Catholic Health Care in San Diego
The history of San Diego is intertwined with the history of the Catholic Church, so it’s no surprise that the city offers some well-regarded resources for Catholic seniors. Whether you’re looking for daily Mass, social time with other parishioners, living history, or Catholic assisted living options, San Diego has it.
Catholic Senior Living and Specialty Care
The primary resource for Catholic assisted living in San Diego is Nazareth House, a retirement community in Mission Valley run by the Sisters of Nazareth that welcomes seniors of all faiths. Housing options at Nazareth House include independent living, assisted living, and memory care for patients with dementia. Residents enjoy private rooms, daily Mass in the chapel, rosary services, and a full social and wellness calendar.
Nazareth House was designed to foster independence, with all facilities located on a single level, covered parking for residents, and transportation. The kitchens turn out healthy versions of traditional meals and resident favorites under the supervision of Nazareth House’s dietitian. Baked goods are made on-site, and California produce is delivered fresh each day.
A Historic and Active First Mission
In keeping with San Diego’s Catholic history, Nazareth House is just up the hill from the historic Mission Basilica San Diego de Alcalá, the first Spanish mission in California. Dating from 1769, the mission today conducts morning and evening Mass on weekdays, vigil on Saturday afternoons, and 8 Masses on Sundays.
The mission also offers a beautiful landscape, museum, and historic architecture for visitors to enjoy. Parishioners can also get involved with the community through groups such as Knights of Columbus, the mission’s social action committee, and the liturgical ministry.
Social and Spiritual Opportunities for Catholic Seniors
St. Brigid Parish, just a few blocks from Pacific Beach Park, is popular with active Catholic seniors who enjoy fitness classes, retreats, board games and social time, and a service-oriented women’s group. St. Brigid is also home to a book group, surf club, and Knights of Columbus council.
Downtown San Diego is home to St. Joseph Cathedral, which dates from 1875 and serves as headquarters for the Diocese of San Diego. In addition to a full liturgical calendar, St. Joseph hosts seasonal festivals, cultural events such as San Diego Chamber Orchestra concerts, and a number of parishioner groups for social and service activities.
The Southern Cross is the official newspaper of the San Diego diocese. The print and online editions offer local, state, and national Catholic news.
Historic Mission Sightseeing near San Diego
There are several other Spanish missions within about an hour’s drive of San Diego, ideal for group field trips or a day out with family. Mission San Luis Rey lies north of San Diego near Oceanside. It’s an active parish that was founded in 1789. Today it offers frequent retreats, courses, saint’s day events, and mission tours.
Mission San Antonio de Pala, between San Diego and Temecula, features a museum, authentic architecture from 1816, and daily Mass. Santa Ysabel Indian Mission, northeast of the city, dates from 1818. The church offers weekend Mass and Reconciliation services and a museum that’s open daily for tourists.
Learn more about San Diego Senior Living here:
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Casey Kelly-Barton
Casey Kelly-Barton is an Austin-based freelance writer whose childhood was made awesome by her grandmothers, great-grandmother, great-aunts and -uncles, and their friends.