About Our Lady Queen of the Most Holy Rosary · Toledo, Ohio
Our Lady, Queen of the Most Holy Rosary Cathedral (commonly known as Rosary Cathedral) is the mother church of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Toledo, located at 2535 Collingwood Boulevard in Toledo's historic Old West End neighborhood in Ohio. Completed in 1931 and formally dedicated on October 1–2, 1940, it is the only American cathedral built in the Spanish Plateresque style, deliberately modeled after the Cathedral of Saint Mary of the Assumption in Toledo, Spain, the city's sister city. The cathedral seats approximately 1,400 worshippers and is celebrated for its barrel-vaulted nave frescoes, marble inlay, 28-foot Rose Window, and Skinner pipe organ (Opus 820). It serves as the spiritual and administrative heart of a 19-county diocese covering 8,222 square miles of northwest Ohio.
- Established
- 1915
- Patron
- Our Lady, Queen of the Most Holy Rosary (the Blessed Virgin Mary under the title of Our Lady of the Rosary)
- Rector
- Rev. Nathan F. Bockrath (Rector since July 1, 2024)
- Diocese
- Roman Catholic Diocese of Toledo
Why belong here
Rosary Cathedral is more than a landmark — it is the spiritual home of the Diocese of Toledo and a parish that takes its role as steward of an architectural treasure seriously. Worshippers find daily and weekend Masses in a richly decorated Spanish Plateresque sanctuary, year-round faith formation for children and youth (preschool through Confirmation), a young-adult ministry, an active Scouts BSA Troop (#39, one of the oldest continuously chartered in the United States), and a choice of liturgical ministries (altar servers, lectors, extraordinary ministers of Holy Communion, greeters, ushers, Mass coordinators) as well as service ministries including the Society of St. Vincent de Paul and Eucharistic Adoration prayer members. The parish explicitly welcomes everyone of good will and sees its mission as evangelization 'by growing in faith and reaching out to others' in Toledo's historic Old West End.
Mass times at Our Lady Queen of the Most Holy Rosary
Weekly Mass schedule
Confession times
- Saturdays 4:00–4:30 PM (also by appointment)
Adoration times
- Eucharistic Adoration prayer members participate on a scheduled basis (parish-wide roster); specific weekly adoration hours to be confirmed through the parish office
About Our Lady, Queen of the Most Holy Rosary Cathedral
Our Lady, Queen of the Most Holy Rosary Cathedral is the mother church of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Toledo, located at 2535 Collingwood Boulevard in Toledo's historic Old West End. The parish describes itself as 'a community of believers committed to the mission of the Church and outreach to Toledo's Historic Old West End,' and as 'stewards of the beautiful Cathedral of the Diocese of Toledo.' Its mission statement is to be the Body of Christ; its vision is to become 'a vibrant Roman Catholic Parish forming missionary disciples.' The parish welcomes everyone of good will and invites visitors to attend Mass, take a virtual tour, or join one of many ministries.
- Core Mission: To be the Body of Christ
- Vision: A vibrant Roman Catholic Parish forming missionary disciples
- Welcome from Rector Rev. Nathan F. Bockrath
History & Bishops of the Diocese
The Diocese of Toledo in America was established on April 15, 1910 by Pope Pius X. Its territory encompasses 8,222 square miles across 19 counties in northwest Ohio (Allen, Crawford, Defiance, Erie, Fulton, Hancock, Henry, Huron, Lucas, Ottawa, Paulding, Putnam, Richland, Sandusky, Seneca, Van Wert, Williams, Wood, and Wyandot). The current bishop is Most Rev. Daniel E. Thomas. The cathedral's history is intertwined with the story of the diocese's first bishops: Bishop Joseph Schrembs (first bishop, who acquired the Collingwood site and erected the cathedral parish in 1915), Bishop Samuel Stritch (who commissioned the building and saw it structurally completed in 1931), Bishop Karl Joseph Alter (who presided over the 1940 dedication), and the succession of bishops who have overseen the cathedral's growth and major restorations.
- Diocese established April 15, 1910 by Pope Pius X
- Bishop Joseph Schrembs — first bishop, acquired land in 1911, erected cathedral parish 1915
- Bishop Samuel Stritch — commissioned architect and construction (1922–1931)
- Bishop Karl Joseph Alter — presided over formal dedication October 1–2, 1940
- Most Rev. Daniel E. Thomas — current Bishop of Toledo
Architecture and Art
The cathedral's Spanish Plateresque design is unique among American Catholic cathedrals. The overall footprint is 285 feet long by 215 feet wide, with a floor-to-peak height of 96 feet in the seven-bay barrel-vaulted nave. The building is constructed of Massachusetts granite with Indiana limestone accents. The interior is dominated by Felix Lieftuchter's barrel-vault frescoes, executed in the Keim mineral-paint process; a 28-foot Rose Window of antique English glass; the tessellated-marble Blessed Sacrament Chapel with its Spanish-dome tabernacle and El Greco reproduction; and a Skinner Opus 820 pipe organ (4 manuals, 75 stops, 4,916 pipes).
- Style: Spanish Plateresque (only American cathedral in this style)
- Architects: John T. Comes (original design); William Perry (supervising architect); firm: Comes, Perry, and McMullen, Pittsburgh
- Materials: Massachusetts granite with Indiana limestone accents
- Dimensions: 285 ft long × 215 ft wide × 96 ft floor-to-peak
- Seating: ~1,400 worshippers
- Rose Window: 28 ft diameter, antique English cathedral glass from York, England
- Frescoes: Felix Lieftuchter (Keim process mineral paints)
- Pipe Organ: Skinner Opus 820, 4 manuals, 75 stops, 4,916 pipes
Staff and Clergy
The cathedral parish is staffed by clergy, deacons, and lay staff. Clergy include the Rector, a Parochial Vicar, and two Deacons. Lay staff include an Office Manager, Parish Accountant, Facilities Manager, Coordinator of Religious Education, Director of Liturgical Music & Organist, and maintenance personnel.
- Rev. Nathan F. Bockrath — Rector
- Rev. Kevin Moebius — Parochial Vicar
- Deacon James Caruso
- Deacon Brendan Gillen
- Karen Wozniak — Office Manager
- Alicia Weinandy — Parish Accountant
- Steve Drabek — Facilities Manager
- James Weinandy — Coordinator of Religious Education
- Samantha Karnes — Director of Liturgical Music & Organist
- Michael Leddy — Maintenance
- Paul Monachino — Maintenance
Faith Formation & Religious Education
The parish runs a full children's religious education program (preschool through 8th grade) using the WORD of LIFE curriculum with supplemental sacramental preparation. Children should be registered before classes begin each September in order to receive sacraments in the coming year. The parish also offers OCIA (Order of Christian Initiation of Adults, formerly RCIA) for unbaptized adults and adults seeking Confirmation or full communion, with sessions running September through May on Wednesday evenings.
- Children's Religious Education (preschool–8th grade)
- Sacramental Preparation: Baptism, First Penance, First Communion, Confirmation
- OCIA (formerly RCIA) — Wednesdays, 6:30 PM, beginning September 14, 2025
- Tuesday Bible Study
- Catechists, Teacher's Aides, Substitute Teachers
- Young Adult Ministry (ages 18–35)
Liturgical Ministries
As Catholics, the ministers of the Mass are the Priests and Bishop; lay people assist the priest by performing specific duties during Mass. People must be members of the parish community and striving to live by the teachings of the Church. Training is provided at various times of the year for new volunteers. People of all ages are invited to serve.
- Altar Servers (grades 3–12 and adults)
- Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion
- Lectors — Weekend Masses
- Greeters — Weekend Mass and Funeral Mass
- Ushers
- Mass Coordinators (setup)
- Wedding Coordinators
- Special Liturgies with the Bishop
Service & Outreach Ministries
Service ministries put the parish's faith into action locally and within the Old West End community.
- Society of St. Vincent de Paul (outreach to the poor)
- Ministers of Care — Communion to the Homebound
- Intercessory Prayer Chain (Leaders and Members)
- Church Decorating Helpers (Christmas and Easter seasons)
- Care of Altar Server albs
- Care for plants and flowers in church
- Eucharistic Adoration Prayer Members
Youth & Young Adult Ministry
The parish prioritizes the safety of children. All staff and volunteers who work with children complete a three-part safe environment process: background checks, safe environment training, and a signed agreement to a clear and detailed statement of behaviors and boundaries. The parish also hosts Scouts BSA Troop #39, one of the oldest continuously chartered troops in the United States.
- Children's Religious Education (WORD of LIFE)
- Sacrament Preparation for older children
- Altar Servers (age 7 and up, male and female)
- Young Adult Ministry (ages 18–35)
- Scouts BSA Troop #39 (one of the oldest continuously chartered in the U.S.)
Sacraments
The parish prepares and celebrates the seven Catholic Sacraments, with Sacramental Preparation Programs for children and the OCIA process for adults. Reconciliation is offered weekly and by appointment; couples should contact the parish office to begin marriage preparation.
- Baptism (infants and children; adult via OCIA)
- First Penance / First Communion (children's Sacramental Preparation)
- Confirmation (children's Sacramental Preparation)
- Eucharist (Mass daily and weekend)
- Reconciliation (Saturdays 4:00–4:30 PM and by appointment)
- Matrimony (contact parish office)
- Anointing of the Sick (by request)
Catholic Schools — Rosary Cathedral Campus
Rosary Cathedral School continues to operate as one of two campuses of the Central City Ministry of Toledo (CCMT) Catholic School, a K-8 diocesan school network. Queen of Apostles School and Rosary Cathedral School provide a strong academic and religious education to a diverse urban population, with a mission of making a Catholic education accessible to anyone who 'knocks on our door.'
- Central City Ministry of Toledo (CCMT) Catholic School — K-8 diocesan
- Two campuses: Queen of Apostles and Rosary Cathedral
- Head of School: Gabriel Jakubisin
- Mission: Quality Catholic education as a path out of poverty for many Toledo families
Visit Us — Self-Guided Tour and Points of Interest
A free self-guided walking-tour PDF is available on the parish website highlighting key architectural and devotional points of interest. The cathedral offers a Virtual Tour linked from the Visit Us tab. Inside, visitors should not miss: the 28-foot 'Children's Rose Window,' the Felix Lieftuchter barrel-vault frescoes, the side altars to St. Thérèse of Lisieux and Our Lady of Perpetual Help, the Skinner pipe organ, the Blessed Sacrament Chapel with its El Greco reproduction and tessellated marble tabernacle, and the relic of St. Carlo Acutis in a quiet prayer alcove.
- Virtual Tour available on parish website (Visit Us tab)
- Self-Guided Walking Tour PDF (free download)
- Children's Rose Window — 28 ft diameter
- Felix Lieftuchter barrel-vault frescoes
- Blessed Sacrament Chapel — El Greco reproduction, tessellated marble, tabernacle modeled on Toledo, Spain
- Skinner Opus 820 pipe organ
- St. Carlo Acutis relic — prayer alcove
- Closed Summer 2026 for sanctuary restoration
News, Events & Diocesan Life
The cathedral serves as a gathering point for diocesan celebrations. The annual Diocesan Feast Day (October 7) is celebrated at Rosary Cathedral with recitation of the Rosary at 6:30 PM followed by the Feast Day Mass of Our Lady of the Rosary at 7:00 PM, celebrated by the Bishop. The cathedral also opened the National Eucharistic Revival in the Diocese of Toledo on June 18, 2022, processing from the 10 AM Mass to three altars of repose.
- Diocesan Feast Day of Our Lady of the Rosary — October 7 at the cathedral
- National Eucharistic Revival launched June 18, 2022
- Total Consecration to Jesus through Mary preparation (33-day)
- Receptions in Monsignor Smith Auditorium
Getting Involved
Parishioners and visitors are warmly invited to share their Time and Talent with the parish through a wide array of liturgical, service, and formation ministries. A 'Time and Talent' sign-up sheet is published on the parish website and outlines every available volunteer role. For more information about any ministry, call the parish office at 419-244-9575.
- Time and Talent sign-up sheet available online
- Office: 419-244-9575; [email protected]
Pastors & rectors through the years
- Rev. Msgr. Anthony J. Dean1930–1964
First Rector. Born November 29, 1874 in Leetonia, Ohio. Former telegrapher. Ordained December 19, 1908 in Baltimore by James Cardinal Gibbons. Assigned to St. Francis de Sales Pro-Cathedral in 1911, then to the Cathedral Chapel in 1915. Raised funds and directed construction of the new cathedral. Made Domestic Prelate (Monsignor) November 3, 1934. Retired July 29, 1966 after extended illness. Died October 5, 1967; buried at Calvary Cemetery, Toledo.
- Rev. Msgr. Bernard E. Smith1964–1976 (Administrator 1964–1966, Pastor 1966–1976)
Second Rector. Born August 8, 1906 in Fremont, Ohio. Ordained June 10, 1933 at Rosary Cathedral by Bishop Alter. Served as assistant under Msgr. Dean from 1934. Named Administrator 1964 and Pastor July 29, 1966. Domestic Prelate November 30, 1966. Also served as Vicar General 1969–1976. In retirement, chaplain to the Sisters of Notre Dame at the Toledo Motherhouse and to the Sisters of St. Francis in Tiffin. Died March 29, 2003; buried at Calvary Cemetery, Toledo.
- Rev. Robert J. Reinhart1976–1981
Third Rector. Succeeded Msgr. Smith on June 24, 1976. His pastorate oversaw the 1979 renovations to bring the cathedral into conformity with the Second Vatican Council's liturgical decrees.
- Rev. Raymond A. Fisher1981–1983
Fourth Rector. Born July 31, 1944 in Toledo, Ohio. Bachelor's from St. Mary College, Colleby, KY; Master's in Church Administration from Catholic University of America; M.Div. from Mount St. Mary's of the West Seminary, Cincinnati (1971). Ordained May 29, 1971 at Rosary Cathedral by Bishop John Donovan. Associate Pastor at Rosary 1974–1977. Served simultaneously as Diocesan Chancellor while Rector. Retired 2000. Died January 23, 2022; buried at St. Joseph Cemetery, Maumee, Ohio.
- Rev. Michael A. Schoenhofer1983 (Administrator)
Administrator between pastorates. Born October 21, 1951 in Toledo. Studied at St. Meinrad Seminary and the Pontifical Gregorian University in Rome. Ordained August 6, 1977 at St. Patrick of Heatherdowns by Bishop Donovan. Associate Pastor at Rosary 1980–1983; later missionary in Africa. Retired after a career as a full-time mental-health professional.
- Rev. Edward J. Littelmann1983–1990
Fifth Rector.
- Rev. Ronald R. Warnimont1990–2003
Sixth Rector. Born September 10, 1950 in Lima, Ohio. Studied at the College of Steubenville, Mount St. Mary Seminary, and St. Paul University, Ottawa (Canon Law). Ordained June 5, 1976 at Rosary Cathedral by Bishop Donovan. Began his rectorship July 2, 1990 while serving the Diocesan Tribunal. Worked with the Society of St. Vincent de Paul. Served until July 2003. Died December 26, 2009; buried at St. Nicholas Cemetery, Miller City, Ohio.
- Rev. Msgr. Charles E. Singler2003–2010
Seventh Rector. Born June 16, 1958 in Sandusky, Ohio. B.A. English, St. Gregory Seminary College, Cincinnati (1980); M.Div., Mt. St. Mary's Seminary of the West (1984); M.A., University of Notre Dame (1994); D.Min., University of St. Thomas, St. Paul (2006). Ordained June 9, 1984 by Bishop James R. Hoffman. Later pastor of St. Rose Parish, Perrysburg.
- Rev. Msgr. William J. Kubacki2010–2024
Eighth Rector. Remained as full-time Vicar General and Moderator of the Curia after rectorship.
- Rev. Nathan F. Bockrath2024–present
Ninth Rector (also Pastor of the tri-parish grouping of Rosary Cathedral, St. Joseph, and Saints Adalbert and Hedwig effective July 1, 2024). Previously Pastor of St. Michael Parish, Kalida, and St. John the Baptist Parish, Continental.