The first attempt to organize a Catholic church in Cochranton was in 1874. However it was not until 1956 that a mission was successfully established. The first church was dedicated in 1962 under the patronage of Our Lady of Lourdes. The original building was distroyed by a tornado on May 31, 1985, leaving only the statue of Our Lady of Lourdes untouched. The same statue stands in front of the church today. The current church was dedicated on May 31, 1987.
Liturgy Schedule:
Sacrament of Penance:
Baptism: The Sacrament of Baptism is celebrated on the last Sunday of each month at the weekend Mass. Parents must attend the Pre-Baptism Class.
Marriage: One party must be a registered parishioner and actively involved for one year before scheduling a wedding. Please call the parish office at least six months prior to the proposed date of marriage. No date can be set before the first interview with the pastor has been completed.
Anointing of the Sick: Please phone the parish office immediately if a loved one is sick or hospitalized.
Coordinator of Religious Education: Joyce Tarr (814) 789-4266
Elementary and Adolescent Faith Formation:
Parish School of Religion:
Classes are held on Sunday mornings 9:30am until 11:00am for students in grades Pre-School through 11. Classes run September through May.
Adult Faith Formation:
Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults: R.C.I.A. is a process for adults wishing to learn more about the Catholic faith. It is intended for those who have been away from the church as well as those contemplating becoming a Catholic. Contact the parish office for more information.
Marriage Preparation: Preparation includes participation in Pre-Cana or Engaged Encounter and instruction by the Pastor. Pre-Cana is offered a Saint Hippolyte Church each year in October. Engaged couples must contact the pastor at least six months prior to the anticipated marriage.
Sacramental Preparation:
Director of Music Ministries: Darcie Schoenfeldt-White
The choir sings Sunday mornings at 8:30AM at Our Lady Of Lourdes and at 10:30AM at Saint Hippolyte. In addition, participation on Holy Days of obligation is encouraged and anticipated. Rehearsals are held Tuesday evenings at 7:00PM, alternating churches each week. Please consult out calendar for a current schedule.
Joint choir rehearsal calendar
All ministry guidelines, liturgical season outlines, as well as choral planning for the upcoming month can be found at our website.
Helping Hands: The Helping Hands committees coordinate the parish membership in offering service to those in need. Services provided by Helping Hands are Prayer Requests, Visitation, Services to the Bereaved, Emergency Home Care, Transportation and Elizsabeth Ministry.
Youth Group: The Our Lady of Lourdes Youth Group offers students in grades 7 through 12 an opportunity to journey with others in friendship, prayer, service to others and social activities. Special activities and service dates are announced in the bulletin.
Men's Club: Open to men from both churches, the Men's Club meets the 3rd Wednesday of the month at 7:30 pm. Meetings alternate monthly between Our Lady of Lourdes and St. Hippolyte Churches. Members participate in social, service and fund-raising activities.
Parish Family Nights: Family Nights blend the components of community, worship, service and message in a way that strengthens the Catholic identity of our families. The parish comes together to enjoy a potluck supper followed by a worship service and activities for students. Babysitting is also available for the youngest members of the parish.
Each August, the Our Lady of Lourdes' refreshment booth is a popular spot at the Cochranton Community Fair. Featuring fair goers' favorites such as French fries, funnel cakes and ox roast sandwiches the booth is always a successful fund-raiser for the church. While at the Cochranton Fair be sure to check out the Men's Club Muffin Pan game as well.
Annual Frenchtown Ham or Chicken Dinner
The Annual Frenchtown Ham or Chicken Dinner held the last Sunday in July is the main fund-raiser for both St. Hippolyte and Our Lady of Lourdes Churches. To learn how this dinner came into being more than 100 years ago go to the Saint Hippolyte Church page.