church
Cathedral of St. Helena events – Helena, MT
The Cathedral of St. Helena at 530 N. Ewing St., built 1908 to 1914 on the model of Vienna's Votivkirche, hosts the Helena Symphony's Christmas in the Cathedral, free quarterly organ recitals, and free summer tours.
530 N Ewing St, Helena, MT 59601 · Official site
Upcoming at Cathedral of St. Helena
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About Cathedral of St. Helena
The Cathedral of St. Helena is the seat of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Helena. Construction began in 1908 and the first Mass was celebrated in November 1914; the Gothic Revival design was modeled on the Votivkirche in Vienna, and its twin spires are the tallest landmark on the north side of downtown. Beyond daily Mass, the cathedral is a concert hall. The Helena Symphony Orchestra and Chorale perform Handel's Messiah there each December as Christmas in the Cathedral, a program the symphony calls Helena's longest-running holiday tradition and one that sells out. The cathedral's organist gives free hour-long recitals about once every three months.
The cathedral is at 530 N. Ewing St., Helena, MT 59601, at Lawrence Street, a block east of the Last Chance Gulch corridor and a short walk from the Capitol district. Street parking is on Ewing and the surrounding blocks. The building is open for self-guided visits outside Mass times: weekdays 6:30 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Sunday 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Free guided tours run Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 1 to 3 p.m. in summer with no reservation; groups of 10 or more can book the same weekday hours year-round through the parish office at 406-442-5825.
What happens here
- Christmas in the Cathedral: the Helena Symphony Orchestra and Chorale performing Handel's Messiah with guest soloists in early December (Dec. 2, 2024, for example)
- The St. Brother Andre Organ Recital Series: free hour-long recitals by the cathedral organist roughly every three months, themed to a saint and the liturgical season
- Free guided tours Tuesday through Thursday, 1 to 3 p.m., from Memorial Day to Labor Day
- Cathedral choir and sacred music at Sunday Masses and on major feasts
- Self-guided visits during open hours, with a Google Maps virtual tour online
Good to know
- Christmas in the Cathedral sells out early; buy through helenasymphony.org as soon as the December date is posted, and expect pew seating with limited sight lines from the side aisles.
- Summer tours need no reservation for small parties; show up between 1 and 3 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday and a guide will be on hand.
- Visitors are welcome outside Mass times, so check the Mass schedule on sthelenas.org before a self-guided visit.
Annual events at Cathedral of St. Helena
Cathedral of St. Helena FAQ
- What events happen at the Cathedral of St. Helena?
- The Helena Symphony's Christmas in the Cathedral performance of Handel's Messiah each December, free organ recitals about four times a year in the St. Brother Andre series, free guided tours on summer weekdays, and the cathedral's own Masses and choral liturgies. Organ recital dates are on the cathedral's Events page; symphony tickets are on helenasymphony.org.
- Where is the Cathedral of St. Helena and where do I park?
- It is at 530 N. Ewing St., Helena, MT 59601, at Lawrence Street on the north side of downtown. Park on Ewing Street or the surrounding blocks; for Christmas in the Cathedral arrive early, since nearby street parking fills.
- Can you tour the Cathedral of St. Helena?
- Yes, and it is free. Guided tours run Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 1 to 3 p.m. between Memorial Day and Labor Day with no reservation needed. Groups of 10 or more can reserve those same hours year-round by calling the parish office at 406-442-5825. Outside Mass times the building is open for self-guided visits on weekdays from 6:30 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Sunday 7 a.m. to 3 p.m.