Most visitors find Sacred Heart Cathedral to be a wonderfully beautiful place that is conducive to spiritual reflection. The structure is a fair example of neo-gothic design. It was originally rather dark (with heavy oak pews) and formal, and set up to accommodate the huge congregation in the mid-20th century.Around 2005, the interior was completely redesigned. As with most profound change. There were some former parishioners that disagreeable with the result.The changes brought the altar down to the center of the building, which dramatically reduced the capacity for diocesan celebrations. An adult-sized Baptismal font was added in the rear. Most adult conversions are held here for the region. The Holy Rood, which was part of the original Church was restored. The ceiling has been painted with a representation off the sky at the time of Christ's birth. A great pipe organ was added in the North Apse.The pews were replaced with comfortable individual chairs and prie-dieu. Most of the structural features were kept and enhanced. A Narthex, or meeting place was added to the East side of the nave. Also, a small parking area and park were added to the Northside of the building. The original rose garden has been restored on the East side of the Narthex.The overall effect is quite dignified, up=to-date, and spiritually uplifting.

As practicing Catholics, when we visit big cities, we enjoy visiting the local diocesan Roman Catholic cathedrals, and try to make daily or Sunday Mass. We planned a trip from Pittsburgh to Canandaigua for a Finger Lakes getaway. We knew that we would be going near Rochester to get to Canandaigua. So we decided to check out the City of Rochester and see the highlights first. We were fortunate that we were able to not only check out this beautiful cathedral, but also go to noon Mass there. The priest made an announcement before Mass about the COVID-19 precautions all Mass attendees must take, especially in regards to receiving Holy Communion. We both felt safe and were both able to receive the Body of Christ in the Holy Eucharist. I was a bit surprised that they did not have permanent pews, but movable chairs instead. Yet, in times like these, being able to move chairs to promote social distancing is not a bad thing. Highly recommended if you are Catholic (and even if you are not Catholic) and love magnificent architecture, and are looking for a parish to attend Mass while visiting Rochester.

We recently attended a family wedding held in Sacred Heart Cathedral. What a beautiful church. The celing and stained glass windows are spectacular, and the organ is beautiful as church. Local folks mentioned that the church underwent a renovation a few years ago and they did a wonderful job.

I love this cur h. It is beautiful and has a choir that just takes you away with praise and thanks. The mass here is touching. The priest is thoughtful on his homily. The church itself is spectacular.

We were here on a Sunday so went to Mass here and the cathedral is beautiful and the choir is very good with a great organist and there sang and were also bellringers to enhance the organ music. Very uplifting and reverent. If you can get to a mass it's an added bonus.