“The parish is the presence of the Church in a given territory, an environment for hearing God’s word, for growth in the Christian life, for dialogue, proclamation, charitable outreach, worship and celebration… It is a community of communities, a sanctuary where the thirsty come to drink in the midst of their journey, and a centre of constant missionary outreach.”
– Pope Francis
A very warm welcome to the website of Saint Mary of the Assumption!
Our parish, founded in 1820, is made up of members that have roots going back many generations and others who have just recently moved to the Lancaster area. We have large families, single men and women, the young and the not so young who make up our parish community. Our parish established a primary school in 1847 and high school in 1891 – both have carried out the ministry of Catholic Education without interruption for the greater Lancaster area.
It is my hope that you consider making our parish your spiritual home if you’ve just moved to the area; are looking to return to the practice of the faith after some time away; or if you’re not Catholic but considering learning about Catholicism and discerning becoming Catholic through the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) process.
In closing, know I am at your service as the parish pastor if I can be a assistance to you in becoming a parishioner and involved in our parish community.
How can we welcome and support you in the Christian life?
New to Lancaster?
We welcome those who are new to the Lancaster area to our parish church! Please stop by the parish office or call 740.653.0997 during office hours (M-F 8 am – 4.30 pm) to register in the parish. After becoming a registered family, you’ll receive a welcome packet in the postal mail, and a call from someone on our welcoming committee to help you feel at home in our parish community.
Thinking of becoming Catholic?
Or returning to the practice of the faith?
Whether you’re a Catholic who has been away from the practice of the faith or a man or woman curious about Catholicism, we welcome you to worship with us at holy Mass and encourage you to reach out to our Director of Religious Education to help accompany you on your journey to return to the practice of the faith or to discern becoming Catholic through the R.C.I.A. process.