The story of San Isidro Catholic Church began in October 1999 when Reverend Thomas Gaul, Pastor of Good Shepherd Parish, recognized the rapid growth of the Spanish-speaking population within the parish boundaries. He encouraged members of the parish family to establish an outreach ministry dedicated to serving these families.
The original ministry was formed by the Olivares, Maisonet, and Henriquez families. Working alongside Catholic Charities, Cumberland County school counselors, and other local organizations, they began assisting families living east of the parish. While the outreach addressed many physical needs, it soon became clear that there was also a growing spiritual need within the community.
In response, a parish mission was established in the Stedman area. On January 6, 2002, the Pastor of Cokesbury Methodist Church generously opened his doors so Mass could be celebrated there. The first Mass welcomed 28 adults and 16 children.
At that time, San Isidro Mission did not have an assigned priest and relied on the generosity of diocesan clergy. Mass was scheduled for 2:30 PM, allowing both congregations to worship while providing enough time for the visiting priest to travel from another parish. During its first year, attendance averaged approximately 75 people each week. The mission celebrated two marriages, twelve First Communions, eight baptisms, and one confirmation.
The community chose Saint Isidore the Farmer as its patron because of his special connection to rural communities. Born in 12th-century Spain, Saint Isidore spent his life working in the fields while maintaining deep devotion to God.
According to tradition, while Saint Isidore knelt in prayer, angels continued his work in the fields. His example of faith, humility, and dedication to both God and labor made him an ideal patron for this growing mission community.
In 2004, Bishop Joseph Gossman authorized the purchase of two metal buildings. One building was transformed into a church while the other became a catechetical center and social hall. The following year, Bishop Gossman appointed the first Pastoral Administrator and formally dedicated the church.
Palm Sunday of 2007 marked another important milestone with the introduction of an English-language Mass. Around this same period, Reverend John "Jack" Kelly, following his retirement from Saint Patrick Catholic Church, dedicated himself to serving San Isidro as Sacramental Minister.
Over time, the parish continued to grow. Today, Mass is celebrated in English at 9:00 AM and in Spanish at 11:45 AM. Religious education classes take place between the two Masses and serve more than ninety children. Weekly attendance averages between 75 and 100 worshipers at the English Mass and between 200 and 250 worshipers at the Spanish Mass.
In 2011, parish leaders learned that Highway 24 would be expanded, requiring the state to acquire part of the church property. The congregation faced the difficult challenge of finding a new home.
After more than eighteen months of searching and negotiating, San Isidro acquired ninety-six acres of land. Through the generosity of parishioners and supporters, more than $88,000 was raised, with expectations of exceeding $150,000 through a commemorative brick fundraising campaign.
The new church at 4733 Macedonia Church Road was dedicated on September 12, 2012. Years later, a parishioner's child revealed that this very property had once been one of the homes visited by outreach volunteers delivering food during the ministry's earliest days. The discovery served as a powerful reminder of God's providence and the mission's humble beginnings.
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