Alden C.

It was a few years ago when we were by St. James Cathedral and the peek we did was just that a peek. There was about to be a service held here and so we decided not to go in but we were intrigued and wanted to look around in the inside, admire tge architecture and art. This December we finally got the opportunity to return as a Medieval Women's Choir was performing here. Steve was eager to go and so we seized that opportunity and went to take a look inside and to enjoy the choir. The choir was very enjoyable and lasted about an hour so it wasn't too lengthy. The Cathedral was beautiful also. But on a comparative aspect is a bit more plain to the last Catholic venues I visited which was in Santa Fe, New Mexico. But despite that it is a beautiful place and should the opportunity arise one should go in to admire the architecture for those that aren't Catholic or particularly religious.

Jayne Y.

Visiting St. James Cathedral was one of the highlights of my recent trip to Seattle. On the last day of my trip, I purposely booked a late afternoon flight so that I could attend the 10AM Sunday Mass. My husband and I arrived early to take pictures and explore the cathedral. While we were standing outside the front doors, Lee (volunteer) stepped out and began explaining the intricate details of the bronze sculptures on the doors. He shared how the left side depicts scenes from Old Testament and the right side portrays scenes from the New Testament. To our delight, Lee ended up giving us a private tour around the entire church! Highlights of the tour included: * a painting dating back to 1465 (in the chapel) * Two archbishops interred near the altar, with a viewing window and inscriptions etched in the marble * sealed relics of saints on the altar, including St. Frances Cabrini * A beautiful shrine dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary * Tons of stunning artwork displayed everywhere! The Mass itself was absolutely beautiful! The cathedral features a full choir and a traditional pipe organ, which is prominently displayed on one of the walls. Father Ryan, who has served as the Cathedral Pastor since 1988, delivered an incredibly moving and passionate homily. To our surprise and honor, we were invited to participate in the Mass by carrying the gifts (bread and wine) down the aisle to the priest. The church was packed with parishioners, and we felt so humbled and grateful to be part of such a special moment. Whether you're Catholic or an admirer of history and architecture, I highly recommend visiting St. James Cathedral. Everyone we encountered was incredibly kind and welcoming, making the experience even more memorable!

Ricky V.

For someone who is not religious, it may seem odd writing a review for a church. However, I have great respect for the art and architecture many cathedrals and places of worship possess. St. James is THE cathedral of Seattle. It is stunning inside, particularly this time of year at Christmas, or Easter. They deck the halls to the max. Anyone is welcome. Side doors may be locked due to recent vandalism and hours are usually just during daytime hours.

Glenn P.

Such an affirming and welcoming cathedral. I recommend the OCIA program if you are looking to convert to Catholicism.

Jessica O.

Lovely, peaceful mass with incense that day and wonderful bells at the start. Will be coming back!

Katherine R.

The Cathedral is absolutely stunning. While visiting Seattle, we were privileged to see the Cathedral during its weekly 1pm Wednesday tour. Our tour guide had a wealth of information about the history of Saint James' Parish, the Cathedral's Architecture, the redesign after Vatican II, and all the saints depicted through the church. If you are looking for a very informative, beautiful and peaceful way to spend time on a Wednesday afternoon, I highly suggest touring the Cathedral. Even if you are in the area when no tour is offered, during the day, the Cathedral is open to those looking to visit and pray. It's definitely worth stopping to visit the house of God.

Edgar M.

Beautiful and amazing church. The layout is a bit different from traditional churches. The choir and organist really help uplift the spirit. Father Michael was so friendly and welcoming even for outsiders visiting.

Khoi N.

I first came to St. James Cathedral on my Rite of Continuing Conversion. The ceremony was special, beautiful, and smooth. The choir was so wonderful, and Archbishop Sartain spoke a meaningful homily. The reason why I didn't give the cathedral 5-star is because a few months ago, I took my fiance here to attend a weekday mass. Unfortunately, we could not hear ANYTHING that took place during mass. We didn't get to hear the responsorial psalm and the priest's homily. I think this had to do with the fact that there was something wrong with the speaker system on that day? All my fiance and I heard was echoing sound from the microphone. We will try to come back to the cathedral again in the near future, and we will believe that the issue would be resolved by then.

Thomas R.

St. James Cathedral is an artistically gorgeous edifice that houses a welcoming and open community of believers, and it deserves a visit, no matter what your faith or personal beliefs. I think this is the most beautiful sacred building on the West Coast, and I'm not even Catholic. The structure is truly stunning and worth a trip just for its dazzling aesthetics alone. The architecture can be appreciated either while driving by or walking past, and it's especially impressive at night when lit with massive floodlights, making it look both like a sentinel and a beacon. Outside, two soaring bell towers reach into the sky like uplifted arms while a set of massive bronze double-doors depicting bas-relief scenes from the Bible open up to greet visitors who ascend the west steps. This church looks and feels like any you would find in Europe, yet it fits naturally into the landscape of the Pacific Northwest. Once inside, you'll be astonished to discover a giant oculus piercing the the junction of two huge romanesque vaults, allowing sunlight to pour down upon the altar at the center of the church. The stained glass art is spectacular, the statuary and icons are extraordinary, and the interior definitely makes a memorable first impression. If you stay for a Mass, expect magnificently uplifting music, especially when the choir and organ are combined to full effect. The rich smell of frankincense wafting to the heavens helps the mind focus on mercy and goodwill. Even non-believers can find quiet respite from the cares of the world within the art and music of this exquisite temple. Palm Sunday (my favorite), Maundy Thursday, Easter, and Christmas services are all extremely moving highlights, and the Tre Ore service on Good Friday is unforgettable, but The Feast Day of Saint James is the most unique of the "ordinary" Masses, and shouldn't be missed, in my opinion. When the sacristans bring out the giant puppet of Saint James, I am transported back to medieval times while the congregation sings "angelorum, in curia" in Latin to the accompaniment of tambourines. If you are in Seattle in July, don't miss The Feast Day of St. James. The picnic that follows in the street between the church and O'Dea High School's gymnasium is also great fun for all ages. As for the message, Father Ryan always has interesting, thought-provoking homilies that offer practical advice for people of any faith. The parishioners are friendly, warm, and approachable, as you'll discover if you ever go for a cup of coffee or juice in the church hall after Mass on Sunday. Check out the Cathedral Bookstore for a great selection of art and devotional items. Pick up a copy of "Journey Of Faith," which tells the history of the church in Western Washington in the format of a large full-color graphic-novel type publication. It makes for a nice holiday gift or Northwest souvenir. Besides being an awe-inspiring place of beauty, St. James also serves its community's needs. The church offers help to people who are challenged with mental illness, poverty, addiction, and a host of other earthly problems. The outreach to the local neighborhood is impressive and varied in its scope. This is a church that really does give help to those who are lacking, and it practices what it preaches. St. James also provides an authentic location of social connection for young people and college students, and it extends an opportunity to the rest of us to to join together and be generous by giving time to volunteer to help others. The Cathedral garden that supplies produce for the soup kitchen is just a block away and is always looking for helpers. Go visit this wonderful place and prepare to be affected in a way unexpected. This church is a spot where anyone would feel at home, hence, its unofficial motto: "At St. James, here comes everybody!"

Latifa S.

Beautiful!!! My favorite masses are held here!! Christmas mass being the biggest and the best! Imagine thousands of people!! Lined up all the way to the street!! I've stood for the entire masses in the hallway, without even entering the church! Worth it! Candle light vigils, Easter mass, prayers! Baptisms!! All so wonderful here!! Love to call this place my church!! You can come in for tours daily too! They have classes!! Daily prayers! Amazing priests!! Love!!!

Pat G.

My visit was enriched while attending Sat. Eve mass that they call a vigil. The music was beautiful along with the readings. You can see this is a vibrant community reaching out to Seattle. I returned on Palm Sunday for the 10:00am mass. The music was unbelievable along with the men's choir preforming Gregorian chanting. It was an extraordinary experience!

Sherill Y.

A beautiful place to celebrate Mass on Sundays, but for non-Catholics you can tour the facility and learn it's history. A portion of the cathedral fell during an earthquake, and the pillars from that original part are standing along one wall. A new shrine to Pope John Paul II is along one wall. It's a beautiful cathedral! I attended Mass here & it was an experience. The readings & homily are delivered w/ their back to the congregation. Come by for a visit, a tour or to pray. The choir is great and the service is very traditional. Make this a stop on your visit to Seattle. It rivals many European Cathedrals.x

Jay Y.

Absolutely beautiful serene cathedral that played an important role in Seattle history! Designated as the city landmark, St. James Cathedral was constructed in 1903 and was formerly Seattle's tallest building. After the fall of its dome, the roof was reconstructed to have a skylight above the central altar, which created a majestic lighting upon the altar that seems to signify the Almighty's grace upon this house of worship. The cathedral interior also has many beautiful stained glasses that describe the Ten Commandments and the life of Jesus and the serenely-lit shrine dedicated to the Virgin. We visited here as a family and was greeted by Corinna, a friendly church staff who gave us a wonderful and informative tour around the cathedral! Consider contacting her about a tour beforehand if you want to learn more about the cathedral, but even if you do come alone, this cathedral is definitely a wonderful sight that differs from the typical city sights in downtown and should not be missed! *Parking is available in the high school lot behind the cathedral