About Our Lady of Lourdes · Washington, Missouri
Our Lady of Lourdes is a Roman Catholic parish in Washington, Missouri, part of the Archdiocese of St. Louis. Founded in 1958 by Msgr. George J. Kurtz, it was carved from the eastern territory of St. Francis Borgia Parish and built its permanent church in 2004 after more than four decades in a temporary worship space. The parish operates its own Catholic school (Our Lady of Lourdes School at 950 Madison Avenue), a Parish School of Religion (PSR), a vibrant RCIA program, a 24-hour Eucharistic Adoration Chapel, and a long list of lay ministries. Today it is served by a pastor, an associate pastor, and three permanent deacons, drawing families from across the Washington community along the Missouri River.
- Established
- 1958
- Patron
- Our Lady of Lourdes
- Rector
- Fr. Nicklaus Winker
- Diocese
- Archdiocese of St. Louis
Why belong here
Our Lady of Lourdes is a family-oriented Catholic parish where members can grow in faith through daily Mass, a 24-hour Eucharistic Adoration Chapel, and a deep bench of lay ministries — from Knights of Columbus and Bell Choir to the Corporal Care Team and Martha's Helpers. Families with children benefit from the parish-run Our Lady of Lourdes School on Madison Avenue and a Parish School of Religion (PSR), while adults can deepen their faith through RCIA, Adult Faith Formation, and Children's Liturgy of the Word volunteering. As pastor Fr. Nick Winker writes, the parish strives to be good stewards of what God has blessed them with and invites newcomers to share their time, talent and treasure.
Mass times at Our Lady of Lourdes
Weekly Mass schedule
Confession times
- Saturday 4:00 pm – 4:45 pm
- Wednesday 5:30 pm – 6:30 pm (or by appointment)
- Friday 7:30 am – 7:55 am (or by appointment)
- Other times by appointment — call the rectory at 636-239-3520
Adoration times
- Eucharistic Adoration Chapel is accessible 24 hours a day, 7 days a week with Eucharistic Presence (call rectory for entry code: 636-239-3520)
- Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament: Monday after 8 am Mass until Tuesday before 8 am Mass
- Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament: Wednesday after 8 am Mass until 6:00 pm
- Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament: Thursday after 8 am Mass until 8:00 pm
About Our Lady of Lourdes Parish
Our Lady of Lourdes is a Roman Catholic parish of the Archdiocese of St. Louis located at 1014 Madison Avenue in Washington, Missouri. As pastor Fr. Nick Winker describes it, the parish is "very active with many organizations, ministries and activities to serve the needs of every person" and seeks to help members grow closer to one another and to Christ while being good stewards of what God has given them.
- Parish Mission: to create a faith community for all members to grow in their relationship with God and each other so they can proclaim the Good News of Christ's Message.
- Welcome message from Pastor Fr. Nick Winker ([email protected])
- Office hours: 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., Monday–Friday
Parish History
Established April 10, 1958 by Msgr. George J. Kurtz from the eastern portion of St. Francis Borgia Parish, Our Lady of Lourdes celebrated its first Mass at Washington High School Auditorium on June 1, 1958. A combined church and elementary school were completed and dedicated by Archbishop Joseph E. Ritter in 1959. After more than four decades in a temporary worship space, the parish built a permanent church — groundbreaking was led by Auxiliary Bishop Timothy Dolan on June 9, 2002 and the building was dedicated by Archbishop Raymond L. Burke on October 24, 2004. Archbishop Burke returned April 6, 2008 for the parish's 50th anniversary Mass.
- 1958 — Parish founded April 10; first Mass June 1 at Washington High School Auditorium; groundbreaking June 22; cornerstone laid November 23.
- 1959 — First Mass in new building May 31; church and school dedicated by Archbishop Ritter June 7; school opens September.
- 1967 — Four additional classrooms added.
- 1986 — Six more classrooms and large multipurpose building added.
- 2000 — Pastor Fr. Robert L. Heimos requests permission for new church.
- 2002 — Bishop Timothy Dolan leads groundbreaking for permanent church.
- 2004 — Archbishop Raymond L. Burke dedicates new church October 24.
- 2008 — Golden Anniversary Mass with Archbishop Burke on April 6.
Clergy & Parish Staff
The parish is led by Pastor Fr. Nicklaus Winker, assisted by Associate Pastor Fr. Ryan Truss and three permanent deacons. A staff of lay employees runs the office, religious education, school, and maintenance.
- Fr. Nicklaus Winker — Pastor ([email protected], ext. 103)
- Fr. Ryan Truss — Associate Pastor ([email protected], ext. 106)
- Deacon Don Elbert ([email protected])
- Deacon Richard Boland ([email protected])
- Deacon Tim Reis ([email protected], 314-620-9934)
- Mrs. Katelyn Dreher — Director of Religious Education ([email protected], 636-900-7611)
- Mrs. Michelle Bucher — Bookkeeper
- Ms. Christina Meyer — Office Manager
- Mrs. Michelle Boland — Secretary / Bulletin
- Mr. Bill Rombach — Maintenance Director
- Mrs. Ann Joyce — School Principal ([email protected], 636-239-5292)
- Mrs. Tammy Dietrich — School Secretary ([email protected], 636-239-5292)
Faith Formation & Religious Education
The parish runs a full Christian Formation program for children and adults, anchored by the Parish School of Religion (PSR) and the RCIA process. Children's Liturgy of the Word brings the Sunday readings to life for younger parishioners, and the parish also participates in the Archdiocese's Prevent and Protect / Protecting God's Children program.
- Adult Faith Formation
- Parish School of Religion (PSR)
- Rites of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA)
- Children's Liturgy of the Word
- Prevent and Protect / Protecting God's Children
- Director of Religious Education: Mrs. Katelyn Dreher
Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic School
The parish has operated its own elementary school since 1959. Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic School sits at 950 Madison Avenue, just steps from the church, and is led by Principal Mrs. Ann Joyce. Rooted in the motto "Faith | Education | Service," the school welcomes new families and offers personal tours on request.
- Address: 950 Madison Avenue, Washington, MO 63090
- Phone: 636-239-5292
- Principal: Mrs. Ann Joyce ([email protected])
- Secretary: Mrs. Tammy Dietrich ([email protected])
- Support organizations: School Board, Athletic Association, Home & School Association
- Admissions & Family Portal via FACTS SIS
Ministries & Organizations
Parishioners can get involved in a wide range of liturgical, service, and fellowship ministries. The parish maintains a web-based ministry scheduling system so volunteers can see and manage their service times.
- Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion
- Bell Choir
- Church Decorating
- Church Cleaners (Martha's Helpers)
- Children's Liturgy of the Word
- Knights of Columbus
- High School Youth Ministry
- Corporal Care Team
- Finance Council
Sacraments
The parish prepares members for and celebrates all seven Catholic sacraments. Baptisms are normally scheduled on Sundays at 11:15 am; couples should contact the priests at least six months before a wedding; and adults seeking full initiation are welcomed through RCIA.
- Baptism: Sundays at 11:15 am (no baptisms on the 2nd Sunday of the month); baptism class required for first child
- First Reconciliation and First Eucharist: through PSR
- Confirmation: through PSR / parish youth ministry
- Marriage: contact Fr. Winker or Fr. Truss at least six months in advance
- Anointing of the Sick: call the rectory (636-239-3520) in emergencies
- RCIA: for unbaptized adults and those completing initiation
Visit, Contact & Get Involved
Visitors are warmly welcomed. The rectory office is staffed Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., at 1014 Madison Avenue. Fr. Winker invites anyone with questions to contact him personally at [email protected] or 636-239-3520, and to share their time, talent, and treasure with the parish family.
- Address: 1014 Madison Avenue, Washington, MO 63090
- Parish Phone: 636-239-3520 | Fax: 636-239-7682
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: http://www.ollwashmo.org/
- Facebook: facebook.com/ollwashmo
- Office Hours: Monday – Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Pastors & rectors through the years
- Msgr. George J. Kurtz1958–c.1989 (founding pastor for over 30 years)
Established the parish on April 10, 1958; celebrated first Mass June 1, 1958; oversaw original church-and-school construction and 1959 dedication.
- Fr. Robert L. Heimosearly 2000s
Wrote to Archbishop Rigali in March 2000 requesting a permanent church; oversaw construction and 2004 dedication by Archbishop Burke.
- Rev. James Byrnesat least 2008
Co-celebrated the Golden Anniversary Mass on April 6, 2008 with Archbishop Burke and Deacon Richard Boland.
- Fr. Nicklaus Winkercurrent
Current pastor; welcomes visitors and can be reached at [email protected] or 636-239-3520 ext. 103.