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This web site is for the worker or visitor who wishes to take advantage of weekday and holy day Masses, confessions, opportunities to light candles and other devotions offered by the dozen Roman Catholic churches in downtown Washington DC. Neither this site, nor its author have any affiliation with any parish or the Archdiocese of Washington.
To view a profile and Mass schedule of each of the dozen churches, click on the neighborhood/Metro line buttons at the left, or click on the icons on the downtown map below or consult the alphabetical listing of downtown parishes at the bottom.
Downtown Washington parishes date back to the 1790s and most of these churches were built in the mid-to-late 1800s. Most retain their original charm. Those who want to tour them should note that many are locked unless Mass, confession or a devotion are going on. See the weekly schedules in each church profile to figure out when the buildings are open.
Generally these churches are in areas that are "safe" during the daytime, bearing in mind that there's a slight difference between DC "safe" and Wisconsin or Pennsylvania "safe." Immaculate Conception and St. Aloysius should be approached with circumspection. Truly the biggest hazard is the big-city holy water in the old fonts of carved marble. Having seen such sights as a guy dabbing holy water in his crotch and dipping his fingers back in for another dab, I never touch the stuff myself.
A special note about Ash Wednesday: Downtown DC churches are packed on Ash Wednesday and many schedule extra Masses to accommodate the crowds who come to get a shmear of ashes on the foreheads. All of us who practice hope that many who make up these crowds will think about going to Mass on other days of the year.
Future Ash Wednesdays:
- 2011: March 9
2012: February 22
2013: February 13
2014: March 5
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All artwork, photos and commentary are copyright 2009 by Neal J. Conway
- Cathedral of St. Matthew the Apostle - 1725 Rhode Island Avenue NW
- Catholic Information Center - 1501 K Street, NW
- George Washington University Newman Center - 2210 F Street NW
- Holy Rosary - 595 Third Street NW
- Immaculate Conception - 8th Street and N Street NW
- St. Aloysius - 900 North Capitol Street NW
- Catholic Information Center - 1501 K Street, NW