About The Cathedral Basilica of Saint Augustine · Saint Augustine, Florida
The Cathedral Basilica of St. Augustine, located on Cathedral Place in the historic city of St. Augustine, Florida, is the seat of the Bishop of the Diocese of St. Augustine and home to America's First Parish — the oldest Christian congregation in the contiguous United States, established on September 8, 1565. Built by the Spanish Crown in 1793–1797, the church was elevated to cathedral status in 1870 when the Diocese of St. Augustine became Florida's first diocese, and to minor basilica by Pope Paul VI in 1976. It is a designated U.S. National Historic Landmark and stands on the north side of the Plaza de la Constitución, anchoring the oldest continuously occupied European-established settlement in the United States.
- Established
- 1565
- Patron
- Saint Augustine of Hippo
- Rector
- Very Rev. John Tetlow
- Diocese
- Diocese of St. Augustine
Why belong here
The Cathedral Basilica is the spiritual home of America's First Parish — a living Catholic community with nearly five centuries of continuous worship on the same site where the faith was first planted on what is now U.S. soil. Visitors and parishioners find a vibrant sacramental life with daily Mass, Saturday and weekday confessions, perpetual Eucharistic adoration in the Blessed Sacrament Chapel, a Miraculous Medal Novena, and ministries that reach out to the homeless (Dining with Dignity and the St. Nicholas Food Pantry), the homebound, and the broader community. With its world-class stained glass, historic coquina walls, the bell tower gift shop, docent-led tours, and an attached Catholic school that has served the city for more than a century, it is both a pilgrimage destination and a working parish for St. Augustine's Catholics.
Mass times at The Cathedral Basilica of Saint Augustine
Weekly Mass schedule
Confession times
- Saturday 7:30 AM (Cathedral)
- Saturday 3:30–4:30 PM (Cathedral)
Adoration times
- Monday–Friday following the 7:00 AM Mass until Noon, in the Blessed Sacrament Chapel of the Cathedral
About the Cathedral Basilica
The Cathedral Basilica of St. Augustine stands on Cathedral Place at the north edge of the Plaza de la Constitución in the oldest continuously occupied European-established settlement in the United States. As the seat of the Bishop of the Diocese of St. Augustine — a diocese of nearly 180,000 Catholics covering Northeast Florida — it is both a working parish and a National Historic Landmark welcoming thousands of visitors each year. The parish traces its origin to the first Mass celebrated on U.S. soil on September 8, 1565, by Father Francisco López de Mendoza Grajales, twelve days after Spanish admiral Pedro Menéndez de Avilés first sighted land on the feast of Saint Augustine of Hippo.
- Designated a U.S. National Historic Landmark on April 15, 1970
- Elevated to Minor Basilica by Pope Paul VI in 1976
- Seating of the Bishop of the Diocese of St. Augustine
- Open to visitors Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
History of America's First Parish
The parish was founded in 1565 and has continued unbroken worship on or near this site ever since. Five successive church buildings have stood here: the original wooden chapel destroyed by Sir Francis Drake in 1586; a straw-and-palmetto replacement lost to fire in 1599; a timber church built in 1605 that survived 95 years before burning in Carolina Governor James Moore's 1702 attack; decades of worship in the Hospital de la Soledad chapel under British rule; and finally the present coquina cathedral designed by royal engineer Mariano de la Rocque, laid in 1793 and dedicated December 8, 1797. After the 1887 fire, New York architect James Renwick Jr. — at the time working in St. Augustine and the architect of St. Patrick's Cathedral — rebuilt and enlarged the structure with Henry Flagler's patronage. The 1965 renovation marked the 400th anniversary; the most recent sanctuary updates were completed in 2015.
- 1565 – Parish founded; first Mass celebrated at Nombre de Dios
- 1586 – First chapel burned by Sir Francis Drake's raid
- 1599 – Second chapel (straw and palmetto) destroyed by fire
- 1605 – Third timber church built
- 1702 – Third church burned during Governor Moore's attack
- 1763 – Florida ceded to Britain; Catholics flee to Cuba
- 1784 – Spain regains Florida
- 1793 – Cornerstone of present coquina cathedral laid
- 1797, December 8 – Church dedicated (feast of the Immaculate Conception)
- 1870 – Diocese of St. Augustine erected; church becomes Florida's first cathedral
- 1887, April 12 – Fire guts the cathedral; coquina walls survive
- 1888 – Cathedral rebuilt by James Renwick Jr. with Flagler funding; bell tower added
- 1909 – Thirteen Mayer & Co. of Munich stained-glass windows installed
- 1965 – 400th anniversary renovation in keeping with Vatican II; Carrara marble altar separated from reredos
- 1970 – Designated a U.S. National Historic Landmark
- 1976 – Pope Paul VI elevates the church to a Minor Basilica
- 2015 – Sanctuary renovation; bishop's chair updated
Architecture & Art
The Cathedral's eclectic exterior pairs Spanish mission forms with Neoclassical entry details. Inside, an open-timbered ceiling painted deep red rises above richly decorated cross-beams, each bearing the coat of arms of a former bishop. Eight painted worshipping angels hover over the sanctuary, and light streams through Mayer & Co. stained glass. The 1888 bell tower, modeled on Spanish Renaissance mission towers, holds four historic bells, including one dated 1682.
- Architect of original: Mariano de la Rocque (Spanish royal engineer)
- Architect of 1888 rebuild: James Renwick Jr. (architect of St. Patrick's Cathedral, NYC)
- Building material: coquina shell-stone from Anastasia Island
- Bell tower: 6-story Spanish Renaissance, cast-in-place concrete
- Stained glass: 13 windows by Mayer & Co. of Munich (1909)
- Altar: Carrara marble, sculpted by Massey Rhind, 1888
- Interior ceiling: deep red, open-timbered, with bishop coat-of-arms beams
Devotions & Special Services
Beyond the regular schedule, the parish keeps a rhythm of devotions rooted in Catholic tradition. The Miraculous Medal Novena is prayed each Tuesday at 6:50 AM. A Holy Hour with the Sacred Heart Icon is held Wednesdays at 8:00 AM. Periodically the relics of the saints are brought to St. Benedict the Moor for veneration. Holy Days of Obligation bring additional Masses (typically a vigil Mass the evening before and a 7:00 AM and 6:00 PM Mass on the day itself).
- Miraculous Medal Novena — Tuesdays 6:50 AM
- Holy Hour with Sacred Heart Icon — Wednesdays 8:00 AM
- Veneration of Relics at St. Benedict the Moor (periodic)
- Holy Day Vigil and Day Masses
- Solemn Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament
Parish Ministries
Cathedral Parish runs an unusually broad ministry roster for a parish of its size — over thirty named ministries — because it serves both a downtown congregation and thousands of pilgrims. Liturgical roles include altar servers, lectors, extraordinary ministers of Holy Communion, ushers, the Altar Guild, and the Vestment Guild. Music is led by the Music Director and Cathedral Organist with the parish choirs. Outreach ministries include the St. Nicholas Food Pantry, Dining with Dignity (which serves about 80 meals the 4th Thursday and 5th Sunday of every month in the parking lot across from Dog Rose Brewing Co.), Homebound and Nursing Home ministries, Hospital ministry, the Respect Life Committee, Knights of Columbus and Ladies Auxiliary, Legion of Mary, the Council of Catholic Women, and Walking with Purpose women's Bible study. Formation ministries include Religious Education teachers, the Order of Christian Initiation of Adults (OCIA), Youth Groups (Senior and Junior), and St. Augustine Catholic Young Adults.
- Liturgical: Altar Servers, Lectors, EMHCs, Ushers, Altar & Vestment Guilds
- Music: Music Ministry under Music Director and Cathedral Organist
- Outreach: St. Nicholas Food Pantry, Dining with Dignity, Homebound, Nursing Home, Hospital, Respect Life
- Faith Formation: OCIA (RCIA), Religious Education, Senior & Junior Youth Groups, Catholic Young Adults, Walking with Purpose Bible Study, Legion of Mary, Council of Catholic Women, Knights of Columbus/Ladies Auxiliary
- Hospitality: Cathedral Docents, Gift Shop, Connections Ministry, Festival Committee
- Stewardship: Good Stewards, Laudato Si' Creation Care Ministry, Men's Groups, Prayer Network, Funeral Ministry, Catholic Artist Connection
Cathedral Parish School
Cathedral Parish School, founded in 1916 by the Sisters of St. Joseph, educates students from Pre-K through 8th grade at 259 St. George Street, just steps from the Cathedral. It was honored as a Blue Ribbon School of Excellence in 2007 and currently enrolls around 339 students. The school partners with the Sisters of St. Joseph to carry forward the charism of faith, service, and academic excellence, supporting charities such as Catholic Charities, St. Francis House, and Wounded Warriors. An attached Cathedral Early Learning Center offers Preschool and the free Florida VPK program at 10 Sebastian Avenue.
- Founded 1916 by the Sisters of St. Joseph
- Grades Pre-K through 8
- Address: 259 St. George Street, St. Augustine, FL 32084
- Phone: (904) 824-2861
- 2007 Blue Ribbon School of Excellence
- Cathedral Early Learning Center / VPK at 10 Sebastian Avenue: (904) 829-2933
Faith Formation & Religious Education
Religious Education for parish children is administered by Elaine Corrigan ([email protected]). The program welcomes volunteers to share their time, talents, and faith with the parish's children. OCIA (the restored name for the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults) is directed by Deacon Doug Nullet for adults seeking Baptism, Confirmation, or full reception into the Catholic Church.
- Administrator of Religious Education: Elaine Corrigan — [email protected]
- OCIA Director: Deacon Doug Nullet — [email protected]
- Religious Education Teachers ministry
- Walking with Purpose — Women's Bible Study
Youth Ministry
Youth Ministry, led by Elisa Bennett ([email protected]), runs two parallel programs. The Senior Youth Group (SYG) for high schoolers typically gathers for teaching on the upcoming Sunday readings, praise and worship, small-group discussion, skits, retreats, and trips. The Junior Youth Group (JYG) is shaped for middle schoolers with age-appropriate messages and social activities designed to introduce them to the faith in a fun environment.
- Senior Youth Group (high school)
- Junior Youth Group (middle school)
- Director of Youth Ministry: Elisa Bennett
- St. Augustine Catholic Young Adults (for post-college age)
Music & Liturgy
The parish's liturgical music is led by Music Director Tom Oram ([email protected]) and Cathedral Organist Chad Levitt ([email protected]). The choir rehearses Wednesday evenings and sings at the principal Sunday and Holy Day liturgies. Director of Liturgy and Bulletin Editor Patti Schiavo coordinates the parish's liturgical calendar, sacristans, and weekly bulletin.
- Music Director: Tom Oram
- Cathedral Organist: Chad Levitt
- Director of Liturgy / Bulletin Editor: Patti Schiavo
- Choir Rehearsal — Wednesday evenings in the Cathedral
Outreach & Charity
Outreach is a major pillar of parish life. The St. Nicholas Food Pantry, which began in November 2022, operates every other Wednesday out of St. Benedict the Moor Church at 86 M.L. King Avenue. Dining with Dignity serves approximately 80 hot dinners the 4th Thursday and 5th Sunday of each month in the parking lot across from Dog Rose Brewing Co. on Granada and Bridge Streets, with parishioners preparing a protein, vegetable, starch, water, dessert, and fruit. Homebound ministers bring Communion to shut-ins, and the Hospital and Nursing Home ministries continue the Church's presence among the sick.
- St. Nicholas Food Pantry — biweekly Wednesdays at St. Benedict the Moor
- Dining with Dignity — 4th Thursday and 5th Sunday evenings
- Homebound Ministry
- Hospital Ministry
- Nursing Home Ministry
- Respect Life Committee
Sacraments
Cathedral Parish prepares and celebrates all seven sacraments. Baptisms, First Communions, and Confirmations are scheduled through the parish office; weddings require Pre-Cana preparation and are arranged through [email protected]. OCIA (the Order of Christian Initiation of Adults) is offered for those seeking full reception into the Catholic Church. Funerals are coordinated through the Funeral Ministry and parish office.
- Baptism
- First Communion & Confirmation (Religious Education)
- Marriage — Pre-Cana required ([email protected])
- Anointing of the Sick
- Funeral Ministry
- OCIA / RCIA
Visiting the Cathedral & Gift Shop
The Cathedral is open to visitors Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, though schedules may change around funerals, weddings, or special events. The Bell Tower Gift Shop, located inside the Cathedral near the bell tower entrance, is open daily 10:00 AM – 4:30 PM and stocks Bibles, missals, devotionals, rosaries, patron saint medals, baptismal and First Communion items, jewelry, icons, scapulars, and seasonal goods. All proceeds support the upkeep of this National Historic Landmark. A 'Behind the Scenes' guided tour (offered through Trusted Tours) visits the choir loft, sacristy, confessional, baptistery, and bell tower on Sunday through Friday at 1:00 PM. Candle-lighting is available during open hours.
- Cathedral open Mon–Fri 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Bell Tower Gift Shop open daily 10:00 AM – 4:30 PM
- Phone: (904) 824-2806 x321
- Behind the Scenes Tours: Sun–Fri 1:00 PM (45 minutes, limited to 20)
- Candle-lighting available during open hours
- Group reservations: (904) 829-0620
Parish Staff
The Cathedral is served by a pastor, two parochial vicars, a non-resident associate, three deacons, and a dedicated lay staff in liturgy, music, religious education, youth ministry, communications, finance, and parish administration. The current staff listing is published in every weekly bulletin.
- Pastor and Rector: Very Rev. John Tetlow — [email protected]
- Parochial Vicar: Rev. Mike Elias — [email protected]
- Parochial Vicar: Rev. Ignatius JMJ Augustine Vianney (Yeruva) — [email protected]
- Parochial Vicar: Rev. Jeffrey Johnston — [email protected]
- Deacon Charles Kanaszka, Jr.
- Deacon Doug Nullet (OCIA Director)
- Deacon Jim White
- Deacon Bryan Ott
- Parish Manager: John Garofalo
- Director of Liturgy & Bulletin Editor: Patti Schiavo
- Music Director: Tom Oram
- Cathedral Organist: Chad Levitt
- Administrator of Religious Education: Elaine Corrigan
- Youth Ministry / Communications: Elisa Bennett
- Receptionist/Finance Secretary: Diane Cowart
- Bookkeeper: Lani Brouwer
- Secretary: Debbie Yelton
- Church Records: June Moran
Mission: St. Benedict the Moor
The parish operates St. Benedict the Moor Church at 86 Martin Luther King Avenue as its mission church. It hosts a Sunday 8:00 AM Mass and is the home base for the St. Nicholas Food Pantry, which distributes food to neighbors in need every other Wednesday. The mission connects the Cathedral's historic presence in downtown St. Augustine with the surrounding community.
- Address: 86 M.L. King Avenue, St. Augustine, FL
- Sunday Mass: 8:00 AM
- St. Nicholas Food Pantry — biweekly Wednesdays
- Contact: [email protected], (904) 228-0051
Diocese of St. Augustine
The Cathedral Basilica is the seat of the Diocese of St. Augustine, a suffragan diocese of the Archdiocese of Miami. Erected by Pope Pius IX on March 11, 1870, it was Florida's first diocese. The diocese covers Northeast Florida, including Jacksonville, St. Augustine, and Gainesville. Its current ordinary is Bishop Erik T. Pohlmeier, appointed by Pope Francis in 2022, succeeding Bishop Felipe de Jesús Estévez (2011–2022).
- Diocese website: https://dosafl.com
- Eleven bishops since 1870, beginning with Bishop Augustin Verot
- Current Bishop: Erik T. Pohlmeier (since 2022)
- Adjacent Mission Nombre de Dios houses the national Shrine of Our Lady of La Leche
Pastors & rectors through the years
- Father Francisco López de Mendoza Grajales1565
Celebrated the first recorded Mass at Nombre de Dios on September 8, 1565, founding the parish community.
