Exploring the Cathedral of Christ the King in Atlanta: What to Know Before You Go

The Cathedral of Christ the King in Buckhead is one of Atlanta’s most recognizable churches and a central hub for Catholic life, worship, and community services in the city. Whether you’re a local looking for a parish home, a visitor attending Mass, or someone interested in sacred architecture and Atlanta history, this guide walks you through what to expect and how to get there.

Where the Cathedral Is and How to Get There

Address:
Cathedral of Christ the King
2699 Peachtree Road NE
Atlanta, GA 30305
Phone (main office): 404-233-2145

The Cathedral is located in Buckhead, along Peachtree Road NE between Peachtree Way and Peachtree Road’s intersection with East Wesley Road.

Getting There by Car

• From Downtown Atlanta:
  • Head north on I-75/85, exit onto I-85 North, then take the Georgia 400 / Buckhead exits depending on your route.
  • Turn onto Peachtree Road NE heading north; the Cathedral will be on your right as you approach the Buckhead residential area.
• From Midtown:
  • Drive north on Peachtree Street NE; it becomes Peachtree Road NE as you cross I-85 and head into Buckhead.

Parking tips:

• The Cathedral campus typically has on-site parking lots and may use nearby parking arrangements for larger events.
• For Sunday Masses and special liturgies, plan to arrive early, as Buckhead traffic and limited spaces can cause delays.
• In busy parts of the week, some people choose to use rideshare due to limited street parking.

Getting There by Transit

• MARTA Bus routes that run along or near Peachtree Road NE can provide access from Midtown and the Arts Center or Lindbergh Center stations.
• From Lenox or Buckhead MARTA Stations, a short rideshare or bus trip down Peachtree Road brings you close to the Cathedral.

If you rely on transit, check MARTA’s current schedules and maps before you go, since routes and timings can shift.

What Makes the Cathedral of Christ the King Significant in Atlanta

The Cathedral of Christ the King is the mother church of the Archdiocese of Atlanta, which gives it a central role in Catholic life for North Georgia.

Some key roles it plays in Atlanta:

• Archdiocesan seat: It is the bishop’s church, where many major diocesan liturgies, ordinations, and special religious events are held.
• Local parish community: At the same time, it functions as a neighborhood parish for Buckhead and surrounding areas, with regular Sunday and daily Masses.
• Cultural landmark: Its stone exterior, stained glass, and traditional design style make it a notable architectural and cultural landmark on Peachtree Road.

Residents and visitors in Atlanta often know it as a place for:

• Major holiday services (Christmas, Easter)
• Weddings, funerals, and baptisms
• Community outreach and faith education

Attending Mass and Sacraments

If you’re interested in worship or participating in the sacraments, the Cathedral is set up for both regular parish life and larger gatherings.

Mass Schedules and What to Expect

The Cathedral typically offers:

• Sunday Masses at multiple times
• Daily Masses during the week
• Holy Day liturgies for major feast days

Because exact times can change, especially around holidays, it’s best to:

• Check the most current weekly schedule, often posted by the parish
• Call the main office at 404-233-2145 if you need confirmation or accessibility details

What to expect at Mass:

• A mix of families, young adults, and older parishioners, plus visitors
• Music that usually includes choirs, organ, and congregational singing, especially at main Sunday Masses
• Dress ranging from business casual to more formal, particularly at popular times like 10:00 a.m. Sunday (exact time can vary)

If you’re visiting from outside Atlanta or are new to Catholic worship, you are generally welcome to:

• Attend Mass
• Join in prayers and songs
• Receive a blessing (if you’re not receiving Communion)

Confession (Sacrament of Reconciliation)

The Cathedral typically offers regular confession times during the week and on weekends.

For the most reliable information:

• Call the parish office or review their posted schedule
• Arrive early for confession, as lines may be longer before Sunday Masses or during Advent and Lent

Other Sacraments and Rites

The Cathedral also provides:

• Baptisms
• First Communion and Confirmation (often coordinated through parish religious education or the parish school)
• Marriage preparation and weddings
• Anointing of the Sick and funeral liturgies

For these, Atlanta residents usually contact the parish office directly to:

• Discuss requirements
• Schedule preparation classes and meetings
• Confirm documentation, especially if transferring from another parish or moving into the city

Parish Life: Ministries, Education, and Community

The Cathedral of Christ the King functions as more than a Sunday worship site; it’s a busy parish campus that offers spiritual formation and community-building opportunities.

Faith Formation and Religious Education

Offerings commonly include:

• Religious education for children and teens (often called parish school of religion or faith formation)
• Adult faith formation programs, such as Bible studies, catechesis, or seasonal series
• Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) or similar processes for adults interested in becoming Catholic or exploring the faith

If you’re new to Atlanta and want to plug in:

• Ask about registration for children’s programs if you have school-age kids
• Inquire about RCIA or inquiry sessions if you are exploring the Catholic faith

Ministries and Volunteer Opportunities

Many Atlanta residents look to the Cathedral for ways to serve. Typical ministry areas might include:

• Liturgical ministries: lectors, altar servers, ushers, choir members, musicians
• Outreach and service: food or clothing drives, support for local shelters or community organizations
• Prayer and spiritual groups: Rosary groups, small faith communities, retreats
• Social and support groups: young adult groups, men’s and women’s groups, support for those experiencing loss or major life transitions

If you’d like to get involved:

• Contact the parish office for a ministry directory
• Attend a new parishioner orientation if offered
• Ask about opportunities that fit your schedule, skills, and comfort level

Cathedral Campus: School, Facilities, and Events

Christ the King School

On or near the same campus, you’ll find Christ the King School, a Catholic elementary and middle school.

Key points for Atlanta families:

• It serves parish and area families who want a Catholic education close to central Atlanta.
• Admissions may involve application deadlines, parish involvement, and limited seats, so families often start exploring months in advance.

If you’re considering enrolling a child:

• Call the main parish number and ask to be directed to the school office or admissions
• Ask about tuition, financial aid, and parish requirements

Events and Special Liturgies

Throughout the year, the Cathedral hosts events such as:

• Archdiocesan celebrations (for the broader North Georgia Catholic community)
• Seasonal events (Advent and Lenten services, missions, and concerts)
• Community gatherings (festivals, parish dinners, or social events)

If you’re visiting Atlanta and want to experience the Cathedral at its most active, look at:

• Christmas and Easter seasons
• Major archdiocesan events that can draw people from across metro Atlanta

Architecture, Art, and Visiting as a Tourist

Even if you’re not Catholic, you may be interested in the Cathedral for its sacred architecture and atmosphere.

Architectural Highlights

Visitors often notice:

• A traditional, Gothic-inspired exterior that contrasts with Buckhead’s modern towers
• Stained glass windows and religious artwork in the nave and chapels
• A central altar, sanctuary, and choir loft that create a strong focal point for worship

Inside, the church is typically designed for quiet reflection, so try to:

• Speak softly
• Silence your phone
• Avoid flash photography during services

When to Visit if You’re Sightseeing

If you mainly want to look around:

• Choose a weekday during office hours or a quieter time between services.
• Avoid arrival just before or during major weekend Masses if you’re not planning to attend—parking and seating can be tight.

Call ahead if you want to know:

• Whether there are guided tours
• If certain areas (like side chapels or crypt areas) are open to the public that day

Practical Tips for Atlanta Residents and Visitors

Here’s a quick reference for planning your visit to the Cathedral of Christ the King in Atlanta:

How to Connect or Take Your Next Step

Depending on your situation in Atlanta, here are simple next steps:

• If you live in Atlanta and need a parish:
  • Call 404-233-2145 and ask about parish registration and newcomer opportunities.
• If you’re visiting Atlanta and want to attend Mass:
  • Confirm Mass and confession times before your trip and plan extra time for Buckhead traffic.
• If you’re exploring Catholicism or returning to the Church:
  • Ask for information on RCIA, inquiry sessions, or reconciliation times.
• If you’re a parent considering Catholic school:
  • Request contact details for Christ the King School and ask about the admissions process.

The Cathedral of Christ the King is both a spiritual center and a long-standing community anchor in Atlanta. Whether you step inside for a quiet moment of reflection, join a packed Sunday Mass, or become an active parishioner, it offers a meaningful way to connect faith and community life in the heart of the city.