Visit
660 California StSan Francisco, CA 94108Mass: Saturday 5:00 pm (Weekend Mass)
When to go
Mass times
- Saturday5:00 pm · Weekend Mass
- Sunday9:00 am · Weekend Mass
- Sunday11:00 am · Weekend Mass
- Tuesday-Friday12:05 pm · Weekday Mass
About
Summary
Old St. Mary’s Cathedral & Chinese Mission is a vibrant Catholic community in San Francisco’s Chinatown, serving over 170 years. Known for its historic architecture and welcoming atmosphere, the cathedral offers weekend Masses at 5pm Saturday, 9am and 11am Sunday, and weekday Mass at 12:05pm. The community emphasizes faith, hope, and love through worship, discipleship, and outreach programs like Bible studies and OCIA (Becoming Catholic).
Details
Old St. Mary’s Cathedral & Chinese Mission is a historic Catholic parish in San Francisco’s Chinatown, established in 1894. The cathedral is a 172-year-old landmark that survived the 1906 earthquake and has since become a cornerstone of the community. The church offers a welcoming environment for all, with weekend Masses at 5pm Saturday, 9am and 11am Sunday, and weekday Mass at 12:05pm.
The community is deeply rooted in the Paulist Fathers’ mission of evangelization and service. Weekly activities include First Friday Adoration after the 12:05pm Mass and after-Mass hospitality, where parishioners and visitors gather for tea, coffee, and fellowship. Bible studies are offered in English and Cantonese, and the OCIA program supports those exploring Catholic faith or seeking sacraments like Confirmation and Eucharist.
Facilities include a self-guided tour pamphlet, historic photos of the cathedral’s resilience, and a Chinese language school. The cathedral also hosts events like the Memorial Mass for Fr. Daniel McCotter and participates in the Archdiocesan Annual Appeal to support Bay Area ministries. Visitors often note the serene atmosphere, stained glass windows, and the sense of peace that permeates the space.
From Faith Near Me
Old St. Mary’s Cathedral & Chinese Mission in San Francisco’s Chinatown is a historic Catholic parish with a welcoming atmosphere that blends tradition and community. First-time visitors will notice the serene environment, stained glass windows, and a schedule of weekday and weekend Masses that emphasize faith, hope, and outreach. The cathedral’s resilience, including its survival of the 1906 earthquake, adds to its enduring character as a spiritual refuge in the city.
Pros
- Offers weekday and weekend Masses with clear times posted for visitors.
- Features a welcoming environment with after-Mass hospitality and fellowship opportunities.
- Includes multilingual Bible studies in English and Cantonese to serve diverse parishioners.
- Maintains historic architecture and artifacts, including stained glass and earthquake-era photos.
- Provides outreach programs like OCIA for those exploring Catholic faith or sacraments.
- Serves as a cultural and spiritual hub in San Francisco’s Chinatown for over 170 years.
Cons
- Accessibility details for facilities or services are not explicitly mentioned in available information.
- Limited information on family or children’s ministries within the parish activities.
- No clear guidance on parking or transportation options for first-time visitors.
- Some visitor feedback indicates potential issues with staff interactions at candle lighting areas.
- Website contact forms may require multiple email addresses for different inquiries.
- Event details for the Memorial Mass for Fr. Daniel McCotter are set for a future date only.
Reviews from around the web
Public comments we collected from listing sources. Not written on Faith Near Me.
- Melba Miraa month ago
So so special and what a gift to be able to go to adoration in the middle of the hustle and bustle. We went as part of a food tour and it was a very nice surprise to be included.
- OcP_Fact finder_Info Sharer7 months ago
December 2025 Beautiful Catholic Church with a small museum piece collection concerning its history. Many distinct features such as the collection of stained glass windows 🪟 and a Chinese sculpture. A restive and peaceful place of refuge and worship in the heart of SFO Chinatown 🙏🙏🙏
- Pennya month ago
A beautiful and peaceful refuge in the city that transports one back in time. Last time I visited with my aunt we lit candles and said prayers on behalf of deceased loved ones. Next time that I visit I will light a candle and say a prayer for my aunt who has since passed. I also hope to attend a mass in this beautiful sanctuary.
- Jussane Clifford10 months ago
Beautiful church in San Francisco's Chinatown. I'm so glad I stopped by and went inside. It was nice to sit in the front and spend a little time with God. Next time I will stay for mass. I loved the church. The architecture is beautiful with beautiful stained glass windows. Stop by you won't regret it.
- Mark Castaneda4 weeks ago
Beautiful old church. Such a wonderful and prayerful atmosphere. I finally was able to attend mass here recently on a Friday. It was just what I needed. The presiding priest was very welcoming and he gave a wonderful and thoughtful homily.
- William Joy7 months ago
Such a beautiful Catholic church, with lots of peacefulness and amazing architecture. Right across the street is St. Mary's Square, which is also very nice with lots of shade and seating.
- tera simona year ago
What a beautiful historic church. As you step inside, you see pictures of the terrible devastation wrought by the earthquake of 1906. There are statues of saints and holy scenes throughout with the Pieta evoking an overwhelming feeling of humble gratitude, especially for mothers. Our Lady, Queen of the Universe, pray for us. Sacred heart of Jesus, have mercy on us.
- Carmen Mad10 months ago
I'm heartbroken and distraught after my experience today. I had a few minutes and wanted to light a candle for my family. After I paid the $5, the man who guards the candles racially profiled me. He interrupted my prayer not once, but a second time frame, completely disrupting my peaceful moments. This is the second time I have been treated this way. I came here today, on the day of my Latina heritage's independence, seeking a moment of peace, especially after seeing the sign on the door 🚪 that says, "WELCOME TO ALL." Unfortunately, it felt as though that welcome did not apply to me because of the color of my skin. I couldn't even finish my prayer and left feeling unwelcome and disrespected with alot of tears.
- Gak “GK” Kam11 months ago
This cathedral is one of landmarks in San Francisco, conveniently located near the downtown (more specifically, next to the China town). Its old but magnificent appearance is worth visiting and seeing. Also it is a open-to-public church and serves mass around noon every day. Due to its convenient location, you may attend Mass even in your trip.
- CK Cheonga year ago
This Roman Catholic church is more 170 years old and is located near the Chinatown of San Francisco. Nice facade
Services and facilities
Services
- Bible Studies (English And Cantonese)
- Ocia (Becoming Catholic)
- After-Mass Hospitality
- Adoration On First Friday
- Confessions By Appointment
- Anointing Of The Sick
- Marriage Preparation
- Funeral Masses
Facilities
- Self-Guided Tour Pamphlet
- Historic Photos Of The Cathedral
- Stained Glass Windows
- Chinese Language School
- St. Mary'S Square Across The Street
- Small Museum Collection With Historical Artifacts
- Chinese Sculpture Display
- Historic Photos Of The 1906 Earthquake'S Impact
- Statues Including Pieta And Our Lady, Queen Of The Universe
- Candle Lighting Area For Prayers For Deceased Loved Ones
Events and programs
First Friday Adoration
Monthly
Adoration and benediction after the 12:05pm Mass on the first Friday of the month.
After-Mass Hospitality
Weekly
Tea, coffee, and fellowship after the 9am and 11am Sunday Masses.
Memorial Mass for Fr. Daniel McCotter
One-time event
A Mass in honor of Fr. Daniel McCotter on June 20th, 2026.
Connect
- Phone
- 415-288-3800
- info@osmsf.org
- tommycsp@gmail.com
- simon.tsui@smcls.org
- Contact page
- Open contact page
Social