Cathedral of Saint Catharine of Siena facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Cathedral of Saint Catharine of Siena
Cathedral of Saint Catharine of Siena in August 2015
Location in Pennsylvania
40°35′55.89″N 75°29′46.56″W / 40.5988583°N 75.4962667°W / 40.5988583; -75.4962667
Location	1825 Turner St. Allentown, Pennsylvania
Country	United States
Denomination	Roman Catholic
Website	www.cathedral-church.org
History
Status	Cathedral/Parish
Founded	1919
Dedication	Catharine of Siena
Architecture
Style	Colonial Revival
Groundbreaking	June 9, 1952
Completed	1953
Specifications
Materials	Brick
Administration
Diocese	Allentown

The Cathedral Church of St. Catharine of Siena is a very important church in Allentown, Pennsylvania. It is the main church for the Diocese of Allentown. Think of it as the "headquarters" church for the Catholic community in that area. You can find it at 1825 Turner Street.

History of the Parish

The Saint Catharine of Siena Parish started on October 8, 1919. At that time, Archbishop Dennis Joseph Dougherty from the Archdiocese of Philadelphia chose Reverend John C. Phelan to be the first pastor. He was in charge of starting a new church in the west part of Allentown.

Building the New Church

By 1952, the church's property had grown a lot. It included a school and a convent, which is a home for nuns. Because the community was growing, a new, bigger church building was needed.

On June 9, 1952, Msgr. Leo Fink started the construction by breaking ground. This means he dug the first shovel of dirt for the new building. The Most Reverend Joseph M. McShea, who was an Auxiliary Bishop (a helper bishop) for the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, placed the first cornerstone. This happened on April 26, 1953.

Architectural Style

The church building was designed in the Colonial Revival style. This style looks back to the architecture of early American colonial times. The outside of the church is made of different shades of salmon-colored brick. It has special trim made from Salem limestone.

Where the main part of the church meets the side sections (called the transept), there is a tall spire. A cross sits on top of this spire. The windows of the church are made with old-fashioned, clear antique glass.

Becoming a Cathedral

In 1961, a new area called the Diocese of Allentown was created. This new diocese was formed from parts of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia.

The St. Catharine of Siena parish received a special honor. Their church was chosen to be the main church for the new bishop. This meant the church would become the Cathedral Church of St. Catharine of Siena.

On April 11, 1961, the Most Reverend Joseph McShea became the first Bishop of Allentown. When he was officially installed, the St. Catharine of Siena Church officially became a Cathedral.

Gallery

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  Interior of Cathedral of Saint Catharine of Siena

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  Rear of Cathedral of Saint Catharine of Siena

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  Stained Glass on the left side of Cathedral of Saint Catharine of Siena

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  Stained Glass on the right side of Cathedral of Saint Catharine of Siena

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  Closeup of the altar

See also

In Spanish: Catedral de Santa Catalina de Siena (Allentown) para niños

• List of Catholic cathedrals in the United States
• List of cathedrals in the United States
• Roman Catholic Diocese of Allentown

Images for kids

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  Cathedral of Saint Catherine of Siena's Bishop Joseph McShea Building