Bishop Jaime Soto joined parishioners of St. John the Baptist Parish in Folsom for a dedication and ribbon cutting ceremony on Sunday, August 20, 2017. The long-awaited event formally opened the new parish hall — the Reverend Joseph Gallagher Hall.
The new hall provides a new gathering space for the parish and its 30+ ministries. It accommodates between 400-500 people seated at tables, more than 200 in bleachers and more than 700 when set theatre-style. It will allow for productions of all kinds with a functional stage, and it is a regulation-size gym. There is a kitchen and ample storage.
The hall is named for Reverend Joseph Gallagher, the first appointed pastor of St. John the Baptist parish in 1859. In recognition of Father Gallagher's pioneering work to build and serve the Catholic community in Folsom, the building is a testament to the history and growth of St. John the Baptist Parish. Meeting rooms in the building are named for St. Teresa of Calcutta and St. John Paul II. Plans for the hall commenced in 2015 as a part of the larger diocesan ONE campaign.