St. Louis Catholic Church at 68633 C St. in Cathedral City is a bilingual Roman Catholic parish known for the welcome expressed in its mission: a community united by diversity, love, the Word of God and the Eucharist. Founded in 1948, St. Louis grew from Mass celebrated in homes into a church with English- and Spanish-language worship, a steady rhythm of prayer and formation, and ministries that serve families, students, the homebound and people experiencing homelessness. Weekend Masses are divided between English and Spanish, while the 7:30 a.m. weekday Mass is bilingual. The parish also schedules confession, Eucharistic adoration, youth gatherings, sacramental preparation, online giving and many forms of service. Its stated welcome is broad: all are welcome to worship, collaborate and become part of the community.
Mass in English and Spanish Every Day
Mass is celebrated at 68633 C St. in Cathedral City. The weekly pattern gives visitors several choices in either language, including a bilingual Mass on each weekday. The parish office can be reached at 760-328-2398.
- Saturday: 4:00 p.m. in English and 6:00 p.m. in Spanish.
- Sunday: 7:00 a.m., 11:00 a.m., 1:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. in Spanish, with a 9:00 a.m. English Mass.
- Monday through Thursday: 7:30 a.m. bilingual Mass.
- Friday: 7:30 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. bilingual Mass.
- Confessions: 5:00 p.m. on the first and third Wednesday of each month.
Spanish is not confined to a single weekend service. It appears in the morning and evening schedule, weekday worship, the parish mission and its formation in both languages. English and Spanish also meet directly in the bilingual weekday Mass.
What the Celebration Includes
The Mass celebrated at St. Louis has two central parts, the Liturgy of the Word and the Liturgy of the Eucharist. In the first part, those gathered hear Scripture, sing the Psalm, listen to the homily, profess their faith in the Creed and offer communal prayers. The second part centers on the gifts of bread and wine and the receiving of the Body and Blood of Christ. The parish teaches that the risen Jesus is truly and substantially present in the Eucharist, not merely represented by a sign or symbol, and describes the transformation of bread and wine as transubstantiation. The gathered community renews its commitment to Jesus and is then sent forth to proclaim the Good News.
From a Home Mass to the C Street Church
St. Louis Parish was formed in March 1948 from two neighboring parish communities: the southeastern portion of Our Lady of Solitude in Palm Springs and the northwestern portion of Our Lady of Perpetual Help in Indio. The new parish covered an area 12 miles long and 24 miles wide. Rev. Joseph Leissler became its founding pastor and served the community for 24 years.
The first Mass associated with the new parish was celebrated on February 29, 1948, in the home of Emma Hamill. Many early Masses were also held in homes throughout the area until a permanent church building was established on May 23, 1948. This intimate beginning remains part of the parish's identity: worship at St. Louis began with neighbors opening their homes to the community gathered around the altar.
The original church was a former military hospital ward measuring 150 by 30 feet. It had been stationed where Desert Regional Hospital now stands and was moved to Cathedral City, then placed on the southeast corner of Glenn Avenue and B Street. One third of the building was partitioned to become the church, while the other two thirds became the parish hall. The church was dedicated and blessed on February 10, 1949, by Bishop Charles T. Buddy of the Diocese of San Diego.
A new church and rectory were begun in 1973. Groundbreaking ceremonies on April 6 were followed by construction on May 7. Fifteen stained-glass windows depicting the Mysteries of the Rosary were designed and made by Gabriel Loire in Chartres, France. The steeple was designed to imitate the Eiffel Tower. Bishop Leo T. Maher dedicated and blessed the new St. Louis church on March 3, 1974.
Rev. Alfred Giemer followed the founding pastor from 1972 to 1979, and Rev. Robert Rockwell served from 1979 to 1981. The Congregation of the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary staffed the parish from 1981 through 2013. During that era, the parish was served by administrators and pastors including Rev. Patrick Crowley, Rev. Michael J. Brooks, Rev. Patrick O'Hagan, Rev. Paul Murtagh and Rev. Michael N. Maher. Rev. Arnel Macabio arrived in February 2013 for an assignment that lasted about 18 months. Rev. Luis A. Guido was appointed in July 2017, first alongside Rev. Anthony Waturuocha and then Rev. Anthony Ibegbunam as parochial vicars.
The parish leadership named today includes Fr. Canice O. Nwizu as parish administrator and Fr. Salvador Vazquez Flores as parochial vicar. Deacon Jaime Rosas coordinates religious education, while David Gonzalez coordinates youth ministry and confirmation.
United by Diversity, Love, the Word and the Eucharist
The parish mission states that Saint Louis Church lives united by diversity, love, the Word of God and the Eucharist. It says that all are welcome to worship, collaborate and become part of the community. That sense of belonging is joined to a Catholic understanding of the Church as the living Body of Christ, made up of ordained ministers and the lay faithful called to spread the Gospel and minister to people in need.
The beliefs taught at St. Louis begin with human beings created by God in love and the dignity of every person. The Church confesses the Holy Trinity as Father, Son and Holy Spirit, recognizes the Incarnation in Jesus Christ, and centers its life on Jesus' crucifixion, death and resurrection. Mary and the saints are honored as examples of faith and are invoked in prayer. The seven sacraments nourish and strengthen faith, while the Eucharist stands at the center of the Church's sacramental life.
Prayer is understood as communion with God and may be public or personal, spoken or silent. The Psalms are sung as part of communal prayer, and the Mass is the Church's central communal prayer. Alongside worship, the parish teaches stewardship of time, talent and treasure. Its Catholic social teachings emphasize care for human dignity from conception to natural death, concern for people who are poor, care for the environment, just working conditions and equal treatment in society.
The Liturgical Year at St. Louis
The parish follows one universal liturgical year, with the seasons of the Church giving shape to worship and formation.
- Advent consists of the four Sundays leading to Christmas and prepares the faithful for the birth of Christ.
- Christmastide begins on Christmas Eve, continues through the Feast of the Epiphany and the Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God, and concludes with the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord in January.
- Lent is a season of repentance and renewal lasting 40 days, from Ash Wednesday through the Mass of the Lord's Supper on Holy Thursday.
- The Triduum centers on Holy Thursday, Good Friday and Holy Saturday, culminating in the Easter Vigil when new members receive the Sacraments of Initiation.
- Easter celebrates Christ's resurrection and victory over death, continuing through Pentecost, when the Holy Spirit is sent upon the apostles to spread the Gospel to all nations.
- Ordinary Time explores Christ's mission through the Gospels and includes Trinity Sunday, Corpus Christi and the Solemnity of Christ the King.
Solemnities, feasts and memorials also occur during the year to commemorate people and events especially revered by the Church. The Catholic calendar gives the parish a shared rhythm for worship, Scripture, sacraments and prayer.
Seven Sacraments at the Center of Parish Life
The Church's liturgical life revolves around the Eucharistic sacrifice and the seven sacraments. St. Louis describes the sacraments as experiences through which God's grace is given and as practices that nourish faith and build up the Church.
- Baptism cleanses from sin, initiates a person into the Christian community and opens the way into the sacramental life. Water, oil, light and the white garment express cleansing, renewal and participation in Christ's victory over death. Infant baptism is common, while adult baptism takes place at the Easter Vigil through the restored Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults.
- Eucharist places the Word and the Body and Blood of Christ at the center of worship. The parish affirms the real presence of the risen Jesus and teaches that the ordained priest, through the power of ordination and the action of the Holy Spirit, transforms bread and wine.
- Confirmation perfects baptismal grace through the gifts of the Holy Spirit, the anointing of chrism and the laying on of hands by the bishop. It renews baptismal promises and calls Catholics to mature witness in words and deeds.
- Penance reconciles a person with God and the Church through contrition, confession to a priest, absolution and a commitment to live as a Christian.
- Anointing of the Sick offers spiritual support, consolation and possible healing to people who are ill, ideally within a communal celebration.
- Marriage is a covenantal union that gives spouses the grace to love one another with the love Christ has for his Church.
- Holy Orders continues the mission entrusted to the apostles through the three degrees of episcopate, presbyterate and diaconate.
The parish also prepares parents for the formation of their child's faith through Baptism Preparation.
Monday Prayer, Thursday Adoration and Community Groups
St. Louis has several regular forms of prayer beyond the Mass. The Monday Night Prayer Group meets at 7:00 p.m. in the Convent Chapel to read and reflect on the Gospel for the coming Sunday, use the Liturgy of the Hours, and pray intercessorily. The group alternates the Rosary and Divine Mercy, and books are provided for new members.
Eucharistic Adoration is held Thursdays from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. from September through April. The Blessed Sacrament is exposed in the monstrance, and volunteers sign up for one hour or more to pray in the Lord's presence. During Lent, Stations of the Cross are held at 6:30 p.m. on Fridays in the chapel, followed by soup and sharing in the Sacred Heart Hall.
The Pro-Life Rosary gathers the community to pray for the sanctity of human life from conception until natural death. Meditative hymns accompany the Rosary, no previous experience is required, and mentors are available. Music Ministry rehearses at 7:00 p.m. on Tuesdays in the choir loft, with members singing at Sunday Mass as their schedules allow.
The Men's Group meets every other Saturday morning from 7:30 to 8:50 a.m. for coffee, a light breakfast, conversation and relaxed discussion of faith. The Women's Group gathers on selected occasions, with babysitting available. These groups create smaller settings for friendship and conversation within the larger parish life.
Many people also serve in the worship of the Church. Greeters welcome those arriving for Mass, and ushers assist people to their seats and take up the collection. Lectors proclaim Scripture, while boys and girls from grade three and above may serve as altar servers. Senior altar servers assist at Mass and funeral Masses. Other teams care for altar linens, prepare the altar, maintain the flowers and grounds, count the offertory, organize fellowship, advise on finances and support the Parish Pastoral Council.
Friday Nights for Middle and High School Students
St. Louis Youth Ministry is an Eucharist-centered ministry for middle school and high school students. Its Friday gathering runs from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. The ministry builds Christian friendships with teens and their families and seeks to lead young people closer to Christ through prayer, teaching and personal example.
Students do not have to be Catholic to attend, and a first visit includes a parent or guardian who can complete the registration form. A typical gathering combines time to socialize, make friends, share food and play games with prayer and faith formation. Core Team leaders teach about the faith and share testimonies. The youth ministry describes its aim as helping teens grow in faith, deepen their relationship with Jesus and build a supportive community.
Care for the Sick, Homebound and Homeless
St. Louis connects sacramental service with care for people who cannot easily reach the parish. Extraordinary Ministers of Communion serve the Body and Blood of Christ at Mass and also bring the Eucharist to the sick and homebound. A Spanish-language ministry for visiting the sick supports that work under the name Ministerio de Visita a los Enfermos.
The Soup Kitchen provides hot meals on a monthly basis to people who are homeless. Parish life also identifies service to the homebound, care for people who are poor, volunteer work at food pantries and participation in the St. Vincent de Paul Society. These works reflect the corporal works of mercy taught by the Church, including feeding the hungry, sheltering the homeless, caring for the sick and comforting those who suffer.
Other service ministries include Faith and Charity, hospitality, a prayer group and the Marriage Ministry Caminando con Jesús. Together they extend the parish's mission beyond the church building and connect Eucharistic life with care for neighbors.
A Parish Open to Newcomers and Returning Catholics
People may encounter St. Louis as a brief visitor, as someone looking for a parish home, as a returning Catholic or as a non-Catholic seeking to understand the Church. The parish welcomes each of these paths and provides formation for adults as well as children. Deacon Jaime Rosas coordinates religious education, while the Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults offers a communal process of preparation for the Catholic sacraments. Prospective Catholics are also invited to meet with the pastor. Returning Catholics are welcomed to resume active participation in the Church's liturgical and sacramental life. Household information can be submitted through parish registration.
Giving and Continuing the Mission
St. Louis offers secure online giving. Donors can make one-time or recurring gifts, select a fund, adjust contribution amounts and use a credit card. Donations are credited to year-end tax statements unless given anonymously. The same community that gathers for worship, prayer and formation also supports charitable service through the parish's giving program.
St. Louis Catholic Church continues the work begun in 1948, bringing English- and Spanish-speaking Catholics together around the Word, the Eucharist and the call to serve.