I'm not a Catholic, but I am a Christian and I've been to this church a few times whether for baptisms or just to take in a service with a friend. This is a nice looking church in a safe neighborhood. So if you are looking for a place to gather with other Christians then check this place out. It has it's own school next door. read more

I have been attending mass here since I was 6 years old! Received many sacraments here, and now I'm passing the tradition on to my kids. They have attended catechism, received baptism, 1st Holly Communion, and sing/play the piano/ukulele during mass. It's nice to come to a place where you see familiar friendly faces and they in turn know you and your family. In this community, they know my kids more than myself or my husband since they are often here for choir practice, church functions or volunteering. This church has gone through many improvements through the years. -Bathroom upgrade (although, they should have more than 1 stall) -Ceiling Fans -Speakers/Microphones -Red Carpet Stage for the choir -Grotto (Mother Mary Statue on the side of the church) -Bingo Monday -Children's Choir, Youth Choir -Love how we can follow along with the choir on the projector screen -Attend the 1st weekend mass of the month and get blessed for your birthday and wedding anniversary! I absolutely LOVE our new priest, Father Richie. He is easy to understand, relates to everyone, meaningful, funny, and genuinely a kind person. This church is full of friendly smiles and welcomes all. I love this little church in Milpitas =) read more

The building is nothing really to look at - it's all beige cinder block. The large singing groups at the different Masses are full of guitars and have lots of young people in them. They have the best songs and singing group of the three churches nearest to me (St. Clare's, Our Lady of Peace). They also have 12:30 and 7:30 p.m. Sunday Masses which can be very convenient. The notable thing about St. John the Baptist Church is that the congregation is about 95% Filipino. And the priests are all Filipino, too. There are lots of mentions in the homilies of the priests' lives growing up in the Philippines, and recently there was a collection to benefit the devastion caused by a recent typhoon that hit the country. The people are really warm and friendly, probably the friendliest of the three nearby churches. Once the priest mentioned that the Phillippines had the highest percentage of Catholics of any country in Asia. I had my doubts, so when I got home I looked up East Timor and noted that it had 8% more Catholics than the Philippines. I e-mailed that information to a priest at St. John the Baptist, but he never wrote back. I am such a dork. The homilies are interesting - the priests tell interesting stories - but ultimately aren't as affecting as the homilies at St. Clare's. Be careful parking in the back lot - people box you in with their cars during Mass, so you might have to wait a bit to get out. read more

This is a nice church with a very devoted following. Everytime I go with my family, the pews are full and people are standing in the back. I think that says a lot about a church. There is also a Catholic school, preschool and activity center surrounding the church. One could really make a life there if they were looking for that kind of thing. See ya there! read more

A catholic wedding is a religious & legal ceremony that, upon the completion of the event, is celebrated by the people who "witnessed" the ceremony. It is this religious & legal aspect of the wedding that gives meaning to the subsequent social festivities (the reception). To attend the festivities without having witnessed the ceremony suggests that you wish only to gratify your desire for food, drink and entertainment without regard to the deeper meaning of the event or the social fabric that is woven out of the act of marriage. I find it utterly rude and self-serving when people ditch the ceremony. It probably won't be noticed by the bride and groom right away. It will be noticed by the ditcher and people attending the guest list and table assignments. If you can't even sit through the couple's actual wedding ceremony, what does that say about your relationship to them? Especially if the couple is paying $100.00 a plate for your ass! GO TO CHURCH! YOU MIGHT LEARN SOMETHING NEW! Four stars for St. John's Catholic Church! read more

OK, I have to put my two cents in, too about this place. (Although, I never thought about 'reviewing' a church before!) Only in the Filipino-heavy community of Milpitas would the second reading of the mass begin with "A reading from the first letter of Paul to the Philippines ... ay, I mean Philippians." (and, yes, it has happened before!). I haven't been to SJB for quite a while for mass, but from what I recall they have a very active community where every mass--and I mean every mass--is standing room only. As the other Yelper noted, parking can be quite difficult here, so get here early. If you need to, park at the shopping center across the street and make your way to mass. read more

My Ratings: Quality - 4 Stars Location - 4 Stars Service - 4 Stars My Opinion/Story: I'm usually here for baptism. I'm not sure why most of my friends get their kids baptized here but I'm usually here for baptism. I attended several masses here before especially when Father Loi used to be their priest... I move when he moves.... call me Father Loi's groupie. But it really does get packed here and their seats are the typical church seats. The ushers do a great job in trying to get everyone seated and the sermon is good. Parking can be hard since there's not alot on the church grounds. In my effort not to burn in hell, I'm not going to say anything negative about Churches. I like the 7pm mass here btw. read more

They have several different pastors that do the sunday sermons, but the main pastor is the one i always hope to see.. I think his name is Pastor Bueza? I love that he speaks so clearly, with such emotions and even humor.. His sermons always leave me feeling enlightened. He has a way with words that truly strike my soul.. I love this church. Some of their song choices are also beautiful.. they almost always bring tears to my eyes. read more

I've been going to Saint John's 7:30am mass (almost) every Sunday since we arrived here (from the Philippines) in 1991. I've been the kid who blows out the candle at the end of mass, an altar server, a Catechist, a lector, and a Eucharistic minister. To say I'm devoted to this church would be an understatement. This is the church where I received the sacraments of Reconciliation and 1st Communion. I got married in this church (this past October). Its like home to me. read more

I love my cozy Catholic Church. The setting and ambiance is pleasant and intimate that you really feel like the priest is talking to you, not a vast sea of church goers. The reason I give only 4 stars is because of the choir. I love to sing songs that I have sung as a child, the songs that everyone should know and could sing along to. Sometimes I feel like the choir isn't really singing to the Lord. Some of the people in the choir are more concerned with other things, which really are not as important during mass. I think that church is the only place where one can sing their hearts out and not worry if the person sitting next to them is judging them. Just sing, leave everything else at the door. read more

Came here on Palm Sunday. Literally found this church after yelping in the North San Jose area during a vacation. Attended 12:30 mass with my friend visiting from Sugar Land, TX. I am from Los Angeles. Parking is in a dirt/grass lot. Very unorthodox, but manageable. Just make sure you give yourself enough space in between to open and close your doors. Arrived a few minutes late and mass started outside (Palm Sunday). I had no clue this parish was about 90% Filipino. I am Filipino and when my friend and I arrived, an usher welcomed us and moved us in closer. Inside of the building is nice and simple, two main sections and the middle aisle. Kind of wish they had more missalettes and hymnals. There only seemed to be 2-3 for an entire row that would seat 15-20 people. My friend wanted to follow along with the readings, so he pulled out his phone and used a website to read along, some people sitting behind and next to him assumed he was not paying attention and texting. Seemed like a very friendly environment. We left before the final blessing to avoid getting stuck leaving from the parking lot, no shame. (We rented an SUV that weekend. Trying to avoid scratches and dings from the rental place). read more

We were married here and had both kids baptized here. We really enjoyed coming here because of Father Riche, but we still enjoy coming here now that he has left. The youth choir is very good and still receive a good message at mass through the homily. The ushers are very helpful with finding seats with kids if we're late. read more

-i gotsa go to church on sundays, that's my thang -so when in milpitas/san jose i go to this church -today the projector operator to the songs and the singer were not mmm nsync lol so it kinna ruined my wanna be toni braxton flow -if you don't mind and understand filipino accents, this place is cool -the priest tends to go a bit long on his sermons, incorporating plenty of personal subjects relating it to the gospel or readings of the day. today he sang "i believe" pretty well too, so we clapped. -i personally don't understand why you have to walk up with your offering instead of passing the basket around but i just drop my envelope on the side and end of the pew where they b chillin b4 brought to the front -i don't understand also why they keep their hands up even after the "for thine is the kingdom....." -something i wrote on my myspace blog: Sunday, January 22, 2006 deposits so i turn on the tv after my date with billy blanks to cool down and i was watching some man do his preaching. i was listening and i started to contemplate and realize what he was saying. that sheiyt made me cry! tears were just pouring! he was basically saying, everytime you pray, go to church, or serve the Lord may it be in any way....you're depositing mercy. we may not be in the mood to go or do these things but just the effort of us going, getting dressed, driving etc....we are depositing mercy. depositing mercy? like wwwhhaaa? so he went on about how we have it made....we are not first generation believers. we have it much better now because of the prayers and merits from our first generation believers that have been passed on to us. and i was like....whoa my grandparents had a son disappear while at sea as a teenager and never be found, they had to tough it up during the war and make sure all their children were safe walking from town to town looking behind their backs every step for soldiers, they had to bear the thought of one of their sons goin thru the "Bataan Death March" and not know if he'll be able to survive, they had to decide which child to send to college first because they had 11 left and could not afford to send them all (to name a few), my nanay prays the rosary everyday, goes to church everyday and has masses offered for us all the time....so i know they have prayed and deposited some mercy that even covers me and my children (MMMM, MIND YOU THE DATE ON THIS CUZ I DO NOT WANT CHILDREN!) to come. i want to pass that on too and deposit some mercy for myself and for the future. i try the most i can...i am not perfect, and fffaaarrrr from a saint. i cuss like a sailor and sex is too good to say no to. ahhaaa of course it's with someone i cherish. i get annoyed by people and i have a short temper at times....and i always want to get my way. like sundays.....mass is an hour, a fucken HOUR. why can't people go? dood, God gives you EVERYTHING YOU HAVE.....and you can't give Him an hour of your fucken precious time? an hour a week.......is that too much? before you lay your head to rest at night.....would it be too much to even say "thank you Lord for everything today"? remember......deposits. =BELIEVE! MY BROTHAS AND SISTAHS, BELIEVE! read more

Parish office staff is VERY rude. Made an appointment and they were +30 minutes late. They were very unattentive & UNPLEASANT! Women with attitudes like that should not be in the front office. I think they need a class in customer service & courtesy. read more

This church consist of Milpitas-Filipino catholics. The masses are decent, the music's okay. I tend to avoid night masses because of the heavy crowd of people. There is only one problem. I feel disrupted every time I encounter filipino street gangs roaming the parking lot after mass bumpin gangsta rap music. read more

I had to leave a star to make this post!!! Let's all assume that I am not leaving any star rating because I left this church crying. I just moved to this area and am in search of a church to call home. I came in to pray with other Catholic families, and instead of was given the cold shoulder. No one shook hands with me during mass instead they turned their backs. What an awful feeling this was. Maybe because I am a white American, and this church is primarily Filipino. No clue but in the churches I have attended back home in Florida, any guests would be welcomed with a hand shake and smile. No matter what race or color. The worst was at the end of the mass I went outside to shake the priest's hand out of respect, and he shook my hand and didn't even look at me. What a shame! Peace be with you... read more

Been going to this church since 1991. 730am mass every sunday. No parking complaints from me since there's no one else that really goes to this mass. The church has its ups and downs, but overall its a nice place to go to worship and has a nice and mixed diversity of all the other asian cultures. read more

The best Catholic church where the priests are non-judgmental. Feel very comfortable confessing my sins and yet the penance they give you matches that of your sins. The parish I usually attend have Vietnamese priests who I think prejudge you even before you confess your sins. I'm not too concerned with the mostly Filipino congregation; just try going to other nearby parishes and you'll get mostly Vietnamese or Spanish speaking crowds and their priests homilies you could barely make out. The Filipino priests at Saint John the Baptist at least speak in clear English. read more

This church is pretty modest but needs diversity. One of the mission statements that this parish has is about " To encourage and embraces diversity in their parish community." But 98% of the parishioners are Filipinos! To make matters worse, even the priests are all Filipinos! I feel like I am in Philippines every time I attend mass at this church. Why????? Where is the word DIVERSITY ??? What happened to the Portuguese, the original parishioners? The Caucasians and Mexicans? Were they all intimidated by the Filipinos? Very sad! Why can't the Diocese or Bishop do something about this? This group of people feels exclusive at this church and probably became arrogant. Very ungodly. I called the parish office one day and a lady with a very heavy accent answered the phone and I can barely understand her. Communication matters. Also, the 10:45 choir does not perform to par. They always sing new songs that they themselves, don't even know the lyrics or tune! Very annoying! They have talents alright, but the leader is weak! Do something. We need diversity in this church and please send this message to the Diocese of San Jose, Bishop McGrath, are you listening? read more

My experiences here have been less than stellar. Parking is horrific, and there's no air conditioning, so in the summer it's a sauna. I've known a number of the members of the vietnamese youth group (Thieu Nhi Thanh The) to be huge douchebags. I once attended mass where some punk tried to pick a fight. read more

Not sure why there were security guards at the door but Mass was wonderful. Cantor sang beautifully and the priest was well spoken. We are visitors this Sunday and so happy when we find a church we enjoy. read more

I'm not really a church kinda guy, but came here for my godson Rielen's baptism. Inside is pretty decent size. I haven't been here on a normal Sunday mass, but I heard it does get packed here. Not much to review here but I do recommend coming here. I can't really say anything negative about this place when I'm not really a frequent here. Besides it being OK in size, but not really much to look at compared to the church I normally go to (when I do go to church, I go to Our Lady Of Peace, and at that church there is a dozen of things to look at there). So comparing it to another church, it's not much to see. read more

Best Church I ever been a part of....When I lived in that area - Use to go to Wednesday Novena Prayer...and Sunday Mass....I recall Father Dan was part of St.Johns and then he moved...I will always love going to that Church...Its funny because I use to live a fe minutes from Our lady of Peace but still went to the Church a farther away... Also Many memories with family,friends and loved ones at St.Johns....I got Married there in 2006....Father Sergovia married us....Even though its a old looking Church and a little rusty inside...the Filipino community is very strong and commited with St.Johns .....Love thy little Church in Milpitas-- I try to visit when ---things aren't hectic.....A little reminder to someone that hasnt been there.....Try to get there 20 minutes before Mass. Seating is limited and if your late you will be standing in the back....Even though many of the Church Goers to St.Johns is Filipino its still great to see people that aren't Filipino attend and still keep up with the Church...St.Johns Welcomes everyone- Remember that..... read more

I was absolutely insulted by this place, I had my daughter's baptism performed there and the incompetent priest was only the tip of the iceberg. The usher's working there were rude and unable to control the crowd waiting to have their kids baptized. When it was our turn, my wife and I brought our daughter up and he performed the ceremony. He said the wrong name for our daughter and when my wife and I corrected him he refused to say the correct name and replied, "yeah yeah yeah." This man was a complete idiot and personally I want my money back as this was a total embarrassment for me, my family and especially my daughter. I'm not Catholic and this was a really bad first impression for me. read more

I swear, if you took somebody out of the Philippines, blind folded them, and put them in St. John's, they would never know the difference.. Hahaha. But you know what? This place is just like a huge family, yes, a Filipino one.. where everybody knows everyone else's business, and sometimes talks crap about the other person's new hair-do while they stand in line for Holy Communion, hahaha, but I can honestly say that I've never felt like I belong anywhere else. I grew up at this church / school. The priests have always been the funniest, most random guys. I celebrated a LOT of my life here.. Kindergarten graduation, First Communion, graduation, losing my parents, losing friends.. and the community has always stepped in to make sure I had a shoulder to lean on. When my parents passed away, I remember half of the church being filled with people I would casually see at mass. Hell, even the mayor came. I was so overwhelmed with the support I didn't know what to do. I know that where ever I go, this church will always be a part of who I am...... but the one down side (which is why they get only 4 stars) is they do have ONE certain priest.. that's kinda.. out there... hahaha. No names, no names. read more