About Old Mission San Miguel · San Miguel, California
Mission San Miguel, founded in 1797, is a National Historical Landmark and one of California’s most significant cultural treasures. Its original adobe church, with frescoes painted by Salinan artists under Esteban Munras, remains largely unchanged since its completion in 1821. Today, it serves as a vibrant Catholic parish under the Franciscan Friars of the Province of Saint Barbara, offering bilingual Masses, sacraments, and community ministries while preserving its rich history. The mission was secularized in 1834, later restored after the 2003 San Simeon earthquake, and reopened in 2009 with a dedication Mass.
- Established
- 1797
- Patron
- Archangel Saint Michael
Why belong here
Join a community rooted in over 200 years of California history, where you can experience authentic faith through bilingual Masses, sacraments, and ministries. The parish offers deep spiritual life, historic worship, and active involvement in the mission’s ongoing restoration and cultural preservation.
Mass times at Old Mission San Miguel
Weekly Mass schedule
Confession times
- After weekday Mass
- By appointment
Adoration times
- Thursday 9:00 AM (Holy Hour of Adoration & communion)
- Thursday 6:00 PM (Holy Hour in Spanish)
History
Mission San Miguel, founded in 1797 by Franciscan Father Fermín Francisco de Lasuen, was established to connect Mission San Antonio and Mission San Luis Obispo. The first church burned in 1806; a new adobe church was completed by 1821. After secularization in 1834, the mission was occupied by the Reed family and later converted to commercial use. Returned to the Catholic Church in 1859, it became a parish in 1878. Franciscan friars returned in 1928 and continue to administer it today. The 2003 earthquake caused major damage, leading to a multi-year restoration effort that culminated in reopening in 2009.
Ministries
The parish offers sacraments including baptism, first communion, and reconciliation. Instruction classes and baptisms are available by appointment. The mission also operates a gift shop, museum, and offers tours of the historic site. The parish office is open Monday–Friday, 9:00 AM–5:00 PM.
- Child Baptism (English and Spanish)
- Sacrament Preparation
- Gift Shop
- Tours
- Museum
- Parish Office
- Restoration Project
Mass & Services
Masses are offered in English and Spanish, including bilingual services on Sundays at 9:00 AM. Daily Masses are held Monday–Friday, with special Holy Hours on Thursdays. Stations of the Cross are held during Lent at 6:00 PM. Confessions are available after weekday Mass or by appointment.
- Saturday 5:00 PM (English)
- Sunday 11:00 AM (English)
- Sunday 9:00 AM (Bilingual)
- Tuesday–Friday 8:00 AM (Bilingual)
- Thursday 9:00 AM (Holy Hour)
- Lent Stations of the Cross (6:00 PM)
- Confessions after Mass or by appointment
Sacraments
The parish offers Baptism, First Communion, Reconciliation, Confirmation, Marriage, and Anointing of the Sick. Baptism classes and ceremonies are available in English and Spanish, with ceremonies held on Saturdays at 10:00 AM upon availability.
- Baptism (English and Spanish)
- First Communion
- Reconciliation
- Confirmation
- Marriage
- Anointing of the Sick