About Immaculate Conception · Willoughby, Ohio
Immaculate Conception Catholic Church is a parish of the Diocese of Cleveland serving Willoughby, Ohio and the surrounding Lake and Geauga County communities. Established in 1865, it is one of the oldest Catholic parishes in the area, tracing its roots to the pioneer Catholic families who relied on Jesuit missionaries before getting a church of their own on Vine Street. Today the parish worships in a church dedicated in 1958 and offers daily and weekend Masses, a 24-hour Adoration Chapel opened in 1986, a Parish School of Religion (PSR), OCIA, a Tridentine Mass on Fridays, and a wide range of parish ministries serving youth, families, the homebound, and the broader community.
- Established
- 1865
- Patron
- The Blessed Virgin Mary, under the title of the Immaculate Conception
- Rector
- Reverend Alex Clark (Administrator, per the parish staff page)
- Diocese
- Diocese of Cleveland
Why belong here
Immaculate Conception is a welcoming parish where parishioners can worship at daily Mass, the Saturday Vigil, two Sunday Masses, and a Friday Tridentine Mass. It hosts a 24-hour Adoration Chapel open since 1986, faith formation through its Parish School of Religion (K–8), sacramental preparation for First Communion and Confirmation, Vacation Bible School, OCIA for adults, and prayer groups such as the Legion of Mary, the Blue Army Fatima Holy Hour, and men's and women's scripture groups. With a long history of Ursuline-sister-run Catholic education, a current Adoration chapel, and outreach through ministries like the Society of Mother Teresa and the Evangelization Committee, it offers many ways to belong and serve.
Mass times at Immaculate Conception
Weekly Mass schedule
Confession times
- Saturday: 3:00 pm – 4:00 pm (in the church 'Cry Room')
- Thursday before First Friday, after the 7:30 am Mass
- First Friday: 5:30 pm – 6:30 pm
- Anytime by appointment (call the parish office)
Adoration times
- Blessed Sacrament Adoration Chapel open 24 hours (since 1986), accessible 6:00 am – 11:00 pm for entry; spend an hour with our Lord.
Parish History
Immaculate Conception traces its origins to 1850, when Father Peter Peudeprat of St. Mary Parish in Painesville was charged with caring for the Willoughby Catholic mission. After Father Charles M. Coquerelle, Father Anthony M. Martin of St. Paul Parish in Euclid oversaw construction of a small church on Vine Street, and on January 1, 1870 the community celebrated its first Mass there. The parish grew significantly in the 1920s under Father William S. Nash, who brought the Ursuline Sisters and opened the school; Bishop Joseph Schrembs dedicated the new church on November 30, 1923. A second major building program under Father M. Willard McMahon produced the present church, dedicated by Archbishop Edward F. Hoban on December 7, 1958 and completed interior-wise in 1965. Father Francis D. Curran opened the Blessed Sacrament Chapel in February 1986, and on March 28, 2004 Archbishop Roger Gries formally installed Father Michael T. Troha as pastor.
- First Mass in original church: January 1, 1870
- 1923 — Bishop Joseph Schrembs dedicates the second church
- 1958 — Present church dedicated by Archbishop Hoban
- 1986 — Blessed Sacrament Chapel opens
- 2004 — Father Michael T. Troha installed as pastor
Mass & Worship Schedule
The parish celebrates the Vigil Mass on Saturday at 4:30 pm and two Sunday Masses at 8:30 am and 11:00 am. Weekday Mass is offered Monday through Friday at 7:30 am, with an additional Friday evening Mass. The parish also offers a Friday 7:00 pm Tridentine Mass in Latin, in addition to its English Mass schedule. First Friday Masses are celebrated at 7:00 pm. Holy Day Vigil Mass is at 7:00 pm, with Holy Day Masses at 7:30 am, 12:00 pm, and 7:00 pm.
- Saturday Vigil: 4:30 pm
- Sunday: 8:30 am, 11:00 am
- Mon–Fri: 7:30 am
- Friday 7:00 pm — Tridentine (Latin) Mass
- First Friday Mass: 7:00 pm
- Holy Day Vigil: 7:00 pm; Holy Day: 7:30 am, 12:00 pm, 7:00 pm
Faith Formation — Parish School of Religion (PSR)
Immaculate Conception Parish School of Religion 'provides a quality Catholic faith formation program where the gospel message of Jesus Christ is lived, learned and shared in a safe learning environment.' Children come to know the love of God and the message of salvation through the One, Holy, Catholic and Apostolic Church. The mission: 'to know our faith, to live by truth and love, to serve the needs of others, and to teach by example.'
- Grades K–8 — Mondays 6:00–7:30 pm
- Contact: Sr. Josephine Rasoamampionona, O.S.S.T. — 440-942-4500
- Sacramental prep for First Penance, First Communion, Confirmation
- Open to PSR students, Mater Dei Academy students, and home-schoolers
Sacramental Preparation
Preparation is available for First Penance, First Communion, and Confirmation for children of Mater Dei Academy, PSR students, and home-schoolers. The parish also offers OCIA (Order of Christian Initiation of Adults) for unbaptized adults, non-Catholic Christians seeking full communion, and Catholic adults preparing for Eucharist or Confirmation. Volunteers are needed as catechists, liturgy dismissal facilitators, hospitality assistants, and sacramental sponsors.
- First Penance / First Communion / Confirmation
- OCIA (formerly RCIA) for adults
Vacation Bible School
VBS is a one-week summer program for elementary-school-aged children. Each year a theme is presented through interactive activities — Bible stories, songs, skits, arts and crafts, and team-building games. Junior-high, high-school, and adult volunteers are needed in advance for planning, registration, and decorating, and during VBS week itself.
- One-week summer program for elementary-age children
- Contact: Sr. Josephine Rasoamampionona — 440-942-4500
Spiritual Enrichment & Prayer Groups
A range of prayer groups meet on the parish campus. The Men's Scripture Group meets on the 2nd Wednesday of the month at 7:00 pm, while a Women's group meets Wednesday evenings in the Blessed Sacrament Chapel for prayer and the Rosary. The Legion of Mary holds regular meetings, and the Blue Army hosts a monthly Fatima Holy Hour (currently by phone). AVILAS is a group of parishioners who pray for an increase of vocations and for priests and religious. Faith-enrichment sessions are held periodically throughout the year on various themes.
- Men's Scripture Group — 2nd Wednesday, 7:00 pm
- Women's Prayer/Rosary — Wednesday evenings in Blessed Sacrament Chapel
- Legion of Mary
- Fatima Holy Hour / Blue Army (monthly, by phone)
- AVILAS — vocations prayer group
OCIA & Faith Enrichment
The Order of Christian Initiation of Adults is the means by which unbaptized persons enter the Church; non-Catholic Christians enter into full communion; and Catholic adults prepare for the Sacraments of Eucharist or Confirmation. Faith-enrichment sessions are also offered periodically on various themes; volunteers help with hospitality and set-up.
- OCIA catechumenal process for adults
- Periodic faith-enrichment sessions
Outreach & Evangelization
The Evangelization Committee reaches out to in-active Catholics to re-engage them with Christ and his Church. The parish also maintains a visitation ministry to those living in nursing homes, hospitals, and shut-ins in their homes, enriching volunteers' own lives by serving the spiritual needs of others. Auxiliary members volunteer to bring Communion and companionship. The Society of Mother Teresa (SMT) coordinates additional parish outreach, with Sandra L. Smith serving as SMT Coordinator.
- Evangelization Committee (contact: Lee Jarocki, 440-728-6640)
- Visitation to nursing homes, hospitals, and shut-ins
- Society of Mother Teresa (SMT) outreach ministry
Parish Staff & Directory
The parish is currently led by Administrator Rev. Alex Clark, with Rev. Joshua J. Cochrac also listed as Administrator. Rev. Dennis McNeil serves as Retired, in Residence, and Rev. Rosario Pushparaj, SSS serves as Parochial Vicar. Deacon Chuck Cairnie assists in ministry. Sister Josephine Rasoamampionona, O.S.S.T. is the Parish Catechetical Leader for Youth. Michael F. Kelley is Music Director (216-374-8961). Elayne R. Kramer is Business Manager. Paul Mrozek is Facilities Director and Maintenance Supervisor. Administrative Assistants include Kathy Doles, Debbie George, Tina Skorin, and Connie Theobald. Jack E. Poldruhi is the Accountant, Jack Petersen serves as Bulletin Editor and PR/Marketing Director, and Marietta Hrach is the Society of Mother Teresa Coordinator. Maintenance Staff include Don Glasier, Daniel Norman, James Sistrunk, Brandon Hozian, Nick Hozian, and Erik Mrozek. Ellen Sukalac serves as Rectory Chef.
- Administrator — Rev. Alex Clark
- Administrator — Rev. Joshua J. Cochrac
- Parochial Vicar — Rev. Rosario Pushparaj, SSS
- Retired in Residence — Rev. Dennis McNeil
- Deacon — Deacon Chuck Cairnie
- Parish Catechetical Leader — Sr. Josephine Rasoamampionona, O.S.S.T.
- Music Director — Michael F. Kelley
- Business Manager — Elayne R. Kramer
Music Ministry
The parish music ministry supports the weekend Masses, holy days, and the Friday Tridentine Mass. Director Michael F. Kelley can be reached at 216-374-8961 or via icmusicministry44094.
- Music Director: Michael F. Kelley
- Supports Saturday Vigil, Sunday Masses, Holy Days, Tridentine Mass
Parish Office & Contact
The parish office is located at 37940 Euclid Avenue, Willoughby, OH 44094 (the church itself is at 37932 Euclid Avenue). The office phone is (440) 942-4500 and fax is (440) 942-1540. Office hours are Monday–Thursday 9:00 am–8:00 pm and Friday 9:00 am–5:00 pm from January through May and September through December; during summer (June–August) hours are Monday–Friday 9:00 am–5:00 pm. The office is closed on weekends. New parishioners are invited to register by calling the parish office.
- Phone: (440) 942-4500
- Fax: (440) 942-1540
- Mailing address: 37940 Euclid Ave., Willoughby, OH 44094
- Church address: 37932 Euclid Ave., Willoughby, OH 44094
Sacraments at Immaculate Conception
The parish celebrates the Sacraments of Baptism (with required Pre-Baptism class), First Penance, First Communion, Confirmation, Matrimony, and Anointing of the Sick. Pastoral care also extends through visits to the homebound and those in nursing homes and hospitals. Families wishing to schedule a Baptism or arrange sacramental preparation should call the parish office.
- Baptism — Pre-Baptism Class required
- First Penance, First Communion, Confirmation
- Matrimony — contact parish office
- Anointing of the Sick / Visitation of the Sick
Pastors & rectors through the years
- Father Peter Peudepratfrom 1850
Pastor of St. Mary Parish in Painesville; charged with the care of the Willoughby mission.
- Father Charles M. Coquerelleuntil 1864
Continued to serve the Willoughby mission.
- Father Anthony M. Martin1864–c.1870
Pastor of St. Paul Parish in Euclid; oversaw purchase of two lots on Vine Street and construction of the first small church, dedicated January 1, 1870.
- Father J. A. Te Pas1883–1887
Of St. Mary Seminary in Cleveland; succeeded Father Martin as administrator of the mission.
- Father William Trumper, SJfrom September 1887
Jesuit priest who succeeded Father Te Pas.
- Father George [surname not given in source]from 1895
Listed in parish history timeline.
- Father William H. Moseley1922 (between 19__ and 1922)
Served as pastor in the years preceding the 1920s growth period.
- Father William S. Nash1920s–1934
Secured the Ursuline Sisters, opened the parish school; Bishop Schrembs dedicated the new church on November 30, 1923.
- Father Francis P. Brennan1934–June 1939
Succeeded Father Nash as pastor.
- Father W. Brendan McNamarapre-WWII–December 1951
Acquired a convent for the sisters and converted the Walsh family home into a rectory.
- Father M. Willard McMahonDecember 1951–
Completed the Father McNamara Memorial School Wing; built and dedicated the present church (December 7, 1958).
- Father Francis D. Curranfrom September 6, 1972
Oversaw further renovation and expansion; opened Blessed Sacrament Chapel in February 1986.
- Father Michael T. Trohainstalled March 28, 2004
Installed by Archbishop Roger Gries; previously Administrator of St. Rose of Lima Parish in Cleveland.