St. Mary’s Church (New Haven, Connecticut) 🇺🇸

Welcome to St. Mary's Church, a historic Roman Catholic sanctuary situated on Hillhouse Avenue near Yale University in New Haven, Connecticut. Originally established in 1832 as Christ Church Parish—the first Catholic parish erected in New Haven—it was renamed St. Mary in 1848, with the current building dedicated in 1874. Today, it stands as the seat of the city-wide Blessed Michael McGivney Parish.

When you step inside, you will discover a rich spiritual legacy. In 1882, assistant pastor Michael J. McGivney founded the Knights of Columbus right here at St. Mary's. You can pay your respects at McGivney's final resting place, as his remains are interred inside the church following his 2020 beatification by Pope Francis.

As you explore the sanctuary, take time to appreciate the detailed interior decoration, carefully restored between 2019 and 2020. The renovation faithfully recreated historic 1800s and early 1900s stencil patterns along the arches, aisle walls, and wainscot. Look up to admire circular tondo portraits depicting modern and historic saints along the nave, as well as three magnificent archangels displayed above the main altar, alongside the impressive church spire completed during a major 1982 renovation.

What to see at St. Mary's Church (New Haven, Connecticut)

• The founding location of the Knights of Columbus, established by Michael J. McGivney in 1882
• The final resting place of Blessed Michael J. McGivney, whose remains are interred within the sanctuary
• Historic architecture designed by James Murphy on Hillhouse Avenue, dedicated in 1874
• Meticulously restored interior featuring 19th-century stenciling, circular saint tondos, and archangel murals

Visiting tips

Take time to observe the aisle walls and arches to see the intricate stenciling patterns restored from original 1800s paint layers.

How long: 1-2 hours · Best time: Morning

How to get there & what’s nearby

St. Mary's Church (New Haven, Connecticut) is easy to reach on New Haven’s public transport, and pairs naturally with Yale University Art Gallery and Harkness Tower. For where to stay, the weather and full itineraries, see our New Haven travel guide.