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San Francisco, California / Religious sites

Most Holy Redeemer Catholic Church

A historic Roman Catholic parish in the Castro district known for its radical inclusivity and survival of the 1906 earthquake.

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Most Holy Redeemer Catholic Church
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Where is Most Holy Redeemer Catholic Church located?

The church is located at 100 Diamond Street (at 18th Street) in San Francisco's Castro district.

What are the worship hours?

Daily Mass is held Monday through Friday at 8:00am, with a Saturday Vigil Mass at 5:00pm. Sunday Masses are held at 8:00am, 10:00am, and 6:30pm.

What is the church known for?

The parish is known as an inclusive Catholic community that welcomes all people regardless of background, gender, race, social status, or sexual orientation, specifically including LGBTQ+ individuals and people with HIV/AIDS.

What is the history of the church?

Established in 1900 and dedicated in 1902, the church survived the 1906 earthquake and fires. During the 20th century, it served working-class immigrant families from Ireland, Germany, and Scandinavia.

What should I check before going?

Use Gyde for context, then check official sources for current hours, tickets, construction, and closures.

What to know

Established by the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of San Francisco in 1900, Most Holy Redeemer Catholic Church stands as a pillar of the Castro district. The church was formally dedicated in 1902, during a time when this neighborhood existed on the outskirts of the city. While much of San Francisco was devastated by the 1906 earthquake and subsequent fires, this structure survived because the flames never reached the church. Throughout the 20th century, the parish served as a spiritual center for working-class immigrant families, specifically those of Irish, German, and Scandinavian descent. This history of welcoming outsiders has evolved into a modern mission of radical inclusivity. Today, the parish describes itself as an inclusive Catholic community that embraces all people of good faith regardless of their race, gender, social status, or sexual orientation. Located at 100 Diamond Street, the church provides a spiritual home for a diverse population, explicitly welcoming transgender, gay, and lesbian individuals, as well as people living with HIV/AIDS. This commitment to marginalized groups has not been without conflict; the church was targeted by protesters in 2008 and 2009, who vandalized the building with large swastikas. Beyond traditional Mass, the church engages in community support and spiritual practice. It is recognized as an AIDS support group organization and hosts centering prayer through the San Francisco Interfaith Council. Whether visiting for a weekday service or quiet reflection, the church remains a sanctuary for the healthy and the sick alike.

Visitor tips

  • Check the worship schedule: Daily Mass is at 8:00am Monday through Friday, with Sunday Masses at 8:00am, 10:00am, and 6:30pm.
  • If visiting for administrative needs, the CDC NPIN listing suggests weekday office hours from 9:00am to 2:00pm.
  • Respect the sanctuary: as an active place of worship and a spiritual home for many, please maintain a quiet demeanor inside.

Nearby context

Situated at the corner of Diamond and 18th Streets, the church is a cornerstone of the Castro district. It is located within walking distance of the Castro Street Muni Metro Station and the GLBT Historical Society Museum, making it part of a dense cluster of landmarks celebrating queer history and community resilience.

Sources

Evidence and links