Below is a list of answers to some of the most frequently asked questions regarding the restoration of St. Joseph Cathedral. If you have a question that you would like answered and is not found in the list below, go to our Contact Us page and fill out the form with your question. Thank you for your continued support.

1. The Cathedral is beautiful as it is why do we need to do anything to it?
   
   As you know over the past 10 years much has been done to secure the exterior infrastructure of the Cathedral.  Internally the Cathedral does need attention, the paint is in severe disrepair, much of the electrical is nearly 90 years old, and for those who have hearing challenges the sound is a problem.  With the endowment portion of the restoration campaign that is being created it is our hope that an effort of at this level will need not happen again for many years.
   
    
2. Who is supporting this work?
   
   The entire diocese participated through a diocesan-wide assessment in the 1990’s.  We had a subsequent major gift effort and will have a direct appeal to all families in the diocese in May 2010 the feast of St. Joseph the Worker our patron saint of the diocese.  “Christmas at the Cathedral” concerts also support the restoration.
   
   
   
3. What kind of lighting will be in the Cathedral?
   
   There will be improved lighting for reading and highlighting the spectacular artwork.  The lightening will be designed in similar fashion to what was in the Cathedral when construction was completed originally.
   
    
4. What will happen to the old high altar? Granite altar?
   
   The old high altar was installed in the early 50’s and is the third altar in the Cathedral.  The first altar is in St. Thomas Parish, DeSmet.  The third altar is in storage, and preserved for another parish to use in the future.
   
    
5. What is the significance of pelicans in the Cathedral
   
   Pelicans are a symbol of life.  The pelican is known to pierce her own flesh to feed the young just as we are fed with the body and blood of Christ in the Eucharist
   
    
6. How is the sound being addressed?
   
   We have had an acoustical engineer with 25 years of experience across the country assess the sound system.  The spoken word is of utmost importance and will be improved.
   
    
7. When you say this is going to be an educational resource, what does that mean?
   
   We are planning to create multimedia strategies to use the Cathedral as a place of teaching.  This may include the web, printed word, concerts, lectures and tours.
   
    
8. When will masses resume in the Cathedral
   
   The plan is for the Cathedral restoration will be completed by the fall of 2011, regular masses would resume then.
   
    
9. Will the confessionals remain in the chapel?
   
   Confessionals will remain in the chapel.  We will also add two confessionals in the nave of the church, one on each side, between the two columns in the back of the church.
   
    
10. Are the pews going to be used or were new ones purchased?
    
    The pews are in pretty good shape and will be restored.  They were shipped out for repair and restoration when construction started.  They will be one of the last items brought back into the restored Cathedral.
    
     
11. Why is the floor being replaced?  Was it marble or stone?  Why wasn’t it saved or reused?
    
    The floor was made of Kasota stone from Minnesota.  In order to address some of the infrastructure issues, it needed to be removed.  It was also cracked or broken in many places
    
     
12. What is the total estimated cost?  How much has been collected so far?
    
    This portion of the project is nearly 16.2 million.  Today nearly $11.5 million has been collected with a little more than $4.7 million left to raise.
    
     
13. Who is doing all the work on the restoration?
    
    

    Who is doing all the work on the restoration? The architect is Duncan Stroik, a liturgical architect who is also a professor at the University of Notre Dame Painting is being done by a national painting contractor from Wisconsin, Conrad Schmitt Studios.  CSS also painted the interior color in the 1940’s.  It is a 5th generation studio. Bob Winkels of The Winkels Group – project manager Sioux Falls Construction – general contractor Muth Electric – electrical Tessiers – HVAC Krier and Blain – plumbing

    
     
14. Why do you need my support, my parish is in the middle of a campaign right now?
    
    There are many urgent needs in our parishes; however, St. Joseph Cathedral is the Mother Church of our diocese and belongs to us all as the faith family of the East River.  It also is a sign of who we are as Catholics united around the bishop and as universal church united around the Pope.  We know that you have many commitments; however, on this central capital priority we need the support of all the diocese.
    
     
15. I don’t like or agree with certain things that are being done as part of the restoration and I don’t feel comfortable supporting it.
    
    As Catholics we are part of the universal church, the restoration has been researched and changes are in accord with the documents from the Holy See.  As in all projects including your own parish not everyone likes all that is proposed, but we encourage people to support the project as part of the greater good of the church.  The infrastructural upgrades are essential.
    
     
16. Why does it need to be so fancy?
    
    The plan is not extravagant and is focused on creating the best environment for teaching and honoring the work of our ministry.  What is done needs to be architecturally appropriate for the space and while the infrastructure is being secured we can enhance what is already in the space with paint, flooring etc.
    
     
17. The economy is a mess why are we out trying to raise money right now with so much uncertainty?
    
    Already, nearly $9 million has been committed in the past year to the current restoration.  We understand that these are challenging times but no more so than when the people of the diocese under the direction of Bishop O’Gorman took on this project during World War I.  Great Cathedrals are continually a work in progress.  Bishop Swain is committed to not going into significant debt with the restoration.
    
     
18. I have too many commitments right now and can make a better gift next year, can I do that?
    
    We understand many of us have outstanding commitments that we need to fulfill.  You canindicate on your pledge card how you would like to make your gift and when you would like to begin and end your commitment.  Thank you so much.