About Christ Our Hope · Lithonia, Georgia
Christ Our Hope Catholic Church is a Roman Rite parish in Lithonia, Georgia, established on June 21, 1984 as the first Catholic church in Lithonia. It belongs to the Northeast Metro Deanery of the Archdiocese of Atlanta and serves more than 300 families, with parishioners drawn primarily from countries of Africa and the Caribbean. The parish's name is drawn from the opening words of 1 Timothy 1:1, "Christ Jesus, Our Hope," and its mission is to live the spirit of Christ through daily walk toward holiness by sharing time, talent, and earnings with others, embracing its ethnic diversity and serving the wider community.
- Established
- 1984
- Rector
- Rev. Junot Nelvy
- Diocese
- Archdiocese of Atlanta
Why belong here
Christ Our Hope welcomes worshippers in both English and Spanish, with a Sunday Mass in Spanish each week and a dedicated Hispanic ministry led by Alonso and Elena Rodriguez. The parish offers a full sacramental life — daily and weekend Mass, weekday confessions, Eucharistic adoration, Anointing of the Sick, and an active OCIA (Order of Christian Initiation of Adults) program for those exploring the Catholic faith. Its ministries span generations: Religious Education for youth, Generation Hope Teen Ministry, a Prayer Group, St. Vincent de Paul Society outreach to those in need, and the Young at Heart seniors community — making it a vibrant, multicultural parish grounded in service and prayer.
Mass times at Christ Our Hope
Weekly Mass schedule
Confession times
- Wednesdays 6:00–6:45 pm
- Saturdays 4:00–4:45 pm
Adoration times
- Holy Hour: Wednesdays at 6:00 pm
- First Friday Exposition: 9:00 am to 12:00 noon
Parish History & Identity
Christ Our Hope was established on June 21, 1984, becoming the first Catholic Church in Lithonia. Its name comes directly from 1 Timothy 1:1, 'Christ Jesus, Our Hope.' Today the parish community of more than 300 families is largely made up of immigrants and descendants from countries of Africa and the Caribbean, giving the parish a distinctively multicultural character.
- Established June 21, 1984
- First Catholic Church in Lithonia
- 300+ families
- Parish name drawn from 1 Timothy 1:1
Clergy, Staff & Parish Council
The parish is currently served by Father Junot Nelvy as pastor, alongside Deacons Jerry Lett and Orlando Pascal. Parish staff include Alonso and Elena Rodriguez (Hispanic Ministry, 470-737-0363, [email protected]), Brenda Chee Wah (OCIA, 770-482-1642), Dana Willis, Peter A. Daniels, and Cynthia Simien (Director of Religious Education, [email protected]). The Parish Council, which works alongside the pastor to guide the growth and vitality of the parish, is led by Karen Bradford (President), Tiffany Hinds (Vice President), Odette Charles (Secretary), Alfredo Paralta (Hispanic Community Rep), Jose Lopez Carrillo (Youth Rep), Chinyere Iromuanya (Member), and Benjamin F. Woode (Member).
- Pastor: Rev. Junot Nelvy
- Deacons: Rev. Mr. Jerry Lett, Rev. Mr. Orlando Pascal
- Hispanic Ministry: Alonso & Elena Rodriguez
- OCIA contact: Brenda Chee Wah
- Director of Religious Education: Cynthia Simien
Mass & Worship Schedule
Christ Our Hope offers a robust weekly Mass schedule in both English and Spanish. Weekend Masses include a Saturday Vigil at 5:00 pm and three Sunday Masses: 8:00 am and 11:00 am in English, and 1:00 pm in Spanish. Weekday Masses are celebrated Monday and Friday at 12:00 noon, and Wednesday at 7:00 pm, with an additional First Friday Mass at 12:00 noon.
- Saturday Vigil: 5:00 pm
- Sunday: 8:00 am & 11:00 am (English); 1:00 pm (Spanish)
- Monday & Friday: 12:00 noon
- Wednesday: 7:00 pm
- First Friday: 12:00 noon
Devotions & Prayer Groups
Beyond Mass and Adoration, the parish maintains an active devotional life. The Rosary is prayed Sundays at 10:15 am, a Hispanic Prayer Group meets Thursdays at 6:30 pm, and the Alliance of the Two Hearts Vigil is held on the first Friday of each month from 8:00 pm to 1:00 am. Anointing of the Sick is offered every First Saturday after the 5:00 pm Vigil Mass.
- Rosary: Sundays 10:15 am
- Hispanic Prayer Group: Thursdays 6:30 pm
- Alliance of the Two Hearts Vigil: 1st Fridays, 8 pm – 1 am
- Anointing of the Sick: 1st Saturdays after 5 pm Vigil Mass
Religious Education & OCIA
The Religious Education Program seeks to lead all parishioners toward a more intimate union with Jesus Christ and provides formal instruction for youth ages 6 to 17. Classes run each year from September through May, meeting Sundays from 9:15 to 10:15 am, staffed by dedicated catechists. Students in the appropriate grade may receive First Holy Communion and Confirmation after meeting program requirements. Adults seeking initiation into the Catholic Church, or who have questions about Catholic beliefs, are invited to the Order of Christian Initiation of Adults (OCIA), a weekly one-year journey from September to Easter held Saturday mornings at 9:30 am in the Sr. Thea Bowman Parish Hall.
- Religious Education for ages 6–17, Sundays 9:15–10:15 am
- OCIA: Saturday mornings, 9:30 am, Sr. Thea Bowman Parish Hall
- First Communion and Confirmation preparation for youth
- OCIA contact: Brenda Chee Wah, 770-482-1642
Ministries & Outreach
Christ Our Hope's ministries span generations and needs. Generation Hope Teen Ministry provides an atmosphere where teens share, apply, and strengthen their faith through group discussions, service projects, concerts, and conferences. The Prayer Group gathers Wednesdays after the 7 pm Mass in the church to pray, share the journey of faith, and discuss Catholic teaching. The St. Vincent de Paul Society offers food, financial assistance, and home visits to those in need, with particular care for senior parishioners. Young at Heart ministers to the senior members of the parish community.
- Generation Hope Teen Ministry
- Prayer Group (Wednesdays after 7 pm Mass)
- St. Vincent de Paul Society
- Young at Heart (seniors ministry)
Hispanic Ministry
The parish's Hispanic Ministry, led by Alonso and Elena Rodriguez, supports the Spanish-speaking community with a weekly Sunday Mass in Spanish at 1:00 pm, Spanish Baptism classes, and a Thursday evening Hispanic Prayer Group at 6:30 pm. Spanish Baptisms are held on the third Saturday of each month, with classes scheduled by appointment through Elena Rodriguez at 470-737-0363.
- Spanish Mass: Sundays 1:00 pm
- Hispanic Prayer Group: Thursdays 6:30 pm
- Spanish Baptisms: 3rd Saturday of each month
- Contacts: Alonso & Elena Rodriguez, [email protected]
Sacraments
The parish celebrates all the major sacraments. English Baptisms are held on the second Saturday of each month and Spanish Baptisms on the third Saturday. Confirmation is received in 10th grade in the Archdiocese of Atlanta, with adult Confirmation available through OCIA. First Holy Communion is prepared through the Religious Education program for children or OCIA for adults. Reconciliation is offered weekly, and Anointing of the Sick is celebrated every First Saturday after the 5 pm Vigil Mass.
- Baptism (English: 2nd Saturday; Spanish: 3rd Saturday)
- First Holy Communion
- Confirmation (10th grade or via OCIA for adults)
- Reconciliation (Wed & Sat)
- Anointing of the Sick (1st Saturdays)
Visit, Contact & Office Hours
Christ Our Hope Catholic Church is located at 1786 Wellborn Road, Lithonia, GA 30058, in DeKalb County, in the Northeast Metro Deanery of the Archdiocese of Atlanta. The parish office can be reached at 770-482-5017 or by email at [email protected], and is open Monday through Friday from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm. Visitors and those interested in joining are warmly welcomed.
- Address: 1786 Wellborn Road, Lithonia, GA 30058
- Phone: 770-482-5017
- Email: [email protected]
- Office Hours: Monday–Friday, 10:00 am – 3:00 pm
Pastors & rectors through the years
- Father John-Paul Ezeonyido2012–2020
Nigerian-born priest of the Archdiocese of Atlanta; appointed pastor in June 2013; died December 25, 2020 after a long illness.