St. Joseph Old Cathedral
A historic sanctuary in downtown OKC, known for its stunning stained glass, peaceful ambiance, and resilience.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful reflection
St. Joseph Old Cathedral
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful reflection

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A historic sanctuary in downtown OKC, known for its stunning stained glass, peaceful ambiance, and resilience.
"A beautiful and peaceful place right in the heart of Oklahoma City, truly special."
🕊️ Embrace the Serenity
Step inside for a peaceful escape from the city bustle. Perfect for quiet reflection.
🚗 Parking Availability
A parking spot is available on the east side of the church for visitors.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Stunning Stained-Glass Windows
Admire the intricate and colorful stained-glass windows that bathe the interior in a warm, ethereal light.

Historic Architecture
Experience the grandeur of this historic building, with its classic brick exterior and ornate interior decorations.

Peaceful Atmosphere
Find a moment of calm and reflection in the serene and welcoming ambiance of the cathedral.
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Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit
Getting There & Parking
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🕊️ Embrace the Serenity
Step inside for a peaceful escape from the city bustle. Perfect for quiet reflection.
🚗 Parking Availability
A parking spot is available on the east side of the church for visitors.
🙏 Check Mass Times
Consult 'st joseph old cathedral mass times' online before your visit to plan accordingly.
🏛️ Explore the History
Learn about the cathedral's resilience, especially after the 1995 bombing.
Tips
from all over the internet
🕊️ Embrace the Serenity
Step inside for a peaceful escape from the city bustle. Perfect for quiet reflection.
🚗 Parking Availability
A parking spot is available on the east side of the church for visitors.
🙏 Check Mass Times
Consult 'st joseph old cathedral mass times' online before your visit to plan accordingly.
🏛️ Explore the History
Learn about the cathedral's resilience, especially after the 1995 bombing.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise St. Joseph Old Cathedral for its stunning beauty, peaceful atmosphere, and rich history. Many highlight the intricate stained-glass windows and the serene ambiance, making it a must-visit in Oklahoma City. The cathedral's resilience and historical significance, especially in relation to the OKC bombing, add a profound layer to the experience.
"A beautiful and peaceful place right in the heart of Oklahoma City. The historic architecture and stunning stained-glass windows make it truly special. Inside, the atmosphere is calm and welcoming, perfect for prayer or quiet reflection. The cathedral’s history, especially its survival and restoration after the 1995 bombing, adds deep meaning to the visit. A must-see for anyone visiting OKC."
Lahiru Chamith Fonseka
"Wonderful parish in a beautiful, historical building. It has historical side altars that are still in use which is rare. The inside has been renovated to look more like it did back in the 1920s. Though diocesan TLMs are no longer allowed, this parish has the most conservative Novus Ordo you'll find in the area. Ad orientem, chant, smells and bells, etc. Great parish for Catholics to visit if traveling in OKC. Has confession every day of the week like in the old days. Stop in for a confession & daily mass at lunch time. Has Adoration during confessions M-F and all day adoration after mass on Thursdays. There are two seminarians from this small parish. They are clearly doing something right. God is working through this parish. They also have a museum/gift shop which will be re-opening soon."
Bryan Wietelman
"This church is BEAUTIFUL!! Absolutely loved it to pieces!! We got here via Lime scooters and there’s a parking spot on the side of the church (east side). The Mass was beautiful and it was the priests last day, so I guess he won’t be there anymore. His homily was excellent and the church is, again, beautiful!!!"
Justin Fague
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
St. Joseph Old Cathedral is located in downtown Oklahoma City. It's accessible via public transportation, ride-sharing services, or by car. If you're driving, there's a parking area on the east side of the church.
Yes, there is a parking spot available on the east side of the church for visitors.
Many downtown hotels are within walking distance. For example, some visitors have walked 6 blocks from their hotel to attend mass.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, tickets are not required to visit St. Joseph Old Cathedral. Entry is generally free, though donations are welcome.
Visiting hours can vary, especially around mass times. It's best to check the official website or contact the cathedral directly for the most up-to-date information.
Mass times are available online and can vary daily. Many visitors find the daily lunch time mass convenient.
Yes, the cathedral is open on Sundays for services. Happy Sunday greetings have been shared from its vicinity.
🎫 🏛️ Onsite Experience
The atmosphere inside is described as beautiful, peaceful, calm, and welcoming, making it ideal for prayer and reflection.
Key architectural highlights include stunning stained-glass windows, classic brickwork, ornate decorations, and historical side altars.
Absolutely. The cathedral is renowned for its peaceful and serene ambiance, offering a perfect space for quiet contemplation.
Yes, it's a historic building that served as the seat of the Diocese of Oklahoma City-Tulsa and has a significant history, including its survival and restoration after the 1995 bombing.
The cathedral hosts various services, including masses and special feast days like the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography is generally allowed, but it's always respectful to be mindful of ongoing services and other visitors. Capturing the stained-glass windows and architectural details is highly recommended.
The stained-glass windows, the altar, and the exterior architecture are popular subjects. Wide-angle shots can capture the grandeur of the interior.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🙏 Devout Catholics & Travelers
📸 Photographers & History Buffs
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Beacon of Resilience: History and Significance
Visitors often note the cathedral's historical side altars, which are still in use, a rarity in modern churches. The interior has undergone renovations to reflect its 1920s appearance, enhancing the historical ambiance. For Catholics, it offers a conservative Novus Ordo experience with elements like 'ad orientem' (facing the altar), chant, and 'smells and bells,' providing a traditional liturgical feel.
The cathedral also fosters a strong sense of community, evidenced by its two seminarians and the availability of confession daily. They also host all-day adoration on Thursdays and have a museum/gift shop that is set to reopen. This blend of historical depth and active spiritual life makes St. Joseph Old Cathedral a compelling destination.
Experiencing the Interior: Architecture and Ambiance
The interior has been thoughtfully renovated to evoke its historical charm from the 1920s, preserving its character while ensuring it remains a vibrant place of worship. Visitors frequently comment on the peaceful and welcoming ambiance, making it an ideal spot for quiet contemplation, prayer, or simply soaking in the spiritual atmosphere. The pews are noted as being surprisingly comfortable for such an old church, adding to the overall visitor experience.
Beyond the visual splendor, the cathedral offers a rich liturgical experience. Even for those not of the Catholic faith, the beauty and tranquility of the space are universally appreciated. The presence of historical side altars and the overall reverence of the space contribute to its unique appeal.
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