St. Augustine Cathedral in Tucson, Arizona

 

 

 

Mission Statement

“The Catholic Community of St. Augustine Cathedral, nourished by the Eucharist and guided by the Holy Spirit, is sent forth to proclaim the Good News of God's love for all people. As a Parish Community, we will put this into action by continuously developing a Pastoral Program that reaches out to meet the needs of our Parishioners and community.”

 

General Information

The St. Augustine Cathedral, located in downtown Tucson, Arizona, is a historic Catholic church that has served as a cornerstone of the Tucson community for over 150 years. Its stunning architecture, rich history, and commitment to community outreach make it a truly special place, and it continues to be a vital part of the Tucson community today. Visitors to the cathedral are always welcome, whether they come to worship, to admire the architecture, or to participate in one of the many programs and events that the cathedral hosts throughout the year.

 

Historical Background

The St. Augustine Cathedral has a long and storied history that dates back to the mid-19th century. The original church, a small adobe structure, was built in 1858 on the site of an earlier chapel that had been destroyed by a fire. At the time, Tucson was still part of Mexico, the population was mostly Catholic and consisted of mostly Mexican citizens with a small American population. The church was dedicated to St. Augustine of Hippo, a famous theologian and philosopher of the early Christian Church. John Baptist Salpointe, a French-born Roman Catholic bishop, played a significant role in the history of the cathedral. Salpointe volunteered to go to Tucson because other bishops in the southwest were afraid to take the dangerous desert path to Tucson. He was responsible for the construction of the church building and worked tirelessly to establish the Catholic Church in Tucson and throughout the Arizona Territory. 

 

The current St. Augustine Cathedral was completed in 1897 and has been an important landmark in the Tucson community ever since. The old church façade still exists as part of The Arizona Historical Society in downtown Tucson. Over the years, the church underwent several renovations and additions, as the Tucson community grew and the church's congregation expanded. In the early 1900s, the church was expanded and remodeled in the Spanish Colonial Revival style, which was popular at the time. The church's interior was also extensively redecorated, with new frescoes, stained glass windows, and a beautiful pipe organ added to enhance the space.

 

 

In 1928, the church was officially elevated to the status of cathedral, and it was renamed the St. Augustine Cathedral. The cathedral continued to be an important center of worship and community activity over the following decades, and in the 1970s, it underwent another major renovation to restore and modernize the building's facilities.

 

Architecture

The St. Augustine Cathedral is widely considered as one of the most stunning and impressive examples of Spanish Colonial Revival architecture in the Southwest. As you approach the entrance of the St. Augustine Cathedral, you'll be struck by the beauty of the sandstone façade. The intricate carvings of the local flora and fauna create an impressive display that pays homage to the desert environment. The ornate wooden door and stonework create a strong and impressive presence that invites you in. Above the entrance, the captivating rose window showcases brilliantly colored stained glass that adds a touch of magic to the already stunning façade. Once inside, the cathedral's towering vaulted ceiling and elegant rows of wooden pews inspire a sense of grandeur. Every inch of the walls is adorned with elaborate frescoes and exquisite carvings, while the altar is a breathtaking masterpiece in its own right. The towering crucifix, which was carved during the 12th century in Pamplona, Spain, is surrounded by magnificent marble columns, and the ceiling features delicate domes and arches that enhance the cathedral's overall beauty. The Cathedral can seat up to 1,250 people for each mass ceremony.

 

 

Community Outreach

Beyond serving as a place of worship, the St. Augustine Cathedral has also been an active participant in the Tucson community for many years. The cathedral hosts a variety of events and programs throughout the year, including concerts, art exhibits, and educational seminars. The cathedral also has a strong commitment to community outreach and social justice, and it operates several programs aimed at helping those in need. For example, the cathedral hosts a weekly food bank that distributes groceries to families in need, as well as a clothing bank that provides clothing and other essentials to those who are struggling financially. 

Ministries

In order to make members feel a part of the St. Augustine Cathedral Community, the opportunity to volunteer is available at the Church. Members are able to not only become familiar with other members and staff of the Church, but also have the chance to serve the Lord. These ministry positions vary, and can include sacraments, adult bible study, cathedral choir, and much more.

Contact the church office at (520) 632-6351 to receive more information on how to become a volunteer.

Schooling

St. Augustine Catholic High School is located at 8800 E. 22nd Street, Tucson, Arizona. St. Augustine’s campus was opened in 2003 and has been accepting students ever since. This campus offers students different clubs and extracurricular activities to get themselves involved around campus. St. Augustine’s campus is a great opportunity for high school students to learn in a hands on environment and practice their Fatih.

 

Sacraments

The St. Augustine Cathedral provides a range of sacraments to its parishioners, helping them to deepen their faith and spiritual connection to God. Sacraments offered include baptisms, marriage, and Adult Sacraments and the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA)

Baptisms: Baptism, the first of the sacraments, is available to infants, children, and adults. The cathedral offers preparation classes for parents and godparents to help them understand the importance of the sacrament and their role in the child's spiritual journey.

Eucharist (First Holy Communion): First Communion, the sacrament of receiving the Eucharist, is typically offered to children around the age of seven or eight, after they have completed a period of religious instruction.

Reconciliation: The sacrament of Reconciliation, also known as Confession, is available to all Catholics who seek to confess their sins and receive absolution. The cathedral offers weekly Confession times and individual appointments can also be scheduled.

Confirmation: Confirmation, which signifies the strengthening of the Holy Spirit within the individual, is typically offered to teenagers or adults who have completed a period of study and preparation.

Marriage: Matrimony, the sacrament of marriage, is available to couples who wish to have a Catholic wedding. The cathedral offers marriage preparation classes to help couples understand the importance of the sacrament and prepare for their life together. 

Adult Sacraments and the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA): The RCIA assists individuals who may be unbaptized or baptized Christians who are looking to become a part of the Catholic community.

Last Rites: Anointing of the Sick, also known as Last Rites, is available to Catholics who are seriously ill or approaching death. The sacrament provides spiritual and physical healing and comfort during difficult times.

News & Events

St. Augustine Cathedral is always hosting special events. Members can keep in touch with the community by texting “CATHEDRAL192” to 84576. The Cathedral has tours Monday-Thursday after the noon mass for anyone interested. To donate to the church go to https://www.osvhub.com/staugustine-cathedral/giving/funds.

Mass Schedule

Saturday:

8:00am Devotion to Mary Mass/ English

5:30pm Vigil Mass/ English

Sunday:

6:30am English (Recited-No Hymns)

8:00 am Spanish (Sung, Mariachi)

10:00am English (Sung, Choir)

11:40am Divine Mercy Chaplet

12:00 Noon English (Sung, Choir)

5:30pm Spanish (Sung, Coro)

Weekday Mass Times:

Monday-Friday

7:00am English

12:05 Noon English

Confession

Monday-Friday

11:00am-12:00pm

Saturday

3:30pm-4:30pm

References

Street Smarts: Downtown street name honors Tucson's religious roots By David Leighton For the Arizona Daily Star Retrieved 4/10/2023 from https://tucson.com/news/local/street-smarts-downtown-street-name-honors-tucson-s-religious-roots/article_8810c540-7da5-5387-8856-b7608498c55f.html

St. Augustine Cathedral, Tucson Retrieved 4/10/2023 from https://archive.ph/20130414141229/http://www.diocesetucson.org/staug.html#selection-255.16-255.54

HISTORY OF ST. AUGUSTINE CATHEDRAL Retrieved 4/10/2023 from http://www.cathedral-staugustine.org/history.html

Roman Catholic Diocese of Tucson. St. Augustine Cathedral, Tucson. Retrieved September 30, 2022 from http://cathedral-staugustine.org/mass-schedule.html

St. Augustine Cathedral St. Augustine Cathedral. Retrieved February 15, 2018 from http://cathedral-staugustine.org/index.html