Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament - Altoona PA

Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament - Altoona PA This is the official page for the Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament in Altoona PA

On October 31, All Hallows’ Eve, the Cathedral Candlelight Concert returns with Requiem: Souls and Saints, A Journey fro...
09/08/2026

On October 31, All Hallows’ Eve, the Cathedral Candlelight Concert returns with Requiem: Souls and Saints, A Journey from Grief to Glory.

Last March, we welcomed more than 400 people to an evening of classical and sacred music and fellowship, gathered beneath the towering dome of Altoona’s Cathedral and surrounded by the warmth of candlelight. This Halloween, we are pleased to invite the community to gather with us once again.

This concert enters into the beauty, mystery, and true meaning of Hallowtide – the sacred three days that commemorate the faithful Christians who have gone before us: All Hallows’ Eve, All Saints’ Day, and All Souls’ Day.

Through sacred music performed once again by skilled young adult musicians, Requiem, Souls and Saints invites us to rediscover the true meaning of Hallowtide.

Through great works of J.S. Bach, Puccini, Gabriel Fauré, and more, we enter into two of the most profound moments of the Christian life: death and resurrection.

Join us this Halloween for an unforgettable evening of sacred music followed by a time for fellowship in the Cathedral parish hall at the Cathedral Candlelight Concert.

A look at the hard work and laborers that made our cathedral possible.This Labor Day, as we celebrate the dignity of wor...
09/07/2026

A look at the hard work and laborers that made our cathedral possible.

This Labor Day, as we celebrate the dignity of work and the American worker, we also celebrate the anniversary of the dedication of our great cathedral, which took place 95 years ago today.

As reported by the Altoona Mirror, on September 7, 1931, the day of our cathedral's dedication, the following was included in Bishop McCort's remarks:

"The poor and the rich have toiled and given what they could for the accomplishment of this work. It is an inspiring memory that on the morrow of the announcement that a cathedral would be built, a poor tramp, one of the world's outcasts, called on me and said: 'I heard your letter yesterday and I want to be in on that work, I haven't much,' and he handed me $1. That was the first dollar that was actually received by me for the cathedral, and his name today is under the altar. Later on, a poor girl called on her pastor and said to him: 'Father, I have been saving up for Christmas, but I think the bishop needs the money more than I,' and she handed him $50 for the cathedral. The rich, too, have generously given of the treasures that God has entrusted to them. Steel used in the construction was donated by a son of this diocese. The splendid organ is the gift of a faithful daughter. Others, too, have given much or little according to their means for the love of Jesus Christ..."

Pictured below: the Cathedral's construction crew in 1927; the Cathedral's construction crew working on the interior under His Excellency Bishop Howard Carroll; and a photo of the Cathedral dome near its completion.

Today and always, thank you to all those who work each day to build, serve, and strengthen our church and community.

On today's date 95 years ago, Cardinal Dennis Dougherty, from the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, dedicated the Cathedral o...
09/07/2026

On today's date 95 years ago, Cardinal Dennis Dougherty, from the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, dedicated the Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament. Today's noon Mass will be a Solemnity of the Anniversary of Dedication.

We are responsible for each other. Jesus teaches us how to correct another properly. Without being arrogant or self-righ...
09/06/2026

We are responsible for each other. Jesus teaches us how to correct another properly. Without being arrogant or self-righteous, we are to help one another grow in holiness. We need to speak the truth with charity and accept the truth with humility.

Sharing the people and stories that make our parish home, Jim and Steph Kilcoyne, A Life in the Cathedral's ShadowFor Ji...
09/04/2026

Sharing the people and stories that make our parish home, Jim and Steph Kilcoyne, A Life in the Cathedral's Shadow

For Jim Kilcoyne, Cathedral parish has been home for generations.

Born in 1949, Jim grew up in the shadow of the Cathedral, attending Cathedral School and graduating in 1963. His family’s faith was a strong influence, especially his father, who attended First Friday Mass for more than 50 years, every day during Lent, and prayed the Rosary each evening.

His great grandparents, James Lynam and Josie Howell were married here around 1880, a photo from shortly after their wedding day is included in this post! His grandparents, John Kilcoyne and Susan Ryan were married by the first rector of our Cathedral, Msgr. Morgan Sheedy.

“I grew up in the shadow of it. I love it.”

Jim and his wife, Steph, have been married for 51 years. After their children attended Cathedral School, the Cathedral became an important part of Steph’s life as well.

“Even though I was not raised here, it has become my home as well.”

Through their children, Jim and Steph became more involved in parish life, working festivals, participating in school activities, celebrating their children’s sacraments, and building friendships that have lasted through the years.

Today, Jim serves as an usher, participates in the Men’s Group, helps count the collection, and has served on Parish Council and was school board President at McNelis Parish School Board.

Steph sings in the choir, serves on the Finance Council, helps care for the Cathedral, and assists with the oils blessed at the Chrism Mass.

Thank you, Jim and Steph, for making our parish the special place that it is!

09/02/2026

PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT 🚨

We have become aware of T-shirts being advertised and sold as T-shirts for the Cathedral. These shirts are not in any way associated with the Cathedral.

All fundraisers, apparel, etc. will always be found on our website, in the bulletin, on this page, or on our Instagram page.

If you see these shirts advertised, please know that they are not Cathedral shirts.

If you see a post like this, please report it to Facebook for impersonation to help protect others from scams like this.

In a society that promotes personal satisfaction, pleasure, and encourages us to "look out for number one," Jesus' messa...
08/30/2026

In a society that promotes personal satisfaction, pleasure, and encourages us to "look out for number one," Jesus' message of self-sacrifice is very countercultural. While being a disciple is difficult, through prayer, the reception of the sacraments, trust, and mutual support, we are able to follow Jesus wherever he leads.

Photos from a great men's night last week at St. Mary's camp! Thank you to Michael Schaefer, the former German Ambassado...
08/28/2026

Photos from a great men's night last week at St. Mary's camp!

Thank you to Michael Schaefer, the former German Ambassador to China, for joining us and sharing a bit about his connection to Altoona and his diplomatic work.

Join us for our next men's night on September 17th!

As we enter the final week of August, a reminder of the Holy Father's prayer intention for the month: that in cities oft...
08/24/2026

As we enter the final week of August, a reminder of the Holy Father's prayer intention for the month: that in cities often marked by anonymity and loneliness, we find new ways to proclaim the Gospel and discover creative paths to build community.

This year, Cathedral parish celebrates 175 years of parish life in the heart of Altoona. Since 1851, our faith community has been a place of hope, connection, and service for generations.

In this last week of August, let's join the Holy Father in praying and living this intention, something at the heart of our 175 year history.

St. Peter correctly names Jesus "the Christ, the Son of the living God." Peter's awareness brought him a new mission. Th...
08/22/2026

St. Peter correctly names Jesus "the Christ, the Son of the living God." Peter's awareness brought him a new mission. This was symbolized in his new name and a special grace, the "power of the keys," a unique spiritual gift to support the leadership to which he was called. Each of us needs to make a personal profession of faith in Jesus and then accept our role in helping to build up the Church, a community of Jesus' disciples.

Address

One Cathedral Square
Altoona, PA
16601

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm

Telephone

+18149444603

Website

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