Let me start off by saying, I am not Catholic. But this place was absolutely stunning. We went mid-morning on a Tuesday, right after leaving the Museum of Catholic Art just catty corner from the church. Having a background in art history I was absolutely thrilled to find the place open. The architecture was gorgeous, and while I didn't take too many pictures to be respectful of those praying, I highly recommend stopping to take a look at this beautiful and unexpected building. (I was also told there's a saint buried in the floor or something????) read more

St. Joseph Cathedral - Vaulted Ceilings - Churches Near Me - Columbus, Ohio

I have been attending services at St. Joseph Cathedral for years and years. I first became acquainted with the Cathedral while working as an assistant to a very famous man downtown. On an almost daily basis, he made a habit of attending the noontime masses during the week. I would walk with him, and, wishing to give him some space during the service, and also because I am not Catholic, I would sit some distance away. I became very comfortable with my visits to the Cathedral, and the messages delivered with those I found to be quite meaningful. I made known from time to time that I was Baptist, but this didn't seem to matter, and I was always welcomed at each visit. Saint Joseph and the community there are as much a home church to me now all these years later as my "normal" home Baptist Church. I feel welcome and enjoy the services and music immensely. There are special services for major holidays and days of obligation. The mass on Christmas Eve is wonderful and I certainly recommend attending church on that day. Parking can be found to the rear of the cathedral and in several flat lots and garages nearby, as well as on the street. During Christmas season, beginning prior to Thanksgiving, a large full-size nativity display can be found outdoors. This is the same display that for years was in place during the holiday. Season at the State Auto Insurance Headquarters further down Broad Street. The mass schedule can be found online at the cathedral website address. If you were looking for a quiet respectful place that is welcoming to all people of faith, as well as those who want to learn more and perhaps make a decision toward Christianity, Saint Joseph Cathedral is an excellent place to start. read more

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It is a beautiful cathedral but that's all I have to say about it. It was a normal mass until it wasn't. Mind you, I haven't returned to the church for personal reasons and it took me a long time to come back. When it was time to take communion, I had forgotten to take it in front of the priest. I made it two steps until he said loudly for everyone to hear "what are you doing? Are you even catholic?". I responded yes and he said "then take it in front of me", so I did and he said "there you go" and laughed at me. In front of everyone. I was so embarrassed and cried for the rest of the service. I'm still embarrassed. It was never my goal to offend the church and it was a pure mistake due to being out of practice. Very disappointed and makes me not want to return to church. read more

Great Christmas nativity scene that was moved from state auto. I wish it was more culturally looking.

One of the Most Beautiful Catholic Churches I have seen in my lifetime!!! Full of great history! The basement is cool yet spooky. The walls and ceiling is brick layered. It is weird- quiet but the unrest of possible good spirits that surrounds you where two known Bishops are entombed in their own sacred sections. Now for the Upstairs -and the main entrance, you will love the old marbled alter along with the French gothic designs. Each pew is cozy and made of oak and is comfortable. There's a huge gorgeous pipe organ located above the entrance doors. The doors itself looks medieval. Rugged iron handles and rustic thick doors and hardware. A must see when visiting Columbus, Ohio. read more

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This church is really lovely.. but warning, if you don't like incense DON'T come here. They are all up on incense like white on rice. I was here for a wedding and for regular Sunday mass. For the Sunday mass they used the incense 5-6 times(?). I know this can be a deal breaker for some because my dad was really sensitive to incense and would sometimes get pretty nauseous. If he had ever come here he would have likely passed out. It was like sitting in an incense cloud. F'serious. Otherwise this church is very traditional. Full out organ and everything (check the pictures I posted). And although I like organs as much as the next guy (small doses), it really drowns out the people singing. Apparently it's pretty new, so I guess they're trying to use it as much as possible. I'm a bigger fan of pianos, acoustic/electric guitars, etc for mass.. but ya know, that's just me. I thought the lectors were fantastic - very audible and expressive. The priest's homily was also enjoyable. I can tell this is a very community based church. A lot of the people were chatting before mass, which is cool.. but kind of annoying at the same time (OK lady, you missed your dog on vacation.. I get it). I'd probably stop in here every once in awhile if I lived in the area.. if not for mass, just to pray. I really really dug the architecture. And for your convenience: Weekend Liturgies Saturday 5:15 p.m. Sunday 8:00 a.m., 10:30 a.m., 12:30 p.m., 5:15 p.m. Holy Days Vigil 5:15 p.m. 7:30 a.m. , 11:30 a.m. , 12:30 p.m., 5:15 p.m. Daily Masses Monday- Friday 7:30 a.m., 12:05 p.m., 5:15 p.m. Holidays 7:30 a.m. Only Sacrament of Penance Tuesday and Thursday 11:15 - 11:45 a.m. Saturday 4:00 - 5:00 p.m. PS - If you take a cab here.. just say St. Joe's. Apparently saying St. Joseph Cathedral is really confusing. Idunno. PPS - There is a handicap accessible elevator located at the first door on the west side of the Cathedral. read more

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This is a beautiful cathedral that would be a great stop on any historical or religious enthusiasts sight seeing list. If you happen to catch mass here you will get to hear the Fritts Organ which is one of the largest pipe organs in the U.S. and the reverb from it is beautiful as it rings through the church. The priest is also very friendly and charismatic. The church itself has many things for you to check out and has a great old, historical feel. The main room is beautiful with high vaulted ceilings and a lot of intricate masonry as well as large statues. There are many nooks that hide different art along the walls of the church. If you take the elevator to the basement you will get to see the "crypt" which is really cool and advise anyone here to make a trip downstairs. It feels very old timey and you will get a nostalgic feeling as you walk down some of the old hallways - it feels almost like a trip through time! There are several Knights of Columbus artifacts here you can view as well as being able to enter the crypt where a few prior bishops appear to be laid to rest. This is a great stop if you are looking for a welcoming church or just a fun sight seeing adventure at a historical and beautiful cathedral! read more

St. Joseph Cathedral - This church could easily be a stop on a historical tour. The crypt has several displays and rooms you can check out for free. - Churches Near Me - Columbus, Ohio

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Such a beautiful church!! My kids and I have just started going here. Truly, a family church

Mmm, this is the second time I went to St. Joseph's. I'm not as naughty as a C&E Catholic, but I'm generally quite busy... so I go to Mass on important days, like the anniversary of my Pepere's death. Which was this past weekend. I say this because, like Trish F. noted, sometimes parishes can make you feel unwelcome if you're not a regular - but St. Joseph's is very diverse and very warm and welcoming. I have enjoyed the service and the parishioners both times I've been. This is a gorgeous gothic cathedral - the architecture is *beautiful* and I could stare at the stained glass panels and buttresses for hours... and yes, there's incense goin' on (love it!) and a massive, melancholy sounding pipe organ. We went to the 12:30 mass, but there are several masses on Sunday, starting fairly early. I enjoyed the cantor's pitch-perfection, as well as the priest's homily and sermon, which were succinct and meaningful. It was so nice to see a mix of ages, genders, ethnicities, etc. in this church. This is obviously a special (and sacred) place. I'll come back whenever I need/want to, for sure. I'd love to see high Christmas mass here (but alas, I'll be at Ste. Peter and Paul's Basilica in Lewiston, Maine!). Oh and PS: No one looks at you funny if you cry through mass. That made me feel a lot better. read more

I'm a terrible Catholic and to be perfectly honest, I still haven't even been to mass here. Yikes! But I had a great time touring the cathedral recently, thanks to free hour-ish long tours they offer to the public. I will definitely be back for mass sometime soon, especially since it's Lent! Some highlights of the tour include the gigantic and breathtaking organ, the crypt (!), and some fascinating artistic and architectural details. I never feel more engaged and interested than when I'm in a religious institution, so this is one of my top recommendations for a fun historical place to visit in Columbus. read more

I had the pleasure of being able to go to mass here a few months ago. Truely a beautiful Church! I wish I was closer so that I could make this my parish. I have a habit of joining a church that's too far away and then not being able to go every weekend. The people are warm and friendly here with a huge community feel. The Church has this awe about it..I cant explain it. It's just so majestic, so regal. Mass was beautiful. read more

It is a beautiful and lovely space. When I really need to think and contemplate things that won't leave my mind, I come here. I tend to just grab a parking spot nearby on the street. read more

Beautiful powerfully-loud huge organ, lovely mass and insightful homily by a down-to-Earth priest who knows how to talk to you, not at you. He also gave useful and interesting historical tidbits to help you understand the readings and let them soak in better, which I really appreciate. Not to mention, the Cathedral is an awe-inspiring building full of history (and a crypt underground). Be sure to visit the basement for the history part. Only issue is the music lyrics are kind of hard to hear, but only because the building is so huge. The parking is great, free and you can stay for a few hours if you want to walk around town (we got coffee after 12:30 mass). Definitely leave some time to tour the place after mass - there are lots of powerful monuments, statuses, beautiful architecture and outstanding sights. I'd recommend this church for anyone new to Columbus - you MUST go once just to view it. Plus, it's nice they offer reconciliation 4 times a week. Absolutely breathtaking cathedral. read more

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Good: 1) ample parking for Sunday Masses. 2) wide range of Mass times from early morning to 5:15pm on Sunday. 3) ample seating 4) when Fr. Grible was there, you could usually count on a decent homily. Bad: 1) The pipe organ installed in 2006 is too loud. You cannot hear words to most songs over the organ playing. Before 2006 this was a much better place to attend Mass. 2) The cantors usually warble and sing in too high of a register for the people to follow along. 3) EDIT: The Gloria was in Latin Jan 17 2016. Huge negative. read more

I went to mass on Sunday and was blown away by how beautiful the mass was. The choir was amazing! (Heavenly) I felt like I was transported to Rome. The church itself is beautiful along with the enormous pipe organ (not sure of the proper name. Anyone visiting Columbus, as myself, should not miss visiting. You can truly feel God's presence. read more

I'm visiting from California and was blown away by the beauty of this church. I attended mass last Sunday and felt like I was transported to Rome. The choir was amazing (or should I say heavenly)! You could hear each individual voice carry its own weight. The church has an amazing beauty that is not seen in the more modern churches; and the organ (I'm sure it has s special name) was enormous with beautiful music coming out of it. I definitely recommend to anyone visiting Columbus, to take the time to stop by and enjoy the beauty of this church. You definitely feel God's presence there. I wish I could be here on April 3rd, I believe, when they will have a special program with the music. read more