Date of Review: I attended the 7:30am Mass for the Third Sunday in Ordinary Time on January 24th, 2021. Fr. Roux presided assisted by Dcn. Bruck.
Architecture: Originally completed as a parish church in 1939 in the Neo Gothic style, the church was designed and construction was supervised by Frank Frimmer, an Austrian native. The church became the Cathedral in 1972 when the Charlotte diocese was established. Renovations to modernize the Cathedral were done in 1979, and some restoration to the original 1939 building was done in the mid 1990s.
Celebrant(s): Fr. Roux presided, and outside of a relatively rapid pace in speaking, was very well heard, as was the Deacon who proclaimed the Gospel. The Homily focused on the importance of 1) repentance, 2) committing to do better after we repent, and 3) following God’s commands even when it is uncomfortable to do so. Father walked backwards through the readings from the gospel (repentance) to doing what God asks even when it is tough (Jonah at Nineveh). Drawing forwards to modern times, the challenge of standing for traditional morality, including standing against abortion, was a key focus.
Congregation: Well attended and reverent, all parishioners kneeled when approaching the altar to receive the Eucharist.
Decor: Great stained glass windows, and marble altar, but otherwise simplistic, which I enjoyed. The church, while fairly new by cathedral standards, still felt like it fit with the historical character of the community.
Location: In a residential area, but only a mile or so from downtown Charlotte, the area was quiet but easily accessible.
Musicians: A male soloist with no instruments, and only a limited number of songs, but all were in Latin, which added to the congregation’s reverence and the historical feel of the church.
Volunteers: A couple greeters on the way in, and four ushers, which I considered a win for an early morning mass.
Overall: About what I expected in the Bible belt – small church and not as ornate as some in the north, but a strong sense of devotion and respect that might be less prevalent in larger Cathedrals in other major metro areas.
American Cathedral Tour 