About Cathedral of Our Lady of the Rosary · Duluth, Minnesota
The Cathedral of Our Lady of the Rosary is the mother church (cathedra) of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Duluth, Minnesota, situated atop the bluffs of Duluth's East Hillside overlooking Lake Superior. Completed in 1957 in an Italianate style of stone with marble Corinthian columns, it succeeded the 1896 Sacred Heart Cathedral and now serves a three-parish cluster that also includes St. Mary Star of the Sea and St. Michael. The Cathedral is home to the shrine of Monsignor Joseph Francis Buh, the Slovenian-born missionary who helped establish more than 50 parishes in northern Minnesota and is considered the 'patriarch' of the diocese; his cause for canonization is currently being advanced by Bishop Daniel Felton.
- Established
- 1923
- Patron
- Our Lady of the Rosary (Our Lady of the Holy Rosary)
- Rector
- Fr. Seth Gogolin (Rector)
- Diocese
- Roman Catholic Diocese of Duluth
Why belong here
The Cathedral of Our Lady of the Rosary is the mother church of the Diocese of Duluth and the spiritual home of a vibrant three-parish cluster that worships in multiple languages of devotion: daily Mass and confession, livestreamed Sunday liturgy, weekly Eucharistic Adoration, Rosary before daily Mass, a perpetual-adoration chapel at St. Mary Star of the Sea, and devotions such as the Scriptural Rosary, the Chaplet of Divine Mercy, and a Divine Will study group. It is also the shrine of Monsignor Joseph Buh — the missionary-priest whose cause for sainthood is currently advancing — making it a designated Jubilee pilgrimage site. Active ministries include OCIA, faith formation K-12, altar serving, lectors and extraordinary ministers of Holy Communion, choir and choristers, sacristans, ushers, livestream, a grief-support group, a prayer line, the Cathedral Cares Fund (supporting Second Harvest, CHUM, Women's Care Center, Life House, Northland Family Programs and more), the Giving Tree, and St. Vincent de Paul.
Mass times at Cathedral of Our Lady of the Rosary
Weekly Mass schedule
Confession times
- Monday–Friday 11:30 AM to 12:00 PM at St. Mary Star of the Sea
- Saturday 10:30 AM to 12:00 PM at the Cathedral
- Tuesday 3:00 PM at the Cathedral (during Adoration)
- Saturday 3:00 PM at St. Mary Star of the Sea
- By appointment — call 218-728-3646
Adoration times
- Tuesday 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM at the Cathedral (Family Adoration Hour 5:00–6:00 PM; Knights of Columbus lead the Rosary at 6 PM on the first Tuesday)
- Wednesday 7:00 PM to 8:30 PM at the Cathedral when Faith Formation classes are in session
- Friday 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM at St. Mary Star of the Sea (ends with Chaplet of Divine Mercy and Benediction at 3:00 PM)
- Continuous adoration in the Holy Innocents Adoration Chapel at St. Mary Star of the Sea — open Sundays 6:00 PM through Thursdays 7:00 PM
About the Cathedral
The Cathedral of Our Lady of the Rosary is the mother church of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Duluth. Completed in 1957 in the Italianate style and built of stone, it replaced the 1896 Sacred Heart Cathedral (now the Sacred Heart Music Center). The parish cluster includes St. Mary Star of the Sea and St. Michael, sharing clergy, staff, faith formation, and outreach across Duluth's eastern neighborhoods.
- Italianate style, completed 1957
- Stone construction with Corinthian marble columns
- Etched-glass windows honoring Mary Queen of the Rosary; twelve Apostle stained-glass windows
- Fourteen Stations of the Cross, decorative narthex ceiling, choir loft
Rector's Welcome
Fr. Seth Gogolin, Rector of the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Rosary and Pastor of St. Mary Star of the Sea and St. Michael, extends a personal welcome on behalf of Bishop Daniel Felton. The Rector's page invites newcomers and visitors to make themselves at home across the three parishes of the cluster.
- Rector: Fr. Seth Gogolin
- Diocesan Bishop: Most Rev. Daniel J. Felton
History of the Cathedral and Diocese
Catholic missionary work in Duluth began in 1860 with Father John Chebul. The first permanent Catholic church was a frame structure built in 1870. Pope Leo XIII erected the Diocese of Duluth on October 3, 1889, and named James McGolrick its first bishop. A fire destroyed the Pro-Cathedral in 1892; the Gothic Revival Sacred Heart Cathedral, designed by Gerhard A. Tenbusch, was dedicated July 26, 1896. Bishop Thomas Welch resolved the diocese's financial crisis and built the present Italianate Cathedral of Our Lady of the Rosary, founded 1923 and completed in 1957. The Sacred Heart complex was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1986 (boundary increase 2005) and is now the Sacred Heart Music Center.
- 1860: Fr. John Chebul arrives in northern Minnesota
- 1870: first permanent Catholic church in Duluth
- 1889: Diocese of Duluth erected (Pope Leo XIII)
- 1892: original Pro-Cathedral destroyed by fire
- 1896: Sacred Heart Cathedral dedicated (designed by Gerhard A. Tenbusch)
- 1923: Cathedral of Our Lady of the Rosary founded as a parish
- 1957: present Italianate cathedral completed; replaces Sacred Heart as diocesan seat
- 1985: Sacred Heart parish merged into St. Mary Star of the Sea
- 1986: Sacred Heart added to National Register of Historic Places
- 2025: Monsignor Buh's remains transferred and entombed at the Cathedral
- 2026: USCCB voices support for advancing Msgr. Buh's cause for canonization
Shrine of Monsignor Joseph Francis Buh
Monsignor Joseph Francis Buh (1833–1922) was a Slovenian-born missionary priest ordained in 1858 who came to Minnesota in 1864. Over more than five decades he served Indigenous communities, Slovenian immigrants, and frontier settlers throughout central and northern Minnesota, helping to establish more than 50 parishes and missions. Known as the 'Patriarch of the Diocese of Duluth,' he died in Duluth on February 2, 1922. His mortal remains were transferred and entombed in the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Rosary in June 2025, creating a public shrine. In June 2026 the bishops of the United States, during their Plenary Assembly in Orlando, voted in voice to support advancing his cause for beatification and canonization. Bishop Daniel Felton is the petitioner for the cause; Amanda Zurface, JCL, serves as diocesan postulator.
- Born March 17, 1833 in present-day Slovenia
- Ordained 1858; came to Minnesota 1864
- Died February 2, 1922 in Duluth
- Established more than 50 parishes and missions across northern Minnesota
- Cause for canonization initiated by Bishop Daniel Felton
- Designated 2025 Jubilee Year Pilgrimage Site
Parish Staff and Leadership
The Cathedral of Our Lady of the Rosary is led by Fr. Seth Gogolin as Rector, with Fr. Jacob Toma serving as Parochial Vicar and Fr. Sekhar Dasari as Sacramental Minister. Seven active deacons (Walt Beier, Rodger Brannan, Kyle Eller, Jim Philbin, John Specht, John Weiske) and one retired (Dick Laumeyer) support the three parishes of the cluster. Cathedral staff include Anne Hoeksema (Administrative Assistant), Jacob Turner (Business Manager), Greg Jung (Outreach & Volunteers), Ann Sanford (Business Office Assistant), Richard Carrick (Director of Music), Brian Kapp (Organist/Pianist), Bill Stauber (Maintenance Engineer), and Renae Stangler (Custodian). Faith Formation is led by Sonya Morris, with Juan Aragon as Grades 6-12 Youth Coordinator, Megan Tschida as Youth Minister, and Maria Landgren as Faith Formation Assistant. OCIA is led by Deacon Jim and Margo Philbin; adult formation by Sr. Magnificat and Sr. Veronica (the Cathedral Handmaids).
- Rector: Fr. Seth Gogolin
- Parochial Vicar: Fr. Jacob Toma
- Sacramental Minister: Fr. Sekhar Dasari
- Diocesan Bishop: Most Rev. Daniel J. Felton
- Music Director: Richard Carrick; Organist/Pianist: Brian Kapp
- Director of Faith Formation: Sonya Morris
- Outreach & Volunteers: Greg Jung
Devotions and Prayer Life
The Rosary is prayed at the Cathedral every day at 6:35 AM before the 7:00 AM Mass, and at 10:00 AM on Saturdays and Sundays. On the first Tuesday of each month the Knights of Columbus lead the Rosary at 6:00 PM. St. Mary Star of the Sea hosts the Scriptural Rosary on Wednesdays at 6:00 PM in the social hall and the Divine Will Study Group on Thursdays after the noon Mass. The Chaplet of Divine Mercy is recited at St. Mary Star of the Sea on Fridays at 3:00 PM during Adoration. A Prayer Line at the Cathedral (Kari, 218-724-6033) supports parishioners in need of prayer.
- Daily Rosary 6:35 AM at the Cathedral
- Sanctity of Life Rosary on Sundays (sign-up to lead)
- Scriptural Rosary: Wed 6:00 PM at St. Mary Star of the Sea
- Chaplet of Divine Mercy: Fri 3:00 PM at St. Mary Star of the Sea
- Divine Will Study Group: Thu after noon Mass at Star of the Sea
Faith Formation and Youth Ministry
Faith Formation is directed by Sonya Morris (218-623-5016). Children's faith formation meets K-5 with assistance from Maria Landgren. The Youth Ministry for grades 6-12 is led by Coordinator Juan Aragon and Youth Minister Megan Tschida, with regular events including the annual Youth Christmas Party at St. Michael's. OCIA (formerly RCIA), the 'Becoming Catholic' process, is led by Deacon Jim and Margo Philbin. Adult Faith Formation is offered by Sr. Magnificat and Sr. Veronica (the Cathedral Handmaids). Confirmation preparation is available through the parish cluster, and the parish bulletin publishes seasonal faith-formation schedules and special Advent/Lenten family activities.
- K-5 Faith Formation (Maria Landgren)
- Grades 6-12 Youth Ministry (Juan Aragon, Megan Tschida)
- OCIA — Becoming Catholic (Dcn. Jim & Margo Philbin)
- Adult Faith Formation (Sr. Magnificat & Sr. Veronica)
- Confirmation preparation
- Youth Christmas Party and seasonal events
Liturgical Ministries
The Cathedral relies on a broad team of liturgical volunteers. Lectors and Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion enhance Sunday and daily worship, with training provided. Altar Servers (4th grade through adult) assist at the altar and at funerals. Sacristans set up and care for the sanctuary; Ushers welcome, count attendance, and assist with the offertory. The Livestream Ministry operates the Cathedral's camera and computer system to bring the 10:30 AM Sunday Mass and special liturgies to the homebound via YouTube; high-school students and adults can serve. The Cathedral Choir and Choristers enrich the sacred liturgy with music under Director Richard Carrick and Organist/Pianist Brian Kapp.
- Lectors and Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion
- Altar Servers (4th grade through adult)
- Sacristans
- Ushers
- Livestream Ministry (YouTube)
- Cathedral Choir and Choristers
Outreach and Community Support
Outreach is coordinated by Greg Jung. The Cathedral Cares Fund provides grants and aid to local organizations that witness to Jesus Christ, including Second Harvest Northern Lakes Food Bank, the Women's Care Center, CHUM, Star of the North Maternity Home, Northland Family Programs, and Life House, as well as individuals in immediate crisis. The annual Advent Giving Tree delivers hundreds of Christmas gifts to the Women's Care Center, Bayshore, the Benedictine Health Center, and McCarthy Manor. The Prayer Line lifts up petitions; the Grief Card Ministry sends bereavement cards; and a Grief Support Group meets in the fall, with individual support available year-round. Funeral Luncheon Volunteers host parish families after a loved one's funeral. The Mission Field Outreach Ministries take parishioners to visit elderly residents at St. Ann's (across the street from Star of the Sea), and a Food Shelf ministry helps address food insecurity.
- Cathedral Cares Fund (Second Harvest, Women's Care Center, CHUM, Star of the North, Northland Family Programs, Life House)
- Advent Giving Tree (Women's Care Center, Bayshore, Benedictine Health Center, McCarthy Manor)
- Prayer Line, Grief Support Group, Grief Card Ministry
- Funeral Luncheon Volunteers
- Mission Field Outreach (St. Ann's visits)
- Food Shelf
Music and Sacred Arts
Music at the Cathedral is led by Director of Music Richard Carrick and Organist/Pianist Brian Kapp, with the Cathedral Choir and Choristers singing at weekend and holy-day liturgies. The Cathedral also runs the Cathedral Music Series, which brings sacred-music performances to the church — for example, the Borealis Chamber Artists' presentation of Handel's Messiah in December, and 'Christmas at the Cathedral' on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. The 10:30 AM Sunday Mass is livestreamed on the Cathedral YouTube channel so the homebound can participate in the sung liturgy.
- Director of Music: Richard Carrick
- Organist/Pianist: Brian Kapp
- Cathedral Choir and Choristers
- Cathedral Music Series (Handel's Messiah, Christmas at the Cathedral)
- Livestream of Sunday 10:30 AM Mass
Sacraments and Pastoral Care
The Cathedral celebrates the seven sacraments and offers pastoral care across the three parishes. OCIA (the Becoming Catholic process) welcomes adults seeking baptism, confirmation, or full communion with the Catholic Church. Baptisms, weddings, First Communion and Reconciliation, and Confirmation are prepared through the parish office; Anointing of the Sick is available on request. Homebound parishioners may bring a clean pyx to the sacristy after Mass for the priest or deacon to provide the Eucharist, and laity visitors can bring Holy Communion to those unable to attend Mass.
- OCIA — Becoming Catholic (Deacon Jim & Margo Philbin)
- Baptism, First Reconciliation & Communion, Confirmation
- Marriage preparation
- Anointing of the Sick
- Homebound visits and Communion to the sick
Stella Maris Academy and Catholic Education
The parish cluster operates Stella Maris Academy, a K-8 Catholic school with two campuses. The Holy Rosary Campus occupies the renovated former convent that overlooks Lake Superior beside the Cathedral; the St. James Campus completes the school. SMA regularly hosts Early Childhood and Kindergarten open houses and seeks teachers and support staff. A local Catholic Schoolhouse chapter also offers a classical homeschool enrichment community. Catechesis for school-age children is coordinated through the Faith Formation office at 218-623-5016.
- Stella Maris Academy — Holy Rosary Campus and St. James Campus
- Early Childhood and Kindergarten Open Houses
- Catholic Schoolhouse homeschool chapter (Duluth, MN)
Visiting, Pilgrimage, and Contact
The Cathedral of Our Lady of the Rosary is open for daily Mass, Eucharistic Adoration, and visits. As a designated 2025 Jubilee Year 'Pilgrims of Hope' pilgrimage site — and the home of the shrine of Monsignor Joseph Buh — it welcomes pilgrims seeking Jubilee indulgences and prayers for his intercession. The parish office (218-728-3646) handles inquiries; office hours are M-Th 9:00 AM–2:00 PM (some bulletins list 8:00 AM–3:00 PM) and Friday 8:00 AM–noon in summer. Email: [email protected]. Confession is available by appointment. The Cathedral's address is 2801 East 4th Street, Duluth, MN 55812.
- Address: 2801 E. 4th Street, Duluth, MN 55812
- Phone: 218-728-3646
- Email: [email protected]
- Office hours: M-Th 9:00 AM–2:00 PM (some sources: 8:00 AM–3:00 PM); F 8:00 AM–noon
- 2025 Jubilee Year pilgrimage site (shrine of Msgr. Buh)
- Confession by appointment
Pastors & rectors through the years
- Fr. Seth Gogolincurrent (as of 2024–2026)
Rector of the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Rosary and Pastor of St. Mary Star of the Sea and St. Michael; serves on behalf of Bishop Daniel Felton.