For 80 years, the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception has helped anchor Catholic life in the Diocese of Springfield in Illinois. The planning and generosity of those who preceded us has allowed people from all over the diocese to enjoy a truly unique cathedral – one which was clearly Built on Faith.

This website has been prepared to outline a plan for the restoration of our cathedral. As many of you know, we began to discuss the need to restore and enhance our cathedral during the celebration of the 150th anniversary of our diocese. Funds totaling $2 million were allocated from the “Harvest of Thanks, Springtime of Hope” campaign as a down payment for this project.

After 80 years without significant work, our beloved cathedral is aging and is in need of major improvement. To implement this comprehensive plan will be costly. To do it in stages will only increase the cost and inconvenience. When the restoration and enhancements are completed, our cathedral will be “Renewed in Hope.” A new capital campaign “Built on Faith, Renewed in Hope” has been launched to fund the complete restoration of our cathedral.

I ask that you open your hearts to this campaign. As you browse this website, remember our obligation and responsibility to maintain the cathedral as an important symbol of Catholic faith for all in the Diocese of Springfield in Illinois. Please keep the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in your prayers as we fulfill our responsibility for our mother church.

Sincerely in Christ,

Most Reverend George J. Lucas
Bishop of Springfield in Illinois