About St. Alphonsus - St Mary Assumption · New Orleans, Louisiana
St. Alphonsus Parish, centered at St. Mary’s Assumption Church in New Orleans, is a historic Redemptorist parish founded in 1843 that serves a diverse community of about 700 families. The church, built in 1858 by German immigrants, is a National Historic Landmark and the active sacramental church of the parish. It houses the remains of Blessed Francis Xavier Seelos, a Redemptorist priest who died from yellow fever while serving the community. The parish also operates several ministries including St. Alphonsus School, Mercy Endeavors, Hope House, and St. Thomas Community Health Center, and has provided over $300,000 in aid since Hurricane Katrina. The parish is known for its rich history, cultural heritage, and ongoing restoration efforts to preserve St. Mary’s Assumption Church.
- Established
- 1843
- Patron
- St. Alphonsus Liguori
- Rector
- Fr. Chung Tran, C.Ss.R
Why belong here
Join a welcoming community that values all people regardless of background, with ministries serving the elderly, homeless, and underserved, including St. Thomas Community Health Center and Hope House. The parish offers deep spiritual roots through its historic church, the National Shrine of Blessed Francis Xavier Seelos, and active sacramental life across multiple locations and languages.
Mass times at St. Alphonsus - St Mary Assumption
Weekly Mass schedule
Confession times
- Saturday 3:15 – 4:00 p.m. at St. Mary’s Assumption Church (before the Vigil Mass)
- by appointment
A Brief History of St. Alphonsus Parish
The Redemptorists arrived in New Orleans in 1843 and established three churches — for Irish, German, and French communities — which later became St. Alphonsus Parish. Only St. Mary’s Assumption Church remains active for Mass and sacraments today. Built in 1858 by German immigrants, it is a National Historic Landmark. The parish has historically served as an 'ecclesiastical square' with orphanages, schools, and convents. After Hurricane Katrina, the parish provided over $300,000 in aid. The church has suffered damage from weather and hurricanes, and a restoration campaign is underway to preserve its structure and beauty.
Ministries
- St. Alphonsus School
- Mercy Endeavors (outreach to elderly)
- Hope House (ministry to poor and homeless)
- St. Thomas Community Health Center
- Seelos Welcome Center
- National Shrine of Blessed Francis Xavier Seelos
Sacraments
- Baptism
- Eucharist
- Confirmation
- Reconciliation
- Marriage
- Holy Orders
- Anointing of the Sick
- Funerals