Co-Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist

History & Significance

Cathedral · Est. Parish founded 1863; current church built 1955–1957; elevated to co-cathedral 2018

St. John the Evangelist Parish, the oldest Catholic parish in Rochester, Minnesota, was established in 1863 by Rev. James Morris. The present church, designed by New Ulm architect Edward F. Wirtz and built of Mankato stone, was constructed from 1955 to 1957. On March 27, 2018, Pope Francis elevated the church to co-cathedral of the newly renamed Diocese of Winona–Rochester, with a dedication liturgy held June 24, 2018. It serves as the mother church of Rochester and co-seat of the diocese alongside the Cathedral of the Sacred Heart in Winona.

Mid-century modern church of Mankato stone, seating ~1,200

• •Co-cathedral of the Diocese of Winona–Rochester (elevated March 27, 2018 by Pope Francis)
• •Oldest Catholic parish in Rochester, founded 1863 by Rev. James Morris
• •Present church built 1955–1957, designed by architect Edward F. Wirtz
• •Shares cathedra with the Cathedral of the Sacred Heart in Winona
• •Dedication liturgy held June 24, 2018, the Nativity of St. John the Baptist