About St. David of Wales · Richmond, California
St. David of Wales is a Roman Catholic parish and school located at 5641 Esmond Avenue in the East Richmond hills of Richmond, California, within the Diocese of Oakland. The parish was established in 1952 by the Archdiocese of San Francisco and was transferred to the newly created Diocese of Oakland in 1962. It celebrated its 70th anniversary of service during 2022–2023. The parish operates St. David of Wales Catholic School (PreK–8) at 871 Sonoma Street and is known for its traditional liturgy, strong music program featuring Gregorian chant and polyphony, and an active social outreach ministry including St. Vincent de Paul and a parish food pantry.
- Established
- 1952
- Patron
- St. David of Wales
- Rector
- Fr. Thuong Nguyen (Parochial Administrator)
- Diocese
- Diocese of Oakland
Why belong here
St. David of Wales is a welcoming, traditionally liturgical parish with a renowned music program (Gregorian chant and polyphonic choral works led by organist Richard Mix), active daily Mass and confession schedules, and a vibrant school community. Parishioners support one another through ministries such as St. Vincent de Paul, the Food Pantry Guild, Knights of Columbus, and Family to Family Ministry, while school families partner in faith formation from Preschool through 8th grade. The hilltop parish offers a strong sense of community, faithful devotions (perpetual adoration, rosary, Divine Mercy chaplet), and an easy way to be involved in both liturgical and charitable life.
Mass times at St. David of Wales
Weekly Mass schedule
Confession times
- Saturday 4:00–4:45 PM
- Tuesday–Friday 5:30–6:15 PM
Adoration times
- Tuesday–Friday 5:00–6:20 PM (Exposition, Rosary, Divine Mercy Chaplet, silent adoration)
Parish History
St. David of Wales was established in 1952 by the Archdiocese of San Francisco and transferred to the newly formed Diocese of Oakland in 1962. The parish marked 70 years of ministry on the East Richmond hillside during 2022–2023. Its establishment responded to the post-war growth of the East Richmond hills, and it has served generations of Catholic families alongside its parish school.
- Founded 1952 by Archdiocese of San Francisco
- Transferred to Diocese of Oakland in 1962
- 70th anniversary celebrated in 2022–2023
- Clustered with St. John the Baptist, El Cerrito, effective Feb 1, 2025
Clergy & Staff
The parish is currently led by Fr. Thuong Nguyen as Parochial Administrator, who also serves as Pastor of clustered St. John the Baptist, El Cerrito. He succeeded Fr. Benedict Wonganant, who served as Parochial Administrator from 2019 until his 2025 reassignment as Pastor of St. Anne, Union City. Fr. Chrisanttus resides at the St. David rectory and assists with sacraments at both clustered parishes.
- Fr. Thuong Nguyen — Parochial Administrator (2025–present)
- Fr. Benedict Wonganant — former Parochial Administrator (2019–2025)
- Fr. Chrisanttus — priest in residence
- Parish office email: [email protected]
Mass & Sacrament Schedule
Daily Mass is offered Monday through Friday at 8:15 AM, with additional 6:30 PM Masses Tuesday through Friday. Saturday Masses are at 8:00 AM (English) and 9:00 AM (Kmhmu), with the Vigil Mass at 5:00 PM. Sunday Masses are at 8:00 AM and 11:00 AM in English and 9:30 AM in Spanish. Confessions are heard Saturday afternoons and before each evening weekday Mass.
- Sunday: 8:00 AM English, 9:30 AM Spanish, 11:00 AM English
- Saturday Vigil: 5:00 PM English
- Monday–Friday 8:15 AM; Tuesday–Friday 6:30 PM
- Saturday 8:00 AM English and 9:00 AM Kmhmu
- Confessions: Sat 4:00–4:45 PM; Tue–Fri 5:30–6:15 PM
St. David of Wales Catholic School
St. David of Wales Catholic School serves students from Preschool through 8th grade at 871 Sonoma Street, Richmond, just minutes from the parish church. The school integrates rigorous academics with Catholic faith formation. Students in second grade prepare for the Sacraments of Reconciliation and First Eucharist through a guided, community-based program. All students in grades 4–8 may train as altar servers for parish Masses.
- Grades served: Preschool through 8th
- Address: 871 Sonoma Street, Richmond, CA 94805
- School phone: (510) 232-2283
- Office hours: 7:30 AM – 3:30 PM; School day 8:00 AM – 2:45 PM
- Faith Families cross-grade mentoring program
- Sacramental preparation for Reconciliation and First Eucharist in 2nd grade
- Altar server training for grades 4–8
School Leadership & Faculty
The school is led by Principal Brian Swanson with Co-Vice Principals Grace Gedeon and Angelica Ybarra, working with Parochial Administrator Fr. Thuong Nguyen. Faculty includes preschool, elementary, middle school, and enrichment teachers across core subjects, music, and physical education, supported by instructional assistants and a facilities manager.
- Principal: Brian Swanson
- Co-Vice Principals: Grace Gedeon and Angelica Ybarra
- Preschool Director: Calista Dunn
- School Board President: Kenneth Farr
- Parent-Teacher Group President: Alex Merino
Academics & Faith Formation
St. David School uses RCL Benziger curriculum for faith formation K–8, blending Scripture, Catholic teaching, and the Sacraments with a personal prayer life. Students participate in regular liturgies, prayer services, and seasonal celebrations, often student-led. Music is integral, with the school choir (grades 3–8) leading weekly Masses and an annual Christmas musical.
- RCL Benziger religion curriculum K–8
- Service learning through Faith Families
- Student-led liturgies and prayer services
- School choir leads weekly Masses
Parish Ministries & Outreach
St. David of Wales supports a strong network of parish ministries serving both the spiritual and material needs of the community. Outreach includes the parish's Food Pantry Guild and the St. Vincent de Paul Society, which serve local families in need. Fraternal and family ministries such as the Knights of Columbus and Family to Family Ministry strengthen community bonds.
- Knights of Columbus
- St. Vincent de Paul Society
- St. David's Food Pantry Guild
- Family to Family Ministry
- Parish Choir and Cantor ministry
Music & Liturgy
Music is a hallmark of St. David of Wales. A cantor leads the Sunday 8:00 AM Mass, while the parish choir sings at the 11:00 AM Mass, performing Gregorian chant and polyphonic harmony, including works by Mendelssohn, Bach, Handel, Scarlatti, and Palestrina. The choir director and organist is Richard Mix. The parish's commitment to reverent, traditional liturgy is paired with a full schedule of daily Mass, confessions, and adoration.
- Choir Director and Organist: Richard Mix
- Cantor at Sunday 8:00 AM Mass
- Choir at Sunday 11:00 AM Mass — Gregorian chant and polyphony
- Repertoire includes Mendelssohn, Bach, Handel, Scarlatti, Palestrina
Location & Contact
The parish office is located at 5641 Esmond Avenue, Richmond, CA 94805-1112, in the East Richmond hills near Wildcat Canyon Regional Park. The office is open Tuesday through Friday and closed Saturday, Sunday, Monday, and holidays. Parishioners and visitors can reach the office at (510) 237-1531 or by email.
- Address: 5641 Esmond Ave, Richmond, CA 94805-1112
- Phone: (510) 237-1531
- Email: [email protected]
- Office hours: Tue–Fri (closed Sat/Sun/Mon/Holidays)
- Parish website: https://www.StDavidOfWales.com
Pastors & rectors through the years
- Fr. Benedict Wonganant2019–2025
Parochial Administrator; reassigned as Pastor of St. Anne, Union City effective Feb 1, 2025.
- Fr. Thuong Nguyen2025–present
Appointed Parochial Administrator of St. David of Wales effective Feb 1, 2025, while remaining Pastor of St. John the Baptist, El Cerrito. Parishes now clustered.