About San Clemente · Los Lunas, New Mexico
San Clemente Catholic Church is a parish of the Metropolitan Archdiocese of Santa Fe serving Los Lunas and the surrounding Valencia County area in central New Mexico. Named for Pope St. Clement I, a first-century martyr whose symbol is the anchor, the parish is one of the larger Catholic congregations in the county and now seats 850 to 900 worshipers after a major renovation completed in 2001. Under the pastoral leadership of Fr. James Marshall and three deacons, San Clemente offers daily Mass, weekend Masses in English (with a mission Mass at San Antonio), the sacrament of Reconciliation several days a week, Eucharistic Adoration, a robust Religious Education program for children and youth, and a wide network of parish ministries and outreach including St. Vincent de Paul, the Knights of Columbus, Catholic Daughters, and Pro-Life activities.
- Established
- 1961
- Patron
- Pope St. Clement I (San Clemente)
- Rector
- Rev. James Marshall
- Diocese
- Metropolitan Archdiocese of Santa Fe
Why belong here
San Clemente is a large, active parish family with daily and weekend Masses, frequent Reconciliation opportunities, and Eucharistic Adoration on First Fridays and most Thursdays. The parish invests deeply in forming the next generation through its Religious Education program, Life Teen youth ministry, and RCIA, while adults can grow in faith and fellowship through the Knights of Columbus, Catholic Daughters, Women's Group, Men's Coffeehouse, Legion of Mary, and Prayer Chain. Its long-running St. Vincent de Paul conference and Pro-Life activities give parishioners concrete ways to put the Gospel into practice throughout the Valencia County community.
Mass times at San Clemente
Weekly Mass schedule
Confession times
- Tuesday 4:00–5:30 PM
- Thursday 4:00–5:30 PM
- Wednesday 6:30 AM
- Friday 6:30 AM
- Saturday 3:30 PM (or by appointment)
Adoration times
- First Friday Adoration following 7:00 AM Mass, with Benediction at 11:00 AM
- Most Thursdays — Adoration from 12:00 noon to 1:00 PM (call parish office to confirm Exposition)
Our History
San Clemente Catholic Church was established in 1961 as a parish of the Archdiocese of Santa Fe and has historically been a diverse community with parishioners of Genízaro, Mestizo, and non-Native American ancestry. At least seven historic churches dot the Los Lunas area, some dating to the 1600s, but San Clemente is among the larger and more modern congregations in Valencia County. The parish's name honors Pope St. Clement I, the late-first-century pope-martyr who was tied to an anchor and thrown into the sea; that anchor is the church's identifying symbol and appears at the entrance.
- Established 1961 (Archdiocese of Santa Fe)
- Patron: Pope St. Clement I (feast day November 23)
- Anchor at the entrance symbolizes the patron saint
- Two statues of St. Clement inside the church
2001 Renovation and the Gathering Room
A roughly year-long, $1.5 million renovation and construction project transformed the worship space and brought seating capacity to 850–900 people. As part of the project, the original church building was preserved and converted into a 'Gathering Room' that continues to be used for funeral viewings and other parish gatherings. The parish's history page shows photographs of the church both before and after the renovation.
- $1.5 million renovation completed in 2001
- Seating capacity: 850–900
- Original church preserved as a Gathering Room
Clergy and Staff
The parish is served by a pastor and three deacons, with a lay staff supporting the office, religious education, and music ministry. Deacon Jim Snell also serves as Business Manager. Pastoral Assistant Rachel Marie Sisneros edits the parish bulletin and is a primary contact via email.
- Rev. James Marshall — Pastor
- Deacon Paul Baca
- Deacon Bob Burkhard
- Deacon Jim Snell — Business Manager
- Ann Krom — Office Staff
- Rachel Marie Sisneros — Pastoral Assistant / Bulletin Editor ([email protected])
- Amanda Noriega — Director of Religious Education
- Olivia Lopez — Religious Education Office Assistant
Religious Education and Youth Ministry
The Religious Education Office (505-865-9370) coordinates faith formation for children, youth, and adults, including the RCIA process for those seeking to become Catholic. Classes meet Monday through Thursday evenings in grade-appropriate sessions, and 'Blue Sheets' serve as required homework for all grades except Kindergarten. Life Teen, the parish's youth ministry, gathers on Saturday evenings from 6:30 to 8:30 PM. The 2024-2025 Religious Education Calendar and forms for First Holy Communion, Confirmation, and Adult Confirmation are available through the office.
- Religious Education Office: 505-865-9370
- Class times Monday–Thursday evenings (RCIA & Adult Confirmation Thu 7:00–8:30 PM)
- Life Teen — Saturday evenings 6:30–8:30 PM
- Blue Sheets — required homework for all grades except Kindergarten
- First Holy Communion, Confirmation, and Adult Confirmation preparation
Parish Ministries and Service Organizations
San Clemente's parish life is built around a wide network of ministries spanning service, prayer, fellowship, and parish governance. The Pastoral Parish Council is advisory to the pastor and is composed of members selected through discernment. Outreach is anchored by the San Clemente Conference of St. Vincent de Paul, and fraternal and family life is supported by the Knights of Columbus Council 9340 (shared with Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish), Catholic Daughters of the Americas, the Women's Group, and the Men's Coffeehouse.
- Pastoral Parish Council (advisory to the pastor)
- Knights of Columbus Council 9340 (shared with Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish)
- Catholic Daughters of the Americas
- St. Vincent de Paul Society (San Clemente Conference)
- Women's Group, Men's Coffeehouse, Parish Hospitality
- Bereavement Hospitality (contact Jennie Jaramillo)
St. Vincent de Paul Society
The San Clemente Conference of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul operates a separate food pantry, thrift store, and financial-assistance program at 960 Main Street NE in Los Lunas (505-565-1218). Vincentians visit families in their homes to provide friendship, support, and help with utilities, food, and other needs. The conference meets at 10:00 AM on the 2nd and 4th Wednesday of each month.
- Contact: Marie Kemmeren, President — 505-565-1218
- Open Monday–Thursday, closed Friday
- Food Distribution: 12:00–1:00 PM (bring ID and Los Lunas proof of residency)
- Thrift Store: 1:00–3:00 PM
- Donations accepted 12:00–3:00 PM (no after-hours drop-offs)
- Meetings: 2nd & 4th Wednesdays, 10:00 AM
Liturgical Ministries and Music
San Clemente's liturgies are supported by a broad team of lay ministers — from the sanctuary (servers, lectors, extraordinary ministers of Holy Communion, sacristan) to the welcome (ushers and greeters), environment (floral and seasonal decor), and music (choirs, cantors, and a contemporary praise and worship band). The Mayordomos assist during Easter, Christmas, and the Fiestas at San Clemente and the San Antonio mission. Every Mass has a choir to encourage congregational singing and deepen worship.
- Altar Servers, Lectors, Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion, Sacristan
- Ushers & Greeters, Altar Society (linens), Liturgical Environment
- Music Ministry — choirs, cantors, contemporary praise band
- Mayordomos for Easter, Christmas, and Fiestas at San Clemente and San Antonio
- Extraordinary Ministers Coordinator: Nico Davids
Prayer and Devotions
Beyond the Mass and Reconciliation schedule, San Clemente nurtures a rich devotional life. The Rosary Leaders and Rosary Makers ministries pray the rosary and craft mission rosaries for the parish and for charities. The Legion of Mary, the Prayer Chain, A.C.T.S., and GOSPA provide additional opportunities for prayer and evangelization, while Pro-Life activities include prayer vigils at abortion clinics, the Men's March for Life, and the 40 Days for Life events in the Archdiocese of Santa Fe.
- Rosary Leaders and Rosary Makers
- Legion of Mary
- Prayer Chain — submit requests through the parish office
- Pro-Life activities — prayer vigils, 40 Days for Life, Men's March for Life
- Prison Ministry
Serving and Safe Environment
San Clemente welcomes volunteers into every area of parish life. Before serving in any ministry, every employee and volunteer in the Archdiocese of Santa Fe must complete Adult Safe Environment Training every five years, pass a criminal background check, and submit a Volunteer Ministry Application. The parish's 'Serve' page walks prospective volunteers through the process and matches gifts to particular ministries.
- Adult Safe Environment Training every 5 years
- Criminal background check
- Volunteer Ministry Application required
Visit, Contact, and Directions
San Clemente's parish office is at 244 Luna Avenue NE in Los Lunas, with parking available on site. Office hours are Monday–Thursday 9:00 AM–5:00 PM and Friday 9:00 AM–3:00 PM (closed for lunch 12:00–1:00 PM). The parish keeps a Facebook page with current updates; directions are linked from the contact page.
- Address: 244 Luna Avenue NE, Los Lunas, NM 87031
- Phone: 505-865-7385
- Office hours: Mon–Thu 9–5; Fri 9–3 (closed 12–1)
- Bulletin/Pastoral Assistant email: [email protected]
- Facebook linked from the website contact page