About Cathedral of St. Joseph · Sioux Falls, South Dakota
The Cathedral of Saint Joseph is a Roman Catholic cathedral in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, serving as both the parish church for the surrounding community and the mother church (seat) of the Diocese of Sioux Falls. Built in 1915–1919 to a Renaissance Revival design by the French architect Emmanuel Louis Masqueray (completed after his death by Edwin Lundie), the limestone cathedral sits on a bluff overlooking the city and has been a contributing property in the Cathedral Historic District on the National Register of Historic Places since 1974. The Cathedral of St. Joseph is home to the St. Josephine Bakhita Community (parishioners from East Africa with music sung in African languages) and is paired with the on-site St. Joseph Classical Academy, a Pre-K–12 Catholic school offering Montessori, hybrid classical, and Chesterton Academy tracks. Worship is offered in English with a robust schedule of daily and Sunday Masses, perpetual-adoration partners at neighboring Mater Ecclesiae Monastery, regular confession, and a recently restored interior featuring rose windows, French stenciled stained glass, an apostle bas-relief frieze, and a circular marble baldacchino.
- Established
- 1915 (construction began); parish traces to 1881 as St. Michael's
- Patron
- Saint Joseph
- Rector
- Very Rev. James P. Morgan (Rector) — reassignment announced; Fr. Tony (Anthony) Klein named incoming Rector effective July 1, 2026.
- Diocese
- Roman Catholic Diocese of Sioux Falls (suffragan of the Archdiocese of Saint Paul and Minneapolis)
Why belong here
Cathedral of St. Joseph is the historic mother church of the Diocese of Sioux Falls and an active downtown parish, offering a full sacramental life — multiple daily and Sunday Masses, regular confession on Thursdays and Saturdays, First-Friday adoration, and weekday adoration shared with the Perpetual Adoration Sisters at Mater Ecclesiae Monastery. It is home to a vibrant multicultural community (notably the St. Josephine Bakhita Community, whose Sunday evening Mass features music sung in African languages), a Pre-K–12 Catholic classical academy on site (with choir practice and daily Mass for the students), a robust OCIA/RCIA process for those becoming Catholic, and a beautifully restored interior with French-stained-glass windows, rose windows and a unique circular baldacchino — the kind of place where centuries-old Catholic tradition and an engaged, contemporary parish community meet.
Mass times at Cathedral of St. Joseph
Weekly Mass schedule
Confession times
- Thursday 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM in the Sacred Heart Chapel
- Saturday 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM in the Cathedral (Sacred Heart Chapel in the event of a Saturday 1:00 PM wedding)
- Saturday 3:00 PM – 4:00 PM in the Cathedral (Sacred Heart Chapel in the event of a Saturday wedding)
- First Friday 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM in the Cathedral (the hour prior to the noon Mass)
- By appointment (call the parish office at 605-336-7390)
Adoration times
- Mon–Sat 7:30 AM – 6:00 PM at the Mater Ecclesiae Monastery, 707 W 4th Street (shares the Cathedral parking lot)
- Thursday 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM in the Sacred Heart Chapel (during confessions)
- First Friday 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM in the Cathedral (hour prior to noon Mass)
History of the Cathedral
The Cathedral of St. Joseph traces its lineage to St. Michael's, Sioux Falls' first Catholic parish, founded in 1881. A wooden church was built that year but burned later the same year; a larger brick St. Michael's was erected in 1883 and, when Vicar Apostolic Martin Marty moved to Sioux Falls in 1889, became the Pro-Cathedral. On November 12, 1889, Pope Leo XIII erected the Diocese of Sioux Falls, and St. Michael's became the diocesan cathedral. Bishop Thomas O'Gorman, who succeeded Bishop Marty in 1896, was determined to build a true mother church. Inspired by the 1915 dedication of the new Cathedral of Saint Paul, he engaged the French architect Emmanuel Louis Masqueray, who produced a Renaissance Revival design. The old brick St. Michael's was physically moved off the lot, the rectory was razed, and construction began in the summer of 1915. Masqueray died in May 1917, and his chief assistant Edwin Lundie of St. Paul completed the project. The first Mass was celebrated in the unfinished cathedral on December 8, 1918, and Bishop O'Gorman formally dedicated the building on May 7, 1919, at a final cost of $390,000.
- 1881: St. Michael's, Sioux Falls' first Catholic parish, founded
- 1883: Brick St. Michael's built at 5th and Duluth
- 1889: Pope Leo XIII erects the Diocese of Sioux Falls (Nov 12)
- 1896: Bishop Thomas O'Gorman succeeds Bishop Marty
- 1915: Construction of the new Cathedral of St. Joseph begins on the same bluff
- 1917: Emmanuel Masqueray dies; Edwin Lundie of St. Paul completes the work
- 1918: First Mass in the unfinished cathedral (Dec 8)
- 1919: Cathedral dedicated (May 7) at a final cost of $390,000
Renovations, Restorations and Key Milestones
Over more than a century the Cathedral has received a series of significant changes and additions. The most notable include the 1935 installation of the Kilgen pipe organ, the 1942 fire in the lower church that prompted a 1943 full-color repainting by Conrad Schmitt Studios, the 1946 marble high altar and tester, the 1947 French stenciled stained-glass windows that replaced the original frosted glass, the 1961–62 tower/tuckpointing/roof repairs, and the 1970–74 interior restoration that introduced a freestanding altar. On June 5, 1974, the cathedral became a contributing property in the Cathedral Historic District on the National Register of Historic Places. In 2004, the new Sacred Heart Chapel was created from the former sacristy. Bishop Paul J. Swain launched the cathedral's most ambitious modern restoration in 2007, hiring classical architect Duncan G. Stroik. The 2009–2011 'creative restoration' produced the first altar original to the building, a circular marble baldacchino on four 8,000-lb green marble columns, a pedimented cathedra, a cylindrical ambo, a cosmatesque floor, a new white marble Communion rail and decorative painting, and was recognized with a 2013 Palladio Award from Traditional Building Magazine. In 2019, the diocese marked the cathedral's centennial. The 13,500-square-foot historic Cathedral Rectory was also fully renovated and completed in February 2025 by Fiegen Construction.
- 1935: Kilgen pipe organ installed in the choir loft (gift of Monsignor Mulloney)
- 1942: Fire in the lower church; 1943 repainting by Conrad Schmitt Studios
- 1946: Marble high altar and tester erected
- 1947: French stenciled stained-glass windows replace original frosted glass
- 1961–62: Tower repair, tuckpointing and roof work
- 1970–74: Interior restoration; freestanding altar installed
- 1974: Cathedral becomes a contributing property in the Cathedral Historic District (NRHP)
- 2004: Sacred Heart Chapel created in the former sacristy
- 2007–2011: 'Creative restoration' under Bishop Paul J. Swain, architect Duncan G. Stroik
- 2013: Palladio Award from Traditional Building Magazine
- 2019: Cathedral centennial
- February 2025: Rectory renovation completed by Fiegen Construction
Parish Staff and Clergy
The Cathedral is pastored by diocesan priests and served by permanent deacons, an administrative team, and a Director of Liturgical Music. The current rector also serves as Diocesan Director of the Office of Liturgy and Worship. In June 2025 the diocese announced priestly reassignments effective July 1, 2026, in which Fr. James P. Morgan is reassigned to the Pierre deanery and Fr. Tony (Anthony) Klein — currently chaplain of O'Gorman High School and Sacramental Minister at the Cathedral — is named the incoming Rector and Parochial Administrator, with a new parochial vicar to be assigned.
- Very Rev. James P. Morgan — Rector; Diocesan Director of the Office of Liturgy and Worship
- Rev. Pasquale Armando Francesco — Parochial Vicar; Chaplain, St. Josephine Bakhita Community
- Rev. Anthony (Tony) Klein — Sacramental Minister; incoming Rector effective July 1, 2026
- Rev. Mr. Timothy Dickes — Deacon
- Rev. Mr. William Radio — Deacon
- Rev. Mr. Rob Rysavy — Deacon (assigned July 1, 2026)
- Dr. Jared Ostermann — Director of Liturgical Music
- Heidi Solem — Director of Operations & Finance
- MaryAnne Lux — Administrative Assistant
Becoming Catholic (OCIA / RCIA)
The Cathedral of St. Joseph hosts the diocesan OCIA (formerly RCIA) process for adults seeking to become Catholic. The process is directed by Jeff Heron ([email protected]) and is open to anyone interested in exploring Catholicism, with no minimum commitment required simply to begin. The parish periodically holds Open House events and Inquiry Sessions; those completing the process are typically confirmed at the Easter Vigil.
- OCIA / RCIA Director: Jeff Heron ([email protected], 605-336-7390)
- Four-step process: Inquiry → Catechumenate → Purification & Enlightenment → Sacraments of Initiation at the Easter Vigil
- Open House events held periodically
- Inquiry Sessions offered throughout the year
Eucharist and First Communion Formation
Beyond the regular Mass schedule, the Cathedral offers a parish-based First Communion and Reconciliation formation program for children ages 7 through 9 (with parents required to attend). Classes are scheduled on specific Sundays during the school year, with a First Communion celebrated during the 11:00 AM Sunday Mass in the spring.
- First Communion & Reconciliation Formation for children 7–9 with parents
- Contact: Alexandra, [email protected]
- Rehearsal and First Communion celebrated during the 11:00 AM Mass
St. Joseph Classical Academy (on-site school)
St. Joseph Classical Academy is a Pre-K–12 Catholic classical school operated at the Cathedral of St. Joseph in cooperation with the Diocese of Sioux Falls. It offers Montessori for the earliest learners, a K–8 hybrid classical academy, and a Chesterton Academy for grades 9–12. The integrated curriculum contemplates Christ as the Logos and immerses students in the good, true and beautiful through literature, primary sources, mimetic instruction in math/science/Latin, nature study, classical art, Latin, the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd, daily Mass, adoration, and participation in the Cathedral children's sacred music choir. Use of technology in the classroom is intentionally limited.
- Montessori (early years)
- K–8 Hybrid Classical Academy (Mon/Tues/Thurs on-site, Wed/Fri at home)
- Chesterton Academy (grades 9–12)
- Catechesis of the Good Shepherd atrium program
- Cathedral children's sacred music choir (K–8)
- Daily Mass and Eucharistic adoration for students
- Latin, classical art studio, integrated humanities, nature study
- 521 N. Duluth Ave., Sioux Falls, SD 57104
- Website: https://www.stjosephclassicalacademy.org/
St. Josephine Bakhita Community
The St. Josephine Bakhita Community is the multicultural East-African Catholic community hosted by the Cathedral. Its members gather for the Sunday 4:00 PM Mass, which is celebrated in English with music sung in African languages. The community is served by the Cathedral's parochial vicar, Fr. Pasquale Armando Francesco, who also serves as chaplain to the Bakhita Community.
- Sunday 4:00 PM Mass at the Cathedral
- Music in African languages; Mass said in English
- Chaplain: Rev. Pasquale Armando Francesco
Visitors, Tours and the Cathedral Historic District
The Cathedral of Saint Joseph welcomes visitors throughout the week. Self-guided tours can be taken 9:00–11:30 AM and 1:00–5:00 PM Monday through Friday except when a wedding or funeral is scheduled. Visitors are welcome on Saturday and Sunday but are encouraged to consult the weekend schedule to avoid liturgies. Guided tours between 1:00 PM and 5:00 PM on weekdays can be requested by contacting the parish office. The cathedral has been a contributing property in the Cathedral Historic District on the National Register of Historic Places since June 5, 1974.
- Self-guided tours: Mon–Fri 9:00–11:30 AM and 1:00–5:00 PM (except weddings/funerals)
- Guided tours: Mon–Fri 1:00–5:00 PM by appointment (605-336-7390)
- NRHP — Cathedral Historic District, added June 5, 1974
The Diocese of Sioux Falls
The Cathedral of Saint Joseph is the mother church of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Sioux Falls, a suffragan see of the Archdiocese of Saint Paul and Minneapolis covering the eastern half of South Dakota. The diocese was erected by Pope Leo XIII on November 12, 1889, with Bishop Martin Marty, O.S.B., as its first bishop. The current bishop is the Most Reverend Donald E. DeGrood, the ninth bishop of Sioux Falls (named Dec. 12, 2019; consecrated Feb. 13, 2020). The diocesan administrative offices are located in the Pastoral Center directly north of the Cathedral of Saint Joseph in central Sioux Falls. Seven diocesan bishops have occupied the cathedra at the Cathedral of Saint Joseph since 1919.
- Diocese erected: November 12, 1889 (Pope Leo XIII)
- Suffragan of the Archdiocese of Saint Paul and Minneapolis
- First Bishop: Most Rev. Martin Marty, O.S.B. (1889–1895)
- Second Bishop: Most Rev. Thomas O'Gorman (1896–1921)
- Third Bishop: Most Rev. Bernard J. Mahoney (1922–1939)
- Fourth Bishop: Most Rev. William O. Brady (1939–1956)
- Fifth Bishop: Most Rev. Lambert A. Hoch (1956–1978)
- Sixth Bishop: Most Rev. Paul V. Dudley (1978–1995)
- Seventh Bishop: Most Rev. Robert J. Carlson (1995–2004)
- Eighth Bishop: Most Rev. Paul J. Swain (2006–2019)
- Ninth (current) Bishop: Most Rev. Donald E. DeGrood (2020–present)
- Diocesan website: https://sfcatholic.org
Pastors & rectors through the years
- Rev. Rudolf (Rudolph) Deustermann1889–1904
First pastor of St. Michael's Pro-Cathedral after Bishop Marty arrived in Sioux Falls; continued under Bishop O'Gorman. (Source: 'Faith, Family and Farming' by Bob Zahler / Hometown Source article on St. Michael's.)
- Various priests of St. Michael's / early Cathedral rectors1904–1919
Rectory succession at the Pro-Cathedral and through the construction years of the new Cathedral of St. Joseph; not comprehensively published online. (Source: parish history page.)
- Monsignor Mulloneypre-1935
Donor of the Kilgen pipe organ installed in the choir loft in 1935 (per the parish's 'History of the Cathedral' page).
- Very Rev. James P. Morganpresent rector (announced reassignment effective July 1, 2026)
Rector of the Cathedral of Saint Joseph; also Diocesan Director of the Office of Liturgy and Worship and pastor of the St. Josephine Bakhita Community. Departing to pastor SS Peter and Paul, Pierre, et al. (Source: sfcatholic.org priest assignments.)
- Rev. Anthony (Tony) Kleinincoming July 1, 2026
Currently chaplain of O'Gorman High School, vocations advocate and Sacramental Minister at the Cathedral; named Rector and Parochial Administrator of the Cathedral of Saint Joseph and St. Josephine Bakhita effective July 1, 2026, with oversight of prison ministry and the sacramental ministry to the Perpetual Adoration Sisters at Mater Ecclesiae Monastery.