About Sacred Heart · Hollister, California
Sacred Heart Parish in Hollister, California, traces its roots to 1877 and is the spiritual descendant of Father Juan Crespi, who named the San Benito River. The parish was formally established in 1877 with 12 families and has grown through generations of faithful leadership, including early pastors like Father Hugh McNamee and Father Bernard Smyth. Today, it serves a vibrant community with multiple Masses in English, Spanish, and Latin, and offers a full range of ministries including religious education, youth groups, and sacramental preparation. The parish also operates Sacred Heart School and maintains Calvary Cemetery, a legacy of its 19th-century founders.
- Established
- 1877
- Patron
- Sacred Heart of Jesus
- Rector
- Fr. Stephen Akers
- Diocese
- Diocese of Monterey Bay
Why belong here
Join a parish with deep historical roots and a vibrant community. Experience Mass in English, Spanish, and Latin, participate in religious education and youth programs, and connect through active ministries like weddings, quinceañeras, and sacramental preparation. The parish offers a welcoming environment for families, with a school, cemetery, and ongoing spiritual formation.
Mass times at Sacred Heart
Weekly Mass schedule
Confession times
- Friday 7pm at St. Benedict
- Saturday 3:30pm-4:15pm & 6pm-6:45pm
- Sunday 8:15am-8:45am & 11:45am-12:30pm
History
Sacred Heart Parish was established in December 1877 with 12 families. It traces its spiritual lineage to Father Juan Crespi, who named the San Benito River in 1772. The parish was formally founded in 1877 under Father Hugh McNamee, who succeeded Father Cipriano Rubio, who had begun construction of the church in 1873. The parish was further developed under Father Bernard Smyth, who oversaw the creation of Calvary Cemetery and the expansion of the Sacred Heart School. The parish endured the 1906 earthquake, during which Sisters of Charity rescued children from the collapsing convent. The parish continues to serve the community with multiple Masses and active ministries.
Ministries
The parish offers a wide range of ministries including Religious Education, Youth Group, Sacramental Preparation, Wedding & Quinceañera Coordination, and Building Maintenance. These ministries are staffed by dedicated clergy and lay volunteers who serve the community with compassion and faith.
- Religious Education
- Youth Group
- Sacramental Preparation
- Wedding & Quinceañera Coordination
- Building Maintenance
Faith Formation
The parish provides comprehensive faith formation for all ages, including religious education for children and youth, adult catechesis, and sacramental preparation. The parish also offers opportunities for spiritual growth through retreats, Bible studies, and community service.
Sacraments
The parish offers all seven sacraments: Baptism, First Communion, Confirmation, Marriage, Anointing of the Sick, and Holy Orders. Sacramental preparation is available for all ages and is tailored to meet the needs of each individual.
- Baptism
- First Communion
- Confirmation
- Marriage
- Anointing of the Sick
- Holy Orders
Mass & Worship
The parish offers multiple Masses each day in English, Spanish, and Latin. Masses are celebrated at Sacred Heart and St. Benedict churches, with times varying by day. Confessions are available on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.
Pastors & rectors through the years
- Fr. Hugh McNamee1877-1880
First resident pastor; left to become parish priest of the cathedral in Los Angeles.
- Fr. M.W. Mahoney1880-1889
Succeeded McNamee; served nearly nine years; died in 1901.
- Fr. Bernard S. Smyth1889-1907
Arrived during town’s prosperity; oversaw construction of Calvary Cemetery and expansion of Sacred Heart School.
- Fr. Patrick Brady1907
Began service in 1907; history cut off mid-sentence.