The Immaculata sits inside the University of San Diego's Alcalá Park neighborhood, its Spanish-style bell tower and red Cordova tile roof rising above the surrounding campus. Since Bishop Charles Francis Buddy, the founding bishop of the Diocese of San Diego, dedicated the church on May 5, 1959, the parish has grown from its original role as the main chapel of the university and the Immaculate Heart Seminary into a separate Roman Catholic parish serving the wider community. The parish describes itself as "a vibrant, diverse Roman Catholic community called to serve as faithful disciples of Christ," and Father Matthew D. Spahr, the current pastor, frames parish life around being "a beacon of faith and a spiritual home to all who seek God."
Mission and Identity
The Immaculata's name comes from the Latin title for Mary as the Immaculate Conception, and devotion to her runs through the parish's self-understanding. The mission statement reads: "Inspired and strengthened by the Sacraments, Scripture and Liturgy, we are a vibrant, diverse Roman Catholic community called to serve as faithful disciples of Christ in our lives and ministries. With our Blessed Mother to guide us, we strive to be a beacon of faith and a spiritual home to all who seek God." As a parish of the Diocese of San Diego, The Immaculata lives at the intersection of the University of San Diego community and the surrounding neighborhood, welcoming students, faculty, longtime parishioners, and newcomers into the same pews.
A Building Designed to Endure
The Immaculata owes its origin to Bishop Charles Francis Buddy, who built it to serve as the main chapel for the University of San Diego and the Immaculate Heart Seminary. Spanish styling shapes the exterior: a mosaic dome, a red Cordova tile roof, and a bell tower topped by a 300-pound cross at a height of 167 feet from the ground. Atop the dome stands the statue of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception, ten feet eight inches tall and weighing roughly 8,500 pounds. The main entrance door is solid bronze.
Inside, the church is cruciform in shape, 200 feet in length and 148 feet in width through the transept, with seating for approximately 900 people. Twenty side chapels line the nave, above which hang the Stations of the Cross, imported from Italy, and a hand-carved crucifix built in Oberammergau, Germany. The barrel-vaulted ceiling rises 50 feet through the nave and transept areas, reaching 105 feet at the top of the sanctuary dome. A single slab of marble forms the main altar, designed so Mass may be offered with the priest facing either direction; a baldachino hangs above it. Marble and marble aggregate carry through the pillars and floor, giving the whole interior a unified stone character.
Pastors Since 1959
The parish has been served by a long line of pastors since its founding. The early leaders included Msgr. William Bergin (1959 to 1964), followed by Rev. William J. Kiefer, Rev. Patrick Kearney, Rev. J. Vincent Sullivan, and Rev. Jeremiah O'Sullivan. Msgr. John R. Portman and then Rev. Robert Callahan led the parish through the 1970s, succeeded by Rev. James R. Rankin and Rev. Michael Gallagher in the 1980s. Rev. Michael A. Smith and Msgr. Mark Campbell continued the line, followed by Msgr. Daniel Dillabough as administrator in the 1990s, Rev. Michael Robinson and Rev. Edward McNulty as rectors, and Rev. Matthew D. Spahr, who has served as pastor since 2003.
Mass and Reconciliation
Daily Mass is celebrated Monday through Saturday at 8:00 a.m., and that Mass is livestreamed. Saturday brings the Vigil Mass at 4:30 p.m., and Sunday Mass is offered at 8:30 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. The 8:30 a.m. Sunday Mass is also livestreamed, and recordings of previous broadcasts are available on the parish's livestream page.
Reconciliation is heard on Saturdays from 3:30 p.m. to 4:15 p.m. in the church, or by appointment through the parish office.
Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament
Two regular weekly windows are set aside for Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament. On Tuesday evenings, the church is open for prayer from 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. On Wednesdays, adoration runs from 8:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. The parish describes adoration as "a beautiful opportunity for the faithful to pray before the Blessed Sacrament," rooted in the Catholic belief that the body, blood, soul, and divinity of Christ are substantially present in the Eucharist.
The Seven Sacraments
The Immaculata prepares parishioners for each of the seven Catholic sacraments. Infant baptism is coordinated through Patty and Jim Infantine; older children ages 7 to 17 and adults work with Pastoral Associate Laura Martin-Spencer. First Communion and First Reconciliation are part of the Family Faith Formation program and are available to children as they enter second grade. Teen Confirmation runs as its own track for middle and high school youth, and adults seeking Confirmation are welcomed through Adult Faith Formation and the OCIA process.
Marriage preparation pairs engaged couples with experienced mentor couples through the parish's Witness to Love ministry, and Wedding Director Arianna Calio handles date availability and the practical details of weddings in the church. Anointing of the Sick is offered to those facing serious illness or the end of life. Men considering priesthood or religious life can connect with the parish's Vocations resources, and Reconciliation is available every Saturday afternoon or by appointment.
Family Faith Formation (Grades K to 8)
Family Faith Formation, or FFF, is the parish's religious education program for children in kindergarten through eighth grade, built around the Our Sunday Visitor "Alive in Christ" curriculum. The program aims to integrate Catholic teaching into the classroom and into the home, with monthly rhythms that bring families together around shared lessons. On the first Sunday of each month, families gather for a large family session from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. The second and fourth Sundays move to in-person sessions from 9:45 to 11:15 a.m., with parents joining their own presentations, prayer, and faith sharing while children meet in grade-level classrooms. The third Sunday (and any fifth Sunday) becomes an at-home family activity that builds on the month's lesson.
First Reconciliation is prepared in the fall of the second-grade year, and First Communion follows in the spring. Marissa Barajas coordinates the program.
Teen Confirmation and Adult Faith Formation
Teen Confirmation is its own track for middle school and high school youth preparing for the sacrament. The parish also offers Adult Faith Formation, a monthly speaker series held from 9:45 to 11:15 a.m. The series brings in voices from the local Catholic community to explore prayer, conscience formation, Christian unity, the Eucharist, pilgrimage, forgiveness, mercy, and vocational discernment. Childcare is available in Madonna Hall during the sessions, and topics are announced through Flocknote, the parish bulletin, and the parish calendar.
Becoming Catholic (OCIA)
For adults who are not baptized, who were baptized in another Christian tradition, or who were baptized Catholic but missed First Communion and Confirmation, the parish offers the Order of Christian Initiation of Adults (OCIA). The process walks participants through the teachings of the Catholic Church and the rites of initiation, typically culminating at the Easter Vigil. Inquiries are coordinated through Pastoral Associate Laura Martin-Spencer.
Music, Servers, and the Liturgical Ministries
Music Director Lupe Rios leads the parish's Music Ministry, which provides music for the Saturday Vigil, both Sunday Masses, Holy Days, and special liturgies throughout the year. A separate Youth Music Ministry invites young vocalists and instrumentalists into the liturgy, with the Children's Choir called upon during major Church holidays and special celebrations.
Altar Servers assist the presider at Mass and other liturgical ceremonies, leading processions, presenting the Roman Missal, setting up sacred vessels, helping at the lavabo, and assisting with incense at solemn Masses. Lectors proclaim the first and second readings and the Prayers of the Faithful at daily Mass, the Saturday Vigil, and both Sunday liturgies. The Usher and Greeter Ministry welcomes visitors, helps people find seats, assists with the collection, and addresses needs as they arise during Mass. Eucharistic Ministers distribute Holy Communion at every Mass and bring the Eucharist to the sick and homebound.
Two practical liturgical groups round out this work. The Liturgical Environment team assembles floral arrangements and decorations for Advent, Christmas, Lent, Easter, and other major liturgies throughout the year, helping transform the church into a sacred space. The Altar Linen Care ministry tends to the corporal, purificator, pall, lavabo towel, altar cloth, and credence table cloth used in the sacred liturgy.
A Year of Mission: Migrant and Refugee Justice
The Immaculata has named Migrant and Refugee Justice its mission focus for 2026, a choice that emerged from a season of parish-wide discernment and a year of listening and prayer. As part of the parish's ongoing journey of reflection and renewal, a series of talks opened hearts and minds, beginning with Fr. Greg Boyle on "Cherished Belonging" and continuing with Vino Pajanor on Catholic Social Teaching. Witness speakers followed on violence and peacebuilding, human and civil rights, climate and environmental justice, legal and restorative justice, poverty and economic justice, and radical hospitality.
The Immaculata Migrant Ministry partners with Our Lady of Guadalupe Pope Francis Center and Mutual Aid 4 Moms to provide non-perishable food, diapers, baby wipes, hygiene items, and household products. A collection bin and information board stand at the main entrance to the church near the inside stairs leading to the choir, and green Migrant Ministry envelopes for Walmart or Costco gift cards, as well as monetary contributions, may be placed in the weekend collection baskets.
Serving the Wider Community
Beyond Migrant Ministry, the parish's outreach reaches several corners of San Diego. Tall wicker baskets at the front and back entrances collect canned goods and non-perishable food for the Food Pantry, which delivers donations to a small sister parish. The Give Back Sundays ministry organizes charitable drives of food, clothing, and essential items throughout the year. The parish also partners with Father Joe's Villages to support neighbors facing homelessness, and the We See You San Diego ministry creates space around a table for parishioners to share a meal and conversation with people experiencing homelessness on the streets, restoring dignity and identity through simple presence.
Closer to the parish, the Homebound Ministry brings the Eucharist, prayer, and companionship to those who cannot attend Mass due to illness, age, or disability. The Bereavement Ministry offers spiritual, emotional, and practical support to families after the loss of a loved one. The Mental Health Ministry works to reduce stigma around mental health through parish education and resource development, helping parishioners connect with support services in the community. The Creation Care Ministry responds to the Gospel call to be good stewards of creation, mitigating climate change and protecting God's gifts through education, sustainability, and advocacy.
Parish Life Beyond the Altar
The Immaculata's parish life is built around a wide circle of small groups and gatherings. Divine Diners brings parishioners together in small groups for shared meals, with two sessions a year of roughly monthly gatherings that promote Christian hospitality and parish fellowship. The Ladies of the Immaculata offers women of all ages a space for faith, friendship, and service, with monthly events throughout the year. Young Adults, those in their twenties and thirties whether married or single, gather for coffee after the 8:30 a.m. Sunday Mass, a Sunday-afternoon Bible study, Tuesday-evening Adoration at 7:00 p.m., Thursday trivia, and a Friday happy hour at 5:00 p.m.
Senior Ministry includes a Coffee Meet-Up on the first and third Mondays at 9:00 a.m., a Senior Discussion Group on the second Wednesday of the month at 4:00 p.m., and the Terrific Tuesday Walkers on the first Tuesday of the month at 9:15 a.m. The Book Club meets via Zoom on the first and third Thursdays at 6:30 p.m. for parishioners over eighteen, reading a mix of classics and recent works that enrich faith knowledge. The Parish Rosary gathers on Tuesday evenings at 6:45 p.m. After the Sunday morning Masses, the Donut and Coffee Ministry hosts a relaxed gathering on the plaza where newcomers can meet longtime parishioners, and the Parish Fellowship Events committee plans celebrations, social gatherings, and spiritual activities throughout the year. The parish also hosts a council of the Knights of Columbus, gathering Catholic men eighteen and older around the four principles of charity, unity, fraternity, and patriotism.
Visiting The Immaculata
The church sits inside the University of San Diego campus at 5998 Alcala Park, San Diego, CA 92110. Church doors are open Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. and on Saturdays and Sundays from 8:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Parish offices are open Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., with Sunday hours from 8:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. and closed on Saturdays. Childcare is offered during the Sunday morning Masses for children ages one (and walking) through five in Madonna Hall, with entrance through the inside church doors.
Parishioners stay informed through Flocknote, receiving messages from the pastor, the weekly Beacon bulletin, special event flyers, and announcements. Newcomers can register as parishioners by completing the registration form and returning it to the parish office, or by signing up online through the parish's My Own Church portal. Daily Mass and the Sunday Mass can be watched on the livestream page, and online giving is available through the parish giving portal.