About St. Leo the Great · San Jose, California
St. Leo the Great Catholic Church in San Jose, California, is a vibrant parish serving the community with daily Mass, bilingual worship, and active ministries. Founded in 1915, it celebrates its centennial in 2015 and is part of the Diocese of San Jose. The parish is closely affiliated with St. Leo the Great School, offering Catholic education from preschool through 8th grade. It welcomes all through its sacramental programs, faith formation, and outreach ministries including a food pantry and Spanish-language services.
- Established
- 1915
- Patron
- St. Leo the Great
- Rector
- Father John Poncini
- Diocese
- Diocese of San Jose
Why belong here
Join a parish that offers daily Mass in English and Spanish, livestreamed services, and a strong community of faith through ministries like CCD, prayer groups, and the food pantry. You’ll find support for sacraments, family life, and spiritual growth in a welcoming, bilingual environment.
Mass times at St. Leo the Great
Weekly Mass schedule
Confession times
- Saturdays 3:30PM - 4:30PM
Our History
Saint Leo the Great Parish is a territorial parish of the Roman Catholic Diocese of San Jose in California. The original St. Leo the Great church was built in 1915 and was named for Pope Leo I. The first mass at St. Leo's Chapel was celebrated by the Rev. Father Culligan on August 8, 1915. On Christmas Eve 1953, Father Manning celebrated the first mass in the new (and current) church building, which he was instrumental in helping to build. St. Leo the Great Parish is affiliated with Saint Leo the Great School, a private Catholic School that provides Pre-school through 8th grade education. In 2015, both St. Leo the Great Parish and School celebrated their centennial year. The church is located in the St. Leo section of the Shasta-Hanchett neighborhood of San Jose.
Parish Staff
Pastoral Leadership includes Pastor Father John Poncini, Parochial Vicar Father Ernesto Orci, and Rev. Adel Ghali (Priest in Residence). Parish staff includes Business Manager Cathy Torrisi, Office Manager Lupe Butterbrodt, Administrative Assistant Marisa Banister, and Catechetical Coordinator Lorenzo Ramos. School administration includes Principal Mr. Matt Komar and Vice Principal Mrs. Rea Vallarta.
Sacraments & Ministries
The parish offers full sacramental ministry including Baptism, Reconciliation, First Communion, Confirmation, OCIA, OCIC, Marriage, Anointing of the Sick, Holy Orders, and Funerals. Active ministries include Faith Formation (CCD), Formación en la Fe (CCD), Grupo de Oracion (Carismatico), and a Food Pantry. The parish also provides prayer resources, returning Catholic programs, and becoming Catholic registration.