Paulist Fr. Daniel McCotter was a native of St. Louis, MO.

He studied at Christian Brothers University (Philosophy and Theology); the University of Memphis (MA, Elementary Education); and Washington Theological Union.

He began his religious life as a Christian Brother prior to joining the Paulist Fathers.

He was ordained a priest on May 16, 1981.

Fr. McCotter served for more than 30 years in San Francisco, first at Holy Family Chinese Mission and then as pastor of Old St. Mary's Cathedral.

He was pastor of St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Community in Los Angeles from 2015 to 2018.

Fr. McCotter entered eternal life on March 16, 2026.