About Our Lady of Lourdes · New Holland, Pennsylvania
Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church is a parish of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Harrisburg located at 150 Water Street in New Holland, Pennsylvania, in the eastern edge of Lancaster County. The parish's roots stretch back to Jesuit missionaries of the 18th century, and the modern community grew out of a Redemptorist mission that began celebrating Mass in New Holland in the early 20th century. Today the parish family worships at a church completed in 1972 and is led by Fr. Steven W. Fauser, pastor, with a pastoral staff supporting religious education, music, liturgy, youth ministry, and outreach. Our Lady of Lourdes describes itself as a Christ-centered family empowered by the Holy Spirit, devoted to Word, Sacrament, social justice, and respect for life.
- Established
- 1977
- Patron
- Our Lady of Lourdes
- Rector
- Rev. Steven W. Fauser
- Diocese
- Roman Catholic Diocese of Harrisburg
Why belong here
Our Lady of Lourdes is a Christ-centered parish family that warmly welcomes newcomers and invites them into 'a believing, worshiping, loving, and serving community.' Worship is offered at a convenient Saturday Vigil and Sunday schedule, with weekday Masses Monday through Friday and Eucharistic Adoration on the first Thursday of the month. The parish nourishes every age — Children's Liturgy of the Word, Religious Education for K–8, the One Voice Youth Ministry for grades 7–12, OCIA for adults, Adult Education studies, and a Catechesis of the Good Shepherd program for the youngest — and reaches out through St. Vincent de Paul, the Angel Tree, the New Holland Food Bank, and a Coffee & Donuts hospitality ministry after Religious Ed Sundays.
Mass times at Our Lady of Lourdes
Weekly Mass schedule
Confession times
- Saturday 4:00 PM – 4:45 PM (or by appointment)
Adoration times
- First Thursday of the month, 9:30 AM – 12:00 PM (per Diocese of Harrisburg parish page)
Parish History
Catholic life in New Holland traces to Jesuit missionaries (1742–1808), then to a Redemptorist mission from Ephrata in the early 20th century. After Masses in rented halls and chapels, a 90-seat chapel was dedicated to Our Lady of Lourdes on April 20, 1941. The present church was completed September 2, 1972, on 8 acres selected by Bishop Daley, and the parish became independent on January 5, 1977.
- 1742–1808: Jesuit missionaries visit New Holland as a mission station.
- 1916: Redemptorist priest first travels by horse and buggy to New Holland.
- 1919 (May 20): Fr. William White rents the former Town Council Chamber on Main Street for $7/month; Masses begin July 1919 on the 2nd and 4th Sundays at 10 AM.
- 1920: Fr. Lawrence Jung, C.Ss.R., assigned; chapel moved to the 3rd floor (former Legion Hall), dedicated to St. Therese, the Little Flower.
- 1940 (July 16): Ground broken for a 90-seat chapel at Custer and Conestoga Streets, designed by Reading architect Cleveland Freeman, on land donated by the Lewis Storb family.
- 1940 (Christmas Day): First Mass celebrated in the new chapel.
- 1941 (April 20): Chapel dedicated to Our Lady of Lourdes by Bishop George L. Leech of the Diocese of Harrisburg.
- 1970: Fr. Krimm and Building Committee meet with Bishop Daley; he selects the 8-acre site.
- 1971: Construction begins on the present church.
- 1972 (September 2): Present church completed; about 800 souls registered.
- 1975–1978: Fr. Bober serves as pastor.
- 1977 (January 5): Bishop Daley decrees Our Lady of Lourdes an independent parish.
- 1978–1987: Fr. John Travers reduces parish debt; Fr. John Creaven serves as assistant; parish grows to 460 families / 1,350 souls.
- 1987–1999: Fr. Pat leads; ministries multiply; sanctuary painted with new stained glass, etched windows and murals; planning begins for a larger social hall.
- 1999: Redemptorists end their staffing of the parish.
- 1999–2012: Fr. John Schmalhofer becomes first Diocesan pastor; Parish Center built and dedicated by Bishop Joseph P. McFadden on September 26, 2010.
- 2014–2019: Fr. Walter installs Deacon Dan Waloski (parish's first permanent deacon); institutes Eucharistic Adoration and Prayer of St. Michael; pays off 20-year Parish Center loan in under 8 years.
- 2019–Present: Fr. Steven W. Fauser becomes pastor; parking lot, grounds and rectory repaired; COVID Mass in Parish Center March 2020–May 2021; Annual Parish Picnic revived September 2021; Prayer Tree instituted in Narthex; church roof and organ replaced in 2022.
Patroness: Our Lady of Lourdes & St. Bernadette
The parish carries the title of Our Lady of Lourdes, in honor of the Blessed Virgin Mary's apparitions to St. Bernadette Soubirous in Lourdes, France, beginning February 11, 1858. The parish website features a dedicated 'Story of St. Bernadette' page that recounts her 18 visions at the Grotto of Massabielle, the spring that flowed when she dug at the Lady's command, and the Lady's declaration on March 25, 1858: 'I am the Immaculate Conception.'
- St. Bernadette came from a very poor family in France and was the oldest of nine children.
- Our Lady appeared to Bernadette, age 14, beginning February 11, 1858.
- On February 24, Bernadette received the message 'Penance, penance, penance…'
- The Lady eventually identified herself as 'the Immaculate Conception' — a dogma Pope Pius IX had defined four years earlier.
- Bernadette later joined the Sisters of Charity; she died of tuberculosis at age 35.
- Her body was found incorrupt when exhumed for her sainthood investigation.
- She was canonized by Pope Pius XI on December 8, 1933, the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception.
- Parish closing prayer from the page: 'O Mary conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to thee!'
Clergy & Parish Staff
The parish is pastored by Fr. Steven W. Fauser and supported by an Office Administrator, Religious Education Coordinator, Music Director, Custodian, and Bulletin Coordinator. Deacon Dan Waloski, installed under Fr. Walter, is the parish's first permanent deacon.
- Pastor: Fr. Steven Fauser ([email protected])
- Office Administrator: Colleen Rooney ([email protected])
- Religious Education Coordinator: Laura Schmalhofer Moore ([email protected])
- Parish Organist & Music Director: Diana Cutrona ([email protected])
- Custodian & Maintenance Coordinator: Jim Futer ([email protected])
- Bulletin Coordinator: Dianne Carson ([email protected])
- Permanent Deacon: Deacon Dan Waloski (installed during Fr. Walter's pastorate)
Parish Ministries
Our Lady of Lourdes organizes parish life around Liturgy, Education, and Outreach groupings, giving members of every age and stage a way to participate.
- Liturgy: Altar Servers, Lectors, Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion, Ushers, Decorating Committee, Linen Ministry, Music Ministry
- Education: Religious Education (Grades K–8), Catechesis of the Good Shepherd (Grades K–1 and 3–4), One Voice Youth Ministry (Grades 7–12), Adult Education Studies, OCIA
- Outreach: St. Vincent de Paul Ministry (3rd Monday after 9:00 AM Mass), Angel Tree, New Holland Food Bank, Coffee & Donuts (Sunday mornings during Religious Ed class)
- Schools supported: OMPH Pre K–8 and LCHS Grades 9–12
Faith Formation & Religious Education
Faith formation is offered across the lifespan: Children's Liturgy of the Word on Sundays at 9:00 AM (September–May) for the youngest, formal Religious Education Grades K–8, One Voice Youth Ministry for Grades 7–12, and OCIA for adults seeking initiation into the Catholic Church. Catechesis of the Good Shepherd is offered for Grades K–1 and 3–4.
- Children's Liturgy of the Word: Sundays at 9:00 AM, September through May
- Religious Education: Grades K–8
- Catechesis of the Good Shepherd: Grades K–1 and 3–4
- One Voice Youth Ministry: Grades 7–12
- OCIA: Order of Christian Initiation of Adults
- Adult Education Studies
Sacraments
The parish website has a dedicated Sacrament Information section with preparation guidance for each sacrament, including Baptism, Eucharist, Confirmation, Reconciliation, Anointing of the Sick, Matrimony, and Holy Orders / Vocations, plus OCIA.
- Baptism: celebrated privately, typically Saturday afternoons; Baptism Preparation class required at least two weeks prior; birth certificate required.
- Eucharist: youth enrolled in Catholic school or Religious Ed; adults via RCIA/OCIA.
- Confirmation, Reconciliation, Anointing of the Sick, Matrimony, Holy Orders: preparation information on parish website.
- Funerals: meeting with the celebrating priest required; suggested stipends Organist $125, Cantor $100, Priest $175; luncheons may be held in the Parish Center or Social Hall.
Outreach & Charity
Outreach ministries put the parish's faith into action locally — through the St. Vincent de Paul Society, the Angel Tree gift program at Christmas, and ongoing support of the New Holland Food Bank.
- St. Vincent de Paul Ministry: meets 3rd Monday after 9:00 AM Mass
- Angel Tree: parish Christmas gift-giving ministry
- New Holland Food Bank: ongoing food-assistance partnership
- Coffee & Donuts: parish hospitality on Sunday mornings during Religious Ed class
Music & Liturgy
The Music Ministry is led by Parish Organist & Music Director Diana Cutrona, supported by cantors who assist at Masses and funerals. The parish organ itself was replaced in 2022.
- Music Director / Organist: Diana Cutrona
- Cantor suggested stipend for funerals: $100
- Organist suggested stipend for funerals: $125
- Church organ replaced in 2022 under Fr. Fauser
Facilities, Events & Fundraising
The parish campus includes the church, a Parish Center (dedicated 2010), a Social Hall, restrooms, and parking. Current parish events have included a Garden Tour and ticket sales supporting a 'Parking Lot Campaign' for repairs to the lot.
- Parish Center dedicated by Bishop Joseph P. McFadden on September 26, 2010
- Annual Parish Picnic revived September 2021
- 14th Annual Parish Retreat referenced on website (2026 registration PDF)
- Local Garden Tour – June 27 (ticket fundraiser for Parking Lot Campaign)
- Coffee & Donuts after Religious Ed Sundays
- Prayer Tree in the Narthex (instituted 2021)
- Accessibility: Church, Parking, Restrooms, Social Hall
Visit, Contact & Parish Office
Parishioners and visitors can reach the parish office by phone during office hours (Monday–Thursday, 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM) or by email through staff members listed on the Contact page. The mailing address is 150 Water Street, New Holland, PA 17557.
- Address: 150 Water Street, New Holland, PA 17557
- Parish Office Phone: 717-354-4686
- Office Hours: Monday–Thursday, 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
- Pastor email: [email protected]
- Office Administrator email: [email protected]
- Religious Education Coordinator email: [email protected]
Pastors & rectors through the years
- Fr. Lawrence Jung, C.Ss.R.1920–1945
Oversaw the New Holland Mission; chapel moved to the 3rd floor of the Legion Hall and dedicated to St. Therese, the Little Flower.
- Fr. Bober1975–1978
Pastor during the years surrounding the parish's transition from mission to independent parish (1977).
- Fr. John Travers1978–1987
Worked to relieve parish debt; improved office operations and rectory; Fr. John Creaven served as assistant; grew to 460 families / 1,350 souls.
- Fr. Pat (last name not given on history page)1987–1999
Ministries multiplied and grew; mission statements defined; sanctuary painted with new stained glass, etched windows and murals; began plans for a larger social hall.
- Fr. John Schmalhofer1999–2012
First Diocesan priest assigned as pastor (Redemptorists had staffed parish until 1999). Oversaw Capital Campaign and construction of Parish Center, dedicated by Bishop Joseph P. McFadden on September 26, 2010.
- Fr. Walter2014–2019
Updated office computers and phone systems; improved sound system; installed Deacon Dan Waloski as parish's first permanent deacon; encouraged Eucharistic Adoration after daily Masses; instituted Prayer of St. Michael the Archangel at end of Mass; paid off 20-year Parish Center loan in under 8 years.
- Fr. Steven W. Fauser2019–Present
Repaired parking lot, grounds, rectory and Parish Center water heater; celebrated Mass in Parish Center during COVID (March 2020–May 2021); revived Annual Parish Picnic (Sept 2021); instituted Prayer Tree in Narthex; replaced church roof and organ in 2022.