Photo by Bill Osuna

Most Holy Redeemer Parish, located at 100 Diamond Street (at 18th Street) has existed as the Roman Catholic religious center of the Castro neighborhood in San Francisco since 1900. Located just 2 blocks from the heart of the historic Castro district, the parish reflects the diversity and excitement of the surrounding neighborhood.

MHR is an inclusive Catholic community -- embracing all people of good faith -- Catholics as well as those people interested in learning about the Catholic experience -- regardless of their background, gender, gender identity, race, social status or sexual orientation.

Parish History

Check our Parish History page for a brief look at MHR Parish.

Read: Gays and Grays: The Story of the Gay Community at Most Holy Redeemer Catholic Parish. Fr. Donal Godfrey's book Gays and Grays tells the story of the life of Most Holy Redeemer parish. The book is the popularized version of Fr. Godfrey's dissertation, and his writing is superb. It starts with the rise - and almost fall of the parish - in a historical exposé.

The book goes on to tell the wonderful story on how the parish eventually started dealing with the AIDS crisis, literally on its door-step. It also tells the stories of the women and men, clergy and laity, that have helped create this vibrant and inclusive parish.

Mission Statement

Most Holy Redeemer Parish is a Christian Community in the Roman Catholic tradition. The parish draws people from isolation to community, from searching to awakening, from indifference to concern, from selfishness to meaningful service, from fear in the midst of adversity to faith and hope in God.

The community of Most Holy Redeemer shares God's compassionate love with all people. The parish offers a spiritual home to all: senior citizens and youth; single people and families; the healthy and the sick, particularly persons with HIV disease; regardless of their background, gender, race, social status, gender identity or sexual orientation.

As a parish community, we celebrate God's loving presence in our lives. In worship and sacrament, especially the Eucharist, we are nurtured and challenged to extend God's kingdom of justice, truth, love and peace by growing in the spirit of Jesus, the Most Holy Redeemer.

The PASTORAL COUNCIL is an advisory group to the pastor, composed of representatives of the parish and its organizations. The Pastoral Council provides leadership, enhances communication, contributes to the building of community, and discovers and responds to parish needs.

Finding MHR Parish

MHR Catholic Church is located at 100 Diamond Street, in San Francisco's historic Castro Neighborhood. The parish offices are at the corner of 18th and Diamond Streets, and the church is located next to the parish office on Diamond. The parish is easily reached by municipal transportation.

If arriving by the Muni subway, go to the Castro Street Station (on the K, L, M, S and T Lines) and walk three blocks from the station at 17th and Castro to the parish church. If driving, review the Google map below and plot out your driving directions. On Sundays and holidays, all street parking is free. All other days you will encounter a mix of metered, free or permit parking.

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