ABOUT US

Saint Patrick’s Pro-Cathedral, at 91 Washington Street, Newark, was the first seat of the Bishops of Newark until the Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart was dedicated in 1954. While the parish continues to serve a small Catholic community living in this downtown Newark area, the parish also serves a larger community of commuters who work in Newark.

Since its foundation in 1850, Saint Patrick’s Pro-Cathedral has served the City of Newark’s Catholics as a spiritual center. Led by the Holy Spirit, we joyously celebrate the Holy Mass and Sacraments, lives the Good News of the Gospel in its actions and programs, and encourages an ever deepening relationship with Christ Jesus.

Picture: Priest Ordination at St. Patrick’s Pro-Cathedral (June 8, 1930)

OUR ROOTS

Before Newark became the city we know today, this land was home to the Lenape Native Americans. As European settlement grew and Newark was founded in 1666, Catholics remained few for many years. The first Catholic Mass in Newark was celebrated in 1824, marking the beginning of a growing faith community.

In response to the arrival of Irish immigrants fleeing the Great Famine of the 1840s, Father Patrick Moran purchased land in 1846 for what would become St. Patrick’s Church. Designed by renowned church architect Patrick Keely, St. Patrick’s was dedicated on March 10, 1850, becoming a place of hope for immigrants seeking faith, dignity, and belonging

The Mother Church of the Diocese

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The Mother Church of the Diocese 〰️

On July 29, 1853, Pope Pius IX established the Diocese of Newark, and St. Patrick’s was designated its Pro-Cathedral. Bishop James Roosevelt Bayley, the first bishop of Newark, chose St. Patrick’s as his episcopal church, making it the spiritual center of Catholic life in New Jersey.

Under the leadership of Father Bernard McQuaid, the parish flourished—opening schools, serving orphans, welcoming religious sisters, and educating thousands of children in faith and learning. St. Patrick’s became not only a place of worship, but a beacon of leadership, charity, and resilience

Faith Tested, Faith Preserved

Throughout its history, St. Patrick’s Pro-Cathedral has endured moments of trial. In 1854, during anti-Catholic riots in Newark, Father McQuaid protected the sisters, orphans, and students by barricading them inside the church, preserving lives and safeguarding the faith community.

During the Civil War, clergy from St. Patrick’s ministered to wounded soldiers and the dying, bringing compassion and hope even in the darkest moments. These stories reflect a parish that has always chosen courage, service, and fidelity to the Gospel

Architecture That Proclaims the Sacred

  • Parish Altar

  • Choir

  • Chapel

  • Altar

  • Entrance

  • Exterior

One Parish, Many Cultures, One Faith

Today, St. Patrick’s Pro-Cathedral continues its mission as a vibrant, multicultural parish. From English- and Spanish-language liturgies to ministries of service, music, formation, and social outreach, the Pro-Cathedral remains a home for all who seek Christ.

Faith, tradition, and service guide our community as we honor our past while responding to the needs of today’s Church and city. Here, history is not preserved behind glass; it is lived daily in prayer, service, and love.