About Mission Basilica San Diego de Alcalá · San Diego, California
Mission Basilica San Diego de Alcalá is the first of California's 21 missions and the birthplace of Christianity on the West Coast of the United States. Founded by Saint Junípero Serra in 1769, it remains an active Roman Catholic parish within the Diocese of San Diego while also welcoming visitors to its historic grounds and basilica church. The mission stands as both a National Historic Landmark and a minor basilica, offering daily Mass, vibrant liturgical music, and a tangible link to California's Catholic and Indigenous history.
- Established
- 1769
- Patron
- Saint Didacus of Alcalá
- Rector
- Very Rev. Peter McGuine
- Diocese
- Roman Catholic Diocese of San Diego
Why belong here
Worship at the Mother of the Alta California Missions, where daily liturgy, Spanish-language Mass, a contemporary music group, and the Mission Choir serve a diverse parish community rooted in nearly 255 years of faith.
Mass times at Mission Basilica San Diego de Alcalá
Weekly Mass schedule
History
From its founding in 1769 through secularization, military use, restoration, and basilica designation, Mission San Diego de Alcalá has remained a cornerstone of Catholic life in California.
- Founded July 16, 1769, by Saint Junípero Serra
- Relocated to present Mission Valley site in 1774
- Church destroyed in 1775 uprising; rebuilt as the fifth structure on the site
- Secularized in 1834 and returned to the Church in 1862
- Became an active parish in 1941 and a minor basilica in 1976
Worship
The parish celebrates daily Mass in the historic Mission Church and St. Francis Chapel, with liturgies in English and Spanish.
- Weekday Masses at 7:00 am and 5:30 pm
- Saturday Vigil at 5:30 pm
- Sunday Masses at 7:30 am, 9:00 am, 10:30 am, 12:00 pm, and 5:30 pm
- Spanish Mass Sundays at 10:30 am
- Contemporary music group at the 9:00 am Sunday Mass
- Mission Choir at the 12:00 pm Sunday Mass
Visit
The mission welcomes pilgrims and tourists to its gardens, museum, gift shop, and docent-led tours.
- Self-guided and guided group tours available
- Visitor Center and Gift Shop open daily
- National Historic Landmark and California Historical Landmark #242
Sacraments and Faith Formation
The parish provides sacramental preparation for children and adults and supports lifelong faith formation.
- Baptism, First Communion, and Confirmation preparation
- Marriage and RCIA
- Children's Faith Formation registration for registered parishioners