Cathedral of Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church

The Cathedral of Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish has the distinction of being the newest and largest parish in the Diocese of Dodge City. It began its existence as a multi-cultural congregation. Masses are celebrated in English and Spanish.

The parish was erected December 9, 2001, when Sacred Heart Cathedral and Our Lady of Guadalupe parishes formally consolidated. This idea surfaced during a three-
year diocesan restructuring process that began in 1995. Both parishes needed larger churches and the diocese needed a larger worship space and facilities for diocesan liturgies. The new 1,400 seat cathedral was constructed and named for the patroness of the diocese.

On the feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe, Dec. 12, three days after the dedication of the Cathedral, the two Catholic congregations gathered for prayer in their respective churches. A procession led by matachines dancers started from Our Lady of Guadalupe Church and traveled to Sacred Heart Cathedral. The two congregations melded into one and braved snow and northerly winds of 17 miles an hour during the three-mile pilgrimage to the new cathedral. More than 300 people made the pilgrimage. Those who experienced the 20 degree wind-chill were welcomed by the warmth of the new cathedral. The pilgrims swelled the awaiting congregation to well over 1,500.

The first parish Mass was bilingual with Father Ted Skalsky presiding, Father Ted Stoecklein concelebrating, and Deacon Erasmo Rodriguez assisting. The liturgy was celebrated in the presence of Bishop Ronald M. Gilmore.