About St. Maria Goretti · San Jose, California
St. Maria Goretti Parish in San Jose, California, is a vibrant, multicultural Catholic community celebrating over 60 years of faith, service, and growth. Founded in 1961 to serve the expanding southward population of the San Jose area, it began in a humble setting with a garage altar and 16 acres of orchard land. Today, it thrives as a large, welcoming parish known for its multilingual liturgies, strong faith formation, and active outreach. The parish is rooted in the legacy of Saint Maria Goretti, a young martyr whose feast day is celebrated on June 24, and continues to serve as a spiritual anchor for families across diverse cultural backgrounds.
- Established
- 1961
- Patron
- Saint Maria Goretti
- Rector
- Rev. Andrew C. Nguyen
- Diocese
- Diocese of San Jose
Why belong here
Join a parish that welcomes families from diverse cultures and languages, offering multilingual Masses, strong faith formation for children and adults, and active ministries that serve the community. Whether you’re seeking spiritual growth, sacramental preparation, or a place to belong, St. Maria Goretti offers a warm, inclusive family environment rooted in the legacy of Saint Maria Goretti.
About Us
St. Maria Goretti Parish celebrates over 60 years as a Catholic community. Founded in 1961 to serve the growing south San Jose area, it began in a garage and evolved into a large, multicultural parish with a permanent church dedicated in 1963. The parish has grown through physical expansions, social ministries, and ethnic diversity, becoming known for multilingual liturgies and strong faith formation.
History
The parish was formed in July 1961 with 60 families. Fr. Joseph Deans was the first pastor, celebrating Mass in a garage. Fr. Arthur Hoffmann became administrator in November 1961, and construction of the current church began in March 1962, completed and dedicated on March 3, 1963. The parish expanded significantly in the 1970s and 1980s, including the construction of Sullivan Hall in 1975 and the formation of ethnic associations. The Diocese of San Jose was established in 1981.
Staff & Clergy
The parish is led by Pastor Rev. Andrew C. Nguyen and includes several parochial vicars, deacons, and lay staff. The staff includes Vietnamese Catechetical Coordinator Sister Mary Magdalene Trang Nguyen, Pastoral Associate Mrs. Araceli Zarate, and Administrative Assistants Mrs. Maria Socorro Alonso and Sister Sugar Vo. The parish also has facility coordinators, receptionists, and finance office staff.
Ministries & Faith Formation
The parish offers a wide range of ministries including RCIA, Children’s Liturgy of the Word, Religious Education for Children, and multilingual liturgies. The parish also hosts Eucharistic Miracles and GLVN SÁCH-BOOK SỐNG-LIVE PHIM-VIDEO. Faith formation is a cornerstone, with programs for children, adults, and families, and a strong emphasis on community and cultural diversity.
Sacraments
The parish offers all seven sacraments: Baptism, Confirmation, Holy Communion, Reconciliation, Anointing of the Sick, Marriage, and Holy Orders. Sacramental preparation is available in multiple languages, including English, Spanish, and Vietnamese, reflecting the parish’s multicultural identity.