About Our Lady of the Mountains · Highlands, North Carolina
Our Lady of the Mountains Catholic Church in Highlands, North Carolina, is a vibrant parish serving both full-time and seasonal families, with a strong emphasis on community, faith formation, and spiritual growth. Founded in the 1950s with Masses held in local venues, the parish moved to its current site in 1950 and has since grown to serve around 275 families. The church is currently undergoing a capital campaign to build a new church to better accommodate its growing congregation and visitors. The parish offers regular English-language Masses, confession, adoration, and devotions, and welcomes all who seek a peaceful, mountain community rooted in Catholic tradition.
- Established
- 1950
- Patron
- Our Lady of the Mountains
- Rector
- Father Jason Barone
- Diocese
- Diocese of Charlotte
Why belong here
Join a welcoming, mountain community that values faith, beauty, and service. Experience regular Mass, sacraments, and devotions, and participate in ministries that build up the parish and serve neighbors. Whether you’re a full-time resident or seasonal visitor, you’re invited to make this parish your home and be part of a vibrant, growing Catholic family.
Mass times at Our Lady of the Mountains
Weekly Mass schedule
Confession times
- Tuesday 9:10 a.m. – 9:25 a.m.
- Thursday 9:10 a.m. – 9:25 a.m.
- Saturday 3:40 p.m. – 3:55 p.m. (during the season)
Adoration times
- Thursday 9:00 a.m. – 9:30 a.m.
Our History
Starting in the 1950s, priests from Waynesville, NC, and nearby cities conducted Mass every other week in Highlands, meeting in the school auditorium or Highlands Playhouse. In 1950, Bishop Vincent Waters of the Diocese of Raleigh purchased the current site on 5th Street and built the initial brick structure, which included both the church and a living area for visiting priests. The mission served 35 families year-round and 45 seasonally. In 1972, due to population growth, Bishop Waters requested a new diocese for western North Carolina, leading to the creation of the Diocese of Charlotte. From 1986 to 1990, the community expanded, and the campus saw additions including a rectory (now Bishop Waters Building), a two-story wing, a fellowship hall, and a retreat cottage (Elijah’s Cave). A 21-niche columbarium was added in 2021. Today, OLM serves approximately 275 families and welcomes many visitors and vacationers.
Liturgical Life
Masses are celebrated in English on Sundays at 11:00 AM and Saturdays at 4:00 PM. Additional Masses are held Tuesday and Thursday at 9:30 AM. Spanish-language Masses are offered during the Assumption season (May 23–October 24, 2026). Confession is available Tuesday and Thursday mornings, and Saturday afternoon during the season. Adoration is held Thursday mornings, and Rosary is offered Saturday and Sunday afternoons.
Capital Campaign
The parish is actively building a new church to better serve its growing congregation and visitors. The campaign aims to create a beautiful, inspiring space that will last for generations. Contributions are welcome to help build a lasting legacy of faith and community.