This church was established in 1901, when the population of this area consisted of mainly poor, working-class immigrants. When the Castro gradually became a hub for San Francisco’s gay community, around the 1970s, Christian churches in the area, who attempted to convert the gay community, fell into decline. This church almost closed, but then a new priest was appointed, who reached out to the gay community. He established clinics and support groups for AIDS sufferers, and the church was revitalised.
Pat and I came to this church for the 8am Mass one Sunday. Visitors were asked to stand – to our shock, we were the only ones. Everyone gave us a clap, and people came and spoke to us afterwards – they were very welcoming.
From the church’s mission statement: “The community of Most Holy Redeemer shares God's compassionate love with all people. The parish offers a spiritual home to all: senior citizens and youth; single people and families; the healthy and the sick, particularly persons with HIV disease; regardless of their background, gender, race, social status, gender identity or sexual orientation.”
The church seemed very wealthy. The current building was a square shape, with the altar in the centre, and seats set around it in a circular formation. There were at least ten beautiful stained glass windows. As well as a pipe organ, there was a grand piano. The pianist and tenor cantor were of a professional standard. There was a 10 page newsletter (front page in colour) which included a four-page copy of the melody line of all the sung music of the day. The staff list of the church included a business manager, a director of music, a director of liturgy and a book keeper, as well a secretary, besides the priest and a resident retired priest.
Interestingly,this church has not yet adopted the new missal. It was comforting to sing Marty Haugan’s Mass of Creation, including the acclamation Christ Has Died, which will not be sung at St Flannan’s ever again…..
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