In 2023, Bishop Donald J. Hying petitioned the Holy See to designate the church building as the diocesan cathedral.

Masses continued to be celebrated there until the Fair Oaks Town Hall was completed in early 1908, and they were transferred there.

[1] The Gothic Revival and sandstone structure was designed by Madison architect John Flad.

This would require less of a financial burden and the plan could be accomplished with a small capital campaign to raise the necessary funds.

[6] On August 15, 2023, the community celebrated its final Mass in the church itself before moving to the former school's gymnasium.

[7] On September 11, 2023, the Apostolic Nunciature in Washington, D.C. alerted the Diocese of Madison that Pope Francis erected St. Bernard's as the new cathedral.

[8] Bishop Hying held a press conference in St. Bernard's Church on January 24, 2024, to officially make public the decision of the Holy See.