Saint Joseph's Cathedral Restoration To Begin In August

The Most Reverend Peter A. Libasci, Bishop of Manchester announced that Saint Joseph Cathedral, the mother church of the Diocese of Manchester, will embark on a new phase of restoration, beginning in August. The Cathedral’s Rector, Very Rev. Jason Jalbert, made the announcement to parishioners earlier last month. “What seemed like a lofty goal only a couple years ago is now being realized beyond expectations in a very tangible way”, stated Jalbert.

The Cathedral has contracted with Swiatek Studios, out of Rochester, NY, to complete the restoration.

The scope of work will include the restoration and beautification of the nave ceiling, side aisles, arches, back wall, adding decorative detailing throughout the Cathedral’s nave. “This work will restore the Cathedral to the beauty it deserves”, Jalbert said.

The project, set to begin in August, is being funded through the generosity of parishioners and non-parishioners alike. Jalbert hopes to raise $250,000 for this phase of the restoration; a third of which has already been raised.

Phase 1 of the restoration began in 2014, when the church sanctuary was painted and the Stations of the Cross and the gothic reredos from Holy Trinity Church in Boston were restored and erected. Over the last two years, much work has been done, in stages. The columns, choir loft, and trusses have been decorated and painted. The decades-old carpeting has been removed and the floor has been temporarily painted and stenciled until a new floor is able to be installed.

Catholics all over the state -and beyond- have visited the Cathedral to attend the Chrism Mass, ordinations, Christmas and Easter Masses, weddings, funerals, choral performances and more. In the City of Manchester, Saint Joseph Cathedral is an active parish community and the Catholic presence in the heart of the Queen City. Parishioner registration and attendance continues to grow, as do the number of weddings and baptisms. Masses offered draw parishioners from up to a 60-mile radius of Manchester.

To learn more about the restoration of St. Joseph Cathedral, or to make a donation, visit www.stjosephcathedralnh.org

Very Rev. Jason Jalbert, stands with restoration contract in hand in front of a portrait of Bishop Denis Bradley, the first Roman Catholic Bishop of Manchester.