Msgr. Jones on Cathedral: 'I love the whole building'

One changed the landscape of the city of Albany; the other changed the Catholic Church.

"In the early 1960s, there was the Second Vatican Council and the building of the Empire State Plaza," he said. "They altered the whole course of the parish."

Missing persons

The construction of the Plaza also altered the types of ministry the parish offered. Originally, Msgr. Jones said, plans for the new rectory included a Catholic Information Center. Instead, that space was used for social services.

"We had a lot of poor in the area before," he said. "But after the Empire State Plaza, there were more."

Noon Mass

But while the construction of the Plaza meant fewer people living downtown, it meant more people working near the Cathedral.

"When the [state] buildings were opening, five men from different departments came to me," he said. "They asked for a daily noon Mass."

Parishioners' role

"I can't speak too highly of the parish family," he said. "When the [Plaza] came, we lost parishioners. Those who stayed doubled their contributions without being asked. I never had to ask for money."

Parishioners also helped prepare for significant events held at the Cathedral, such as the consecration of Msgr. Joseph Ryan as Archbishop of Anchorage, Alaska, and the consecration of Bishop Harry Flynn. The parish also helped prepare for annual diocesan events, like the Chrism Mass and ordinations.

Visitors

"Whether there is a large crowd or not, there is a great sense that He's there," Msgr. Jones said. "I used to go over at night by myself to pray. It had a great affect on me. I love the whole building."

(11-14-02) [[In-content Ad]]