Our Lady of Lourdes Church
Cochranton, PA
Events and Activities
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.
Religious Services
Liturgy Schedule:
- Saturday 5:00 pm (May-October)
- Sunday 8:30am
- Holy Day of Obligation Vigil 7:00pm
Sacrament of Penance:
- Saturdays at 4:00 pm (May-October)
- Other times by appointment.
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.
Religious Education
Coordinator of Religious Education: Joyce Tarr (814) 789-4266
Elementary and Adolescent Faith Formation:
Elementary and Adolescent Faith Formation:
Parish School of Religion:
Classes are held on Sunday mornings 9:30 am until 11:00 am, September through May.
A retreat is required for parents and students preparing for First Reconciliation or First Eucharist. Dates appear on the yearly PSR calendar.
The Confirmation Class meets twice a month.
Candidate and Sponsor meetings, service projects and a retreat are required for students preparing for the Sacrament of Confirmation.
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. Engaged couples must contact the pastor at least six months prior to the anticipated marriage date.
Sacramental Preparation:
Parents wishing to have a child baptized are required to attend a baptismal preparation class. Sessions are scheduled at local Catholic Churches throughout the year. Please contact the parish office for more information.
Parents of students preparing to receive the sacrament of Reconciliation, Eucharist or Confirmation are required to attend parent sacramental preparation sessions. The parent sessions and other important dates appear on the yearly PSR calendar.
Community and Service
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, Elizsabeth Ministry and the Ministry of Welcome.
Youth Group: B.U.F.F. (Building Up Faith Forever) 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.
The Parish Men's Club: Open to men from both churches, the Parish 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.
The Family Society of Our Lady of Lourdes: Open to both men and women, the Family Society plans and provides social activities for parishioners. The annual Strawberry Social in June is organized by the Family Society.
The Cochranton Community Fair
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 Community Fair be sure to check out the Parish Men's Club's 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.