About Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church · Daytona Beach, Florida
Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church is a welcoming Roman Catholic parish in Daytona Beach, Florida, belonging to the Diocese of Orlando and serving the east side of the Halifax River. The parish celebrates weekend Masses on Saturdays at 4 PM and Sundays at 8:30 and 10:30 AM, with ASL interpretation offered at the 10:30 AM Sunday Mass on the 1st and 3rd Sundays. Under the leadership of Fr. Philip Egitto and a lay Leadership Team, Our Lady of Lourdes describes itself as a diverse community where 'all means ALL' — a place committed to radical hospitality, lively liturgy, social-justice advocacy, and a wide range of ministries for children, youth, families, seniors, the LGBTQ+ community, the deaf and hard of hearing, veterans, and the Latino community. The parish also runs the related Lourdes Academy, an onsite Catholic school.
- Established
- 1953
- Patron
- Our Lady of Lourdes
- Rector
- Fr. Philip Egitto
- Diocese
- Diocese of Orlando
Why belong here
Our Lady of Lourdes is a parish that actively lives out its tagline 'where being yourself is enough,' with a deep commitment to radical hospitality and the belief that 'all means ALL' — explicitly welcoming people of every age, ability, orientation, race, gender, income level, and immigration or housing status. The parish offers lively liturgy with a praise band, monthly community Masses celebrating cultural diversity (Asian American, African American, Latino, and Children's), ASL interpretation, a Deaf and Hard of Hearing ministry, and a robust lineup of ministries for children, youth, young families, 20s/30s, 50s/60s/70s+, the LGBTQ+ community, veterans, the sick and homebound, and those experiencing grief, illness, or addiction. With small groups, Dinner Churches, Bible studies, retreats, a Helping Hands ministry, a Lourdes Pantry, Pathway Adolescent Prison Ministry, and a F.A.I.T.H. Justice Ministry, there are abundant ways to be formed in faith and serve neighbors in Daytona Beach.
Mass times at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church
Weekly Mass schedule
Confession times
- Saturday 2:45 PM
- After any daily Mass
- By appointment
Adoration times
- Wednesday 6:30 PM Holy Hour in the chapel (with Taizé-inspired prayer, music, silence, and Eucharistic Adoration)
- 6:00 PM intercessory prayer for an end to the death penalty precedes Holy Hour
Our Story & Catholic Identity in Daytona Beach
Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church was founded on December 8, 1953 — the Feast of the Immaculate Conception — and canonically established on March 24, 1954 by Archbishop Joseph Hurley of the Diocese of St. Augustine. Created from the area east of the Halifax River to relieve the overflowing St. Paul's parish, it was one of the new communities of faith that shaped mid-century Catholic life on Florida's east coast. In 1968 it became part of the newly created Diocese of Orlando under Bishop William Borders. Today the parish is a vibrant, diverse Roman Catholic community committed to radical hospitality and to the belief that 'all means ALL.'
- Founded December 8, 1953 (Feast of the Immaculate Conception)
- Canonically established March 24, 1954 by Archbishop Joseph Hurley
- Joined the new Diocese of Orlando in 1968
- First pastor: Fr. Michael Kelly, serving 1953–1957
- Part of the Diocese of Orlando today
Church Building & Dedication
The plan for the parish originally envisioned a church, school, rectory, and convent on what had once been a golf course. Until those facilities were built, Mass was first celebrated in the Daytona Plaza Hotel and then in the school 'cafetorium' once it was completed in 1956. The current church building was dedicated by Bishop Grady on the Feast of Our Lady of Lourdes, February 11, 1982, and has served the parish ever since.
- Original plan included church, school, rectory, and convent on a former golf course
- Early Masses held in the Daytona Plaza Hotel
- School cafetorium (completed 1956) served as the worship space for 25+ years
- Current church dedicated February 11, 1982 by Bishop Grady
Monthly Community Masses — Celebrating Diversity
Each Sunday the parish celebrates the cultural diversity of its community with specially themed Masses that incorporate music, readings, and traditions from different cultural communities within the parish.
- 1st Sunday — Children's Mass (readings and music led by children)
- 2nd Sunday — Asian American Mass (incorporating Filipino spirituality and hospitality)
- 3rd Sunday — Latino American Mass (celebrating Latino culture; second reading proclaimed in Spanish as part of the Latin American Outreach Ministry)
- African American Mass — celebrating the rich faith expressions of the African American community
Sacraments & Sacramental Preparation
Our Lady of Lourdes walks with parishioners through every sacrament of the Catholic Church. Baptisms for infants and children up to age 7 are celebrated at any weekend Mass except during Advent and Lent, with preparation beginning at least twelve weeks in advance. Older children (ages 7–16) prepare through the OCIA (Order of Christian Initiation of Adults) process and receive Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist together at the Easter Vigil. Marriages are preferably celebrated at weekend liturgy, with a pre-Cana process typically beginning a year before the desired date. Reconciliation is offered weekly (see above), and Anointing of the Sick is available by appointment.
- Infant Baptism (up to age 7) — contact Lisa Cacchione, 386.255.0433
- Children 7–16 — OCIA process, sacraments at the Easter Vigil
- First Communion & Confirmation preparation
- Marriage — pre-Cana begins ~1 year before desired date
- Anointing of the Sick — by appointment
Faith Formation & Grow in Faith
The parish describes faith formation as a lifelong journey walked together. Opportunities include small groups, faith formation classes, Bible studies, book clubs, and spiritual retreats. Whether parishioners are new to the Catholic Church, returning, or simply ready to explore the richness of the sacraments, the parish offers multiple on-ramps.
- Starting Point — introductory community
- My Catholic Life — unpacking Catholic teaching in accessible ways
- OCIA (Order of Christian Initiation of Adults)
- Book Club
- Parish retreats (e.g. Marywood Retreat Center weekends)
- Lectio Divina and other prayer opportunities
Children, Youth & Family Ministries
Children and youth have dedicated spaces and programs throughout the week, with a particular emphasis on engaging young hearts and helping families grow together in faith.
- Children's Liturgy of the Word (K–3rd grade) during Sunday Mass
- KidZone during the 10:30 AM Sunday Mass
- Our Lady of Lourdes Kids — engaging lessons, fun activities, and caring leaders
- Our Lady of Lourdes Youth — middle and high school, 2nd & 4th Sundays after 10:30 Mass
- Young Families Ministry
- Children's Mass (1st Sunday of the month)
Parish Ministries & Outreach
Ministries are described as 'the heartbeat' of the parish. There are dozens of ways to serve, from welcoming at the door to feeding the hungry, advocating for justice, and walking with those in need.
- First Impressions Welcome Ministry
- Helping Hands Ministry
- Lourdes Pantry (food and essentials)
- Community Breakfast
- Breaking Bread Ministry
- F.A.I.T.H. Justice Ministry
- Pathway Adolescent Prison Ministry
- LGBTQ+ Outreach Ministry
- Latino Outreach Ministry
- Deaf and Hard of Hearing Ministry (with ASL interpretation)
- Veterans' Outreach Ministry
- Ministry to the Sick & Homebound
- Care & Support Ministry (grief, illness, addiction)
- Mary Ministry
- Plant & Gardening Ministry
Life-Stage & Connection Groups
The parish hosts age- and stage-specific connection groups to help parishioners form real friendships and grow together.
- 20s/30s Ministry
- 50-ish Connection
- 60-ish Connection
- 70-ish Connection
- Young Families Ministry
Worship, Music & Liturgy
Liturgy at Our Lady of Lourdes is described as lively, with music central to the experience. A Praise Band leads worship each week, and the parish also has a Handbell Choir. The Worship & Liturgy team is led by Rachel Powell (Director of Worship & Liturgy) and Seth Lee (Assistant Director of Worship).
- Praise Band leading weekly worship
- Handbell Choir
- Director of Worship & Liturgy: Rachel Powell
- Assistant Director of Worship: Seth Lee
- Live-streamed Saturday Mass and online homily library
Dinner Church
Dinner Church is a signature ministry of Our Lady of Lourdes — a unique gathering where parishioners and neighbors share a meal, reflect on the Gospel, and build meaningful relationships around the table. Dinner Churches are intentionally neighborhood-based to encourage real-life connections beyond Sunday morning. They are open to everyone — of every age, race, stage of life, and stage of faith (or no faith).
- Locally based for deeper neighborhood relationships
- Shared meals plus Gospel reflection
- Welcomes co-workers, neighbors, baristas, classmates, friends
- Contact Mary Lewis to join or host
- Tagline: 'Because life is better together'
Leadership & Staff
Our Lady of Lourdes is pastored by Fr. Philip Egitto and supported by a lay Leadership Team of 'everyday people who love following Jesus and helping others follow him.' Lisa Cacchione serves as Fr. Phil's Administrative Assistant.
- Fr. Philip Egitto — Pastor
- Lisa Cacchione — Fr. Phil's Administrative Assistant / Pastor's Assistant
- Dominick Altomare — (leadership team)
- Rebecca Isaacs — Parish office manager ('Parish office overlord')
- Linda Thale — Office staff
- Rachel Powell — Director of Worship & Liturgy
- Seth Lee — Assistant Director of Worship
- Hillary Walker — Intergenerational Ministry & Videographer
Lourdes Academy (Parish School)
Our Lady of Lourdes is home to Lourdes Academy, the parish's on-site Catholic school, which shares the 201 University Blvd campus. The school continues the educational mission begun by the parish's founders and the Sisters of Mercy, who originally staffed the school from its opening.
- On-site Catholic school at 201 University Blvd
- Originally staffed by the Sisters of Mercy
- School 'cafetorium' (completed 1956) once served as the parish church
- Corporate website: www.lourdesacademydaytona.org
Giving & Supporting the Parish
Parishioners can support Our Lady of Lourdes in several ways: in-person with cash or check and a giving envelope at Mass; by mail to 201 University Blvd, Daytona Beach, FL 32118; online through WeShare (ourladyoflourdesdaytona.weshareonline.org); or via Zelle to [email protected]. Gifts support liturgy (live and online), ministries, and local outreach partners including First Step Shelter, Family Renew, the Lourdes Pantry, Helping Hands, and the Community Breakfast. Questions about giving can be directed to Lisa Cacchione at (386) 255-0433.
- In-person: cash or check in giving envelope
- Mail: 201 University Blvd, Daytona Beach, FL 32118
- Online: WeShare (ourladyoflourdesdaytona.weshareonline.org)
- Zelle: [email protected]
- Supports First Step Shelter, Family Renew, Lourdes Pantry, Helping Hands, Community Breakfast
Visit, Connect & Stay in the Loop
Newcomers are warmly welcomed — there's no dress code, no insider language, and no prerequisites. The best way to get connected is simply to come to Mass. Visitors are invited to stop by the Connect Table in the breezeway before or after any Mass to find a ministry, Dinner Church, or life group that fits their life. Weekly email updates keep parishioners in the loop on parish events, and the parish is active on Facebook and Instagram.
- Connect Table in the breezeway before/after Mass
- Parish Café after Saturday and Sunday Masses
- Weekly parish email updates
- Facebook: /ourladyoflourdesdaytona
- Instagram: @lourdes_daytona
- Live-streamed Saturday Mass and recorded homilies on the website
Accessibility & Inclusion
Our Lady of Lourdes explicitly welcomes people of every age, ability, orientation, race, gender, and background — describing itself as a parish where 'all means ALL.' Accessibility in worship and community for the deaf and hard of hearing is provided through ASL interpretation at Mass and through the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Ministry.
- Explicit welcome to LGBTQ+ community, divorced, widowed, all income levels, all immigration and housing statuses
- ASL interpretation at the 10:30 AM Sunday Mass (1st & 3rd Sundays)
- Deaf and Hard of Hearing Ministry
Pastors & rectors through the years
- Fr. Michael Kelly1953–1957
Founding pastor of Our Lady of Lourdes, appointed when the parish was created from the east-of-Halifax area of St. Paul's.