About Saint Stephen Cathedral · Owensboro, Kentucky
Saint Stephen Cathedral is the mother church and seat (cathedra) of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Owensboro, located at 610 Locust Street in downtown Owensboro, Kentucky. Established in 1839 as the first Catholic parish in the city, it serves approximately 610 households with daily Mass, a robust sacramental life, and dozens of ministries. The current cruciform Italian Lombardian–style church was constructed in 1924–1926, designed by Louisville architect Frederick T. Erhart, and was elevated to cathedral status in 1938 when Pope Pius XI created the Diocese of Owensboro and named the Rev. Francis R. Cotton as its first bishop. Today the parish is pastored by Fr. John M. Thomas, with Fr. Christopher Grief serving as parochial vicar and Deacon Richard Murphy assisting, under Bishop William F. Medley.
- Established
- 1839
- Patron
- St. Stephen (the first Christian martyr)
- Rector
- Rev. John M. Thomas (Rector)
- Diocese
- Diocese of Owensboro
Why belong here
Saint Stephen Cathedral offers the rare combination of being a small, family-sized parish (about 610 households) that is also the cathedral church for all of western Kentucky—meaning parishioners worship in the very seat of the diocese, with two daily Masses, perpetual-style liturgical devotions, and a close-knit community. Visitors and members encounter an exceptionally rich liturgical life (livestreamed Sunday Vigil, adoration, communal Reconciliation in Advent and Lent), an active social-outreach network (St. Vincent de Paul Society, soup kitchen, St. Benedict Homeless Shelter, Backpack Ministry, Habitat for Humanity), strong formation for all ages (OCIA/RICA, youth ministry, Vacation Bible School, Cathedral Preschool), and dozens of ministries where children and adults can serve—from adult choir to Rosary Makers to Stephen Ministers. The cathedral's 100th anniversary of its Locust Street home is being marked throughout 2026 with a service challenge, museum exhibit, cookbook, Adoration events, and a closing Mass with Bishop Medley.
Mass times at Saint Stephen Cathedral
Weekly Mass schedule
Confession times
- Saturday: 9:30 AM – 11:00 AM
- Communal Reconciliation twice a year during Advent and Lent
- By appointment (call Parish Office at 270-683-6525)
Adoration times
- Parish Family Holy Hour (parish team supports this devotion; see ministry directory)
Parish Identity & Mission
Saint Stephen Cathedral identifies itself as 'A Catholic community with open arms' and welcomes both first-time visitors and returning parishioners. As the mother church of the Diocese of Owensboro, it balances the dignity of a cathedral with the warmth of a ~610-household parish. Welcome packets with registration forms are available in the church, at the Parish Office, or on the parish website.
- Approximately 610 households
- Bishop: Most Rev. William F. Medley
- Pastor/Rector: Rev. John M. Thomas
- Parochial Vicar: Rev. Christopher Grief
- Deacon: Richard Murphy
Parish History
From the mission years (1822–1839) and Fr. John Wathen's first log-cabin and 40-by-40-foot church, through the 1856 second church and the 1924–1926 Locust Street building, to its 1938 designation as the cathedral of the newly created Diocese of Owensboro, St. Stephen's history mirrors the growth of Catholicism in western Kentucky. The parish has founded schools, missions, and outreach ministries that continue today.
- 1822–1839: Mission years — Mass in settlers' homes
- 1839: First St. Stephen Church built at Second & Cedar; Fr. Wathen appointed first pastor
- 1849: Sisters of Charity of Nazareth open St. Francis Academy, first school in Daviess County
- 1856: Larger second church built on same site
- 1924–1926: Present Italian Lombardian–style church built at 610 Locust Street
- 1937: Pope Pius XI creates the Diocese of Owensboro
- 1938: St. Stephen designated cathedral; Bishop Francis R. Cotton consecrated here Feb. 24, 1938
- 1939: Parish centennial; first parish school opened at 7th & Frederica
- 1948: Blessed Sacrament Chapel established as mission
- 1951: Owensboro Catholic High School opens
- 1962: New parish school at 600 Locust Street
- 1986: Cathedral Preschool established
- 1989: Schools consolidated at St. Angela Merici; 150th anniversary
- 2004: First Parish Picnic; 'Preservation for the Next Generation' capital campaign
- 2010: Bishop William F. Medley installed as 4th Bishop of Owensboro
- 2012 (Nov 18): Cathedral rededicated after $2.5M interior renovation
- 2018: 'Keeping Safe & Secure' campaign — $850K front porch/steps replacement
- 2026: 100th anniversary of the Locust Street church; closing Mass Sept. 6, 2026 with Bishop Medley
Architecture & Sacred Art
The cruciform Italian Lombardian–style church designed by Louisville architect Frederick T. Erhart was built for $100,000 and dedicated September 6, 1926. The 150-by-83-foot brick building features an 83-foot campanile, three large rose windows, and Romanesque Revival rounded arches. The interior retains original stained-glass windows and Stations of the Cross from the 1839 parish church, a 39-by-18-foot mosaic reredos of Christ and St. Stephen, and was comprehensively renewed in 2011–2012 with Italian marble floors, new pews, and modern sound and lighting systems.
- Style: Italian Lombardian (Romanesque Revival)
- Architect: Frederick T. Erhart (Louisville)
- Construction cost: $100,000 (1924–1926)
- Cornerstone laid April 26, 1925; dedicated Sept. 6, 1926 by Bishop John A. Floersh
- Cruciform plan, ~150 ft × 83 ft (11,000 sq ft)
- 83-foot campanile with bell from the 1878 church and Deagan Tower Chimes
- Three large rose windows (facade + transepts)
- Stained-glass windows installed after 1926 dedication
- Stations of the Cross and Holy Water fonts from 1839 parish church preserved
- 39-by-18-ft mosaic reredos depicting Christ and St. Stephen (1972)
- 1970: high altar removed per Vatican II; mosaics installed
- 1972: pipe organ expanded from 13 to 39 ranks
- 2011–2012: $2.5M renovation — Italian marble floors, new pews (capacity ~740), 16-speaker sound, integrated lighting, new electronic organ, custom tabernacle, bishop's cathedra, Blessed Sacrament chapel, Holy Family shrine, four Lindenwood statues
- 2018–2019: front porch/steps rebuilt to match 1952 design with heated elements
Formation & Education
The parish has a continuous history of Catholic education stretching back to 1849. Today it operates Cathedral Preschool (founded 1986) and supports parish children at St. Angela Merici School. Faith formation includes OCIA for adults, youth ministry, children's ministry, and Vacation Bible School, plus Sponsor Couples for OCIA candidates.
- Cathedral Preschool (est. 1986) — 3- to 5-year-olds; housed in McRaith Catholic Center
- St. Angela Merici School — designated parish school after 1989 consolidation
- OCIA: Team Members and Sponsors; Sponsor Couples
- Youth Ministry: Adult Mentors, Core Team, Leadership Team
- Children's Ministry and Vacation Bible School
Music & Liturgical Ministries
St. Stephen's liturgical life is supported by a large corps of liturgical ministers. The Music Ministry includes the Adult Choir, Cantors, Funeral Choir, Instrumentalists, and Substitute Organists/Pianists. Other liturgical roles include Sacristans, Eucharistic Ministers, Altar Servers, Hospitality Ministers, Lectors, Children's Liturgy of the Word leaders, Ministers of Care (visiting the sick/homebound), Pew Police, and a Livestreaming team. Diocesan Event Welcomers (DEWs) and Funeral Mass Greeters extend hospitality beyond the parish.
- Adult Choir (youth welcome), Cantors, Funeral Choir
- Instrumentalists and substitute organist/pianist
- Electronic organ (installed 2012) and historic 39-rank pipe organ
- Art/Environment Committee and Sacristans
- Eucharistic Ministers, Altar Servers, Hospitality Ministers, Lectors
- Children's Liturgy of the Word
- Ministers of Care (homebound/hospital visits)
- Pew Police and Livestreaming teams
Parish Family Life
Parish life extends well beyond the sanctuary. St. Stephen's runs an active social calendar and a network of caring ministries — Parish Meals & Receptions, the 100th Anniversary Celebration committee, the Parish Cooking Team, Ice Cream Social, Fall Block Party, Cathedral Docents, Parish Family Holy Hour Team, Prayer Line, Meal Train, Welcoming Committee, Ministry of Praise, Funeral Meals, Funeral Mass Greeters, and the Parish Social Life Committee.
- Annual Parish Picnic (since 2004)
- Ice Cream Social and Fall Block Party
- Cathedral Docents (tours and history)
- Parish Family Holy Hour
- Prayer Line and Meal Train
- Welcoming Committee, Ministry of Praise
- Funeral Meals and Funeral Mass Greeters
Social Concerns & Outreach
Outreach is central to St. Stephen's identity. The Social Concerns Committee coordinates with long-standing ministries: the St. Vincent de Paul Society (founded 1936), the Soup Kitchen Team (since 1985), St. Benedict Homeless Shelter Team, Backpack Ministry, Stephen Ministers (one-on-one lay caring), Rosary Makers, Card Ministry, Community Garden, Detention Center Visitation, Emergency Food Assistance (Baggers and Distributers), Storm Refuge Team, Habitat for Humanity, and Birthright of Owensboro.
- St. Vincent de Paul Society (since 1936)
- Soup Kitchen (since 1985)
- St. Benedict Homeless Shelter team
- Backpack Ministry
- Stephen Ministers and Card Ministry
- Rosary Makers
- Community Garden
- Detention Center Visitation
- Emergency Food Assistance Baggers/Distributers
- Storm Refuge Team
- Habitat for Humanity and Birthright of Owensboro
Parish Operations
Behind the scenes, a dedicated group keeps the cathedral and grounds in beautiful condition. Volunteers serve on the Buildings & Grounds team, Monthly Church Cleaning crew, Money Counting teams (counting weekly collections), and Adopt-A-Spot gardeners. Spring and fall clean-up days are typically scheduled on Saturdays from 8:00 AM to noon. Youth are welcome on many of these teams with adult supervision. Safe Environment certification is required for any ministry involving children, youth, or vulnerable adults.
- Buildings & Grounds (youth welcome)
- Monthly Church Cleaning — 3rd Thursday mornings
- Money Counters — 4 rotating teams, ~1.5 hrs/week monthly
- Adopt-A-Spot gardening/weeding
- Safe Environment certification required for ministries with minors/vulnerable adults
Visiting & Contact
Saint Stephen Cathedral is located in downtown Owensboro at 610 Locust Street, three blocks from the Daviess County Courthouse. Parish Office hours are Monday–Friday 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM (270-683-6525; [email protected]). Cathedral Preschool is in the McRaith Catholic Center just north of the cathedral at 600 Locust Street (270-926-1652). Parking is available on the campus; the rebuilt front porch and steps (2018–2019) provide safe, accessible entry.
- Address: 610 Locust Street, Owensboro, KY 42301
- Phone: 270-683-6525
- Email: [email protected]
- Parish Office hours: Mon–Fri 8:00 AM–4:00 PM
- Cathedral Preschool: 600 Locust Street (270-926-1652)
- Sunday Vigil Mass livestreamed via Facebook Live / YouTube Live
Pastors & rectors through the years
- Rev. John C. Wathen1839–
First pastor of St. Stephen; built the first church at Second and Cedar Streets in 1839.
- Rev. Walter S. Coomes1841–1855
Early pastor during the mission parish's expansion.
- Rev. Joseph Edward Bradley1985–1995
Served as Pastor and Rector of Saint Stephen Cathedral and pastor of Blessed Sacrament Chapel for 10 years.
- Rev. Jerry Riney
Preceding pastor who retired; succeeded by Fr. John Thomas.
- Rev. John M. Thomas2022–
Current pastor/rector; previously assigned to St. Stephen Cathedral in 1990 as a seminarian pastoral-year student.