About St. Paul · Birmingham, Alabama
The Cathedral of Saint Paul (commonly called St. Paul's Cathedral) is the mother church of the Catholic Diocese of Birmingham in Alabama, located at 2120 Third Avenue North in downtown Birmingham. The parish traces its origins to 1872, when Birmingham's Catholic community — then a mission of St. John's Church in Tuscaloosa — built a small wood-framed church dedicated to St. Paul the Apostle. The present Victorian Gothic brick cathedral, designed by Chicago architect Adolphus Druiding, was dedicated on November 30, 1893. Elevated first to Co-Cathedral of the Diocese of Mobile-Birmingham in 1954 and then to Cathedral Church when the Diocese of Birmingham in Alabama was erected on December 9, 1969, it serves as the seat (cathedra) of the Bishop of Birmingham and as a thriving downtown parish offering daily and Sunday Masses, confession, RCIA, the Parish School of Religion (PSR), youth ministry, and a robust music program anchored by the Cathedral Choir and a pipe organ installed in 2021.
- Established
- 1872
- Patron
- Saint Paul the Apostle
- Rector
- Very Rev. Bryan W. Jerabek, J.C.L.
- Diocese
- Diocese of Birmingham in Alabama
Why belong here
St. Paul's offers the rare combination of a historic downtown cathedral — the mother church of the Diocese of Birmingham — and the daily rhythm of a working parish, with multiple Sunday Masses (including a solemn 11:00am with choir and incense), daily 6:30am and 12:10pm Masses, and weekday confessions. Members worship in a setting of original stained glass and a 2021 pipe organ supported by a full music program (Cathedral Choir, cantors, Children's Schola Cantorum, change-ringing bell ringers), form faith through RCIA and a K–12 Parish School of Religion, and serve the broader community through First Light and Firehouse men's shelters, Habitat for Humanity, Adopt-a-Grandparent, St. Joseph's Guild funeral luncheons, the Knights of Columbus, Fraternus, and Cathedral Moms and Smalls — making it a strong fit for traditional Catholics, young professionals, families with school-age children, and newcomers to the city seeking the seat of the local bishop.
Mass times at St. Paul
Weekly Mass schedule
Confession times
- Monday–Friday: 11:30am – 12:00pm
- Saturday: 3:00pm – 4:30pm
- By appointment (contact the parish office)
Adoration times
- Second Friday of the month: Cathedral Chapel (adoration of the Blessed Sacrament for at least one hour per month)
Welcome & About the Cathedral of Saint Paul
The Cathedral of Saint Paul is the mother church of the Catholic Diocese of Birmingham in Alabama and has stood in the heart of historic downtown Birmingham since 1893. Under the patronage of the great Saint Paul, the parish has served the city's Catholics since 1872, when it began as a mission of St. John's Church in Tuscaloosa. The parish office is located behind the church (entrance on 22nd Street) and is open Monday–Friday, 8:00am–3:00pm. The current Pastor & Rector is Very Reverend Bryan W. Jerabek, J.C.L., who also serves as Chaplain for BHM Catholic Campus Ministry and as Chancellor and Judicial Vicar of the Diocese. Visitors are warmly welcomed and directed via the parish website's menus to Mass and confession schedules, bulletins, concerts, weddings, parking, and Mass intention information.
- Established 1872 as a mission of St. John's, Tuscaloosa
- Pastor & Rector: Very Rev. Bryan W. Jerabek, J.C.L. (since July 1, 2016)
- Parish office: behind the church, 22nd Street entrance; Mon–Fri 8:00am–3:00pm
- Phone: (205) 251-1279
History of the Parish and Cathedral
St. Paul's Parish began in 1872 as a mission from St. John's Church in Tuscaloosa. The first building was a modest wood-framed church, about 30 by 60 feet, dedicated to St. Paul the Apostle. The land for the present site was purchased in January 1880, and the first resident pastor, the Rev. John Browne, built a rectory and had the frame church moved onto the lot and enlarged. The second pastor, the Rev. Patrick O'Reilly, planned the present Victorian Gothic cathedral. The Druding Company of Chicago (architect Adolphus Druiding) designed the building, with construction by Lawrence Scully of Meridian, Mississippi. A building permit was issued October 1, 1888; the cornerstone was laid June 11, 1890; and the new church was dedicated on Thanksgiving Day, November 30, 1893, at a cost of about $90,000. Father James Coyle became pastor in 1904 and was murdered at the rectory on August 11, 1921, by a Ku Klux Klan member hours after Coyle had officiated at that man's daughter's marriage to a Puerto Rican Catholic. In 1954, Pope Pius XII erected the Diocese of Mobile-Birmingham and named St. Paul's its Co-Cathedral. On December 9, 1969, the Holy See erected the Diocese of Birmingham in Alabama and designated St. Paul's as the Cathedral Church. Bishop Joseph Vath, the first Bishop of Birmingham, served until his death in 1987 and is buried in the Cathedral courtyard, along with Father Coyle.
- 1872 — Parish established as a mission from St. John's, Tuscaloosa; first wood-framed church built.
- 1880 — Land for present site purchased; Rev. John Browne becomes first resident pastor; rectory built; church moved and enlarged.
- 1888 — Building permit issued October 1.
- 1890 — Cornerstone laid June 11.
- 1893 — Cathedral dedicated on Thanksgiving Day, November 30; construction cost ≈ $90,000.
- 1904 — Rev. James Coyle named pastor.
- 1921 — Father Coyle murdered at the rectory by a KKK member on August 11.
- 1954 — Diocese of Mobile-Birmingham erected; St. Paul's named Co-Cathedral.
- 1969 — Diocese of Birmingham in Alabama erected December 9; St. Paul's becomes Cathedral Church; Bishop Joseph Vath named first Bishop.
- 1972 — Sanctuary reordered after Vatican II; new St. Paul window installed.
- 1982 — Listed on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places (NRHP #82001607).
- 2014 — Slate roof, finials, copper crosses, electrical and lighting systems replaced.
- 2015 — Complete exterior renovation completed.
- 2019 — Floors refinished and pews replaced.
- 2021 — Cathedral pipe organ replaced.
- 2023 — Major rectory renovation begins.
The Bishops of Birmingham
The Diocese of Birmingham in Alabama was erected on December 9, 1969, and St. Paul's was named its cathedral church. The first bishop was Joseph Vath, who served until his death in 1987 and whose grave is in the Cathedral courtyard. His successors have been Bishop David Foley (1994–2007), Bishop Robert Baker (2007–2020, now Bishop Emeritus), and Bishop Steven J. Raica, installed in June 2020, who is the current bishop.
- Bishop Joseph Vath (1969–1987, d. 1987) — buried in Cathedral courtyard
- Bishop David Foley (1994–2007)
- Bishop Robert Baker (2007–2020) — Bishop Emeritus
- Bishop Steven J. Raica (2020–present) — installed June 2020
Architecture of the Cathedral
The Cathedral is the most highly developed example of the Victorian Gothic style in Birmingham and one of the finest in the South. Red pressed brick with limestone accents, the building interprets the Gothic vocabulary boldly with active, complex forms and contrasting colors and materials. The main facade is an elaborate screen with three recessed portals under compounded pointed arches (the central one marked by granite colonnettes), statues of St. Paul, the Sacred Heart, and St. Joseph in niches, and two large towers with spires of polychromed slate crowned with copper crosses. Smaller paired towers at the east and west ends and graduated gables, windows, moldings, and brick relief work create the characteristic Victorian play of scales. The interior features a central nave with side aisles, polished granite columns with foliated capitals on raised limestone bases supporting the vaulted ceiling, and most of the original stained glass still in place. The large central gable window (St. Paul) is a 1972 contemporary replacement. The adjacent 1922 rectory by Birmingham architect Harry Wheelock is Tudor Revival in style.
- Style: Victorian Gothic / Neo-Gothic
- Architect: Adolphus Druiding / Druding Company (Chicago)
- Contractor: Lawrence Scully (Meridian, Mississippi)
- Materials: red pressed brick with limestone accents; polychromatic slate roof; copper crosses
- Capacity: not formally published; the building has a central nave with side aisles
- Interior: polished granite columns with foliated capitals, vaulted ceiling, hanging lanterns, original stained glass
- Facades: statues of St. Paul (left), Sacred Heart (center), St. Joseph (right)
- Rectory: 1922 Tudor Revival, two-story red brick and limestone, by Harry Wheelock
- NRHP listed December 27, 1982 (NRHP #82001607)
Cathedral Worship and Music
Liturgy at the Cathedral is supported by an active music ministry led by Bruce Ludwick, Jr., Director of Music & Organist, with James McGalliard as Assistant Organist and Daniel Renna as Organ Scholar. The Cathedral Choir sings at the Sunday 11:00am Mass, the evening Mass on Holy Days, and other special liturgies throughout the year. A Children's Schola Cantorum teaches children the fundamentals of choral singing and Gregorian Chant, performing at select liturgies each year. Cantors lead singing at Sunday and Holy Day Masses, funerals, weddings, and other special liturgies. The Cathedral also has a 'change-ringing' bell-ringing group for the Cathedral Life Center tower bells. The Cathedral pipe organ was replaced by the diocese in 2021.
- Director of Music & Organist: Bruce Ludwick, Jr.
- Assistant Organist: James McGalliard
- Organ Scholar: Daniel Renna
- Cathedral Choir — Sunday 11:00am Mass, Holy Day evening Mass
- Children's Schola Cantorum — Gregorian Chant
- Cantors — Sunday/Holy Day Masses, funerals, weddings
- Cathedral Bell Ringers — change ringing on tower bells
Parish School of Religion (PSR) and Religious Education
The Parish School of Religion (PSR) welcomes children aged 4K through 12th grade, with classes held most Sundays during the school year from 9:45am to 10:45am in the Cathedral Life Center. The PSR Coordinator is Mrs. Margaret Masny ([email protected]). Catechists include Tracy Bragg and Matthew Gubenski Jr. for 4K–5K; Mary Gurtowski for 1st Grade; teachers for 2nd Grade (First Communion) and 3rd–4th Grade; teachers for 5th–6th Grade; Anthony Spafford, Grant Mealer, and Michele Cooper for 7th & 8th Grade (Confirmation); and Dr. Nicole Bentley for 9th–12th Grade. Adult Education meets on Sundays using an apologetics-based approach. The parish also has a Catch-Up Catechist role for children and child converts who are late in receiving the sacraments, and a Children's Schola Cantorum.
- PSR Coordinator: Margaret Masny
- Classes: Sundays 9:45–10:45am, Cathedral Life Center
- Levels: 4K, 5K, 1st, 2nd (First Communion), 3rd–4th, 5th–6th, 7th–8th (Confirmation), 9th–12th
- Adult Education (apologetics-based, Sundays)
- Catch-Up Catechesis
- Children's Schola Cantorum
Youth, Young Adults, and Family Life
The Cathedral hosts a Youth Group for middle schoolers and high schoolers, including children from other area parishes, meeting most Sundays at 6:00pm in the Cathedral Life Center during the school year (contact: [email protected]). Fraternus, for men and boys in fifth grade and up, meets weekly to pursue authentic masculinity and virtue (chapter site: fraternus.net/chapters/st-paul). Cathedral Young Professionals offers charitable service, fellowship, and fun for Catholic young professionals of the Cathedral and Birmingham area. Cathedral Moms and Smalls is a group of mothers with young children (including children in the womb) that meets on Thursdays during the school year for fellowship and play-dates. St. Thomas Aquinas Academy & Co-op is a homeschooling cooperative. Catholic Kids Week is a summer educational and fun experience for children.
- Youth Group — Sundays 6:00pm during the school year (Ryan Penney)
- Fraternus — men and boys 5th grade and up
- Cathedral Young Professionals
- Cathedral Moms and Smalls — Thursdays during the school year
- St. Thomas Aquinas Academy & Co-op (homeschool cooperative)
- Catholic Kids Week (summer)
RCIA and Becoming Catholic
The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) is offered at the Cathedral for inquirers. Classes meet on Wednesdays, and parish sponsors accompany inquirers through the process and serve as Baptism/Confirmation sponsors. RCIA meals/refreshments are provided by parish volunteers. Inquiries may be directed to [email protected] (Fox Garon, Faith Formation Coordinator).
- RCIA — Wednesdays
- Faith Formation Coordinator: Fox Garon ([email protected])
- RCIA Sponsors
Outreach, Charity, and Service
The Cathedral's service ministries reach out to the poor, the sick, and the wider Birmingham community. Volunteers prepare and serve meals at First Light Women's Shelter and Firehouse Men's Shelter, and the Snack Bag Assembly Team prepares non-perishable snack bags and other items for 'neighbors in need.' Each year the parish participates in Habitat for Humanity's 'Pope Francis Build' to construct a house for a local needy family. Adopt-a-Grandparent provides regular visitation to senior and home-bound parishioners, while Transportation for Seniors helps bring senior parishioners to Mass on Saturday evenings, Sundays, and Holy Days. St. Joseph's Guild prepares and serves funeral luncheons for families of the deceased, and the Angel Tree initiative supports pre-Christmas giving.
- First Light Women's Shelter — meals and overnight assistance
- Firehouse Men's Shelter — meals
- Snack Bag Assembly Team
- Habitat for Humanity — 'Pope Francis Build'
- Adopt-a-Grandparent
- Transportation for Seniors
- St. Joseph's Guild (funeral luncheons)
- Angel Tree
Liturgical Ministries and Parish Groups
In addition to the music ministry described above, the parish depends on a wide range of liturgical and community volunteers. Lectors proclaim the readings at Sunday and Holy Day Masses; Ushers (typically college-aged or older) welcome parishioners and guests and ensure safety; Altar Boys (any boy who has made his First Communion) serve at the altar; Sacristans set up for Masses and other liturgies on Sundays, Holy Days, and weekdays; the Altar Linen Team purifies, launders, and presses the linens used for Holy Communion; the Sanctuary Cleaning Team cleans the sanctuary and chapel on an occasional basis. The Cathedral Altar Sodality is a ladies' group that supports the sanctuary through charitable and social activities. The Knights of Columbus supports the Church and family life through fraternal and charitable activities. Office and rectory volunteers assist the parish secretary with a variety of tasks. Hospitality roles include the Ash Wednesday 'Soup Supper' team, the Fall Festival, and the Easter Egg Hunt.
- Lectors, Ushers, Altar Boys, Sacristans
- Altar Linen Team, Sanctuary Cleaning Team
- Cathedral Altar Sodality (ladies)
- Knights of Columbus
- Office Volunteers
- Hospitality: Soup Supper, Fall Festival, Easter Egg Hunt
- Collection Counters
Sacraments at the Cathedral
The Cathedral celebrates the seven sacraments and offers formation for each. Daily and Sunday Mass (see schedule above) is the source and summit of parish life. Confession is heard Monday through Friday from 11:30am to 12:00pm and on Saturdays from 3:00pm to 4:30pm, or by appointment. Baptism is preceded by a pre-baptismal course taught by parish volunteers; baptismal preparation volunteers provide occasional instruction at special times. First Communion and Confirmation are prepared through the Parish School of Religion (PSR), with First Communion at the 2nd-grade level and Confirmation at the 7th–8th-grade level. Marriages are arranged through the Wedding Coordinator ([email protected]). Pastoral Care of the Sick (including Anointing of the Sick) is coordinated by Susan Fay. RCIA on Wednesdays welcomes adults seeking to enter the Catholic Church.
- Holy Mass — daily and Sunday (see schedule)
- Confession — Mon–Fri 11:30am–12:00pm; Sat 3:00–4:30pm; by appointment
- Baptism — pre-baptismal course required
- First Communion — 2nd grade level (PSR)
- Confirmation — 7th & 8th grade level (PSR)
- Marriage — [email protected] (Wedding Coordinator: Megan Wyatt)
- Anointing / Pastoral Care of the Sick — Susan Fay
- RCIA — Wednesdays
Weddings and Funerals
Couples wishing to be married at the Cathedral should contact the Wedding Coordinator, Megan Wyatt, at [email protected] or extension 116. Funeral luncheons following parish funerals are organized by St. Joseph's Guild, with volunteers helping to prepare and serve the meal for the family and friends of the deceased.
- Wedding Coordinator: Megan Wyatt ([email protected], ext. 116)
- St. Joseph's Guild (funeral luncheons)
Parish Staff and Personnel
The Cathedral is served by Pastor & Rector Fr. Bryan W. Jerabek, J.C.L., three retired priests in residence (Fr. Charles Merrill, Fr. J. Michael Adams, Fr. Cecil Spotswood), and three Permanent Deacons (Wally Zieverink, Gerald Zukauckas, E. Lee Robinson). The parish office is led by Parish Secretary Krista Rataj ([email protected], ext. 100). Other staff include Faith Formation Coordinator Fox Garon ([email protected]), PSR Coordinator Margaret Masny ([email protected]), Pastoral Care of the Sick Susan Fay, Director of Music & Organist Bruce Ludwick, Jr., Assistant Organist James McGalliard, Organ Scholar Daniel Renna, Bookkeeper Elaine Arnold, Wedding Coordinator Megan Wyatt, Facilities & Maintenance Manager Nathan Gagnon, Event Coordinator Sophia Gagnon, and Housekeeping (Kelleigh Taylor).
- Pastor & Rector: Fr. Bryan Jerabek ([email protected], ext. 103)
- Retired Priests: Fr. Charles Merrill, Fr. J. Michael Adams, Fr. Cecil Spotswood
- Permanent Deacons: Wally Zieverink, Gerald Zukauckas, E. Lee Robinson
- Parish Secretary: Krista Rataj (ext. 100)
- Faith Formation / OCIA: Fox Garon
- PSR Coordinator: Margaret Masny (ext. 108)
- Music: Bruce Ludwick, Jr. (Director/Organist, ext. 107); James McGalliard; Daniel Renna
- Pastoral Care of the Sick: Susan Fay (ext. 245)
- Bookkeeper: Elaine Arnold (ext. 102)
- Wedding Coordinator: Megan Wyatt (ext. 116)
- Facilities: Nathan Gagnon
- Event Coordinator: Sophia Gagnon
Pastors & rectors through the years
- Rev. John Browne1880 – c.1890
First resident pastor; built the rectory and moved/enlarged the 1872 frame church on the newly purchased site.
- Rev. Patrick O'Reillyc.1890 – c.1904
Second pastor; planned and built the present Victorian Gothic cathedral (cornerstone 1890, dedicated 1893).
- Rev. James Coyle1904 – 1921
Murdered at the rectory on August 11, 1921, by a Ku Klux Klan member hours after Coyle had officiated at the man's daughter's marriage to a Puerto Rican Catholic.
- Bishop Joseph Vath1969 – 1987
First Bishop of Birmingham; grave is in the Cathedral courtyard.
- Bishop David Foley1994 – 2007
Second Bishop of Birmingham.
- Bishop Robert Baker2007 – 2020
Third Bishop of Birmingham; now Bishop Emeritus.
- Bishop Steven J. Raica2020 – present
Fourth and current Bishop of Birmingham, installed June 2020.
- Very Rev. Bryan W. Jerabek, J.C.L.2016 – present
Current Pastor & Rector; also Chaplain for BHM Catholic Campus Ministry and serves as Chancellor and Judicial Vicar of the Diocese and a Papal Missionary of Mercy.
