About Saint Mary of the Annunciation · Bristol, Indiana
St. Mary of the Annunciation is a Roman Catholic parish located in Bristol, Indiana, in the Diocese of Fort Wayne–South Bend. Founded in 1941 under the direction of its first pastor, Fr. Herman Miller, the parish has grown into a faith-filled community of approximately 750 registered families that draws worshippers from Bristol, Middlebury, Lagrange, South Bend, and Lower Michigan. The parish celebrates Mass in English on Saturdays, Sundays, and weekdays, maintains a perpetual Eucharistic Adoration chapel, and runs a robust religious education (CCD) program for children from pre-K through high school. Today it is led by Pastor Fr. David Langford with a staff that includes a secretary, building and grounds manager, director of religious education, and music director.
- Established
- 1941
- Patron
- Mary (under the title of the Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary)
- Rector
- Rev. David Langford
- Diocese
- Diocese of Fort Wayne–South Bend
Why belong here
St. Mary of the Annunciation offers a welcoming, multi-generational Catholic community in the heart of Bristol that draws families from across Elkhart County and beyond. The parish combines traditional Sunday and weekday Masses with a robust CCD program for children, a perpetual-style Adoration Chapel open Thursdays and Fridays, and active lay groups such as the Knights of Columbus, Altar & Rosary Society, Parish Council, and a Grief Support Ministry. With strong music ministry, opportunities for adult faith formation (Catholic Scripture Study, RCIA), and a mission focused on teaching, preaching and sharing the Good News, it is a place where young families and longtime parishioners alike can grow together in faith.
Mass times at Saint Mary of the Annunciation
Weekly Mass schedule
Confession times
- Monday–Friday: 8:30 AM to 8:45 AM
- Saturday: 8:30 AM to 8:45 AM and 3:00 PM to 4:00 PM
- Anytime by appointment
Adoration times
- Thursday: 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM (Adoration Chapel)
- Friday: 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM (Adoration Chapel)
About St. Mary of the Annunciation
St. Mary of the Annunciation Catholic Church is a Roman Catholic parish in Bristol, Indiana, within the Diocese of Fort Wayne–South Bend. It operates under the direction of Most Reverend Kevin C. Rhoades and in communion with Pope Francis. Founded in 1941 under its first pastor, Fr. Herman Miller, the parish continues to celebrate the sacraments and proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Its mission statement reads: 'St. Mary of the Annunciation Catholic Church is a faith-filled community created by God, sustained by Jesus Christ and empowered by the Holy Spirit to bring the Catholic faith into the world.' The parish serves roughly 750 registered families drawn from Bristol and surrounding communities across Elkhart County and into Michigan.
- Founded 1941
- First pastor: Fr. Herman Miller
- Diocese of Fort Wayne–South Bend
- Bishop: Most Reverend Kevin C. Rhoades
- Approximately 750 registered families
Parish Staff
The parish is led by Pastor Rev. David Langford and supported by a small lay staff who keep the parish running day to day.
- Rev. David Langford — Pastor
- Calla Patka — Secretary / Office Manager
- Jeremiah Martin — Building & Grounds Manager
- Rebecca Hofer — Director of Religious Education
- Bryan Finkelstein — Music Director
Liturgical Ministries
Lay faithful serve the liturgy in a variety of roles at weekend and daily Masses.
- Lector
- Usher
- Greeters
- Altar Server (boys and girls, grade 3 and up)
- Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion
- Sacristan
Music Ministry
The parish Music Ministry leads worship at Mass under the direction of Choir Director Bryan Finkelstein. Rehearsals are held on Wednesday evenings from 7:00 to 8:30 PM. Interested singers can contact Bryan through the parish office at (574) 848-4305.
- Director: Bryan Finkelstein
- Rehearsals: Wednesday evenings 7:00–8:30 PM
Groups & Councils
Parish life is supported by a number of councils and fraternal/organizational groups that advise the pastor and serve the broader community.
- Parish Council (PPC) — involved in liturgical and spiritual life of the parish
- Finance Council — advises pastor on financial matters; reviews budgets
- Knights of Columbus — men are welcome; monthly Wednesday-evening meetings
- Altar & Rosary Society — all women welcome; monthly gatherings
- Offertory Counters — count weekly Mass collections on Monday mornings
Faith Formation & Religious Education (CCD)
The parish's religious education program, commonly called CCD, is open to any child from pre-K (age 4) through high school and is the primary vehicle for sacramental preparation. The parish has invested in a dedicated education center for CCD classes, Bible studies, and other meetings, and serves roughly 300 children in the program. Registration for the 2026–2027 school year runs from May through summer, with all registrations due by August 9, 2026.
- Open to children age 4 (pre-K) through high school
- First Reconciliation / First Communion: two-year preparation program
- Confirmation: two-year program, generally in middle school
- Director of Religious Education: Rebecca Hofer ([email protected])
- Approximately 300 children enrolled
- Families must be registered parishioners; proof of Baptism required
Sacramental Preparation
First Reconciliation, First Communion, and Confirmation are prepared through multi-year, parish-based programs that emphasize parental involvement, consistent Sunday Mass attendance, retreats, and specific sacramental instruction. Confirmation candidates typically choose a patron saint as part of preparation. Inquiries should be directed to the parish office or to Director of Religious Education Rebecca Hofer.
- First Reconciliation (Confession)
- First Communion (Eucharist)
- Confirmation (middle school, 2-year program)
- RCIA for adults
- Marriage preparation
Adult Faith Formation & Support
Adults have several opportunities to grow in faith and to support one another in difficulty.
- RCIA — preparation of adult candidates for Catholic sacraments
- Catholic Scripture Study — Monday nights 6:30–8:30 PM in the Library; contact Ted and Joan Buchanan
- Grief Support Ministry — informal, one-on-one and group support; contact Janet Quatman at 574-596-5081
Lenten Devotions
During Lent the parish offers the Stations of the Cross according to the schedule published in the Lenten calendar and weekly bulletin.
- Stations of the Cross (Lenten schedule — see bulletin)
Visit, Contact & Office Hours
Parishioners and visitors can reach the parish by phone, email, or in person at the listed office hours. The parish office is open Monday through Thursday 9:30 AM to 5:00 PM, and on Sundays from 9:30 to 11:00 AM when CCD classes are in session. Confession is also available anytime by appointment.
- Office Phone: (574) 848-4305
- Rectory: (574) 622-0039
- Fax: (574) 622-0159
- Email: [email protected]
- Office Hours: Mon–Thu 9:30 AM–5:00 PM; Sun 9:30–11:00 AM when CCD is in session
Pastors & rectors through the years
- Fr. Herman Miller1941 (founding)
First pastor of the parish
- Fr. VanKempen—
Longtime pastor; mentioned in Today's Catholic diocesan coverage as having served 12 years; oversaw growth to ~750 registered families and built an education center for CCD/Bible study
- Rev. David Langfordcurrent
Current pastor