About Us
About Our Cathedrals
The Diocese of Brooklyn is uniquely blessed with two cathedrals, reflecting its vibrant and diverse faith community spread across Brooklyn & Queens. The St. James Cathedral Basilica, located in Downtown Brooklyn, and the Co-Cathedral of St. Joseph in Prospect Heights, serve not only as the central churches of the diocese but also as symbols of unity and faith. These sacred spaces are centers for worship, celebration, and the spiritual life of countless individuals and families, embodying the rich history and dynamic future of the diocese.
The St. James Cathedral Basilica
The first church was built in 1822-1823 and dedicated to the patronage of St. James by Bishop John Connolly on August 28, 1823. It became the cathedral of Brooklyn when the diocese was established in 1853.
In 1982, on the occasion of the 160th anniversary of the parish, Saint James Cathedral was elevated to a Minor Papal Basilica. Henceforth, the diocesan church of Brooklyn and Queens is titled the “St. James Cathedral Basilica.”
Co-Cathedral of St. Joseph
Construction of St. Joseph’s, located on Pacific St. between Vanderbilt and Underhill Avenues in Brooklyn, was begun in 1912 in the Spanish Colonial style. It is the third church on that site and replaced the previous buildings that had been serving the large immigrant population that was moving into the city of Brooklyn. It was dedicated on May 3, 1914.
St. Joseph’s comfortably seats 1,500 people and served a congregation that at one time, according to parish records, swelled to 30,000 on any given Sunday.
The history of the parish traces itself to 1851, predating the establishment of the Diocese of Brooklyn in 1853. St. Joseph’s was the eighth parish to be established on Long Island. Its first pastor was Father Patrick J. O’Neill, who served there until 1867.
The church was designed by F. J. Berlenbach, a Brooklyn architect. It was built of glazed brick and terracotta. The Alexander F. Locke Decorative Co., a Brooklyn firm, was responsible for the design and execution of the stained glass windows. The Altar at Baldacchino, as well as the pulpit and four side altars, were designed by Cav. Domenico Borgia.
In recent times, the neighborhood has felt the impact of significant demographic change. Gentrification has changed the face of the neighborhood and Forest City Ratner’s redevelopment of the Atlantic Yards, which includes the Barclay’s Center, will bring an estimated 16,000 new residents.
The church was designated as a Co-Cathedral for the Diocese of Brooklyn on Feb. 14, 2013 by Pope Benedict XVI.
One year later the church was dedicated and consecrated the altar of the Co-Cathedral of St. Joseph, 856 Pacific Street in Prospect Heights, on May 13, 2014.
