Miami is one of the most visited destinations in the United States thanks to its beaches, tropical climate, and cultural diversity. But beyond its tourist attractions, the city also offers a wide range of Catholic churches where residents and visitors can attend a Catholic Mass, go to confession, or spend an hour in Eucharistic adoration.
Due to the presence of Hispanic communities—especially of Cuban, Colombian, Venezuelan, and Central American origin—many parishes, in addition to celebrating Mass in English, also celebrate it in Spanish. Some even offer the Tridentine Mass in Latin or celebrations in Arabic, Aramaic, and Ukrainian, thanks to Eastern-rite Catholic communities that are also present in the city.
Would you like to go to Mass in Miami? In this guide you will find some of Miami’s main Catholic churches, grouped by area, with their history, how to get there, and their Mass times. Whether you are staying in Downtown, Miami Beach, Coral Gables, Coconut Grove, or near the airport, you will find a parish near you.
How did Catholicism arrive in Miami?
The first Catholics arrived in South Florida in 1567, when Jesuit missionaries accompanied a Spanish settlement at the mouth of the Miami River. The mission did not last long.
The city’s Catholic history truly began in 1850. That year, the Wagner family built a wooden chapel near the Miami River, the only place of worship in the area until a fire destroyed it in 1889. Shortly afterward, another family, the MacDonalds, asked Henry Flagler—the businessman developing Florida’s coast with his railroads—for a plot of land. Flagler was Presbyterian, but he donated the land anyway. Thus the Gesù parish was born in 1896, months before Miami was officially founded as a city.
On August 13, 1958, Pope Pius XII created the Diocese of Miami. It had 51 parishes and about 185,000 Catholics. Its first bishop, Coleman F. Carroll, nearly doubled that number of Catholic churches in Miami in just five years.
Everything changed in 1959. The Cuban Revolution turned Miami into the main destination for exiles, many of them Catholic, fleeing the island. Between 1960 and 1962, Catholic Charities organized Operation Pedro Pan, led by Monsignor Bryan O. Walsh, which helped more than 14,000 Cuban children who arrived in the United States alone.
On May 8, 1968, the Holy See elevated Miami to the rank of Archdiocese. Today, under the leadership of Archbishop Thomas G. Wenski, it serves more than 1.3 million Catholics in Miami-Dade, Broward, and Monroe counties. Most are Hispanic, although there are also Haitian, Anglo, and Asian communities.
Catholic Churches in Miami Beach
1. Gesù Church
2. St. Patrick Catholic Parish
By Tamanoeconomico – Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=74539431
If you would like to go to Mass in Miami Beach, your best option is St. Patrick Parish. It is the oldest Catholic church in the area.
Quick facts:
- Founded: 1926.
- Mass languages: English and Spanish.
- OCIA program: yes, Monday or Tuesday afternoon.
- How to cross: I-395 (MacArthur Causeway) or I-195 (Julia Tuttle Causeway).
- Time from Downtown Miami: 15–20 minutes by car.
For decades, it was the mother church of other coastal missions. Today it brings together a bilingual community with an active Order of Christian Initiation of Adults (OCIA) program for those who wish to join the Church.
How to get there: cross the MacArthur Causeway or Julia Tuttle Causeway from Downtown Miami. There is no high-frequency public transportation; driving is the most practical option.
What to see nearby: the boutiques on Lincoln Road, Miami Beach Botanical Garden, the Holocaust Memorial, and the Atlantic beach.
- For more information about this church, visit the St. Patrick Catholic Parish website
- Location: 3716 Garden Ave, Miami Beach, FL 33140, United States.
3. Church of the Little Flower
By NancyHeise – Own work, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=10664588
- For more information about this church, visit the Church of the Little Flower website
- Location: 2711 Indian Mound Trail, Coral Gables, FL 33134, United States.
4. Ermita de la Caridad
https://ermita.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/IMG_0098-1024×683.jpg
Ermita de la Caridad is the National Shrine dedicated to Our Lady of Charity of El Cobre, patroness of Cuba, on the shores of Biscayne Bay. Its structure faces the island.
Quick facts:
- Dedication: December 2, 1973.
- National Shrine since: 2000.
- Mass language: Spanish.
- Visitors: about 6,000 people every weekend.
- Nearest transport: car via Brickell Avenue and South Miami Avenue.
- Time from Downtown Miami: 10–15 minutes by car.
Devotion to Our Lady of Charity began in Cuba in the 17th century. When Fidel Castro took power in 1959, a replica of the image was secretly taken off the island in 1961. Archbishop Coleman F. Carroll donated the land in 1966, and a community of exiles with few resources financed the construction through small donations over time. The 27-meter conical structure evokes the Virgin’s mantle, and beneath the main altar rests a stone with soil from Cuba’s six provinces and water brought on a refugee raft.
How to get there: from Downtown, take Brickell Avenue south and continue on South Miami Avenue.
What to see nearby: Vizcaya Museum and Gardens and Alice Wainwright Park.
- For more information about this church, visit the Ermita de la Caridad website
- Location: 3609 S Miami Ave, Miami, FL 33133, United States.
5. La Merced Chapel
The Chapel of Our Lady of La Merced is a replica of a Peruvian colonial Baroque chapel, built within the campus of the Corpus Christi parish in Allapattah, northwest of Downtown.
Quick facts:
- Construction: started in 2005.
- Materials: marble from Turkey, onyx from Pakistan, Dominican coral stone, carvings from Bolivia.
- Collection: more than 150 works of Andean colonial art.
- Mass languages: Portuguese, English, and Spanish, depending on the schedule.
- Nearest transport: car via I-95 North.
- Time from Downtown Miami: 10–15 minutes by car.
Pastor José Luis Menéndez promoted the project after discovering Andean viceregal art in Lima. Today the chapel functions as a church-museum, with academic curation by Florida International University, and brings together works from the Cusco School.
How to get there: take I-95 North from Downtown to NW 7th Avenue.
What to see nearby: the Wynwood arts district and the Rubell Museum.
- For more information about this church, visit the La Merced Chapel website.
- Location:3200 NW 7th Ave, Miami, FL 33127, United States.
Where are there Masses in Spanish in Miami?
Most Miami parishes celebrate at least one Sunday Mass in Spanish. Among the most sought-after options are Gesù, in Downtown; Church of the Little Flower, in Coral Gables; St. Agnes , in Key Biscayne; and the Ermita de la Caridad, which celebrates in Spanish all week long. The Cathedral of St. Mary offers Sunday Mass in Spanish at noon, within its three-language schedule.
How can one begin the Catholic faith in Miami?
For those seeking to join the Church, complete their initiation sacraments, or learn the faith from scratch, the Archdiocese of Miami offers the OCIA (Order of Christian Initiation of Adults) program, formerly called RCIA. It is organized in four stages—inquiry, catechumenate, purification and enlightenment, mystagogy—which usually conclude at the Easter Vigil, when candidates receive Baptism, Confirmation, and the Eucharist.
The process lasts between 8 and 9 months, begins between August and September, and requires a practicing Catholic sponsor. Some Miami parishes stand out for their programs:
- St. Augustine Church, next to the University of Miami in Coral Gables, also serves as a Catholic university center, a good starting point for young adults and professionals. Ideal if you are studying.
- Cathedral of St. Mary, seat of the Archdiocese, offers bilingual OCIA (English and Spanish) with weekly classes from mid-September until Pentecost.
- St. John Bosco Mission, in Little Havana, offers the catechumenate in Spanish with personalized spiritual accompaniment.
- St. Timothy , Mother of Our Redeemer, St. Kevin and St. Brendan complete the network of parishes with OCIA programs, each with its own approach, from biblical formation to accompanying those returning to the practice of their faith.
Tridentine Mass in Miami
The Tridentine Mass in Miami, also called the Extraordinary Form or Traditional Latin Mass, is celebrated in Latin, with the priest officiating ad orientem and following the 1962 liturgical books. It is overseen by the Chaplaincy of the Holy Face of Jesus, administered by the Priestly Fraternity of St. Peter (FSSP), founded in 1988.
Quick facts:
- Daily Mass: Our Lady of Mercy Chapel, 11411 NW 25th St, Doral. Monday to Friday, 7:30 AM.
- Sunday sung Mass (High Mass): Our Lady of Belen Chapel, 500 SW 127th Ave, Miami. Sundays, 10:00 AM.
- Sunday Rosary: 9:30 AM, before the sung Mass.
- Nearest transport: car via SR 836 and Florida’s Turnpike.
- Time from Downtown Miami: 25–30 minutes by car.
The community does not have its own church and celebrates in facilities lent by the Archdiocese. The Sunday chapel is on the campus of Belen Jesuit Preparatory School.
- For more information about this church, visit the Our Lady of Belen Chapel website.
- Location:500 SW 127th Ave, Miami, FL 33184, United States.
Eastern Rites in Miami
The Catholic Church is not limited to the Roman rite. It is made up of 24 sui iuris Churches that preserve their own liturgies, theology, and discipline, in communion with the Pope. Miami, a city of refuge for exiles from half the world, is home to several of these communities.
Our Lady of Lebanon
Our Lady of Lebanon is Miami’s Maronite parish, on Coral Way. The Maronite Church is the only Eastern Church that has never broken communion with Rome throughout its history, with roots in the early Christians of Antioch.
Quick facts:
- Parish founded: September 8, 1973.
- Mass languages: English, Arabic, and Aramaic.
- Notable devotion: St. Charbel, procession on the 22nd of each month.
- Nearest transport: car via US-1 South.
- Time from Brickell: 10–15 minutes by car.
During the Consecration, the priest chants the words of institution in an Aramaic-Syriac dialect, from the same language family spoken by Jesus Christ. In early February, the parish hosts the Miami Lebanese Festival, with food and folk dances.
What to see nearby: the Shenandoah historic district, Calle Ocho in Little Havana, and the Brickell skyline.
St. Jude
St. Jude is Miami’s Melkite Greek Catholic parish, in Brickell. Melkite identity goes back to the Council of Chalcedon (AD 451) and restored communion with Rome in 1724.
Quick facts:
- Rededication of the current church: November 19, 1978.
- Divine Liturgy languages: English and Arabic.
- Distinctive feature: gold-plated iconostasis.
- Nearest transport: Metromover, Financial District station.
- Walking time from the financial district: 5–10 minutes.
The iconostasis—the screen of icons that separates the nave from the altar—dominates the interior. Worship is marked by incense and chanting in Byzantine modal scales.
What to see nearby: Brickell’s financial district and its pedestrian avenues.
Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary
Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary is Miami’s Ukrainian Greek Catholic parish. The Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church is, by number of faithful, the largest Eastern Church in communion with Rome worldwide.
Quick facts:
- Origins: the 1940s, with immigrants fleeing the Soviet advance.
- Divine Liturgy languages: English and Ukrainian.
- Music: a cappella choral singing, without instruments.
- Nearest transport: car via SR 836.
- Time from Miami Airport: 5–10 minutes by car.
Since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022, the parish has raised humanitarian aid and supported the Ukrainian community in South Florida.
What to see nearby: Grapeland Water Park and the south side of Miami International Airport.
Syro-Malabar Community
South Florida also has a growing community of Catholics originally from Kerala, India, who worship under the East Syriac Chaldean rite and trace their spiritual origins to the missions of the apostle St. Thomas. The missions Our Lady of Health, in Coral Springs, and St. Jude Knanaya , in Dania Beach, near Fort Lauderdale, welcome this community with Syriac chants and Indian percussion.
If you want to visit these churches, remember that your Mass Times app will be your best travel companion. It will help you find local Mass times, Confession services, and Adoration times, ensuring that the sacraments are never missing on your trip. Download it now.
Traveling Around the United States? Explore More Catholic Churches:
If you’re visiting other destinations in the United States, these guides can help you discover some of the country’s most beautiful and historic Catholic churches:
- The 10 Best Catholic Churches in New York: New York is home to an extraordinary Catholic heritage. Explore some of the city’s most remarkable churches, from historic cathedrals to beloved neighborhood parishes.
- 5 Catholic Churches in Dallas: Guide to the best Catholic churches in Dallas: discover historic temples, Mass in Spanish, architecture, and must-see places to visit.
- 7 Spectacular Catholic Churches in Atlanta: Discover the main Catholic churches in Atlanta: cathedrals, basilicas, and historic parishes to attend Mass or visit during your trip.
- 6 Impressive Catholic Churches in Boston: Explore Boston’s most iconic Catholic churches: cathedrals, basilicas, and historic shrines, with tips to make the most of your visit.
What is the oldest Catholic church in Miami?
Gesù Church, founded in 1896 in Downtown, is the city’s oldest Catholic parish. It was established months before Miami was incorporated as a municipality and has been on the National Register of Historic Places since 1974.
Where is there Mass in Miami Beach?
St. Patrick Parish, founded in 1926, is the oldest Catholic church in Miami Beach and the main option for those looking for Mass in the beach area. It celebrates in English and Spanish, a few blocks from Lincoln Road.
Where is there Mass in Spanish in Miami?
The oldest Catholic church in Los Angeles is La Placita Church (Our Lady Queen of the Angels). Its history goes back to the city’s earliest years, and the current church was dedicated in 1822. Today it remains one of the main centers of Catholic devotion and a symbol of Los Angeles’ Hispanic heritage.
How do I check Masses in Miami today?
The fastest way is the Mass Times app, which shows real-time Mass, Confession, and Adoration times for each parish in the city, filtering by language, day, and time.
What is the National Shrine of Ermita de la Caridad?
It is the shrine dedicated to Our Lady of Charity of El Cobre, patroness of Cuba, on the shores of Biscayne Bay, with its structure facing the island. The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops declared it a National Shrine in 2000, and it receives about 6,000 people every weekend.
How can I begin the Catholic faith if I live in Miami or am just passing through?
Through the OCIA (Order of Christian Initiation of Adults) program, available in parishes such as St. Augustine, the Cathedral of St. Mary, St. John Bosco, and St. Brendan, among others. The process lasts between 8 and 9 months, begins in August or September, and ends at the Easter Vigil with the reception of Baptism, Confirmation, and the Eucharist.
Where is the Tridentine Mass celebrated in Miami?
The Tridentine Mass in Miami is overseen by the Chaplaincy of the Holy Face of Jesus, administered by the Priestly Fraternity of St. Peter. Daily Mass is at Our Lady of Mercy Chapel, in Doral, and the Sunday sung Mass is at Our Lady of Belen Chapel, on the campus of Belen Jesuit Preparatory School.
What Eastern Catholic rites exist in Miami?
Miami has several Eastern-rite communities in communion with Rome: the Maronite Church (Our Lady of Lebanon), the Melkite Church (St. Jude), the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church (Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary), and missions of the Indian-origin Syro-Malabar Church in Coral Springs and Dania Beach.
How many Catholics are there in the Archdiocese of Miami?
The Archdiocese of Miami serves more than 1.3 million Catholics in Miami-Dade, Broward, and Monroe counties, around 27% of the population of those counties. Most are Hispanic, with Haitian, Anglo, and Asian communities.
Which app helps find Mass times in Miami?
The Mass Times app makes it possible to locate nearby Catholic churches and check real-time Mass, Confession, and Adoration times, with data from more than 110,000 churches in 200 countries.
