Saint Boniface Catholic Church — Attraction in San Francisco

I have posted a review of the Episcopal Church of St. John the Evangelist at 15th and Valencia in the city's Mission district neighborhood that I think applies here, too. Both churches are partners in the Gubbio Project, to serve the homeless by allowing them to sleep inside on the pews on weekdays.

At this church there is a wonderful weekday Mass at 12:15. I try to come as often as I can, being that I live nearby but again because I have heard many powerful sermons at this quick half-hour service.

The congregation is super diverse, reflecting the neighborhood. St. Boniface is a revered saint in Germany and I believe the original congregation so many years ago was German, but as the city and neighborhood have changed over the century, so too has the congregation to reflect that change. There are many Filipino, Vietnamese, Hispanic, and African American congregants. There is a Sunday Mass set up for each of these communities (by language and style of worship, same Catholic Liturgy across the board though).

I feel a great sense of welcome and community here, and God is at work with the Franciscans serving the local poor. I highly recommend this church for newcomers, and particularly the short but sweet midday weekday Mass at 12:15. Come experience Christ at...

Great Franciscan parish with massive outreach/ministry to the city's poor. Prepare to share the church with them, God's little ones. They are Jesus in disguise- a distressing disguise. They are allowed to rest quietly in the back half of the church while worshippers sit in the front half. There will be a strong odor but they keep the doors open and the wind blowing through.

The church's interior is magnificent. Don't miss it. It is uplifting and inspires one to elevate one's mind and heart up to God. The street is closed off to create a plaza and a safe community space so park at Civic Center garage and walk three blocks, or take public transit. For elderly or handicapped, the security team can allow your vehicle to enter the street to drop off at the church gates for easier unloading...

I mostly come here for 12:15PM First Friday Mass, as it is only a block away from my office. I have been coming on-and-off to St. Boniface since 2003. It's a very beautiful church. They have this project called Gubio, with one of their programs is to let homeless sleep on the pews at the back section (after the break) during the hours the church is open. So if you are okay with sporadic "music to my ears" (read: snores, loud ones), it's a nice place to stop by and have a quiet time, or to say some prayers.

The neighborhood is much improving now. As in other places, always practice caution when...