The Cathedral of St. Joseph is the seat of the diocese, or see, of Burlington. “Cathedral” comes from Latin and Greek words that mean seat. Sometimes we call it the mother church of the diocese
At the cathedral, our bishop celebrates great occasions including priest and deacon ordinations, the Chrism Mass, and conferring of the Sacrament of Confirmation.
A cathedral need not be a large or grand church, but the Cathedral of St. Joseph is both spacious and beautiful. Decorations donated by parish organizations over its 170 year history adorn the splendid barrel vault ceiling. Lines of majestic white columns stretch from the entry to the sanctuary and its white marble altar where angel statues keep vigil. Elevated figures of Our Lady of Lourdes and St. Joseph with the Child Jesus flank the sanctuary.
The tabernacle rests in an opulent side altar dominated by gold ornaments.