St. Joseph Cathedral
St. Joseph Cathedral
St. Joseph Cathedral was established by Buffalo’s first bishop, John Timon, in 1847 and dedicated in 1855. Today, it is the spiritual center for the Catholic community of the Diocese of Buffalo in Western New York. Because of its downtown location, St. Joseph is playing an important role in the current revival of our city.
In addition to hosting all sacraments of Holy Orders in our diocese, the Cathedral is home to over 25 special events each year, including the Red Mass, the annual Respect for Life Mass, and the Chrism Mass. It is an indispensable treasure that symbolizes our glorious history and provides hope for future generations.
Parish Contact Update
We’re hoping that all parishioner families and friends of the Cathedral will update their contact information with us! In the near future, we’re going to be offering occasional parish updates via email and other means, so we need to be sure we have the right information. Please click here to update your family’s information today!
Holy Week at the Cathedral
We invite you to join us as we enter the most holy week of the year to celebrate the Passion, Death and Resurrection of our Lord, Jesus Christ!
+ Palm Sunday Masses (Procession with Palms will begin in the Lady Chapel)
Saturday, March 23rd at 4:30 pm
Sunday, March 24th at 10:30 am
+ Chrism Mass
Tuesday, March 26th at 7 pm
All are invited to join Bishop Fisher as he blesses the holy oils (Oil of Catechumens, Oil of the Infirmed) and consecrates Sacred Chrism. These oils are used in Baptism, Confirmation, Ordination and Anointing of the Sick. Our Bishop and priests will also renew their priestly promises.
+ Mass of the Lord’s Supper (Holy Thursday)
Thursday, March 28th at 7 pm
Altar of Repose in the Lady Chapel until 12 Midnight
This beautiful liturgy begins the Sacred Triduum and includes the “mandatum” or washing of the feet as the only creed. Visit the altar of repose and watch just one hour with the Lord in the garden.
+ Morning Prayer
Friday, March 29th at 9 am
+ Good Friday Solemn Service
Friday, March 29th at 12 Noon
The Lord’s Passion is proclaimed and we adore the Cross. This is the only time of the year when Mass is not celebrated anywhere in the world.
+ Stations of the Cross
Friday, March 29th at 3 pm
+ Morning Prayer
Saturday, March 31st at 9 am
+ Easter Vigil in Holy Night
Saturday, March 30th at 8:15 pm
We continue the ancient tradition of keeping vigil and seeing the light of Christ’s Resurrection break forth like the dawn. The new Paschal Candle will be blessed with the singing of the Exsultet and each of us will have a chance to renew our baptismal promises.
+ Easter Sunday Mass of the Lord’s Resurrection
Sunday, March 31st at 10:30 am
Celebrate with us as the Cathedral Choir and Brass help proclaim that Christ is Risen!
Please note: There will be no 12:10 pm Mass on Tuesday, March 26th or Monday, April 1st.
12:10 pm Mass will be celebrated on Monday, March 25th and Wednesday, March 27th.
Support the Mission of the Cathedral Today!
You can support the mission of the Cathedral via credit card or EFT. Simply open your phone’s camera and scan the QR code or text the word CATHEDRAL to (716) 281-5682 or simply click here. You can make a one-time or a sustaining gift. We appreciate any gift you are able to share! Thank you for your support !
Weekend Mass Schedule
Saturday at 4:30 pm (Vigil Mass)
Sunday at 10:30 AM (Cathedral Choir)
The 10:30 AM Mass on Sunday is available on our YouTube Channel.
Daily Mass Schedule
Daily Mass will be celebrated in the Cathedral at 12:10 PM.
Doors will open just prior to the Mass, around 11:15 AM. Please use the entrance near the former police headquarters or the main entrance on Franklin Street.
We’re glad you’re here!
The Centennial Organ
The Hook and Hastings Organ in St. Joseph’s Cathedral has rendered service to the Church and community for over 124 years. It has become part of the foundation and fabric of the Cathedral, sounding forth daily since its installation in 1877. Historians recognize it as one of the finest surviving examples of late 19th century American organs. Read more
The Cathedral Community is served by
Most Reverend Michael W. Fisher
Fifteenth Bishop of Buffalo
Rev. Seán Paul Fleming
Cathedral Rector
Conventual Franciscan Friars
Weekend Assistance
Tim Socha
Director of Music
Contact Us
Phone: (716) 854-5855
Fax: (716) 854-5861
Office Hours
Monday-Thursday 9:30 am to 2:30 pm
Other times by appointment.
