Fr. Daniel McCotter, CSP
(1944-2026)

With great sadness, our former beloved pastor, Fr. Daniel has passed away on Monday afternoon, 2026 March 16th. He was at the Cedarhurst of Arnold, a care facility in Arnold, Missouri.

He was assigned as director of the Chinese Mission on February 1984 and served until August 2010. At that time, Old St. Mary’s Cathedral and the Chinese Mission was merged and Fr. Daniel was made pastor of the combined ministries until September 2014. On July 2018, he retired at Old St. Mary’s in Chicago to be near his family.

Being a Christian Brother before coming a Paulist, he had an affection towards Catholic education, and was instrumental in keeping St. Mary’s Catholic School going despite the 1989 earthquake closing the Stockton school building. He spearheaded the building of a brand new school building on Kearny Street that is now home for St. Mary’s Chinese Language and Cultural School.

Fr. Daniel is remembered for his dedication to the Chinese community and the quality education provided for the children of Chinatown and beyond. From his experience as a religious with the Christian Brothers, he promoted a rich and joyful community life environment to the Paulists living in San Francisco. He was also a culinary chef and provided many fine meals in the rectory for Paulists and friends.