CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Parishioners are back in the pews at the Cathedral of St. Patrick after renovations closed the church for six months.

The Diocese of Charlotte is spending $2.6 million for repairs to the roof, walls, artwork and more.

The Cathedral is the official and ceremonial seat of the bishop for the Diocese of Charlotte, which covers 46 counties across Western North Carolina and serves more than half a million people.

The rector and pastor at the Cathedral is Christopher Roux.

He says the church has stood in the community for more than 80 years and many of these updates were much needed.

"What we found out was that when the copper roof was placed on the roof over 20 years ago, it was put on, as I like to say, in the least best way,” Roux said.

Leaks from the roof caused the plaster on the walls to deteriorate.

“The water went into, between, the brick and walls and so it literally drove the plaster away,” he said.

Work began last year, with the church closing down in September.

A diocese spokesperson says the church temporarily reopened for Christmas, but then closed down again from January through March.

In addition to repairs to the roof and walls, there was updating to the artwork.

That includes gold leaf added to the arches and Stations of the Cross, which was donated by a former parishioner.

Parishioners Katie and Adam Senk have attended St. Patrick’s for nearly 15 years. It's where they got married and where their daughters were baptized. 

"Very special,” said Adam Senk. "A lot of significant events in this church.”

They were excited to see the renovations, including the updated artwork.

"So the church was always beautiful and always had like a mystique to it,” said Adam Senk. "But I think that's been emphasized now.”

There are still updates in the works.

Roux hopes renovations will be done in June, ahead of the ordination and first mass of a new priest.