Spiritual Home for the Archdiocese of Saint Paul & Minneapolis

The Cathedral of Saint Paul is the house of God and a spiritual home for Catholics throughout the region. As the Mother Church of the Archdiocese of Saint Paul and Minneapolis, it holds the cathedra, or bishop's chair, and is recognized as the bishop's official church. The Diocese of Saint Paul was established by the Vatican in 1850 and elevated to an Archdiocese in 1888. In 1966 the name was expanded to include Minneapolis. It serves a 12-county area, containing 222 parishes, with approximately 700,000 Catholics. There are currently over 400 priests and 1,400 religious sisters, brothers and deacons who serve in the parishes as well as many other ministries.

Each year, thousands of Catholics throughout the diocese come to the Cathedral to celebrate the significant events in their faith lives. Confirmations, Ordinations, and the Rite of Election for catechumens who are entering the Church all occur at the Cathedral. The Archdiocese is a growing community of faith. In the past ten years, more than 100,000 new members have joined the Archdiocesan Catholic Community. Each year, 12,000 infants and 300 adults are baptized into life with Christ Jesus through the Sacrament of Holy Baptism. And there is great diversity here; each Sunday, Mass is celebrated in eight different languages in parishes throughout the Archdiocese. The Archdiocese supports many educational programs. There are 31 pre-school programs, 89 elementary schools, and 11 secondary schools that serve over 7,000 students. In addition, more than 70,000 children and 31,000 adults are enrolled in parish religious education programs. Together with their member parishes, the Archdiocese supports programs that provide advocacy support for the poor, the handicapped, persons with AIDS/HIV, pregnant women and their families, the divorced and separated, prisoners, refugees, and others with special needs.

The Cathedral is the Mother Church of the Archdiocese of Saint Paul and Minneapolis, Minnesota. Long a symbol of faith, the Cathedral is a place for all to find peace and hope. All Catholics, regardless of where they are members, can take pride in this building, this monument to the glory of God, and in the presence of Christ Who is found within.