Christmas at The Cathedral

"Journey in Faith"

Blessed with six sell out audiences

In spite of the stormy weather, the Catholic Community Foundation was blessed to host over 5,000 people at seven Christmas at The Cathedral concerts, including the dress rehearsal for the homeless guests of the Bishop Dudley Hospitality House, Banquet, St Francis House; and immigrant families from Our Lady of Guadalupe and the Cathedral. Thousands more experienced Christmas at The Cathedral on three commercial-free broadcasts on the KELOLAND Television network of stations.

Verna and Duane Reiners made Christmas at The Cathedral an annual tradition. After Duane's death, Verna's daughters have continued this special Christmas experience. "We all love music and think that Christmas at The Cathedral is the greatest," according to Verna. "It is so special, something that we can do together. Christmas at The Cathedral is what makes Christmas for me," she added.

St Joseph's faith and trust in the Lord's plan, in spite of the many challenges he experienced, highlighted the timeless message of hope in this year's production.

"Christmas at The Cathedral is not just for a season, it has an external impact on all the souls that attend and receive the living Word of Christ," said one patron in a thank you note. "It also brings together exceptional creative people, committed to uplifting the love, hope, beauty and trust of God's promise to His creation."

Thanks to the generosity of our sponsors and patrons, proceeds from this year's concerts, over $250,000, are going to endowments for the ongoing care and maintenance of two “Beacons of Hope” – the Cathedral of St. Joseph – a magnificent civic & spiritual landmark – & the Bishop Dudley Hospitality House – a collaborative community effort supporting the homeless and most vulnerable.

This year's production was dedicated to Bishop-emeritus Paul J. Swain, the 8th Bishop of the Diocese of Sioux Falls, who among many things, led the restoration of the interior of the Cathedral of St Joseph and the building of the Bishop Dudley Hospitality House. In 14 years he never missed a Christmas at the Cathedral concert, having personally attended 79 concerts, greeting those in attendance and leading them in prayer.

His episcopal motto, confitemini Domini, “give praise to the Lord,” was Bishop Swain’s way of expressing his lived belief that it is not what we do but how we conduct ourselves that matters most in the Christian life.

Our gratitude to the many of you who make Christmas at The Cathedral an annual part of your Christmas experience. Next year's concerts are December 14-17, 2023.