About Our Lady of the Valley · La Grande, Oregon
Our Lady of the Valley Catholic Church in La Grande, Oregon, is a vibrant parish rooted in over 150 years of Catholic tradition, serving the local community through worship, education, and outreach. Founded in 1867 with its first Mass, the parish moved to its current site in 1890 and was formally dedicated in 1916 under the title Immaculate Conception. The church is part of a larger network that includes mission churches in Union and Elgin. It offers regular Masses, sacraments, and a wide range of ministries, including youth, college, and adult faith formation. The parish is led by Fr. Noby Thomas, who serves as pastor since 2022, and is supported by a dedicated team of parish staff and volunteers.
- Established
- 1867
- Patron
- Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary
- Rector
- Fr. Noby Thomas
- Diocese
- Diocese of Baker
Why belong here
Join Our Lady of the Valley to experience a welcoming community that celebrates the Sacraments, offers faith formation for all ages, and serves others through ministries like the Knights of Columbus, Religious Education, and OCIA classes. The parish provides a strong foundation in Catholic tradition, with opportunities to grow spiritually, volunteer, and connect with neighbors through regular Masses, Adoration, and parish events.
Mass times at Our Lady of the Valley
Weekly Mass schedule
Confession times
- Saturday: 4:30 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
- By appointment
Adoration times
- Monday: 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. in the Marian Chapel
Our History
The mission of La Grande celebrated its first Mass in 1867 with Fr. Dielman. The first resident priest, Fr. R. Hartlieb, arrived in 1880. The first church was built in Island City and dedicated in 1882. In 1890, a new church was erected at the present site in La Grande. It was blessed under the title Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary on July 17, 1892. The current church building’s cornerstone was laid in 1915 and dedicated in 1916. Sacred Heart Academy opened in 1894 and closed in 1930. Marian Academy opened in 2008 and closed in 2016. The parish has two mission churches: Sacred Heart in Union and St. Mary’s in Elgin.
Ministries
Our Lady of the Valley offers a wide range of ministries to support spiritual growth and community service. These include Religious Education, OCIA classes, Youth Ministry, College & Young Adult Groups, Catholic Men’s Groups, Knights of Columbus, Prayer Request Line, Baptism Preparation, Marriage Preparation, and Faith Formation. Each ministry is designed to help parishioners live out their faith in daily life.
- Religious Education
- OCIA Classes
- Youth Ministry
- College & Young Adult Groups
- Catholic Men's Groups
- Knights of Columbus
- Prayer Request Line
- Baptism Preparation
- Marriage Preparation
- Faith Formation
Sacraments
The parish offers all seven sacraments: Baptism, Confirmation, Eucharist, Reconciliation, Marriage, Holy Orders, and Anointing of the Sick. Preparation is required for Baptism and Marriage, and parents and godparents must be registered parish members for at least six months prior to Baptism. Contact Fr. Noby for more information.
- Baptism
- Confirmation
- Eucharist
- Reconciliation
- Marriage
- Holy Orders
- Anointing of the Sick
Pastors & rectors through the years
- Fr. Noby Thomas2022-present
Ordained in India in 2001, served in Diocese of Palai until 2021, came to Diocese of Baker in April 2021.