St. Dominic's Catholic Church — Attraction in San Francisco

Well I've had to rewrite a long review that just got lost, so in what gets posted I'll be brief(er), but I will also trust that that is what's best anyway.

St. Dominic's has quickly become a second "home" church for me, in addition to the Jesuit parish of Saint Ignatius. I have mostly been attending the 9 PM candlelight vigil on Sundays, though I often come just to pray (as I will all week having lit a devotional candle at the Shrine to Saint Jude, which is here, last night).

This church is perfect for architecture buffs, for outsiders or those new to Catholicism, those looking for neighborhood community feel, those seeking an uplifting message focused more on our lives as Christians/Catholics going forward rather than placing absolute emphasis on our past sins and unholiness, as some parishes do (I find myself realizing the importance of confession and repentance, but I have been quickly turned off at some other parishes that seem to only focus on the look back at what sins we have committed against God, and hardly ever at the forward nature of life in general and what good we can do going forward as Christians/Catholics, and I don't think it does the Church of God any good to make people think and believe that God is only focused on how much and how well we say sorry to Him for being prone to sin, as we mere humans are...

This church is not like that and the messaging, the sermons, the community of worshippers who attend, are so positive and uplifting, I tear up because I'm so moved every time I step into that church).

The architecture is English neo-Gothic, the friars have Spirit-led God-given operatic voices that it's like having a good choir, and this church has a beautiful organ that even gets used for candlelight vigil. It's certainly Dominican/Catholic (obviously), but of all Catholic churches and largely for the three reasons listed above, feels closest to where Episcopalianism/Anglicanism meets Catholicism, and the service itself is also easy to follow along if you come from that background.

I feel the presence of the Spirit of the Lord in this place, and it's probably there in force from the love of the Lord and faith that the Congregation and Clergy have and bring to this church, and I think anyone wanting to attend and check it out should not hesitate. This church is everything I think...

A continental gothic church with beautiful stained glass from the 1940s to late 1960s. All done in the traditional Gothic style. The Dominicans friars that live and serve in the Church are amazing preachers. The Dominican novices are also around for most of the year and it's great getting to meet and hear them preach. The friars do Morning, Evening and Night prayer in the church which is open for the lay people to join in.

They have a lot of masses on Saturday and Sunday and each one is different. Saturday evening mass is single cantor mass. The Sunday early morning mass is a silent mass, no music. The 9:30am mass is the family mass and Catechism classes start right after at 10:30am. The 11:30am is the solemn mass with a schola which is absolutely amazing! The 5:30pm mass is a contemporary/praise and worship mass, a lot of the young adults tend to go to this mass as well. The 9pm Sunday mass (yes, they have a 9pm mass, so no excuses 😜) is a candlelit mass and is absolutely stunning. I suggest trying every one of these to find the one you like best.

They have the St Jude Shrine which was an addition that was added around the time of the Great Depression and to this day has many visitors. There is also a small gift shop to the right...

My favorite of favorite Catholic Churches in the Bay Area (and of all parishes I've grown up attending)!

When you walk in, you can sense the holiness of this place. You may not quite know what it is at first, only that there is something special tugging on your soul. Once you engage with the community, attending Mass and other services, you'll see it more clearly. The community of Dominican Friars is outstanding in their preaching and teaching the truth. They love to engage with the community and often have many opportunities for parishioners to come to know Christ through their outstanding talks & lectures. I've benefitted so much from their knowledge & wisdom from my time here. If you truly are serious to know Christ, this parish is a valuable source in your journey.

The parish community is made up of young and old, singles and families. There are six Sunday Mass times so you'll never miss Mass ;-) The parish also has one of the best choir, music program in the city which can be heard at the 11:30 am Solemn Mass. Come and discover for yourselves, what a gem this place truly is if you are in the...