Catholics have worshipped openly on the site where St Marie’s Cathedral Sheffield stands, for more than 200 years. Initially, their place of worship was a little chapel, built in the garden of a house on Fargate; by 1846, the chapel was simply too small for its growing population.
The Vision of Fr Pratt
It was the vision and courageous ambition of a young priest, Fr Pratt, in the 1840s, that led to the commission of a new Catholic church for the expanding town of Sheffield.
The Development of St Marie’s:
The church has undergone quite a bit of change since then. It was re-ordered in the 1970s, and a new altar installed so mass could be celebrated facing the people. It became a Grade II listed building in 1973. Then in 1980, the new diocese of Hallam was created and St Marie’s became a Cathedral. Finally, in 2011, St Marie’s undertook a much needed, extensive programme of renovation.

St Marie’s Cathedral is part of the cultural heritage of Sheffield. It is the culmination of the vision and ambition of a few, combined with the generosity of many. It has been a sanctuary of prayer and peacefulness for many generations, and – God willing – of many more generations to come. All are welcome at St Marie’s.
As is often the case, having responsibility for a piece of our heritage – such as St Marie’s – carries with it financial burden. With your help, we can ensure that St Marie’s continues to thrive and grow for the benefit of future generations to come.
How You Can Help:
There are several ways you can support our Cathedral, and we are always grateful for every gift that is made, however great or small.
How to Make a Donation Electronically:
If you are able to Gift Aid your donation this allows us to reclaim the tax you have paid on your gift and increases the value of your donation by 25%, please consider this if you are eligible.