St Kevin’s Church

The priest from this church is HORRIBLE the church smells like a gym pool *chlorine *the priest is RUDE, he has no real joy when i asked him a simple question about baptizing my nephew he just told me too look online because i didn’t have a appointment and he cant make an exception REALLY??? What a JERK and thats why this CHURCH sucks i rather walk to St. Anthonys the priest there makes you feel like you belong not like st Kevins.

In reference to a review posted below regarding an experience at the Children’s Mass on Christmas Eve, I was also present at that Mass and have a different perception of the evening:
1. Prior to the start of the Mass, Children decorated the Christmas Tree. Many people know that decorating a Christmas Tree is part of the joy of Christmas. However, quite a few children in the parish do not live in homes where they can afford to put up Christmas trees. So the communal decorating of the Christmas trees before Mass allows the children an opportunity to share in the fun of Christmas. It is sad that some would seek to deny this simple Christmas joy to these children when it in no way affects the Liturgy.
2. The Church is lucky to have the loving contributions of its parishioners who volunteer their time to sing with the choir. As a simple parish, there is no funding available to hire a choir director or musicians. As such, perhaps unknown to the reviewer below, there is no «choir master». But the spirit of these voices provide a richness no professional choir can best.
3. Just as in Papal Masses where the readings are done in different languages, the Parish does the same in a spirit of hospitality and in recognition of the cultural diversity of the neighborhood. It is sad that some express an overtly racist attitude by essentially demanding that the Parish be segregated between an English speaking community and a non-​English speaking community. I know that when I go to Mass in a foreign country and do not speak the native tongue I am glad when words in my language are spoken to me. There is no license for segregation in a Church of God.
4. A principle of homiletics is to deliver a sermon in terms the Congregation can understand. A review on this page criticized the priest for a lack of theological sophistication at a Mass for Children. It is sad that some are so self-​centered that they find it difficult to find spiritual richness in simplicity.
5. The Mass is not a «show». While a review on this page characterizes the people attending as an «audience», it is in fact a «congregation» playing an active part in the Liturgy. And it is a lovely congregation, full of warmth and good cheer who, gladly, did not allow the persnickety demands of some to intrude on the joy shared in the Church as they celebrated the Birth of Our Lord. It is sad that the gift of Charity seemed to elude some members of the congregation that night.
6. A review commented on the pungent smell of «Clorox» (not «Chlorox») in the Church that night as a bothersome distraction from a church-​going experience. But perhaps if one thought about why the smell of chlorine bleach was there they might consider that a Church is not a museum but an institution of the Community that serves as a hospital for sinners. Perhaps during the day when the church was open, a homeless person seeking an encounter with Christ may have had an accident and urinated in the pews? And perhaps no one noticed until shortly before parishioners started gathering and the mess required a quick clean-​up?
Hurtful words really have no place anywhere. But in the words of Pope Francis, «Who am I to judge?» I don’t know what’s in the hearts of others, but I and others can pray for those who hate, and in their hate injure. While some may hide behind the anonymity of Unilocal,our Lord Jesus knows their hearts and the hurt in their souls that cause them to express their experiences in such a vitriolic manner.

I love FEBRUary! Its CRAB FEED TONITE!

Been a member of the parish since 1970 and have had numerous family members married or baptized at that church. I remember attending and teaching at their Summer Program, going to the Spring Festival and knowing the various priests and nuns serving the community since. My Mom is still a choir member and parishioner at age 83 and going strong! Have moved out of the SF Archdiocese but my heart still belongs to St. Kevins!

wonderful new priest — Father Ulysses, and great music (guitar and choir) a real neighborhood church — at the end of mass Fr. Ulysses asked if anyone was celebrating a birthday — you don’t get personal like that at MIssion Dolores!
They don’t have a parking lot, but just give yourself a few extra minutes to find parking and you’ll be fine.

I have been a member of St. Kevin’s for over 12 years. It is not without problems like any Church with regards to the passion people feel about different ways to approach issues. However it is by far the most intimate, loving, friendly atmosphere that I have ever experienced in a Church. I visited many Churches upon my arrival to the Bay Area and St. Kevin’s was a match as soon as I attended Mass there.
My Wife and I attended marriage prep classes at St Kevin’s and have attended many youth group events and Church events in general. If you are not settled on your Church and want to attend a friendly welcoming Church, I highly recommend visiting just once. I’m sure St Kevin’s will be a serious consideration after that one visit.
God Bless you!
AD

Small and intimate. I was baptised there, my kids were baptised there, and when I’m ready to be married in a church, I’ll be married here, too. I absolutely love my church! I need to go more often, though.

This church is very close to my hart. My sister and brother and myself were all baptized here. My mother and sister got married here.

A charming little church on Cortland! You enter the church and there is always someone to greet you whether you are new in town or a regular. It’s always nice to come in and feel welcome especially with a smile! The masses are quiet unless it’s a children’s mass or a wedding or quince! You can see how involved the people are with the church community – they have a great summer camp that has been going on for 3 years, Sunday class for the kids, and much more. This is a great community and the church is a wonderful asset to Bernal Heights!