA
Serving the faithful of South Los Angeles, Our Lady of the Rosary Church (Iglesia Nuestra Señora del Rosario) is a vibrant community of faith centered on the Eucharist and devoted to Our Lady.
Miraculous Church of Christ — Placentia, CA
A beloved neighborhood church serving Placentia and Moreno Valley. Cristo Milagroso unites families in faith through worship, Spanish-language ministry, and the celebration of the sacraments.
Saint Francis of Assisi Old Catholic Church — Huntington Park, CA
Named for the beloved saint of humility and compassion, Saint Francis of Assisi serves the Huntington Park community with the sacraments, Spanish-language ministry, and charitable outreach.
Good Shepherd Mission — Harbor City, CA
Our Good Shepherd Mission reflects the heart of ECSGS — a gathering of faithful disciples committed to worship, formation, and pastoral outreach in the spirit of Christ the Good Shepherd.
Saint Junia & House of Ruth Special Ministry — Anaheim, CA
Located in the Historic District of Anaheim, Saint Junia and House of Ruth provides a welcoming place of ministry, pastoral care, and spiritual support for those in need.
IASJ Simbayan Filipino Ministry — Southern California
The Simbayan Filipino Ministry gathers the faithful in community, prayer, and service — bringing the vibrant spirit of Filipino Catholic tradition to our diocese.
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Our Story

What Is ECSGS?

The Diocese of the Ecumenical Catholic Servants of the Good Shepherd is an independent Catholic diocese within the broader Ecumenical Catholic tradition — preserving the sacramental life and pastoral tradition of the historic Catholic Church while serving diverse communities through worship, formation, and mission.

Christ the Good Shepherd ECSGS Seal

Vision & Mission

Our vision is to build vibrant Catholic communities centered on the Eucharist, compassionate pastoral care, and servant leadership — where all people may encounter Christ and grow as disciples in service of God's Kingdom.

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Christ-Centered Faith
Jesus Christ is the foundation of our faith and mission. We proclaim the Gospel and live according to His teachings of love, mercy, and reconciliation.
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Sacramental Life
We celebrate the Seven Sacraments as channels of God's grace, with the Holy Eucharist at the center of our worship and unity.
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Servant Leadership
Following Christ the Good Shepherd, our bishops, clergy, and lay leaders serve with humility, accountability, and pastoral care.
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Christian Unity
As an ecumenical Catholic church, we promote dialogue, collaboration, and mutual respect among all Christians.

Our Identity

Why Ecumenical Catholic?

The term reflects both our Catholic heritage and our commitment to Christian unity — preserving the sacramental life of the historic Church while fostering a spirit of openness, dialogue, and pastoral care for all.

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The Meaning of "Catholic"
The word "Catholic" means universal — referring to the historic Christian faith proclaimed since the time of the Apostles. We preserve and celebrate the fullness of the sacramental tradition, the creeds, and the apostolic ministry.
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The Meaning of "Ecumenical"
From the Greek for "the whole inhabited world," ecumenical refers to the effort to promote unity and cooperation among Christians — seeking the unity for which Christ prayed across all traditions and cultures.
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Our Relation to Rome
We share belief in the Trinity, the Sacraments, the Creeds, and the historic ministry of bishop, priest, and deacon. We are organizationally independent — not under the Vatican — while sharing the spiritual and theological heritage of the Catholic tradition.

What We Profess

Our Beliefs

We profess the historic Christian faith handed down through Scripture and the living tradition of the Church, expressed in the Apostles' and Nicene Creeds — the faith of the universal Church from the earliest centuries.

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The Holy Trinity
We believe in one God — Father, Son, and Holy Spirit — who calls all humanity into a relationship of love, faith, and salvation.
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Jesus Christ, Lord & Savior
We believe Jesus Christ is the Son of God, incarnate for our salvation, who died for our sins and rose again in glory, offering forgiveness and new life.
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Sacred Scripture
We receive the Holy Bible as the inspired Word of God and the primary witness to God's revelation in Jesus Christ, guiding the faith and life of the Church.
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The Seven Sacraments
Baptism, Confirmation, Eucharist, Reconciliation, Anointing of the Sick, Holy Orders, and Holy Matrimony — channels of God's grace and presence in the life of the faithful.
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The Church
We believe the Church is the Body of Christ, called to worship God, proclaim the Gospel, celebrate the sacraments, and serve the world in love.
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The Call to Holiness
All baptized Christians are called to lives of holiness, compassion, justice, and service — living the Gospel as disciples of Christ every day.

Shepherding the Diocese

Meet the Bishop

Our bishop serves as chief pastor and spiritual shepherd, working with clergy and lay leaders to nurture vibrant parish communities in the spirit of Christ the Good Shepherd.

ECSGS Seal
Most Rev. Arturo Ferreras, ECSGS, D.D.
First Presiding Bishop of the Diocese
"The mission of the Church is to lead people into a living relationship with Jesus Christ. As shepherds and servants of God's people, we are called to proclaim the Gospel, celebrate the sacraments, and accompany one another in faith, hope, and love."

Entrusted with safeguarding the faith and guiding the mission of the Church, Bishop Ferreras oversees the proclamation of the Gospel, the celebration of the sacraments, clergy formation, and the growth of parish communities across the diocese.

Contact: bparturo.ecsgs@gmail.com  ·  (562) 746-6106
Bishop Emeritus: Most Rev. Peter Hickman

Where We Worship

Parishes & Missions

Our communities span Southern California and beyond — from established parishes to growing mission communities, each offering the celebration of the sacraments and compassionate pastoral care.

Saint Matthew Ecumenical Catholic Church
Saint Matthew Ecumenical Catholic Church
500 E Imperial Highway, Brea, CA 92821
📞 (714) 647-1773 · Office: Fri–Wed 10am–3pm
Most Rev. Arturo Ferreras – Presiding Bishop
Fr. Tony Russo – Administrative · (714) 353-7856
Fr. Ben Madriaga – Spanish Ministry · (714) 392-4699
Fr. Clemente Cruz – Spanish Ministry · (714) 553-5612
Rev Mthr. Adelia Sandoval – Indian Ministry
Deacon Jay Thompson · Deacon Anthonyraj Bharat
Our Lady of Guadalupe Chapel
Our Lady of Guadalupe Chapel
9122 Sunset Rd., Victorville, CA 92392
Rev. Fr. Roy – Parish Priest · (661) 748-2210
Rev. Fr. Martin Gutierrez – Associate · (909) 516-9488
Our Lady of the Rosary Church
Our Lady of the Rosary Church
7813 S Main St., Los Angeles, CA 90003
Rev. Fr. Nery del Cid – Pastor · (562) 531-2660
Miraculous Church of Christ
Miraculous Church of Christ
636 S Van Buren St., Placentia, CA 92870
Also serving: Moreno Valley Mission
Rev. Fr. Adolfo Perez – Pastor · (562) 912-9854
Saint Francis of Assisi Old Catholic Church
Saint Francis of Assisi Old Catholic Church
6401 Rugby Ave., Huntington Park, CA 90255
Fr. Jesus Ponzi – Associate Priest · (323) 636-5405
Deacon Rafael Bajar · (747) 786-6970
Sis. Rosario
Good Shepherd Mission
Good Shepherd Mission & Mission Chapels
Good Shepherd Mission – 25265 Belle Porte Ave., Harbor City, CA 90710
Betania Mission Chapel – Los Angeles · St. John the Baptist Mission – Santa Ana
Rev. Fr. Gregorio Lopez – Pastor & Chaplain · (562) 531-2660
Rev. Fr. Antonio Zagal – Associate · (323) 791-8651
Saint Junia and House of Ruth Special Ministry
Saint Junia & House of Ruth Special Ministry
618 W Grafton Place, Anaheim, CA (Historic District)
Mthr. Martha Rogers · (714) 606-4365
Mthr. Jetty Vanden Berghe – Belgium Ministry · (714) 343-8274
Chaplaincy — Tyson Food Co.
Chaplaincy Ministry
Tyson Food Co. HQ – Springdale, AR
Hospital Chaplaincy – Pasadena, CA
Fr. Matthew Sukchen · (909) 418-8427
Fr. Francis Soundojararan – CPE Supervisory Student · (502) 768-7722
Mthr. Leslie Beckhart Jenal – Hospital Chaplain, Pasadena · (626) 484-2591
IASJ Filipino Ministry
IASJ Simbayan Filipino Ministry
Interfaith Action on Social Justice (IASJ)
Southern California — Associated with Saint Matthew Church
Fr. Toting Tronco – Filipino Ministry · (714) 801-5230
Fr. Julian Gomilla · (714) 203-4679
Fr. Rene Garcia · Fr. Remigio
Fr. George Florendo – Home Care Chaplain · (213) 595-5379

International Mission

Home of Love — India

The Samraksha Charitable Trust's Home of Love in India is a beacon of compassion and mercy — serving children, families, and those in need through the healing love of Christ. ECSGS supports this mission as a testament to our global commitment to the Gospel.

Home of Love — Samraksha Charitable Trust, India

Samraksha Charitable Trust

Located in Vijayawada Village, Guntapur Post, Karnataka, India, the Home of Love provides shelter, education, food, and spiritual formation for children and families living in poverty. Through this partnership, ECSGS lives out the Gospel call to serve the poorest among us.

This ministry is led by Fr. Bhaskar Madannu, who coordinates the India Family Pantry Ministry from Southern California, connecting our diocese to this vital mission across the world.

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Contact
Fr. Bhaskar Madannu · (949) 685-3236

How We Serve

Our Ministries

We are committed to building strong communities through ministries that nurture the life of the Church and serve the wider world — from clergy formation to international outreach.

Clergy Formation and Parish Development
Clergy Formation & Parish Development
The Church carefully forms candidates for the ordained ministry through spiritual formation, theological education, and pastoral training. ECSGS actively supports parish communities through guidance in leadership, governance, financial stewardship, and ministry planning.
Pastoral Outreach
Pastoral Outreach & Social Justice
Following the example of Christ the Good Shepherd, our clergy and lay ministers provide pastoral care through prayer, counseling, and sacramental ministry. Our communities engage in charitable works, community support, and advocacy for justice, peace, and human dignity.
Youth Ministry
Youth Ministry & Lay Formation
Our Youth Ministry nurtures the spiritual growth of young people through gatherings, retreats, catechesis, and service. Our Lay Formation programs prepare individuals to serve in various ministries — equipping all the faithful to live and serve as witnesses of Christ.
International Ministry
International & Specialized Ministries
From the Samraksha Charitable Trust and Indian Ministry, ECSGS extends its mission of service and compassion globally through our network of specialized clergy and lay ministers.

You Are Welcome Here

Visit & Worship

Whether you are exploring the Catholic faith for the first time or returning after years away, you are welcome at any of our parishes. Here is what to expect.

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The Liturgy
Our worship is rooted in the historic Catholic liturgical tradition — reverent, sacramental, and centered on the Holy Eucharist. You will find familiar prayers, Scripture readings, and the celebration of Mass in a warm and welcoming atmosphere.
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Visitors & Newcomers
There is no dress code, and you are welcome as you are. All baptized Christians are welcome to receive Holy Communion. Our communities are warm and approachable — please introduce yourself after Mass.
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Find a Service
We have parishes and mission communities throughout Greater Los Angeles and beyond — in Brea, Huntington Park, Los Angeles, Placentia, Victorville, Harbor City, and Santa Ana. Contact your nearest parish for current service times.
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Get in Touch
If you have questions before your visit, our clergy and staff are happy to help. Reach us through the contact form below or call the diocesan office at Saint Matthew Church: (714) 647-1773.

Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Answers to the questions we hear most often about our faith, identity, sacraments, and practice.

What does "Ecumenical Catholic" mean?
It reflects our Catholic heritage — preserving sacramental life and apostolic ministry — alongside our commitment to Christian unity. We are part of the historic Catholic tradition while fostering openness, dialogue, and pastoral care for all people.
Are you part of the Roman Catholic Church?
No. ECSGS is self-governing and not under the jurisdiction of the Vatican or the Roman Catholic Church. We share the theological and spiritual heritage of the Catholic tradition but operate independently, with our own bishops and diocesan structure.
Can I receive Communion at an ECSGS parish?
Yes. All baptized Christians are welcome to receive Holy Communion at our Masses. We believe the Eucharist is a gift for the whole people of God, offered with reverence and pastoral care.
Are your clergy married?
Yes. ECSGS does not require celibacy for its clergy. Married men and women may be ordained, and we celebrate the diverse gifts that clergy from all walks of life bring to pastoral ministry.
How do I become a member or join a parish?
Simply visit any of our parishes and speak with the pastor or parish staff. Our communities welcome all who wish to be part of the ECSGS family in faith — there is no lengthy formal process to begin.
How can I discern a vocation to the priesthood or diaconate?
Contact the diocesan office or speak with your local parish priest. Our formation process includes spiritual direction, theological education, and pastoral training. We welcome inquiries from all who feel called to ordained or lay ministry.

Stay Connected

News & Events

Diocesan announcements, upcoming events, and ministry highlights from across our communities.

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Diocesan News
Annual Diocesan Gathering — All Are Welcome
Join clergy and faithful from across the diocese for a day of prayer, formation, and community. Contact your parish for date and location details.
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Ministry Update
IASJ Simbayan Filipino Ministry Continues to Grow
The IASJ Filipino Ministry offers worship, community, and outreach for Filipino families throughout Southern California, associated with Saint Matthew Church.
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Vocation
Is God Calling You to Ministry?
ECSGS is accepting vocation inquiries for the priesthood and diaconate. Speak with your pastor or contact the diocesan office to begin the discernment conversation.

Reach Out

Contact & Connect

We'd love to hear from you — whether you have a question, a pastoral need, or simply want to learn more about ECSGS and our communities.

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Diocesan Office
Saint Matthew Ecumenical Catholic Church
500 E Imperial Highway, Brea, CA 92821
Office: Fri–Wed 10am–3pm (Thu Closed)
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Phone
(714) 647-1773 — Diocesan Office
(562) 746-6106 — Bishop's Office
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Email
bparturo.ecsgs@gmail.com
Fr. Tony Russo (Admin): (714) 353-7856
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