About St. Mary of the Visitation · Huntsville, Alabama
St. Mary of the Visitation Catholic Parish in Huntsville, Alabama, is the oldest Catholic parish in North Alabama, established in 1861. Named in honor of Mary’s visit to Elizabeth as described in Luke’s Gospel, the parish has a long history of faithfulness and community service, including active involvement during the Civil War. The church building, constructed of native stone from Monte Sano Mountain, was completed by 1872 and formally dedicated in 1877. Today, the parish continues its mission to bring Christ’s love through worship, sacraments, and witness, welcoming all to live the Gospel.
- Established
- 1861
- Patron
- Mary of the Visitation
- Rector
- Rev. Jose Raphy Ambooken
Why belong here
Join a community rooted in over 160 years of faith and service, where parishioners are empowered by the Holy Spirit to love God and follow Jesus Christ through worship, witness, and active ministry. Experience a welcoming, historic parish that offers deep spiritual formation, sacramental life, and opportunities to serve locally and beyond.
Mass times at St. Mary of the Visitation
Weekly Mass schedule
Confession times
- Tuesday–Friday: 7:30AM
- Saturday: 4:00PM–5:00PM
- OR BY APPOINTMENT
About Our Church
Vision: Bring the love of Christ to all by living the Gospel through the sacraments. Mission: As the oldest Catholic community in northern Alabama, we welcome all to be empowered by the Holy Spirit to love God and follow Jesus Christ through faith, worship and witness.
History
St. Mary of the Visitation Parish has a long heritage of faithfulness and generous service both within our parish and extending to the local community. Named in honor of Mary's visit to Elizabeth as described in Luke's Gospel, our parish was established in July of 1861 by Fr. Jeremiah Trecy. The church cornerstone was laid in October of that year; however construction was suspended during the Civil War. True to their faith, Fr. Trecy and his parishioners ministered to soldiers on both sides of the conflict. Following the war, construction resumed and the building was essentially finished by 1872, with the formal dedication by Bishop John Quinlan of Mobile on November 11, 1877. In 1981 our church was placed on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places.
Sacraments
The parish offers Baptism, First Communion, Confirmation, Matrimony, and Confessions. Couples planning marriage must meet with Father Joy at least 6 months before their proposed date. Weddings will not be performed after 2:00PM on Saturdays.