Business Details
Welcome to St. Francis De Sales Church
St. Francis De Sales has served as a spiritual home for New Yorkers since 1895, welcoming diverse communities through Catholic worship, education, and outreach. Our parish combines historical tradition with modern engagement, offering liturgical services, faith formation programs, and social justice initiatives. With a rich heritage rooted in the teachings of St. Francis De Sales, we foster a vibrant community where all are invited to participate in sacramental life, musical ministry, and neighborhood service. Our dedicated staff and lay leaders work collaboratively to create inclusive worship experiences, from traditional Masses to digital outreach.Through stewardship programs and community partnerships, we empower parishioners to live out their faith through action. Our architectural landmark building on the Upper East Side serves as both a spiritual sanctuary and a hub for intergenerational connection. With over 125 years of service, we continue evolving while maintaining core values of hospitality, education, and compassionate service to East Harlem and beyond.
Services
Sunday Mass
Confession
Religious Education
Eucharistic Ministry
Music Ministry
Social Justice Outreach
Digital Ministry
Hospitality Service
Acolyte Program
Lector Ministry
Highlights and features
- We offer multilingual worship services and community outreach programs
- Our parish combines historical tradition with modern digital ministry
- We provide comprehensive faith formation for all age groups
- Our music ministry features diverse cultural influences
- We maintain active social justice and hospitality programs
What people say
Vibrant community
Engaging programs
Welcoming atmosphere
Excellent music ministry
Active outreach
Services
Sunday Mass
Our Sunday Masses feature traditional Catholic liturgy with modern musical elements. Offered in English and Spanish, these services include Eucharistic celebration and communal prayer. The 11am and 12:30pm Masses are available via live stream for remote participation.
Religious Education
We provide comprehensive faith education programs for children and adults. Our Family Formation Program includes structured curriculum and sacramental preparation. Materials and schedules are available through our online registration system with staff support.
Social Justice Outreach
Our Social Justice Ministry advocates for equality following Catholic teachings. Activities include neighborhood outreach, advocacy programs, and community empowerment initiatives. Volunteers work to create positive change through organized service projects and educational campaigns.
Music Ministry
Our diverse music ministry incorporates gospel, Spanish rhythms, and traditional hymns. The ensemble leads congregational worship during Masses and special events. The program welcomes musical contributors of all skill levels to enhance our liturgical experiences.
Digital Ministry
We maintain active digital platforms for modern evangelization. This includes content creation, social media management, and audio-visual production for online worship. The ministry engages tech-savvy parishioners to expand our spiritual outreach through contemporary communication channels.
People
Rev. Philip J. Kelly
Pastor
Ordained in 1985, Father Kelly has served as St. Francis De Sales pastor since 2011. He leads parish revitalization efforts while maintaining traditional Catholic values. His leadership focuses on community engagement and intergenerational connection.
Joe Long
Pastoral Associate/Director of Religious Education
Joe oversees faith formation programs and sacramental preparation. With extensive experience in religious education, he manages registration systems and coordinates curriculum development. He serves as primary contact for family formation initiatives.
Kathleen Calderon
Office Manager
Kathleen manages daily parish operations and administrative functions. She coordinates office staff and maintains organizational systems. Her role ensures smooth implementation of parish programs and community outreach efforts.
Fr. Anthony Ciocca
Weekend Associate
Father Ciocca assists with weekend liturgical services and parish events. He contributes to sacramental ministry and supports community engagement initiatives. His presence enhances worship experiences through dedicated pastoral care.
Al Pea
Maintenance Manager
Al ensures proper upkeep of our historic church facilities. He manages building maintenance and operational logistics. His work preserves the architectural integrity while maintaining functional spaces for worship and community activities.
Questions
What are your Sunday Mass times?
We offer Sunday Mass at 9am, 11am, and 12:30pm. The 11am and 12:30pm services are available via live stream.
Do you offer religious education programs?
Yes, we provide faith formation for all ages through our Family Formation Program with structured curriculum and sacramental preparation.
Are confession services available?
Confession services are offered by appointment. Contact the parish office to schedule a session with our clergy.
How can I get involved in ministries?
Join our liturgical, music, or social justice ministries by contacting ministry leaders through our website or parish bulletins.
Is there online worship access?
Yes, our 11am and 12:30pm Sunday Masses are live-streamed through our SFDS YouTube channel for remote participation.
