Our Story
Our faith Community was birthed by Father Ned Reidy, a Holy Cross Priest who was born and raised in Chicago, IL. Fr. Ned's radical love and inclusivity stretched beyond the bounds of the local diocese, so together with about 100 faithful, we chose to build our own Catholic faith community within the Diocese, but not under the Diocese. In 2003 we purchased a building here in Bermuda Dunes, CA and created an inclusive Catholic community where all are welcome at Christ's table. We named the community Pathfinder Community of the Risen Christ after the Pathfinder Retreat ministry Fr. Ned founded.
Fr. Ned believed in gender equality, he believed in the rights of all people, no matter who they chose to love or with whom they partnered. He believed that women are also called to the Priesthood and are equal partners in sharing the Gospel and Sacraments of the Holy Catholic Church.
In April 2012, Rev. Joni Miller was ordained to the Transitional Diaconate and in May 2013 she was ordained a Catholic priest. Rev. Joni and Fr. Ned co-pastored the community until Fr. Ned's retirement in 2014. Rev. Joni now pastors the community full time.
In the summer of 2017 the community made the decision to change the name of our community to Saint Clare of Assisi, which better reflects our Franciscan spirituality and mission statement.
Song: Beyond the Moon and Stars by Dan Shutte
Rev. Jon Milleri, Pastor,
Franciscan of Mercy
Fr. Ned Reidy CSC, Emeritus
