About St. Cyril of Alexandria · Tucson, Arizona
St. Cyril of Alexandria is a historic Roman Catholic parish on Tucson's east side, founded in 1947 (with the parish community noting activity 'since 1948') and now worshipping in a striking mid-century building at 4725 E. Pima Street, near Swan Road. A parish of the Diocese of Tucson, St. Cyril is known as a multi-cultural 'Community of Communities' with Masses celebrated in English, Spanish and Polish, four distinct ethnic communities (Anglo, Latin American, Polish, and African), and a parish school. The parish was served for three decades by the Paulist Fathers (1974–2006) and then by the Carmelite friars until summer 2025, when diocesan priest Fr. Francisco Maldonado was named pastor.
- Established
- 1947
- Patron
- St. Cyril of Alexandria (Patriarch of Alexandria, Doctor of the Church, defender of the title Theotokos)
- Rector
- Rev. Francisco Maldonado (appointed July 1, 2025)
- Diocese
- Diocese of Tucson (Roman Catholic)
Why belong here
St. Cyril of Alexandria is a welcoming, intentionally multicultural Catholic community — a 'Community of Communities' — where an Anglo, Latin American, Polish and African community worship side by side under the same roof, often in their own language and with their own Marian devotions. Worshippers are drawn by the parish's beautiful building (with its famous blue-and-gold window), its strong sacramental life (daily Mass, Saturday vigil, First Friday Adoration, a dedicated Reconciliation Chapel and an active Polish, Spanish and English schedule), and a deep bench of lay ministries: religious education for K–9th grade, Boy Scout Troop 115, the Vine of Grace women's retreat ministry, Vacation Bible School in English and Spanish, and a parish school (Pre-K through grade school). Add to that an engaged Knights of Columbus council, an active liturgical ministry corps and a pastorate rooted in Carmelite spirituality for nearly two decades, and St. Cyril offers Tucson Catholics a genuinely livable, large-parish home.
Mass times at St. Cyril of Alexandria
Weekly Mass schedule
Confession times
- Saturday 3:30–4:30 PM in the Church
- By appointment — call the Parish Office (520-795-1633)
Adoration times
- First Friday: 8:00 AM Mass followed by Adoration until 4:30 PM
Parish Identity & Sponsorship
St. Cyril of Alexandria is a parish of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Tucson, dedicated to St. Cyril of Alexandria — the early-5th-century Patriarch of Alexandria whose defense of the title 'Theotokos' (Mother of God) clarified that Jesus is fully human and fully divine. After nearly two decades under the pastoral care of the Carmelite friars, the parish was returned to direct diocesan care on July 1, 2025 with the appointment of Fr. Francisco Maldonado as pastor; Fr. Ron Oakham, O.Carm., came out of retirement to serve as administrator through the transition.
- Diocese of Tucson
- Religious congregations that have served St. Cyril: Paulist Fathers (Missionary Society of St. Paul the Apostle), 1974–2006; Carmelites (O.Carm.), 2006–2025
- Patron: St. Cyril of Alexandria (feast day June 27)
Parish History & Building
Established in 1947 and active 'since 1948,' St. Cyril built its first permanent church in 1951 to a Modern Spanish design by Tucson architect Terry Atkinson. When a new sanctuary was completed in 1970 the older structure became Nicholson Hall (named for Marie Nicholson), and over the following decades the church underwent two major renovations under pastors Fr. Bill Dougherty, C.S.P. (post-Vatican II altar repositioning) and Fr. Gil Martinez, C.S.P. (2005 vestibule/wood-beam renovation), with a further 2012 upgrade that added the Reconciliation/Lactation room and the cast-iron sculpture above the main doors.
- 1947: parish established (per GCatholic)
- 1951: first permanent church built by architect Terrence C. Atkinson — now Nicholson Hall
- 1970: present sanctuary becomes the worship space
- 1974–2006: served by the Paulist Fathers
- 2006: Carmelites assume pastoral care under Bishop Kicanas's appointment of Fr. Fred Tillotson, O.Carm.
- 2017: Shrine of Mary, Mother of All Nations dedicated; original bell restored by Chris Christopher and the Knights of Columbus
Architecture & Sacred Art
The 1951 Atkinson building (now Nicholson Hall) and the 1970 sanctuary together form the parish complex. The interior's most photographed feature is the blue-and-gold hexagonal faceted-glass window behind the main altar. Marian devotion is woven into the architecture — four images of Mary (Holy Family, Our Lady of Guadalupe, Our Lady of Częstochowa, Our Lady of Mt. Carmel) are gathered into the 2017 Shrine of Mary, Mother of All Nations, where Kristine Stoner's mosaic and Pomegranate Vine of Marian titles unify the diverse communities of the parish.
- Signature blue-and-gold hexagonal window (south wall, behind altar)
- Embroidered portrait of St. Cyril on the west vestibule wall by Fr. Frank Sabatte, C.S.P.
- Cast-iron sculpture above main doors (inspired by an original stained-glass design) and stained-glass door inserts, added 2012
- Reconciliation Chapel / Lactation Station and vestibule restrooms added 2012
- Statue of St. Cyril of Alexandria on the north-east corner near the main east-side entry
Worship & Sacraments
St. Cyril offers a full schedule of daily and Sunday Masses in English and Spanish, with Polish-language heritage and community celebrated through the parish's Polish community. Confessions are heard every Saturday afternoon and by appointment, and First Friday brings a day of Adoration following the 8:00 AM Mass. Sacramental preparation is offered through the parish school and the Religious Education program, and adult formation runs through Catholic Discovery (RCIA).
- Saturday Vigil 5:00 PM (English)
- Sunday 8:00 AM, 10:00 AM (English); 1:00 PM (Spanish)
- Weekday Masses Tuesday–Saturday 8:00 AM; Monday/Wednesday/Friday also 5:00 PM; Thursday also 6:30 PM (Spanish)
- Reconciliation: Saturday 3:30–4:30 PM in the Church, or by appointment
- First Friday: 8:00 AM Mass followed by Adoration until 4:30 PM
- Funerals with parish Funeral Toll
Clergy, Staff & Parish Office
The parish is led by Fr. Francisco Maldonado (Pastor, ext. 105) with support from Deacon Mario Aguirre (ext. 113). Lay staff include a Business Manager, Faith Formation Director, Music Director, Facilities Manager, Parish Secretary, Bulletin Editor, and a Custodian, while Jorge Gramajo directs the 1 PM Spanish Mass Choir and Danielle Coleman serves as principal of St. Cyril School.
- Fr. Francisco Maldonado — Pastor (ext. 105, [email protected])
- Deacon Mario Aguirre (ext. 113, [email protected])
- Sally Guerrero — Business Manager (ext. 118, [email protected])
- Becki Jenkins — Faith Formation Director (ext. 104, [email protected])
- Victoria Kinghorn — Music Director (ext. 103, [email protected])
- Jorge Gramajo — 1 PM Spanish Mass Choir ([email protected])
- Maria Luz Perdomo — Parish Secretary (ext. 120, [email protected])
- Phyllis Reid — Bulletin Editor (ext. 116, [email protected])
- Owen Sapp — Facilities Manager ([email protected])
- Maria Ramirez Cota — Custodian
- Danielle Coleman — School Principal (520-881-4240, [email protected])
Faith Formation & Religious Education
Children not enrolled at St. Cyril School attend religious education on Sundays August–April. Younger students (Kindergarten and Grades 1–6) gather from 10:00 AM–12:45 PM, which includes the 10:00 Mass followed by class; students in Grades 7–9 who still need Reconciliation and/or First Eucharist meet 11:00 AM–12:45 PM (with attendance expected at either the 10:00 AM or 1:00 PM Mass).
- Kindergarten & Grades 1–6: Sunday 10:00 AM–12:45 PM
- Grades 7–9 (Reconciliation / First Eucharist preparation): Sunday 11:00 AM–12:45 PM
- Registration twice yearly (August–September and January); $50 donation per child requested
- Separate First Reconciliation and First Eucharist tracks for St. Cyril School families
St. Cyril School
The parish's elementary school sits alongside the church at 4725 E. Pima Street, sharing staff and bulletin with the parish. Danielle Coleman serves as principal; the school integrates sacramental preparation into the school day for its students.
- Principal: Mrs. Danielle Coleman
- Phone: 520-881-4240
- Email: [email protected]
- Arizona Tuition Tax Credit program supports students
Becoming Catholic (Catholic Discovery / RCIA)
Catholic Discovery is the parish's catechetical and spiritual formation process for adults. It welcomes inquirers considering becoming Catholic as well as already-baptized Catholics who have not received religious formation or have not yet celebrated Confirmation and First Communion.
- Process for unbaptized inquirers (OCIA/RCIA)
- Process for baptized Catholics needing Confirmation and First Communion
- Contact the Parish Office at 520-795-1633 for details
Liturgical Ministries & Lay Service
St. Cyril runs a robust liturgical ministry program: Lectors proclaim the readings and intercessions, Altar Servers assist the presider, Ministers of Hospitality (ushers and greeters) welcome the assembly, Extra-Ordinary Ministers of Holy Communion distribute the Eucharist (with a special homebound / nursing-home / hospital ministry), and Sacristans care for the vessels. All lectors and EMs must be fully initiated Catholics; EMs must be at least 16. New ministers complete diocesan paperwork, a compliance video and parish training.
- Lectors
- Altar Servers (open to males and females after First Communion)
- Ministers of Hospitality (ushers & greeters)
- Extra-Ordinary Ministers of Holy Communion
- Sacristans
- Homebound / Nursing Home / Hospital Ministry (special training event each November)
Music Ministry
Music is shared between English and Spanish Masses. Victoria Kinghorn directs the parish's English-language music program; Jorge Gramajo directs the Spanish Mass Choir that supports the 1 PM Sunday liturgy.
- Victoria Kinghorn — Music Director (ext. 103, [email protected])
- Jorge Gramajo — 1 PM Spanish Mass Choir ([email protected])
Groups, Organizations & Retreats
St. Cyril families can plug into a wide range of parish groups, including Boy Scout Troop 115 (chartered to the parish) and the Vine of Grace Retreat Ministry for women, which runs Day of Renewal events, an annual Weekend of Worship, and a Pilgrimage to Mexico, in addition to retreats.
- Boy Scout Troop 115 (Catalina Council, Spanish Trails District)
- Knights of Columbus Council (including the bell restoration project)
- Vine of Grace Retreat Ministry — Women's Retreat, Days of Renewal, Weekend of Worship, Pilgrimage to Mexico
- Vacation Bible School (bilingual English & Spanish)
- Diocesan Youth Choir (parish participation)
Family & Sacramental Life
Beyond Mass, the parish accompanies families through every major sacramental milestone — from Baptism to marriage preparation to funeral planning. Young men discerning a priestly or religious vocation are directed to Fr. Jorge Monterroso at the parish (ext. 102), or to the Carmelites, the Paulists, or the diocesan Vocation Director.
- Marriage preparation (call the Parish Office)
- Baptism preparation
- Anointing of the Sick and pastoral care of the sick/homebound
- Funeral planning
- Vocation discernment for men and women
Pastors & rectors through the years
- Fr. Ron Oakham, O.Carm.Administrator through June 2025; earlier pastorate including 2017 shrine dedication
First Carmelite to serve as pastor; returned from retirement in 2025 to shepherd the transition.
- Fr. Gil Martinez, C.S.P.
Last Paulist Father to serve as pastor; led the 2005 major renovation.
- Fr. Fred Tillotson, O.Carm.Named administrator 2006
Head of Salpointe Catholic High School; named by Bishop Kicanas to take over St. Cyril when the Paulists departed.
- Fr. Bill Dougherty, C.S.P.
Paulist pastor who led the first major renovation, re-positioning the altar to reflect Vatican II liturgy.
- Fr. Frank Sabatte, C.S.P.
Member of the Paulist Fathers and former Parochial Vicar; artist who created the embroidered image of St. Cyril in the vestibule.
- Fr. Manu Franco, O.Carm.
Carmelite who helped Fr. Oakham make the 2025 transition smooth.