About St. Mary’s
Welcome to St. Mary’s
St. Mary’s Catholic Church is a community of faith in Arcata, California, centered on Jesus Christ and nourished by the Holy Eucharist.
Together, we gather to worship, receive Christ in the sacraments, grow as His disciples, and serve our neighbors throughout northern Humboldt County.
Our parish family also includes St. Joseph’s Mission in Blue Lake and St. Kateri Tekakwitha Mission in Hoopa, extending the sacramental and pastoral life of St. Mary’s into the surrounding communities.
Whether you have been part of St. Mary’s for generations, are new to the area, are returning to the Catholic Church, or are simply searching, you are welcome here.
Our History
A Catholic Community Rooted in Arcata
St. Mary’s has long been a spiritual home for Catholics in Arcata and the surrounding communities of northern Humboldt County.
An important chapter in the parish’s history began when the original St. Mary’s Church on 16th Street closed. For the next twelve years, parishioners celebrated Mass and carried on parish life in Leavey Hall at St. Mary’s School on Janes Road. Father Mike Kelly later described the hall as a “lifesaver” for the parish community.
A New Church for St. Mary’s
In 1993, a generous bequest from Berniece Leavey helped launch the effort to build a new church dedicated to Mary, the Mother of God.
Ground was broken in May 1995, and on September 8, 1996—the Feast of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary—the new St. Mary’s Church was dedicated.
The church itself reflects both the Catholic faith and the character of the North Coast. Local architects, contractors, artists, and parishioners contributed to its design and construction.
Faith Told Through Sacred Art
The sacred art throughout St. Mary’s tells the story of our faith. The church’s stained-glass windows were created in Crescent City. The windows of the Eucharistic Reserve Chapel represent the four Evangelists—Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John—while the three large windows portray Jesus Teaching in the Temple, the Presentation, and the Annunciation. The rose window at the rear of the church depicts a Native American Madonna.
Even the materials used within the church connect St. Mary’s to the beauty of northern California. The altar, ambo, baptistery, and cross were fashioned from old-growth curly redwood, designed by Roger Hogan Studio and made by parishioner Pietro Stagnoli. The Stations of the Cross were designed by Sandy Moore and cast by local artist Bob Crain.
Our Story Continues
Today, St. Mary’s continues the mission entrusted to generations before us: celebrating the sacraments, proclaiming the Gospel, forming disciples, serving our neighbors, and building a community centered on Jesus Christ.
Our buildings and sacred art tell part of our story—but the living Church is the people who continue to gather here in faith.
Our Mission
Called to Live the Gospel
We, the parishioners of St. Mary's Church and St. Joseph's Mission Church, are a welcoming, Catholic community in the northern part of Humboldt County, who strive, through grace, to live the Gospel of Jesus Christ through Word, Sacrament, and service to others.
Our Vision
Becoming Disciples. Sharing Christ.
Through prayer, fellowship and by sharing our God-given gifts of time, talent and treasure, we will become disciples of Christ, beacons of light and love, as we build the Kingdom of God.
