Saint Nicholas and Saint William Parish is a vibrant Roman Catholic community in Los Altos with roots that stretch back to the earliest Catholic presence in the South Bay. Long before Los Altos was incorporated as a town, the region’s Catholic life centered around Mission Santa Clara de Asís and the ranchos that developed along El Camino Real. As the Los Altos community grew in the early twentieth century, local Catholics gathered for Mass in rented halls and organized catechism classes for children until, through the determination of parish families and benefactors, St. Nicholas Church was built in 1942 and established as a parish in 1947. Rapid postwar growth led to the creation of St. William Parish in 1959, which built its church on South El Monte Avenue and became an important center of worship and community life for the southern part of town. Together, the two parishes helped shape generations of Catholic life through worship, outreach, and education, including the continuing mission of St. Nicholas School.

On July 1, 2018, Bishop Patrick J. McGrath formally united the two communities as one parish on equal footing, creating Saint Nicholas and Saint William Parish while preserving both church campuses and their unique histories. 

Today, the parish continues its mission of worship, faith formation, service, and fellowship through liturgies at both St. Nicholas Church on Lincoln Avenue and St. William Church on El Monte Avenue. Guided by Pastor Fr. Matthew D. Stanley and Parochial Vicar Fr. Michael Gazzingan, the parish remains committed to proclaiming the Gospel, celebrating the Sacraments, and serving the people of Los Altos with a spirit rooted in both tradition and community.

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