Our History
St. Juliana Catholic Church has a rich history of faith, service, and community in West Palm Beach. What began as a small gathering has grown into a vibrant, multicultural home for thousands of families. Explore the milestones below that have shaped our parish legacy over the last 75 years.
The "St. Carefree" Era
1949
The Founding
St. Juliana Parish was established with Rev. Patrick D. O’Brien as the founding Pastor. Because the church building did not exist yet, Sunday Masses were celebrated in the Carefree Theatre on Dixie Highway. Father O’Brien jokingly referred to the parish as “St. Carefree Church,” where parishioners had to kneel on the hard theatre floor between seats.
1950
A Vision for Building
Rev. John Francis McKeown became the second Pastor. With foresight and wisdom, he pushed hard to have the future parish buildings designed in the beautiful Romanesque style we see today.
Building the Foundation
April 1951
Breaking Ground
On April 22, 1951, the faithful gathered on the 12-acre property to break ground. Father McKeown turned the first shovel of dirt for the new church, school, and convent.
December 1951
The Dedication
Construction was completed in just eight months. On December 8, 1951, Archbishop Joseph P. Hurley of the Diocese of St. Augustine dedicated the new St. Juliana Church, school, and convent.
1952
St. Juliana School Opens
On January 8, 1952, St. Juliana School opened its doors for the first time with 102 children in four grades and a Kindergarten. Four Sisters of St. Joseph arrived to staff the school, living in the newly built convent.
Growth and Change
1958
A New Diocese
Originally part of the Diocese of St. Augustine, St. Juliana became part of the newly formed Diocese of Miami in 1958.
1960
School Expansion
By 1959, enrollment had grown so much that expansion was necessary. Under the leadership of Pastor Rev. George Bucko, a new two-story wing was built. It was blessed on March 29, 1960, by Msgr. Jeremiah P. O’Mahoney.
1960s
Welcoming the Exiles
While many military families moved away during this era, St. Juliana saw a significant increase in Spanish-speaking families, particularly Cuban exiles. This influx brought a wholesome influence to the parish through the beautiful customs and traditions of the Spanish culture
A Mature Community
1971
New Leadership
Monsignor William F. McKeever became Pastor, guiding the parish through its next chapter of growth.
1975
Scouting Excellence
The parish youth programs flourished, with Cub Scout Pack 137 and Troop 137 receiving the Pope Paul VI National Unit Recognition for achieving the aims and goals of the Catholic scouting program.
1976
Silver Jubilee
The parish celebrated its 25th Anniversary (Silver Jubilee) alongside the American Bicentennial. Pope Paul VI sent a telegram from the Vatican imparting his Apostolic Blessing to the priests, sisters, and parishioners of St. Juliana.
1984
Diocese of Palm Beach
In 1984 the Diocese of Palm Beach was formed.
2000s
Rededication
On January 16, 2005, Bishop Gerald M. Barbarito rededicated St. Juliana Church. As we look to the future, we pray that the same energy and hospitality that defined our beginnings will continue to mark the life of our parish.
