Menu
search
The Catholic Church in South West Queensland LIVE STREAM MASS

St Patrick’s Cathedral Restoration Project

Support us in our Restoration Journey

A cathedral is never just a parish church; it belongs to everyone. St Patrick’s Cathedral’s historical significance is not just for Catholics; it’s a part of the story of Toowoomba and Queensland. Be part of our restoration journey.
(Click DONATE NOW, scroll down the page past GIVE NOW to select St Patrick’s Cathedral.)

DONATE NOW

Cathedral Construction and Restoration Timeline

March 1874
March 1889
August 1900
September 1929
April 1932
March 1935
March 1986
March 2020
December 2024
Construction Begins

Construction starts on the new St Patrick’ Church.

Blessed and Opened

St Patrick’s Church was blessed and opened by Archbishop Robert Dunne, Archbishop of Brisbane and Fr T O’Connell, Parish Priest.

Blessing and Laying of Foundation Stone

Foundation stone was laid by Bishop Robert Dunne, Bishop of Brisbane and Fr T O’Connell, Parish Priest. “..a thousand people attend the ceremony and it was conducted with all the solemnity as prescribed in the Roman Ritual at that time.…
Read More

Toowoomba Becomes a Diocese

Bishop James Byrne is consecrated as the Diocese of Toowoomba’s first Bishop. St Patrick’s becomes a Cathedral.

Foundation Stone Laid for Extension

Foundation stone of extension, transepts and sanctuary, laid by Bishop James Byrne and Mons Michael McKenna, Administrator of the Cathedral.

Extension Blessed and Opened

St Patrick’s Cathedral, with completed extensions, opened and blessed by Archbishop James Duhig, Archbishop of Brisbane.

Cathedral is Heritage Listed

St Patrick’s Cathedral is entered in the Register of the National Estate by the Australian Heritage Commission.

Foundation Stabalised

Under the direction of Bishop Robert McGuckin, extensive work was carried out on the cathedral’s foundation, where subfloor works were necessary to address building movement. These works included the installation of a root barrier along the tree line to the…
Read More

Exterior Works Completed

Restoration work continues under Bishop Ken Howell. The exterior of the building was cleaned and repaired. The roof was also repaired, repainted to mimic the original galvanised roof, and original dormers (ventilation) reinstalled.

The place of our cathedral in the life and history of our diocese is significant. It remains the visible sign of our unity as a diocese and the place from which the bishop leads God’s holy people. The restoration works of recent months have brought this beautiful building to life, and it almost looks like new again.

Those who know St Patrick’s well will realise that we still have much work to do on the inside to allow its true beauty to shine forth. One of the next major projects will be to work on all the windows that are seriously problematic at present. I hope that we can all have a sense of pride in our cathedral and do our part to support the works that are ahead.

Bishop Ken Howell
Bishop of Toowoomba
June 2025

Support Current Projects

Windows Project

The next phase of the restoration project will focus on the cathedral’s magnificent 173 m² leadlight glass windows. This meticulous work, estimated to cost $2.5 million, will be carried out by skilled artisans dedicated to renewing these windows to their former glory.

Download our fun colouring-in sheet inspired by the leadlight windows. You can add your own splash of colour and creativity!

Window Prospectus

General Restoration Fund

Help restore St Patrick’s Cathedral. Whether your gift is big or small, every contribution to the Restoration Appeal makes a difference and is fully tax-deductible. Join us in preserving this sacred space for generations to come.
(Click DONATE NOW, scroll down the page past GIVE NOW to select St Patrick’s Cathedral.)

Donate now

Join Our Charity Raffle!

Charity raffle tickets are now available through Play for Purpose and $5 from every ticket goes directly to restoring Toowoomba’s historic Cathedral. Don’t miss your chance to win amazing prizes and support a meaningful project!

BUY TICKETS

Dive into the History and Stories Behind the Building