About Us

Plan a Visit

The Proto-Cathedral of St. James the Greater is a historic Catholic church in the heart of downtown Vancouver, Washington, USA. We’re located at: 218 W 12th Street Vancouver, Washington 98660.

Parking

Visitors to the Proto-Cathedral have access to free parking in our parking lot on 12th Street, on the other side of Columbia Street, next to the US Postal Service property. Paid parking spots are available directly in front of our main entrance on 12th Street, as well as on many of the surrounding blocks in Downtown Vancouver.

Where should I go when I get here?

Our front doors along West 12th Street, unlock before Mass. The door on the west side of the Proto-Cathedral, through our courtyard, is open all day from 9:00 am - 4:00 pm.

The brick building to the left houses both the rectory and Parish Office. When visiting our Parish Office, please ring the doorbell. Staff or office volunteers will greet you at the door.

Straight ahead you’ll see the entrance to our Parish Hall, the location of many of our parish activities and programs. The Lower Hall, down the stairs, usually has coffee and donuts after Sunday morning Masses. If you follow the path straight through the courtyard, you’ll come to the north side of the property, adjacent to our newly constructed Perpetual Adoration Chapel.

Is there Wheelchair Accessibility?

Our wheelchair accessible gate is located on the east side of our property, along the C-Tran bus stop. This gate is unlocked by our parish ushers prior to Mass and Confessions.

When is Mass?

During the week Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday Mass begins at 12:10pm. Mass on Thursday is at 8:00 am. We also have Mass on Saturday mornings at 9:00 am.

Sunday Vigil Mass is at 5:00 pm on Saturday. On Sundays, Mass is said at 7:30 am,  9:00 am and 11:00 am, with Mass in Vietnamese celebrated at 1:30 pm.

What can I expect at Mass?

We are a Roman Catholic church, and use the Ordinary Form of the Roman Rite. As Catholics, we believe using our whole bodies helps us pray more fully; at different times we stand, sit, and kneel. When we have music, you’ll hear traditional hymns, chant in English or Latin, and our historic 1912 pipe organ. To learn more about music at the Proto-Cathedral, visit our Sacred Music page.

Everyone is invited to participate in the prayers, movements, and songs as they are able. You can use the Lumen Christi Missal and Adoremus Hymnal in our pews to follow along, but don’t be afraid to just take in the experience as well.

Receiving Holy Communion

Every Mass includes the distribution of Holy Communion. Here at the Proto-Cathedral we still have and use our original Communion Rail! When it’s time for Holy Communion, follow the person in front of you up to the rail and kneel on the cushion. If kneeling is difficult for you, feel free to stand below the step instead. There is no obligation to kneel. If you are in a wheelchair or have limited mobility, please ask one of the ushers to assist you before Mass, so our ministers can bring Holy Communion to you.

Only Catholics who have properly prepared themselves can receive Holy Communion at Mass. Normally, Catholics must have fasted (excluding water and medicine) for at least one hour before receiving Holy Communion, and if they’ve committed a mortal sin, have gone to Confession. If you aren’t a Catholic who’s prepared themselves for Holy Communion, you’re still welcome to come and receive a blessing. You can indicate that you’d like a blessing at the Communion Rail by crossing your arms over your chest, palms lying flat on your chest, near your neck. If you’re not receiving Holy Communion, you may also choose to remain in your pew and pray for Christian unity and peace in our world.

What about kids?

Children of all ages are always welcome at Mass! Our historic building does not include a cry room; if you feel the need to step into the narthex or outside with your child, you may. The inner doors to the church have been retrofitted with glass, so if you need to step into the narthex, you and the little ones can still see, hear and participate in the Mass.

Children learn to worship by copying you, so please help them sit, stand, kneel, and follow along with the Mass as they are able. We encourage families with children to sit closer to the front, so it’s easier for little ones to see what’s happening near the altar.

Restrooms?

Our historic parish does not have restrooms located within the church building. Outdoor accessible restrooms are available on the corner of the Parish Hall in our courtyard, and also in the Lower Hall during events.

We are currently planning and fundraising for a Restroom addition! This addition will have restrooms built off of the west door of the church, with access via stairs and a ramp. Our hope it this addition will help all of our parishioners and visitors, especially families and those with mobility restrictions. More information will be shared soon!

If you'd like to donate to this fund, visit our Online Giving funds page hosted through Our Sunday Visitor ©.