the cathedral of christ the light

This beautiful Catholic cathedral overlooks Lake Merritt on the corner of Grand Avenue and Harrison Street in Oakland, CA. Visitors are welcomed with the opportunities for tours or self-guided looks. The members of the Catholic Parish of Christ the Light worship here. Wonderful edifice of transcendent beauty not to be missed.

This Cathedral's architectures is certainly not for everyone - generally people either love it or hate it. Thank you for visiting and forming your own opinion. I do want you to know, though, that the Cathedral serves as a "mother church" for Catholics in Alameda and Contra Costa counties - and those Catholics, through the practice of their faith including sacrificial giving, are the reason we are the largest provider of social services in the East Bay. This includes a free health clinic on the Cathedral site. So it wasn't either a Cathedral OR helping the poor - it's both. Peace.

This is the new cathedral that has a unique architecture. It was built to replace the previous one that was damaged in the 1989 earthquake. It is somewhat contreversial in its style. It looks like the bishop's miter hat (sort of). There are tours of it given by docents and there is a mauseleum in the lower level. There is a coffee shop in the courtyard and a souvenir/book store.

the interior of this cathedral is amazing as is the organ. If on is interested in organ or seasonal concerts the Cathedral of Christ provides wonderful concerts and often highlights local choirs. Easy parking and also great location near Lake Merritt

Completed in 2008, it is the newest Roman Catholic cathedral in the U .S. and home to one of the illuminated Saint John's Bibles...a 21st century marvel. The gift shop was also well stocked!

If you are a modern architecture fan, this church certainly should be added as a pitstop if you happen to be in downtown Oakland. Visited on a recent Saturday and there were complimentary tours/docents to share the legacy with. If you happen to visit during mid-December, there was also a very nice, creche festival in the basement.

An amazing structure; well designed to utilize natural light. Pay special attention to the placement of the organ pipes and the Saint John's Bible.

I am not a Roman Catholic, and, other than the California missions, do not often visit churches in the continental United States, but visited this glass Cathedral. Beautiful! Muchsmore inspiring than a traditional church imho. Lovely setting. What's it like when it's really hot out?

Well worth a trip to see. A modern architectural highlight. Make sure to go inside, don't just drive around. It's on Lake Merritt, a beautiful setting. Inside is breathtaking, a feeling of light and space that is very uplifting.

This place is beautiful. I went in during afternoon Mass and this place is simply breathtaking. They have a free tour Monday-Friday @ 1:00pm

Much of European tourism is spent visiting churches where some of the great religious art is contained. If you are visiting Oakland, take a similar approach and visit this beautiful building in the heart of downtown. There is no great art other than the building itself. The interior is an open, airy, glass nave with an enormous glass painting/sculpture of Jesus Christ. The architecture is spare and modern. It is a stunning and peaceful place to visit and say a prayer. Go.

I never thought there's such a beautiful church in the Bay Area. This is so unique and not traditional. I like to visit this church whenever I am in Oakland.

Certainly not like Notre Dame in Paris.I'm not sure how moving it is for the faithful but it is truly interesting space

Want to get a break from the bustle of your mind and the city come here and find a place for quiet contemplation. There are free tours during the week at 1:00pm and concerts a plenty. There is a 100 year-old Steinway and a brand new organ that is a knock-out. The Bishop is friendly and the priests speak Spanish and vietnamese. This is a favorite retreat for me from the Hustle and brusqueness of daily life.

If you like architecture worth a visit as is the whole area. Best on a daytime weekend. Also stroll around the lake