Regular schedule
All year · Old Saint Mary's Cathedral Church in San Francisco
- Monday to Friday Tue–Fri: 12:05 pm · No Mass on Mondays
- Saturdays 5:00 pm · Vigil Mass
- Sundays & Holy Days 9:00 am · 11:00 am
Old Saint Mary's Cathedral
Church in San Francisco
San Francisco, United States
Church Details
660 California St, San Francisco, CA 94108, United States
Accessible
Parking available
Familys
Old Saint Mary's Cathedral Church · Mass Times
Summer schedule
All year – same as regular schedule
- Monday to Friday Tue–Fri: 12:05 pm · No Mass on Mondays
- Saturdays & Vigils 5:00 pm · Vigil Mass
- Sundays & Holy Days 9:00 am · 11:00 am
Old Saint Mary's Cathedral Church
History of Church
Old Saint Mary's Cathedral Church in San Francisco (California, United States)
Old Saint Mary's Cathedral Church: general information
Old Saint Mary's Cathedral Church is a historic Roman Catholic church located at 660 California Street, on the border between Chinatown and the Financial District in San Francisco. Built in 1854 as the first cathedral of the Archdiocese of San Francisco, it is today a California Historical Landmark and an active parish served by the Paulist Fathers.
Although the archdiocesan cathedral has since moved to another part of the city, Old Saint Mary's Cathedral Church remains a vibrant parish where local residents, office workers, visitors and tourists gather for daily Mass, Sunday liturgies, confessions, spiritual guidance and community activities. The church offers a quiet, prayerful space in the middle of a very busy urban area.
History and architecture of Old Saint Mary's Cathedral Church
Old Saint Mary's Cathedral Church, originally dedicated as the Cathedral of Saint Mary of the Immaculate Conception, was completed in 1854 and became the first purpose-built Catholic cathedral in California. At the time of its completion, it was one of the tallest buildings in San Francisco, with a prominent brick tower that rose above the surrounding streets.
The church is designed in the Gothic Revival style, with red brick walls, pointed-arch windows and a tall clock tower. Under the clock, a famous inscription reads: “Son, Observe the Time and Fly from Evil,” a reminder originally aimed at the sailors and men who frequented the nearby Barbary Coast and entertainment district. After surviving the 1906 earthquake, the church was severely damaged by the fires that followed and was rebuilt using the surviving exterior walls and tower.
Architectural and devotional features
- Gothic brick façade and clock tower: a distinctive red-brick tower with clock and biblical inscription overlooking California Street and Grant Avenue.
- Central nave and side aisles: an elegant interior with arched arcades, stained-glass windows and devotional images that create a reverent atmosphere for prayer and liturgy.
- Historic artworks and memorials: statues, paintings and plaques that recall the long history of the parish and its role in the life of the city.
- Self-guided tour material: visitors can usually find brochures and historic photographs at the entrance to help them explore the building and its story.
Masses, confession and schedule
Old Saint Mary's Cathedral Church has a regular schedule of daily and Sunday Masses as well as confession times and periods of Eucharistic adoration. Schedules can change on holy days or special occasions, so it is always wise to verify the latest information before visiting.
Current Mass times (subject to change)
- Sunday Masses: Sunday at 9:00 am and 11:00 am.
- Saturday vigil Mass: Saturday at 5:00 pm (fulfils the Sunday obligation).
- Daily Mass: Tuesday to Friday at 12:05 pm.
- First Friday Adoration: Eucharistic adoration after the 12:05 pm Mass on the first Friday of each month.
Church and office hours (approximate)
- Church hours: usually open Tuesday–Friday from 10:00 am to 4:30 pm, Saturday from 11:30 am to 6:00 pm, and Sunday roughly from 8:00 am to mid-afternoon.
- Office hours: typically Monday–Friday from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm.
- Confessions: available by appointment or by speaking to a priest after Mass, according to the parish’s current practice.
Recommendation: before travelling, check the official website or parish bulletin of Old Saint Mary's Cathedral Church to confirm Mass times, church hours and any special liturgies or events.
How to get to Old Saint Mary's Cathedral Church
Old Saint Mary's Cathedral Church is located at the corner of California Street and Grant Avenue, where Chinatown meets the Financial District. The church is easy to reach on foot from many downtown hotels and offices and is close to public transport, the cable car line and nearby landmarks such as Portsmouth Square and the Transamerica Pyramid.
Access and visit recommendations
- Public transport options include Muni buses and cable cars along California Street, with stops a short walk from the church.
- For those arriving by car, there are public parking garages in the Financial District and nearby streets, though parking can be limited and subject to city rates.
- Visitors are welcome to enter for quiet prayer, self-guided visits and participation in Mass, respecting any ongoing liturgical celebrations and the prayerful atmosphere inside the church.
Parish life and pastoral services
Old Saint Mary's Cathedral Church is a living parish community that serves people from Chinatown, Nob Hill, the Financial District and beyond. The Paulist Fathers and parish staff provide regular liturgies, sacramental preparation, pastoral counselling and outreach to parishioners, workers and visitors who come through its doors each day.
Throughout the year, the parish offers devotional practices, spiritual talks, small groups and community events. The church’s central location also makes it a popular site for weddings, special Masses and cultural events connected with the Catholic community in San Francisco.
Areas of activity
- Liturgical life: celebration of Sunday and weekday Masses, sacramental preparation and seasonal liturgies for Advent, Christmas, Lent and Easter.
- Confession and spiritual guidance: opportunities for reconciliation and personal conversations with a priest, by appointment or after Mass.
- Faith formation and groups: Bible studies, talks and parish groups that help adults deepen their faith and connect with others.
- Hospitality and outreach: a welcoming presence for tourists, local workers and residents who seek a place of prayer and a connection with the Catholic Church in the city centre.
Frequently asked questions about Old Saint Mary's Cathedral Church
Where is Old Saint Mary's Cathedral Church located?
Old Saint Mary's Cathedral Church is located at 660 California Street, at the corner of California and Grant Avenue, in San Francisco, California. It sits between Chinatown and the Financial District, within walking distance of many downtown hotels, offices and tourist attractions.
What is special about Old Saint Mary's Cathedral Church?
Old Saint Mary's Cathedral Church was the first cathedral of the Archdiocese of San Francisco and one of the earliest Gothic Revival churches in California. Its red-brick tower with the clock and the inscription “Son, Observe the Time and Fly from Evil” makes it an easily recognisable landmark. The church survived the 1906 earthquake and was rebuilt after the devastating fires, preserving its historic exterior walls and tower.
What are the Mass times at Old Saint Mary's Cathedral Church?
At Old Saint Mary's Cathedral Church, Sunday Masses are typically celebrated at 9:00 am and 11:00 am, with a Saturday vigil Mass at 5:00 pm. Daily Mass is usually offered from Tuesday to Friday at 12:05 pm. Schedules may vary on holy days or special occasions, so it is recommended to verify the most up-to-date timetable on the parish’s official channels.
Can tourists visit Old Saint Mary's Cathedral Church?
Yes. Old Saint Mary's Cathedral Church welcomes tourists and visitors who wish to admire its historic architecture, stained-glass windows and peaceful interior. Self-guided tour materials are often available at the entrance. Visitors are asked to maintain a respectful silence, especially during Mass or other liturgical celebrations, and to dress appropriately for a place of worship.
In a few lines:
- Name: Old Saint Mary's Cathedral Church (Old St. Mary's Cathedral)
- City: San Francisco (California, United States) · Chinatown / Financial District
- Role: historic proto-cathedral and active Roman Catholic parish served by the Paulist Fathers
- Architecture: 19th-century Gothic Revival brick church with tall clock tower and landmark inscription
- Mass and opening hours: Sunday Masses at 9:00 am and 11:00 am; Saturday vigil at 5:00 pm; weekday Mass Tuesday–Friday at 12:05 pm; church open most days during daytime hours (always check the current schedule)