It’s been a year of highs and lows for St. Patrick Cathedral. Faith, generosity, and a sense of community carried parishioners and the Diocese of El Paso through the destruction of the Sacred Heart of Jesus statue, COVID-19, and the passing of Father Trinidad “Trini” Fuentez†.

With a renewed sense of hope and grateful hearts, the same community welcomed home the restored Sacred Heart, celebrated the ordination of Wilbert Colas to the priesthood, and enthusiastically received Fr. Marcus McFadin as the new rector of the Cathedral.

The damage of the 8-foot statue of the Sacred Heart of Jesus at St. Patrick Cathedral on September 15, 2020 in the midst of a global pandemic was devastating to many who thought it would be impossible for the statue to be saved. Countless donors generously and lovingly contributed a total of $38,549 to the Cathedral Sacred Heart Statue Fund.

In addition to these gifts, Nancy Gorman Fox and her husband, Steve, followed in her parents’ footsteps with a generous gift to the St. Patrick Cathedral Historic Preservation Fund. Nancy’s mother and father, Frank and Barbara Gorman, were married at the Cathedral on August 25, 1947 and would have celebrated 70 years of marriage in 2017, the year they both passed away. The Sacred Heart had a very special place in their own hearts.

The unveiling of the restored Sacred Heart during the recording of the Divine Mercy Mass at the St. Patrick Cathedral on April 8, 2021 reminded us of Christ’s compassion and love for all.

The St. Patrick Cathedral Historic Preservation Fund was established to provide for the future care of the Cathedral. Donations to this fund are a great gift to our community and will ensure that all families within our diocese are able to enjoy the beauty and sanctity of our Cathedral Church now and for years to come.

The Cathedral Parish of St. Patrick is the seat of the Diocese of El Paso and the mother church for more than 600,000 Catholics. It is everybody’s home.

“As the newly appointed rector I look forward to getting to know the community and encourage people to come to Mass. I want to personally invite you to visit the Cathedral, volunteer, and join a new ministry,” said Father Marcus McFadin, D.Min.

Father Marcus was ordained to the priesthood for the Diocese of El Paso by Bishop Raymund Peña in 1992. He is a Doctor of Ministry, serves on the Board of the Southwest Liturgical Conference and numerous committees in the diocese, and most recently served as pastor of St. Luke Parish.

Father McFadin will lend his skills to the 15th Annual Foundation of Faith Event auction with the donation of a four-course dinner for 6 he prepares, serves, and blesses. Proceeds benefit the St. Patrick Cathedral Historic Preservation Fund.

The Cathedral Mass schedule is as follows: Saturday at 5:15pm (English), Sunday at 7am and 11am (English), and 9am and 1pm (Spanish). Daily Mass (English) is offered at 7am, Monday - Saturday, and at 12:10 (Spanish or Bilingual), Monday - Friday.

St. Patrick Cathedral is located at 1118 N. Mesa near downtown. The building is a work of art and one of El Paso’s historical landmarks.