This is the second part to my “A Catholic Pilgrim traveling to Washington DC” series. You can read the first one here, which I recommend as it gives some ideas for places to stay and eat.
In the summer of 2022, I decided to explore the oldest Catholic churches in downtown DC. I made it a pilgrimage of sorts for me and my kids. Before I began, I had to do some research to find out which churches were the oldest and in what order. Of the four oldest, I made it to all but
one.
Once a week, my kids and I would travel into downtown DC. As many of you know, parking in DC can be a bit stressful and it was no different for me. Driving a Jeep Grand Cherokee can be like driving a tank in a town full of smart cars and small Teslas, but I managed. Parking in parking garages was many times a laughable event as I tried to squeeze my car in a space big enough for a golf cart. I definitely leveled-up in driving with all the parking challenges I faced. Does anyone else get claustrophobic in those tight spaces, or is it just me?
Visiting these three downtown churches would be a great mini-pilgrimage to go on with your family. While in DC my husband and I helped to lead the high school youth group at our parish and one weekend, we did this pilgrimage with the youth. It was a wonderful experience. We went to Mass at the oldest church, St. Patrick’s, from there we walked to St. Matthew’s where we spent time in adoration for 15-minutes, and then over to St. Dominic’s to pray the Rosary.
Here are the three churches I visited:
St. Patrick’s Catholic Church
This is the oldest Catholic Church in downtown DC. It was established in 1794 and was built by Irish immigrants, hence the name. There were a lot of Irish immigrants in the area working on building the White House and the Capitol. “The first American to be ordained a priest in the United States, Fr. William Matthews, was named pastor in 1804.” (St. Patrick’s website)
The building you see today is not the original and they have done some recent inside renovations. The outside architecture is not like most churches here in the US and I think it looks like a castle that should be out on the green hills of Ireland. This one sits right up the road from Ford’s Theater which is a place I recommend in the first part of this two part series.
St. Matthew’s Cathedral
The parish of St. Matthew’s is the third oldest, being founded in 1840. The current structure, which is considered one of the most beautiful churches in the States, had its first Mass in 1895.
You’ll want some time to look around this church. There is so much to see. It is the church where JFK’s funeral was held in 1963 and there is a marker on the floor signifying where his coffin was placed during the service.
The wall over the front door has an amazing painting of many of the North American Saints and it’s fun to try to name them all. Some were a little hard for me and my kids, but you’ll recognize quite a few.
From the outside, this church doesn’t look that impressive, but once you walk in, I promise you’ll be impressed. If you take your kids, see if they can find the squirrel among all the mosaics.
This church sits right off the highway and I mean, right off. It is located in the southwest quadrant of DC. In 1806, St. Mary’s was established here to serve the growing Catholic community. However, in 1852, the Dominicians came in and made it St. Dominic’s. Not long after the Civil War in 1865, the cornerstone for the present church was laid and it was dedicated in 1875.
This church has been destroyed by two fires and, obviously, was rebuilt each time. “In 1954, much of Southwest Washington was demolished and rebuilt in accord with the Redevelopment Act. The convent, school, and original priory, located where the expressway and Frontage Road is currently, were subsequently demolished — over a period of time.” Which is why this church feels like it’s literally sitting on the expressway. “It took an act of Congress to protect and save the church.” (St. Dominic’s website)
It’s a beautiful, peaceful church that feels insulated from the hectic DC life zooming outside around it.
The fourth one that I did not get a chance to visit is St. Mary, Mother of God Catholic Church. This one was established in 1845 by German immigrants. You could make a day of it and visit all four.
A few tips:
- Call ahead to make sure the churches will be open. I never had a problem, but you never know.
- You can walk from St. Mary’s, to St. Patrick’s, to St. Matthew’s if you are feeling very energetic. I’d do it, but I know that isn’t for everyone. Walking from St. Patrick’s to St. Matthews will take you past the White House. You will not be able to walk to St. Dominic’s from the other ones or vice versa, unless you want to make it a true, blue pilgrimage and offer up all that walking for people who need prayers.
- That being said, be prepared to pay for parking or Uber it, if you feel so inclined.
- If you start around 10:00am, you’ll miss the morning rush. Just be sure to wrap everything up by 3:00pm, if you need to get out of the downtown area. If you are staying downtown, it won’t be as big of a problem.
- Remember, everything in DC is expensive when considering eating out, parking, and lodging. But…churches are free to visit!
