About Transfiguration · Castro Valley, California
Church of the Transfiguration is one of the two parishes serving the Catholic Community of Castro Valley, California, alongside Our Lady of Grace. Founded in 1961 and placed under the pastoral care of the Conventual Franciscan friars, the parish is dedicated to the Transfiguration of the Lord and has served the faithful of Castro Valley for over 65 years. It offers daily and weekend Masses—many livestreamed—sacramental preparation, and a variety of liturgical and outreach ministries. The community describes itself as thriving, diverse, and inclusive, rooted in the Franciscan call to live the Gospel and serve the poor and excluded.
- Established
- 1961
- Patron
- The Transfiguration of the Lord
- Rector
- Fr. Luke Vu, OFM Conv.
- Diocese
- Diocese of Oakland
Why belong here
Transfiguration offers a historic, diverse, and inclusive Catholic community in Castro Valley under the warm pastoral care of the Conventual Franciscans. With livestreamed Masses, a full schedule of daily and weekend liturgies, active liturgical ministries, sacramental preparation, and a beautiful meditation garden and mural, it is a place where parishioners can grow in faith, hope, and love while serving their neighbors.
Mass times at Transfiguration
Weekly Mass schedule
Confession times
- Saturdays 3:00 PM - 3:45 PM
History & Heritage
Transfiguration Parish was established on April 10, 1961 by the Diocese of San Francisco. The first Mass, offered by founding pastor Msgr. Charles Hackel on April 16, 1961, was held in a garage attached to the "Little Brown House." Early growth was rapid: outdoor summer Masses used pews donated by St. Mary's of Los Gatos, and autumn Masses moved into renovated former dog kennels. A hall/classroom building was ready by Easter 1962, and the present church was dedicated on December 22, 1979. The parish celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2011 with new entrance gates.
- Founded April 10, 1961
- First Mass: April 16, 1961 in a garage
- Current church first Mass: December 22, 1979
- Golden Anniversary entrance gates completed in 2011
Worship & Sacraments
Transfiguration celebrates the Eucharist daily and on weekends, with several Masses livestreamed. The Sacrament of Reconciliation is offered on Saturday afternoons, and the parish provides preparation for Baptism, Matrimony, and funeral liturgies by appointment.
- Saturday Vigil Mass at 4:00 PM (livestreamed)
- Sunday Masses at 7:30 AM, 9:00 AM, and 11:00 AM (11:00 AM livestreamed)
- Weekday Mass Monday-Friday at 8:00 AM (First Friday at 9:30 AM)
- Saturday Confession 3:00-3:45 PM
Arts & Grounds
The church houses a notable mural by Isabel Piczek, a Hungarian-born artist who fled Communist Hungary with her sister and later created large-scale sacred works worldwide. The parish grounds include the Meditation Garden completed in 2009, with areas honoring St. Francis of Assisi, a children's garden and gazebo, and the Calvary Garden. The bronze Jesus figure on the Calvary cross was stolen in May 2015 and later replaced.
- Mural by Isabel Piczek
- Meditation Garden completed 2009
- St. Francis of Assisi, Children's Garden, and Calvary Garden
- Golden Anniversary entrance gates
Ministry & Community Life
The parish organizes its mission around the theological virtues of faith, hope, and love, expressed through the Works of Mercy. Verified ministries include Eucharistic Ministers, Lectors/Liturgical Ministers, and Religious Education/Youth Ministry/RCIA.
- Eucharistic Ministers
- Lectors / Liturgical Ministers
- Religious Education, Youth Ministry & RCIA
Visit Us
Transfiguration is located at 4000 East Castro Valley Boulevard. The rectory office is open Monday through Wednesday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM, and closed Thursday through Sunday.
- Address: 4000 East Castro Valley Blvd., Castro Valley, CA 94552
- Phone: (510) 538-7941
- Email: [email protected]
- Office hours: Mon-Wed 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM