In 1898, Fr. PJ Fisher, (below, left) founding pastor of St. Joseph parish, asked the Sisters of the Holy Names of Jesus and Mary to teach the area children.  The Academy of the Holy Names of Jesus and Mary was built on the corner of Holt and White, a building that was surrounded by orange trees.  This boarding school served girls from grades kindergarten to senior year.  Some small boys also boarded.  This school served the people of the area from 1898 to 1948.

After World War II, Msgr. Thomas P. English (below, middle) recognized the need for a co-educational Catholic high school in the booming Pomona Valley.  When the Sisters of the Holy Names told him of their need to withdraw from the Academy as well as St. Joseph Elementary, he turned to the Congregation of the Sisters of St. Felix of Catalice (Felician Sisters) in Chicago.  Soon the Felician Sisters took over the administration of both the new endeavor, named St. Joseph High School, as well as St. Joseph Elementary School and a year later, Sacred Heart School.

St. Joseph Parish provided priests to teach religion and see to the spiritual needs of the students attending Pomona Catholic. 

Felician Sisters have served as teachers, staff, and principals of Pomona Catholic since their arrival.  The lived in the south and west wing of the second floor of the school until moving to the convent at St. Joseph.  There has been a Felician presence on campus since 1948.