St. James Cathedral

What to know

St. James Cathedral stands as a cornerstone of faith and community in Seattle's First Hill neighborhood, located at 804 Ninth Avenue. Established in 1904, this landmark serves as the mother church and cathedral seat of the Archdiocese of Seattle, housing the seat of the current archbishop, Paul D. Etienne. Beyond its role as a liturgical center, the cathedral is deeply integrated into the city's social fabric. It manages extensive social outreach and advocacy work, with dedicated volunteers who provide meals, warm coats, and clothing to hundreds of neighbors in need every day. For those visiting the site, the cathedral maintains a rigorous schedule of services. Regular Mass times include daily 8:00 am services from Monday through Saturday, which are open to all visitors without prior registration. Sunday services are more frequent, with Masses held at 8:00 am, 10:00 am, 12:00 pm, and 5:30 pm. Modern accessibility has also been integrated into the church's mission, as the cathedral now live-streams select services, including the Sunday Eucharist, to reach a wider audience beyond its physical walls.

Visitor tips

• Check the official website for current Mass times to avoid visiting during a private service.
• If you are visiting on a weekday morning, the 8:00 am Mass is open to all without registration.
• Allow extra time to explore the quiet interior if you are not attending a service.

Nearby context

Located in the First Hill neighborhood, St. James Cathedral is a prominent feature of the skyline and a central hub for both religious and social services in the area.