Become a part of something great
Welcome
to the Church of St. Mary Magdalene
1953
Year of Founding of the Parish
1480 +
Number of Registered Families as of 2024
2021
Year Current Pastor Began Service
About Church
Church of St. Mary Magdelene
St. Mary Magdalene Parish was founded in 1953 under Rev. Daniel O’Donoghue, its first pastor.
With no church buildings at the start, the first Masses were celebrated in private homes among 14 families before moving to larger spaces, including the Red Sparks Plumbing Shop in Bay Park, as the parish community grew.
Construction soon began with grading, pouring the auditorium slab, and laying the foundation for the rectory. By late 1956, steel was raised and transported from San Diego’s port to the church site.
The first Mass was celebrated in the auditorium once the roof was completed, with the altar set on the stage facing Cecelia Terrace.
The church and school buildings were started in November 1956 and completed by the summer of 1957. Mass began in the new church mid-year, followed by the school’s dedication in September and the church’s in October. The convent was also finished that year, marking the completion of the entire building project within five years. The parish continued to grow rapidly, reaching about 1,000 parishioners by 1975 and 1,480 registered families by 2024.
Leadership passed from Fr. O’Donoghue to Msgr. William Bolger, who served for twenty years, followed by Msgr. John A. Dickie in 1995, Rev. Stephen McCall in 2005, and the current pastor, Rev. Ed McNulty, in 2021. The most recent renovation took place in 1995, with the first Mass held on Palm Sunday 1996. Today, the parish continues its mission to share Jesus through the Sacred Liturgy and offers ministries for faith renewal and personal spiritual growth.
A school that educates the heart and mind
Rev. Edward P. McNulty, Pastor
Consectetuer adipiscing
“School of the Madeleine is one of the largest Catholic elementary schools in San Diego with two classes of every grade from first through eighth. We are proud of our strong Catholic Identity and our faith community of teachers, families, and staff.”
Service Schedule Table
Weekly Liturgy & Sacrament Times
Service / Ministry
Day & Time
Description
Daily Mass
Tuesday – Saturday: 7:45 AM
Morning Mass open to all parishioners.
Vigil Mass
Saturday: 5:30 PM
Anticipated Sunday liturgy.
Sunday Masses
Sunday: 9:00 AM, 11:00 AM, 6:00 PM
Main weekend liturgies for the community.
Reconciliation (Confession)
Saturday: 4:00 PM or by appointment
Sacrament of forgiveness and renewal.
Eucharistic Adoration
First Friday of the Month: After 7:45 AM Mass
Quiet prayer and adoration before the Blessed Sacrament.
Service / Ministry
Day & Time
Description
Daily Mass
Tuesday – Saturday: 7:45 AM
Morning Mass open to all parishioners.
Vigil Mass
Saturday: 5:30 PM
Anticipated Sunday liturgy.
Sunday Masses
Sunday: 9:00 AM, 11:00 AM, 6:00 PM
Main weekend liturgies for the community.
Reconciliation (Confession)
Saturday: 4:00 PM or by appointment
Sacrament of forgiveness and renewal.
Eucharistic Adoration
First Friday of the Month: After 7:45 AM Mass
Quiet prayer and adoration before the Blessed Sacrament.
Service / Ministry
Day & Time
Description
Daily Mass
Tuesday – Saturday: 7:45 AM
Morning Mass open to all parishioners.
Vigil Mass
Saturday: 5:30 PM
Anticipated Sunday liturgy.
Sunday Masses
Sunday: 9:00 AM, 11:00 AM, 6:00 PM
Main weekend liturgies for the community.
Reconciliation (Confession)
Saturday: 4:00 PM or by appointment
Sacrament of forgiveness and renewal.
Eucharistic Adoration
First Friday of the Month: After 7:45 AM Mass
Quiet prayer and adoration before the Blessed Sacrament.
Service / Ministry
Day & Time
Description
Daily Mass
Tuesday – Saturday: 7:45 AM
Morning Mass open to all parishioners.
Vigil Mass
Saturday: 5:30 PM
Anticipated Sunday liturgy.
Sunday Masses
Sunday: 9:00 AM, 11:00 AM, 6:00 PM
Main weekend liturgies for the community.
Reconciliation (Confession)
Saturday: 4:00 PM or by appointment
Sacrament of forgiveness and renewal.
Eucharistic Adoration
First Friday of the Month: After 7:45 AM Mass
Quiet prayer and adoration before the Blessed Sacrament.
Our Community
Rooted in Faith, United in Purpose
Contact Us
We’re Here to Welcome You
Phone & Address
(619) 276-6545
School of the Madeleine,
1875 Illion Street
San Diego, CA 92110
School Hours
Monday-Thursday
8:00 am – 2:45 pm
Fridays and Minimum Days
8:00 am – 12:00 pm
Tardy Bell 8:05am
YMCA Extended Care
Monday-Friday
6:30 am – 8:00 am
Monday-Thursday
2:45 pm – 6:00 pm
Fridays and Minimum Days
12:00 pm – 6:00 pm