Brief History of St. Monica School
St. Monica School was founded by the Sisters of the Holy Names on September 8, 1919. Other Sisters from other communities as well as a devoted lay faculty have staffed the school over the past 82 years.
The original frame building was used until the south end of the present building was completed in 1928. By 1938, another enlargement of the facility took place and the complex reached its current size.
As enrollment shifted from its height of 809 pupils in 1955 with two classes of each grade to the present 191 students with one class of each grade, classrooms have been utilized for other purposes such as kindergarten, computer lab, science lab, library, music appreciation and reading/teacher resource room.
Throughout the years, the school has evolved to meet current needs; however, a strong commitment to prayer, justice and service to the faith and civic communities has remained constant. The school has been and continues to be an integral part of St. Monica Parish.
Brief History of St. Monica Parish
St. Monica Church began its long history of service to the people of the Richmond District of San Francisco in 1911 when it celebrated its first Mass at a store front at 27th A venue and Geary Street. From this humble beginning, the parish has become a spiritual home for a culturally and ethnically diverse population of Catholics who lead faithful lives of service to their church and to the community. We join together to participate in the Eucharist often, and enjoy the sense of community which is engendered as part of this celebration of sacrifice and renewal.
The first St. Monica Church was built on 25th Avenue between California and Clement Sts. and was moved to the 23rd Avenue site where it eventually became the first school building in 1919, after a new church was blessed in 1918. The current church and Convent building in their current state were finished in 1951. In 1938, the original school building was doubled in size to include 16 classrooms with a total enrollment of 800 students.
The current Rectory at 470 24th Avenue was completed in January, 1942. The Church, with its Mission-style architecture and bell tower at the corner of 23rd Avenue and Geary Blvd., is rich in architectural detail. The interiors have been lovingly maintained for more than 50 years and continue to impress parishioners and visitors alike. The beautiful stained glass windows, rich polished wood altar and wonderful pipe organ, all combine to enhance the quality of the worship experience for all who attend. There are an adult choir and children's choir who perform on alternate Sundays at the 10:30 A.M. Mass. R.C.I.A. classes for adults who wish to become Catholic, as well as C.C.D.. classes for children who do not attend St. Monica School are available. Please contact the parish offices at (415) 751-5275 for further information.
The pastor, Reverend John Greene, the parish Council and the parishioners of St. Monica Church all welcome you to visit our community and worship with us regularly. Please consult the schedule of Masses and join us soon! Masses are in English unless specified otherwise.
- Daily
- 8:30 A.M.
- Saturdays
- 5:00 P.M.
- Sundays
- 8:00 A.M.
- 9:00 A.M. (Cantonese)
- 10:30 A.M. (Family Mass)
- Holy days
- 8:30 A.M.
- 11:00 A.M.