Our Lady of Lourdes is a Catholic church on Boulevard in Atlanta. It was the first African American Catholic Church in the city. Services include Celebration of the Eucharist and the Sacrament of Reconciliation. The website contains great information about the church and it's involvements in the community. A podcast of Lourdes' Masses are available online from the church's site.
Saints Peter & Paul Catholic Church is a culturally mixed community led by Father Eric Hill. The parish established 51 years ago and currently has 667 registered families and growing. The congregation can partake in variety of ministries including Jr. Daughter/Jr. Knight, Adult Enrichment, and Evangelization. There are also educational programs designed to teach members how to fully immerse themselves in the faith.
Since 1987, Georgia Tech's Catholic Center has been devoted to ministering to all people regardless of their religious affiliation. The space is available for a variety of social activities, including parties and semester dinners in addition to various outreach and spiritual activities.
One of Savannah's most popular tourist destinations, the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist was originally built in 1873, rebuilt in 1900 following its destruction by fire, and enjoyed a major restoration in 2000. The 28,000-square-foot cathedral, featuring steeples rising 207 feet in the air, is the Mother Church of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Savannah.
Parking and public transportation to the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist
Located on Lafayette Square in Savannah's National Landmark Historic District, the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist is an easy walk from most downtown lodging facilities. Alternatively, you can park your car at nearby public parking garages, or in street-level metered parking spaces. Or, you could also ride here on "the dot," Savannah's free downtown transportation system.
Best and worst time to go to the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist
The Cathedral of St. John the Baptist can be visited most days, with the exception of much of Sunday. During these days, a sign in front of the Cathedral will let you know if it is closed to guests due to church-related activities. Otherwise, enter through far-right door on the front of the Cathedral.
Admission to the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist
Admission to the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist is free. Donations are suggested.
Must see/do at the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist
Prominent features of the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist include the 9,000-pound main altar, carved in Italy of premium Carrara marble; 81 magnificent stained glass windows, executed by the Innsbruck Glassmakers in the Austrian Tyrol; a unique collection of wall murals reflecting American Renaissance art; and a pipe organ with 34 ranks and 2,308 pipes, clad in a case of solid white oak with black walnut console trim.
Other places to visit near the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist
Nearby attractions include the Hamilton-Turner Inn. Featuring striking Second French Empire architecture, the inn was built as a residence in 1873, and was Savannah's first home with electricity; it is now an upscale bed and breakfast establishment. Directly across Lafayette Square, meanwhile, the Andrew Low House was built in 1848 as the home of a wealthy Savannah merchant. Now a museum, it provides an interesting glimpse into the genteel lifestyle of pre-Civil War downtown Savannah.
Insider tip for visitors to the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist
Spending a bit of quiet time in the sanctuary of the Cathedral of St. John is the perfect way to rest the mind and the body, especially while taking a walk around Savannah on a hot summer day.
Author's bio: Martin Sinderman is a Savannah-based freelance writer.
The St. John Neumann Church has been a part of the Lilburn community since 1985. Since then, the church has added a new addition, and is now constructing a reception hall for church functions. There are church offerings in both English and Spanish and during the weekend there is a nursery during mass.
The church offers many community programs, such as a softball league, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, and has connections to Catholic Charities of Atlanta for food and clothing drives, along with aid trips to Haiti. In addition, there is Sunday School for Pre-K up to 5th grade and a teen ministry program for up to 12th grade. The K-8 St. John Neumann Regional Catholic School is next door and the church hosts many of the school functions, such as graduation.
St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church sits on King Springs Road, sandwiched between three other churches. It has an on-site preschool and offers religious education. Beautifully landscaped lawns surround the property. English and Spanish masses are scheduled daily.
Services at St. Francis De Sales Catholic Church are held daily in the traditional Latin Mass and Sacraments. Contact the church office or visit the Web site for Mass schedules and Devotions. Visitors are welcome to meet other church members and the church Father in the Parish Hall after Holy Mass.
