Father Erik Esparza, JCL, our Pastor, also serves the Diocese as the Director of Priest Personnel. He entered the seminary in 1998 which led to studies at Riverside Community College; St. John Seminary College, Camarillo; and the Oblate School of Theology and Assumption Seminary in San Antonio, Texas. He was ordained at St. Paul the Apostle in Chino Hills on May 31, 2008. Since his ordination, Fr. Erik has ministered at three parishes: St. Joseph, Barstow; St. Philip Neri, Lenwood; and Sacred Heart, Rancho Cucamonga. In 2012, Bishop Barnes sent Fr. Erik for post-ordination studies at the Pontifical University of St. Thomas Aquinas in Rome, Italy, where he received a license in Canon Law (Law of the Church). Upon his return to the Diocese in the summer of 2014,Fr. Erik began serving in his current diocesan position.

In addition to his ongoing diocesan work, Fr. Erik is excited to serve as our Pastor. He has enjoyed presiding at Mass, journeying with adults as they embrace the Catholic faith, and dropping in on Bible studies, Youth ministry gatherings, or Liturgical workshops via Zoom, and has even joined Family Rosaries on Facebook!

Fr. Erik grew up in the High Desert community of Hesperia, where his parents, four siblings and numerous nieces and nephews still reside. He enjoys parish ministry and is excited to shepherd the People of God at The Holy Name of Jesus.