Our Lady of the Cove

History of Our Lady of the Cove

Our Lady of the Cove was established as a lakeshore mission church in 1960 by Bishop Charles Helmsing, the first bishop of what is now the Diocese of Springfield–Cape Girardeau. Fr. James McKenna celebrated the first Mass on November 26, 1961. The original mission sat on a cove of Table Rock Lake and could be reached by boat or by land, serving summer vacationers and a small year-round community. It was served alongside sister mission Our Lady of the Ozarks in Forsyth under the care of Our Lady of the Lake Parish in Branson. As the area grew, a larger church was needed; under Fr. John Brath, groundbreaking at the current 20 Kimberling Blvd. site took place on June 25, 1978, and Bishop Bernard Law subsequently elevated the mission to parish status.

• Founded 1960 by Bishop Charles Helmsing
• First Mass: November 26, 1961 (Fr. James McKenna)
• Original site on a cove of Table Rock Lake, reachable by boat or land
• Groundbreaking at present site: June 25, 1978 under Fr. John Brath
• Elevated to parish status by Bishop Bernard Law
• Sister mission: Our Lady of the Ozarks, Forsyth
• Originally under the care of Our Lady of the Lake Parish, Branson

Our Mission

The parish states its mission plainly: 'The mission of Our Lady of the Cove is to promote Christ-centered values through prayer, good works and good example. We strive to do God's will, as He taught us in the Gospel, by reaching out to our neighbors who are in spiritual and temporal need. We willingly share our time, our talent, and our material goods for the benefit of our parish and our community.' This Christ-centered, service-oriented vision shapes the parish's ministries, food pantry outreach, and parish-wide fundraising events.

Mass & Liturgical Schedule

Our Lady of the Cove offers weekend and weekday Masses in English. The parish also maintains a daily Eucharistic Adoration chapel and regular Saturday confession times, creating a strong rhythm of Eucharistic devotion for parishioners and visitors on Table Rock Lake.

• Saturday Vigil Mass: 5:00 PM
• Sunday Masses: 8:00 AM and 10:00 AM
• Weekday Masses: Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday at 9:00 AM
• First Friday Mass at 9:00 AM, dedicated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, followed by Benediction

Parish Staff & Clergy

Our Lady of the Cove is led by a pastor and supported by two parochial vicars, a parish administrative assistant, and a Parish School of Religion (PSR) director. The current leadership team is listed by the Diocese of Springfield–Cape Girardeau.

• Pastor: Rev. John F. Friedel
• Parochial Vicar: Rev. Dhaneesh Thomas, OSB
• Parochial Vicar: Rev. Johny Manickathan, VC
• Administrative Assistant: Briana James
• PSR Director: Mary Lippert

Ministries & Parish Life

Parish ministries and activities have grown to keep pace with the southern Stone County community. They combine spiritual formation, fellowship, and outreach — from RCIA and youth ministry to the Knights of Columbus and parish-wide fundraising events like garage sales.

• Knights of Columbus
• Parish Council of Catholic Women (PCCW)
• Youth Group
• Parish School of Religion (PSR)
• RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults)
• Parish Choir
• Knights of Columbus monthly breakfast
• Spring and fall parish garage sales supporting mission outreach and parish improvements

Faith Formation & Religious Education

Faith formation at Our Lady of the Cove is centered on the Parish School of Religion (PSR) for children, RCIA for adults seeking initiation into the Catholic Church, and an active Youth Group. The parish also runs an annual Vacation Bible School for the wider community.

• Parish School of Religion (PSR) — led by Mary Lippert, PSR Director
• RCIA — Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults
• Youth Group ministry
• Vacation Bible School (e.g., 'Rainforest Falls' VBS, July 6–8, 2026, with online registration)

Outreach & Charity

Service to neighbors in temporal need is a hallmark of Our Lady of the Cove. The parish hosts the southern Stone County Food Pantry, which provides food assistance to more than 200 needy families each month. Fundraising events such as the Knights' monthly breakfast and the spring and fall garage sales generate additional resources that the parish, the PCCW, and the Knights of Columbus direct toward mission outreach and parish improvements.

• Southern Stone County Food Pantry (hosted by the parish; 200+ families per month)
• Knights of Columbus monthly breakfast
• Spring and fall garage sales
• PCCW mission outreach
• Outreach 'beyond our parish and diocesan boundaries' through parish organizations

Sacraments

Information about preparing for and celebrating the sacraments — including Baptism, Marriage, and Christian Initiation — is available through the parish. RCIA welcomes adults seeking to enter the Catholic Church, while PSR supports the catechesis of children.

• Baptism
• Marriage
• RCIA (Christian Initiation of Adults)
• Parish School of Religion (children's faith formation)
• First Friday Mass with Sacred Heart devotion and Benediction

Visit, Register & Contact

Parishioners and visitors are warmly welcomed. The parish invites newcomers to attend Mass, learn more about parish life, and register as members online or in the parish office. Online Mass and online giving options are also available through the parish website.

• Address: 20 Kimberling Blvd., Kimberling City, MO 65686
• Phone: (417) 739-4700
• Fax: (417) 739-1782
• Email: [email protected]
• Website: www.ourladyofthecove.org
• Member/registration updates available on the parish website
• Online Mass and Online Giving available via the parish website