Father Erik Esparza, JCL, is our Priest Moderator, and, he also serves the Diocese as the Associate 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 position.

In addition to his ongoing diocesan work, Fr. Erik is excited to work closely with Deacon Steve and our clergy. He has enjoyed presiding at Mass with us, especially at the 5:30pm Teen Mass. 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 serve the People of God at The Holy Name of Jesus.