Parish Founded 1822
Designated Cathedral 1853
Elevated Minor Papal Basilica 1982
Welcome! We are the Cathedral parish of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Brooklyn serving the communities of Downtown Brooklyn, Dumbo and Vinegar Hill.
We are a diverse community who together strive to celebrate our faith through Word, Prayer, Worship, Community and Service.
Come join us!
The Crest of the Cathedral Basilica of Saint James includes various insignia and symbols that reflect her identity.
At the center of the crest is a scallop shell. The shell is a symbol for baptism for Christians and more importantly it is also the symbol associated with the Apostle James.
The shell is flanked by crowns. The crowns of a king and queen are identical to the crowns on the crest of the Diocese of Brooklyn, located in the territory of Kings and Queens Counties in New York City. The crowns are included on the crest of Saint James to indicate the parish's status as the Cathedral church of the Diocese of Brooklyn.
The crest also includes two of the insignia of a Minor Basilica: the Ombrellino (papal head covering) and the Papal Keys.
Every parish is required by law to have a Parish Finance Council to assist the pastor in his administration of the goods of the parish. The members of the council are directly appointed by the pastor. The Parish Finance Council meets quarterly with the pastor and the parish accountant.
Members: John Notaro, Charles Karnati, Donald Salvato.
The Parish Pastoral Council is one of the primary consultative bodies that serves to advise the pastor of the parish regarding the pastoral issues of the community. The members of the council are chosen either from the community or by direct appointment of the pastor. Parish staff are ex officio members. The council meets bi-monthly.
Members: Elina Cruz, Cecile Fourmeaux, Charles Karnati, Imelda Karnati, Theodore Oberman, and Diane Wilson. Ex Officio: Deacon Ronald Rizzuto and Anthony Serrao.