Our History

Saint Gabriel's Parish was established on the Feast of Corpus Christi, June 15, 1973 in Poway, California. Sunday Masses were initially celebrated at Twin Peaks Middle School with Saturday and Holy Day Masses held in parishioners' homes. Eventually, Saturday Masses were also moved to Twin Peaks. The Parish was originally part of Saint Michael's Church, also in Poway. An early census showed nearly 200 families within the Saint Gabriel's Church boundaries which encompassed the southern part of the community of Poway. Through the years, the Parish has grown to more than 1000 families. The late Monsignor Charles Dollen was the founding pastor of Saint Gabriel's. Upon his retirement in 1996 Fr. Joseph (Jay) Brady became pastor. Our current pastor, Fr. Michael Froidurot joined us in July 1999. The first Benediction on current church property was held in 1976. The first Mass was celebrated in September of 1977 as the construction of the church was about to begin. The first Mass within the church was celebrated July 30, 1978 by Fr. Dollen. On September 16, 1978 Bishop Leo T. Maher formally dedicated Saint Gabriel's Church.