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was named pro-cathedral (temporary) in 1937 – and St. Patrick’s marble altar, cathedra and other furnishings were installed in its sanctuary. Sacred Heart was of cially designated the diocesan cathedral in 1952, after all church debt was eliminated.
Throughout the 1950s and 1960s, the parish continued to grow. A new altar replaced the altar from St. Patrick’s, and several other sanctuary improvements were made. A new convent was built, and the school – with 1,360 students by 1960 – was renovated. Though the parish school later closed, in the fall of 2017 its building was to become the new home of Nazareth Elementary School, operated by the Sisters of St. Joseph.
In 2002, Bishop Matthew H. Clark announced renovation plans to bring the cathedral into compliance with liturgical standards consistent with the Second Vatican Council. The interior was completely refurbished, including new seating and brighter lighting. A new altar was located in the space between the transepts. The original rood beam and cruci x were rehung above the altar. A large, granite baptismal font was added. A Eucharistic chapel was built, and its ceiling was painted to depict the night sky on the evening of March 3, 1868, the day the Diocese of Rochester was formed.
The renovation also included new reconciliation rooms, new pipe organ, a narthex (gathering space) and a new of ce wing.
In recent years, The Cathedral Community Church, 100 years ago the spiritual home to the families of recent European immigrants, has come full circle, welcoming scores of new immigrants – refugees eeing war and persecution in places such as Burma, Somalia and Congo. In addition to such traditional ministries as choir, RCIA, young-adult and youth ministries, the parish now offers Mary’s Place, with classes and services to refugees; and Joseph’s Place, which offers food and hospitality to the poor of northwest Rochester.