Oldest Catholic Churches: San Fernando Cathedral - San Antonio, Texas

Destination: The third oldest church still in use in the U.S. is part of the Cathedral of San Fernando in San Antonio, Texas. Called “The Oldest Cathedral Sanctuary in the United States” on its parish bulletin, the church was founded in 1731. It is the oldest Catholic Church still functioning in Texas.
Masses are offered Saturday at 5 p.m.; Sunday in Spanish at 6, and 8 a.m. and 12 noon, in English at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.; bilingual at 5 p.m.; Monday, Friday bilingual at 12:05 p.m.; Monday, Thursday bilingual at 5:30 p.m.; Saturday in Spanish at 8 a.m.
Photos: exterior (top); an old picture shows the exterior of the cathedral early in its history before the city surrounded it. 
Why to go: Fifteen families from the Canary Islands came to San Antonio after being invited by King Phillip V of Spain. They were the founding families of the San Fernando Cathedral.
It has served Catholics in the city more than 280 years. For almost 95 years in its past, it served all denominations in San Antonio because the Catholic Church was the official religion of both Spain and Mexico, which claimed the land before Texas became an independent nation.
It was intended to be the center of the city’s life, according to the cathedral website.  While it was surrounded by wide open spaces once, today San Antonio city buildings, including City Hall and the Justice Center among others, are its neighbors.

Today, more than 5,000 people attend weekend Masses at the cathedral, in addition to hundreds who come in each day to pray.
Amenities: The gift shop is open Monday through Saturday 9 a.m.-1 p.m.  and 2-5 p.m. and Sunday 8:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. The cathedral is selling a 2020 Fiesta Medal for $10 plus shipping. Look for details under Fiesta on its website.
Accessibility: The cathedral has stairs in the front. Some areas are accesible to wheelchairs.
Parking may be challenging. Open a bulletin on the web site and look for parking information.
(Grand) Kid friendly: All ages are welcome. Don’t be surprised to see a school tour while you’re there.
Info: Address — San Fernando Cathedral, 115 Main Plaza, San Antonio, TX 78205
Phone — 210-227-1297
Website — https://sfcathedral.org/

— Sharon Boehlefeld compiled this story
Send Destination ideas to seasonedobserver@rockforddiocese.org