St. Kevin

About St. Kevin Parish

St. Kevin's Parish is dedicated to creating and developing a strong, welcoming community by reaching out to reveal and communicate the love of God to all people. The parish aims to deepen spiritual lives through liturgical celebration, fellowship, education, and service in a spirit of collaborative leadership between ordained and laity, respecting the uniqueness of each person and continuing the mission of Jesus within a Catholic faith community. It extends a warm welcome to all, whether regularly practicing, returning or inquiring Catholics.

Parish History

The parish was founded in 1922, holding its first services in the Cortland Theater. The present church was built in 1925 in response to a growing Catholic population made up of Irish, Italian, German and other European immigrant families. Until the 1906 earthquake, Bernal Heights was mostly farmland; families began moving in afterward despite the lack of paved streets or city services. The parish celebrated its 100th anniversary in July 2022 with an International Food Fest.

• Founded 1922 (first Mass at the Cortland Theater)
• Present church built 1925
• 100th anniversary celebrated July 16, 2022

Who Was St. Kevin?

St. Kevin (498–618 A.D.) was born into a wealthy family in Ireland in 498. He studied Scripture for three years as a young man before taking the monastic habit, and later founded a monastery at Glendalough, Ireland. His holy reputation attracted many people to the monastery and he was elevated to the status of Bishop. His patience was legendary: in one story, a bird laid an egg in the palm of his hand, and Kevin remained motionless until the egg hatched rather than harm it. His feast day is June 3.

• Born 498 A.D. in Ireland
• Founded Glendalough monastery
• Elevated to Bishop
• Feast day: June 3

Clergy & Parish Staff

The parish is currently led by Fr. Zhaojun (Jerome) Bai, SVD, a member of the Society of the Divine Word. The parish office is staffed by a parish secretary, bookkeeper, and housekeeper/church environment coordinator. The rectory office is open Tuesday through Friday, 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM.

• Pastor: Fr. Zhaojun (Jerome) Bai, SVD
• Parish Secretary: Irma Moncada
• Parish Bookkeeper: Lucy Martinez
• Housekeeper & Church Environment Coordinator: Alba Mejia
• Rectory Office Hours: Tuesday–Friday, 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
• Parish Office Phone: 415-648-5751

Mass & Liturgical Schedule

St. Kevin offers daily Mass Tuesday through Friday at 9:00 AM, a Saturday Vigil Mass at 5:00 PM, and Sunday Masses at 9:30 AM (English) and 12:00 PM (Spanish). First Friday and Holy Day Masses are typically at 9:00 AM with an additional time announced in the bulletin.

• Tuesday–Friday: 9:00 AM
• Saturday Vigil: 5:00 PM
• Sunday: 9:30 AM (English), 12:00 PM (Spanish)
• First Fridays / Holy Days: 9:00 AM & TBD

Faith Formation & Religious Education

The parish's CCD (Confraternity of Christian Doctrine) program imparts the Catholic faith to children and youth and prepares them for the sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation and Holy Eucharist. Classes meet on Sundays from September through May. Children must enroll by early September; modest fees help cover books and materials.

• CCD classes for children grades 1–6 (First Communion prep)
• Two-year commitment required for First Communion
• Teen Confirmation Program for grades 7–12 (two years)
• Includes Catholic doctrine, Bible study, parish participation, and social justice activities
• Enrollment opens early September

St. Vincent de Paul Society

Members of the St. Vincent de Paul Society see Jesus in the face of the poor and serve the Lord by helping those in need. The St. Kevin Conference serves parish members and neighbors within parish boundaries, identifying needy families and individuals through referrals and coordinating donation events throughout the year. The Conference meets the first Thursday of each month from 7–8 PM in St. Joseph's Hall (Anderson St. entrance).

• Monthly sandwich making for the homeless (350 sandwiches delivered to the 5th & Bryant shelter)
• Emergency assistance, spiritual support, and referrals
• Food baskets at Easter, Thanksgiving, and Christmas
• Christmas gifts for children of needy families
• City-wide winter homeless cooking program (3–4 days each January)
• Annual Friends of the Poor Walk at Lake Merced (feast day of St. Vincent de Paul, Sept. 27)
• Monthly birthday parties for clients of the homeless shelter
• Conference email: [email protected]

Parish Life & Fellowship

Beyond Mass and the sacraments, St. Kevin hosts many parish events including dinner dances, prayer groups, and Bible study, providing fellowship opportunities alongside service. The parish is deeply embedded in the Bernal Heights neighborhood and many parishioners are locals of long-standing, while newcomers are warmly welcomed. The IGNiTE Youth Group, in particular, has been actively fundraising through events like the annual Crab Feed to support a pilgrimage to World Youth Day 2027.

• Prayer groups
• Bible study
• Parish dinner dances and events
• IGNiTE Youth Group (World Youth Day 2027)
• Annual Crab Feed fundraiser

Sacraments

St. Kevin prepares parishioners for the major sacraments of Catholic life, including Infant Baptism, First Communion (through CCD), Teen Confirmation, and Marriage. The parish also celebrates funeral liturgies. Sacramental preparation programs require family commitment to regular attendance at classes and Sunday liturgies.

• Infant Baptism
• First Communion (via CCD, grades 1–6)
• Confirmation (Teen program, grades 7–12)
• Marriage preparation
• Funeral liturgies