Pasadena CCS History

Christ Child Society of Pasadena started in 1933
Historical photo of some members of CCS from 1980s or 1990's.
Historical photo of some members of CCS of Pasadena from 1980s or 1990's.
Christ Child Society of Pasadena started in 1933
Christ Child Society of Pasadena started in 1933

Pasadena Christ Child Society History

The Christ Child Society of Pasadena is celebrating over 90 years as a chapter of the National Christ Child Society. The Pasadena chapter was started in 1933 at Mayfield School (now known as Mayfield Junior School) with 15 members. As of 2024 we have grown to almost 400 members.

The history of the Christ Child Society is based in the works of our foundress Mary Virgina Merrick (1866-1955). Although Mary Virginia Merrick was paralyzed as a teenager, she was driven to help children experiencing poverty.  She saw the Christ Child in every child she served, and our Pasadena members continue her mission by serving children facing economic hardship. Her motto “Nothing is ever too much to do for a child” inspires the work of our chapter.

History By Year of Christ Child Society of Pasadena

    • 1933

      The Pasadena Chapter of the National Christ Child Society was founded in October by Reverend Mother M. Charles Borromeo, Society of the Holy Child Jesus (SHCJ), at Mayfield School (now known as Mayfield Junior School) in Pasadena, California. Fifteen volunteers made up the initial membership. Members gathered to sew and knit garments and assemble layettes for newborn infants of families experiencing poverty.

    • 1934

      Mother Mary Febronia, SHCJ was named first Monitor (leader) of the Chapter.

    • 1950s

      Members of Christ Child Society of Pasadena assisted the sisters of the Society of the Holy Child Jesus by staffing the Confraternity of Christian Doctrine classes at Our Lady of Guadalupe Church. The CCS of Pasadena chapter began supporting Santa Teresita Sanatorium for children with tuberculosis by sewing and knitting clothing for the patients and supplying equipment and hospital supplies. When Santa Teresita became a general hospital before becoming an assisted living community, Christ Child Society of Pasadena members helped to start an auxiliary organization that was an important source of support to the hospital. Santa Teresita is now an assisted living community. Learn more about the history of Santa Teresita.

    • 1967

      Membership of Christ Child Society of Pasadena totaled 200 members. Santa Marta Hospital and Clinic were the recipients of the benefits from the first annual rummage sale, which was held in the hall of Our Lady of Guadalupe Church. Santa Marta Hospital was sold in 2001 to ELAStar Community Hospital which went bankrupt in 2004. The building is now owned by Los Angeles Unified School District who uses it as an adult school.

    • 1970s

      Membership totaled 258. The rummage sale became the main fundraising event and bridge continued to be the main social event. Tennis was introduced as a new membership activity. Christ Child Society of Pasadena receives an Award of Merit from the National Christ Child Society for the wonderful work by the layette committee.

    • 1980s

      Christ Child Society of Pasadena served individual disadvantaged children at 16 parishes in the San Gabriel Valley. The layette committee made and distributed 75 layettes to the parishes. In 1983 the Christ Child Society of Pasadena celebrated its 50th anniversary. In the mid-1980’s, the membership totaled 299.

    • 1990s

      Christ Child Society of Pasadena served 22 parishes. In 1991, there was an appeal for extra financial aid from many of the schools. They were in need of donations to continue their essential services. The rummage sale became known as the Auction and Treasure Sale. Each member was responsible for donating a minimum $35 item and the proceeds from the 1992 auction exceeded $15,000. The proceeds were shared between all 22 parishes.  In 1993, the CCS of Pasadena chapter began the quarterly chapter newsletter called The Correspondent. In 1994, the Christmas Family Fund was created to assist families in parishes at Christmas time. Thirty-three families received help in its first year through our fundraising efforts. Later, this program had its name changed to the Christmas Stocking Fund. Also in 1994, the layette committee of 10 women made and distributed more than 300 layettes. In 1997, membership totaled 411.

    • 2002

      Membership totaled 456. The National Convention of the Christ Child Society was held in Pasadena April 19-21, 2002.

    • 2003

      During the season of Advent, Alverno High School (the high school closed in 2023 and changed to a PreK-8th grade school) hosted the first Morning of Reflection, known moving forward as Ash Wednesday Morning of Reflection.

    • 2008

      Membership totaled 500. The 75th anniversary of the Pasadena chapter of the Christ Child Society was celebrated throughout 2008-2009. Christ Child Society of Pasadena is the 7th oldest chapter and was the third largest in membership nationwide.

    • 2009

      Catholic Charities of Los Angeles, San Gabriel Region, honored the chapter for giving generously in service to the children of the San Gabriel region. The Easter Shoes program was started.

    • 2010

      The Christ Child Society of Pasadena website was launched in September.

    • 2011

      The Pasadena chapter entered into a joint venture with Crown Jewel Club to bring the program to the Pasadena area. Crown Jewel Club is dedicated to giving at-risk, inner-city girls the opportunity to learn basic disciplines in the areas of manners, grooming, table etiquette, and how to conduct themselves in social settings. The goal is to provide a positive environment that fosters improved self-esteem, self-confidence, respect for themselves and others, self-awareness, self-nurturing, the value of giving, perseverance, and the importance of education, family and friendships.

    • 2014

      The Crown Jewel Club was incorporated into the Christ Child Society of Pasadena and renamed the Christ Child Treasures Program. It was introduced to St. Andrew Catholic School with great success. The National Christ Child Society awarded the Christ Child Society of Pasadena the Red Wagon Award for the Treasures Program being the most innovative new program.

    • 2019

      Membership totaled 470 members and was the largest chapter nationwide.

    • 2020 – 2023

      Some programs were unable to continue due to COVID pandemic restrictions. The Layette program instituted mask-wearing, limited attendance and, when possible, used outdoor venues to assemble layettes. Layettes continued to be distributed during this time. Christmas Stocking Fund and Easter Shoes programs also continued. Meetings were convened via Zoom. All other programs were temporarily placed on hold due to the pandemic.

    • 2025

      The revamp of the new CCS of Pasadena website was launched.