The Lord has brought me back to this church because The Holy Spirit is extremely strong here like…read moreno other I have ever experienced.

Rev. Maurice O'Mahony is the best. His sermon is short and very memorable…read more Lovely little Church in Montecito.

We were driving around Montecito when we spotted this church. We had to stop and check it out. Our…read moreLady of Mount Carmel is soooo beautiful. As soon as you walk in to the church it gives you that comforting and peaceful feeling. It was quiet on a Sunday afternoon and I loved it. I will definitely come back here next time I'm in the area.

St. Raphael's was my family's church growing up. I have many fond memories here…read more The church building itself dates back to the 1960s I believe. It's adorned with beautiful stained glass windows which cast the most breathtaking glow during morning mass. The facilities are immaculately clean and are outfitted for large groups. I've been here for masses, baptisms (including my own), memorial services, and holiday events. All were executed very well. The church also has a parish hall, a Sunday school program, a catechism program, a choir, a youth group, and many other extracurricular events. There's also a K-8 private school, ample parking, and the most beautiful rose garden. You'll even find a Cub Scout Christmas tree stand here during the holiday season. I was personally a part of their junior high youth group, and I was an altar server at the 9:30am Sunday mass for about five years. The programs were well-organized and offered a real sense of community and camaraderie. I always felt welcomed as a member of this church. A good Catholic program overall.

I was stationed at St. Raphael's first in "residence" as I was teaching and being Campus Minister…read moreat Bishop Garcia Diego High School. Then I was assigned as Associate Pastor there when Msgr. Steve Downes became Pastor. I loved my years at St. Raphael's, I believe I was there as an Associate for 8 years. I have many great memories of the people there. They are truly a family and so warm and welcoming. I learned how to celebrate Mass in Spanish there and although I made many mistakes the people helped me along and gently corrected me in private. Fr. Downes is an excellent example of a Servant Pastor who worked hard to make sure the parish was well run and the people were served. Some of my fondest memories of Priesthood are of St. Raphael's, even a little meeting that happens 6 days a week in a little room on the north side of the Church building at 6:45 am. I visited there a couple of weeks ago. Jesus is alive and working in that Parish!

Parking: Parked on the street, some streets are more narrow than others…read more I'm coming from a parish all the way in Los Angeles, so we were looking for a church to attend on Sunday to fulfill my Catholic obligations. San roque was not the first choice just in impressions, mainly due to lack of a large parking lot. Church was surprisingly nice and clean. Very spacious and the people inside were really welcoming and nice. This church is very organized and everything goes down fast and efficiently. The sermon went by quickly and entertaining while keeping to the point. Really enjoyed this church! Forsure will be back if the chance arises.

San Roque Church is a beautiful place to worship. the Choir and Music are wonderful. I have…read morevisited a number of Catholic Churches to find the best home church for myself. Pastor Bruce and Father Garrett both do a great job. They are down to earth kind men. Mass here is a very uplifting experience.

A solo trip to Santa Barbara called me to visit Our Lady of Sorrows on a Thursday morning…read more I was lucky to have the church to "myself," to pray the rosary, reflect, and admire the artwork and statues that adorn the interior. They even have Holy Water "on tap" on either side of the church, which I was able to take some home with gratitude. Such a gem and I'm glad I was able to visit Easy to find, ample parking located on the back; beautiful grounds.

I used to serve and do many other things in this parish when the Jesuits ran it (RIP Fr Cahill). We…read moreattended the 11 am mass which was very much diff at that time (Mrs Cunningham was the organist ). It took me the 4 + yrs of coming back to SB lately to even enter . I was petrified they had destroyed it . I was so relieved to see it was in tact . As far as Mass, it's in the same state of disrepair that it has been for 50 years . I did attend the daily Mass by the Salesian , who is leaving , and I was really surprised in a food way . I've attended the Sunday Mass several times and it's sheer chaos . I pray for the pastor . There's an overabundance or extraordinary ministers and deacons but that's par today . There have been those who have complained about it not being welcoming . I get that . There seems to be a one-sided welcoming environment. The standard disorder is omnipresent , people lifting up their hands every 3 seconds ; standing when they should be kneeling and the music is very "Me" oriented . Unfortunately this is all a result of the grave lack of catechesis in the last 50 yrs . That's why I don't want to hear anymore about the lack of understanding or reverence for the Eucharist . That education needs to come from the priest . As does the appropriate direction for the Mass . I doubt that is going to happen unless they get another associate . It's the clericalization of the laity and the laication of the clergy . Please don't believe there are no priests . I know of several religious order priests who'd come to OLS eg. VI , FSSP, CM .

I was a member for a few years and a board member for a period of time. The leadership is…read moreincredibly toxic and authoritarian. When I asked questions about some things that seemed to not follow the bylaws (i.e., missing records of elections), they instantly got deeply offended and started attacking everything I did and said. One member of the pastoral committee told me I was too young and naive to understand how things worked and I should just observe for a while. Another member of the pastoral committee told me I needed to just "do whatever the admiral says" and keep my mouth shut. Now the leadership has created rules that you cannot be pres/vp if you don't have experience on the board. If you volunteer to be on the board they are condescending, respond to most things you say with statements about how you haven't been around long enough, and demand your resignation over and over. In the last year, 50% of the board was forced to resign because of the constant harassment from the leadership. They've locked in a system where the same leaders will serve all roles perpetually under the guise of "no one else wants to do it" after they have pushed everyone out. If you join this church, assume you will not be welcomed because you are not part of the clique that has been there for a long time. It was the most unwelcoming "spiritual" community I have found so far.

I had been interested in visiting this church since doing some recent research and decided to…read morefinally make the Sunday morning trek and it was worth it! I suggest this church and their events and I plan to go to more. Very friendly and welcoming members (only about 11 present ) and small cute historical building with lovely stained glass art. Street parking so I'd advise to get there early to properly park if possible. If I lived closer, I'd attend often but do intend to attend more of their offerings as they do special events for visiting people of interest, etc. Thank you!

HopeSB is a wonderful place to grow spiritually, having global impact & making new friends at the…read moresame time while living as imperfect Christian. Every worship is filled with great musicians and the Sunday school teacher(s) for kids ministries are always working with heart & love to serve the communities. The hospitality team always provide special/unique bakeries & treats that will bring smiles to your family every Sunday. Few brothers & sisters in HopeSB also participated in Team World Vision (TWV) to bring clean water to needy communities (e.g. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cn2jMkP3uM8) as well.

We started going to Hope Church 2 years ago. Although, I was skeptical due to past experiences, I…read morewas open to trying it out. We are so blessed that we did. It has exceeded our expectations and our two little ones love the youth ministry. They ask mid-week when it's church day. Hope states that ALL are welcomed, and it is so true. It is a non-judge mental or pushy church that is open to anyone regardless of where you are in your spiritual journey. The leaders are so approachable and available for discussion if needed. We are proud to call ourselves members of Hope Church.

St. Paul's has been my church home since 1995. I was married here and my children were baptized…read morehere. This is a true church, and incredibly active given its size. I was originally Roman Catholic, and as such I find the traditional liturgy and sacramentality of the Episcopal church very satisfying. St. Paul's has that tradition, and pretty traditional music, and is also SO welcoming to everybody. This group of people walks the walk, no doubt. I love this church.

This is a warm, welcoming, affirming Episcopal congregation. It is an active congregation, has a…read moregreat Sunday School, Christian education and music program. It also has legendary hospitality (great food, many social gatherings). The congregation takes its mission to serve the community seriously. There is always something going on. A true community.