Good news, folks, I didn't burst into flames upon walking through the front door... Yeah, I was raised "conveniently" Catholic, which is my way of saying that we went to church a few times a year when I was young, mostly on religious holidays, but our attendance slowed to a trickle in later years settling for a prayer at the dinner table as a sufficient substitute. In the same breath, my older brother jumped headfirst back into the church a few years ago and because of that we celebrated his wedding at San Rafael Parish. I will say that it's an incredibly bizarre feeling to attend a six person wedding in a massive space like this, but 2021 is still making up for 2020's shortcomings and gatherings still seem like a bad idea. So, our tiny family of six was joined by the Monsignor, a piano player, a singer, a photographer, and an employee that webcasted the ceremony to Australia, my sister-in-law's homeland. Everything was perfect. Everything was sincere. Everything was beautiful. Thanks San Rafael Parish for opening your doors to my brother and his bride on their special day and giving them the religious wedding that they were really looking forward to. read more

The most beautiful energy of any church I've ever gone to lays here within these walls and gorgeous stained windows. read more

San Rafael Parish - Mother Mary Statue amongst the blooming roses. - Religious Organizations Near Me - San Diego, California

In my uneducated opinion, most catholic churches/parishes have a lot of the same things in common and the differences between each are minor. So basically, I'm asserting that if you like one then you'll like them all, and they're all pretty much the same. That being said, San Rafael is a great place to put your praying knees to use. I don't really find it any worse or any better than most of the other catholic churches I've been to. If you're nearby, checkout a service and I'll bet you wont' be disappointed. read more

This is the first time I have been to this Catholic church. It was easy to find, central location in Rancho Bernardo. The church itself was nice and had a unique circular design in which makes it convenient to see what is going on. The stained glass was really pretty! read more

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Way too modern in my opinion. There's no kneelers which makes it extremely uncomfortable if you're inclined to kneel and not conform to modern ways. This is the ONLY parish I've been to that doesn't kneel during the Consecration. Not a big fan of the circular layout, and the pew aisles are very small to the point where older people have a hard time shuffling through to get to the main aisles. However, I'll say the parish priest gave a very relatable homily and is very welcoming and personable to each person after Mass and doesn't just want to shake your hand and leave. read more

Modern Church. Circular in design. Not the traditional lay out of the church. The circular design offers a better view of the mass. read more

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Interesting, different architecture in this Catholic church in Rancho Bernardo. I love it! Very cool art everywhere, from naive mosaics to sculptures and that super cute Virgin Mary outside with well curated roses adorning nicely. I was invited to a first communion and had a great time, especially for the variety of people congregated there (from Indians with saris to the classical girls dressed in white for their communion, everything is accepted here). The circular shape makes it very integrative to everybody. I like the style, I am not a church goer, but like to attend religious events of my friends and their families and will definitively go again. read more

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I called to inquire about attending a pre-baptismal seminar for my goddaughter who will be baptized in Los Angeles. Deacon Wood informed me that they only allow parishioners and those that will be baptized at San Rafael to attend the baptism class there. However, for those who will be baptized at San Rafael, "We accept certificates of attendance to pre-baptismal seminars or classes from any Catholic Church." How would someone obtain one from another church if they had the same practices that San Rafael does?! read more

I have been attending this church for many, many years and highly recommend it! We live about 20 miles away, but are happy to commute to San Rafael each week for mass. In addition, the religious education classes have many options, my daughter loves them, and she really learns a lot every week! I look forward to many more years with San Rafael parish! read more

Very modern, very Novus Ordo. I haven't been here in years, but even 10 years ago, they weren't kneeling during the consecration. Yikes! Weird circular layout. read more

I was raised Catholic by my mother and grandmother and attended San Rafael regularly during high school. What other reviewers have said is true, there are no kneelers, however, if you want to be a black sheep and still have decent knees you can kneel on the floor, like I've seen many people do. They sing the 'Our Father', occasionally the way it is sung changes, I'm not really a fan of that. My most recent visit was last night, the 10pm Christmas Eve mass. Let me tell you, this is the place to see and be seen if you are single and in your mid 20s-30s. Well, with the close of Mr. Charlie's around the corner, where else is a girl to go in Rancho Bernardo? read more

This is a warm and welcoming parish. The church has a very intimate feel and is circular in design so that the altar is easily viewed from any seat in the sanctuary The population varies from the elderly to very young families. There is a "cry room" for the little ones and a chapel in the back for those with mobility issues. For the traditionalists, be aware that there are no kneelers, which may disturb some. I'm quite used to it after worshipping there for 20 plus years, and my aging knees are happy! read more

The hubby and I were wanting to check out a Church around the area because we plan on moving there in a month or so.. so this Church came up and we decided to check it out.. The first thing I noticed was that there were no kneelers.. odd.. we always kneel during consecration.. what were supposed to do? Apparently.. they stand.. ok.. I guess.. Its a small, circular Church.. Mass was a little less than an hour.. I wonder what other Catholic Churches are in the area.. read more

We love this church and parish. We have felt welcome since this first time we came to mass. We had our daughter baptized here and it was a beautiful service, with Deacon Ward performing the baptism. The children's catechism classes are wonderful, and our 3 year old loves the Sunday classes. We are honored to be a part of this parish. read more

I refuse to review a church because it is "the house of GOD" It has it's own style: no kneelers and circular pews that could be an issue to some. But I say SINCE WHEN DOES CONVENIENCE DETERMINE YOUR FAITH IN GOD? BTW: I was only visiting. read more

Beautiful parish and church. The parish activities are also very fun and the food quite good. I would also check out the church. The acoustics there are fantastic and the layout unusual but very pretty. It has the altar in the center. read more

Come visit San Rafael. The stained glass windows begin with creation and wrap around the entire church until the final one depicting the crucifixion of Jesus. In the foyer are stained glass windows that represent the seven sacraments. You will be struck by the visual beauty; go ahead and stay for Mass. This is a warm wonderful community. read more

love this parish! Msgr. Dennis is an amazing preacher, the people are very friendly. yes there are no kneelers but it was said in second vatican council we can either stand or kneel but not to be sitting during the consecration so I am ok not kneeling due to no kneelers. the church has 5 masses, no 530pm mass on Sunday though. the closest parish is St. Michael's in Poway if you want to attend a 530pm mass on Sunday. read more

This Church is truly a very kind and loving Catholic Church. The people are very kind and open, and generious. They are always ready to help the less fortunate, and show considerable care toward them. The church is constructed in theater style in a rotunda shape for seating. The stain glass windows are tastefully done and in the main church tell the story from creation to Jesus dying on the cross. I have been going to San Rafael for over 22 years and find the church family their just beautiful people kind, friendly and open. The church family is very together. When there are events help at the church the attendance is excellent, and create a good atmosphere to met people and make friends with them. you will feel very welcome at San Rafael, and once you start their you will stay and become a member because you want to be part of this church community. Where God welcomes and loves you, and the church community treats you equally the same. read more

It has been a few years since I visited this parish. I did so with my daughter to connect with a pastor that married my husband and I 32 years ago and baptized my daughter 30 years ago! I read the previous posts as I was looking for the parish phone number. Not a surprise that there were comments on the physical structure of the church however, how about receiving the message from the one who answered God's calling to deliver these important messages? Be it Fr Dennis or another parish priest we are there to worship. Are we not? read more

We moved to this area 2 years ago & registered with San Rafael. Mass is orderly, on time with choirs who lead the community throughout the liturgy. Msgr. Mikulanis is a skilled speaker & with excellent acoustic, his message is heard clearly. His homilies are very timely & speaks to how we can adapt the gospel message to our daily lives. There is a large community with many activities for all age groups throughout the year. This summer the Fitness Class just started with Jordan Friske from Catholic Fitness Training at the Parish Hall. This is a 6-week class on Tues & Thurs at 7 am to allow the participants to attend Mass at 8 am. Today was the 2nd class & it was geared to the abilities of those who attended. Prayers are said in the beginning & at the end of the class. The class is for 20 & is open for men & women with equipment provided. There is no set fee but donations are encouraged. This is an activity that we all need to improve our health & develop new friends. I encourage anyone to join the class. Just send an e-mail to Jordan Friske at catholicfitnesstraining@gmail.com. It's a great way to start one's day - exercise then attend Mass. What a blessing! Maria L. Simon (Lily) read more

I love this church. The ministry is clear and easy to follow. A sense of pease and grace is felt when visited.

I've been going to San Rafael for about 7 years and am still moved by the warmth of the congregation, the Priests and everyone involved with the church. From the day I first walked through the doors, I felt welcomed. I have spoken to so many parishioners and they all tell the same story - they were looking for a church, they walked into San Rafael, and they knew they were home. If you're considering a Catholic church, please consider an Rafael. You won't be disappointed - you will be very welcomed. read more

Lovely mass and friendly parish. We were visitors is Christ's house and all made us feel "all are welcome"

San Rafael has no kneelers because of the demographics.. Rancho Bernardo is a Senior Community .. although things are changing in RB.. probably 90% of San Rafael members are seniors and unable to kneel. It is a very nice church and Father Dennis is an awesome Pastor for his flock. Other Catholic Churches close by are St. Mike's in Poway and also St. Gabe's in Poway and Our Lady of Mount Carmel in PQ.. all of those have kneelers.. Monsignior Dolan and Father Mel are REALLY GOOD pastor/priests at St. Mikes! Father Michael is beautiful french Pastor at St. Gabes.. but my favorite priest remains Father Hal at Saint Gabriels.. you need to catch him sometime.. I believe he is "retired" but you would never know it! He often does the 5pm Saturday Mass at St. Gabe's, and regularly at the 9am weekday Masses (Mon-Thurs).. Father Hal is such a great traditional priest with traditional values and he shares what's on his mind like nobody's business ! Father Hal has such wisdom and does not suffer fools wisley :) read more