About St. Mary · Orange, Texas
St. Mary Catholic Church is a Roman Catholic parish in Orange, Texas, belonging to the Diocese of Beaumont in Southeast Texas. The parish community gathers around a mission of 'spirituality, scripture, sacrament, stewardship, study, and service,' offering multiple weekly Masses, Perpetual Eucharistic Adoration, RCIA, religious education for children, an active youth group, an affiliated Catholic school, and a parish cemetery. Today the parish is pastored by Fr. Antony Paulose, CMI, assisted by three deacons and a dedicated lay staff, and it serves the historic West Cherry Avenue neighborhood together with nearby St. Therese Church.
- Established
- 1880
- Patron
- Saint Mary (Mary, Mother of Jesus)
- Rector
- Fr. Antony Paulose, CMI
- Diocese
- Diocese of Beaumont
Why belong here
St. Mary offers a full rhythm of Catholic life in Orange, Texas — daily Mass, Saturday Vigil, Perpetual Eucharistic Adoration, regular Confession, RCIA for adults seeking initiation, a parish-based catechetical program for children Pre-K through 8th grade, Confirmation preparation, an active youth group, and an Adult Bible Study that meets on Mondays. The parish is also home to St. Mary Catholic School (Pre-K 3 through 5th grade) and a parish cemetery, so families can grow in faith, educate their children, and care for loved ones all within one community grounded in the Diocese of Beaumont.
Mass times at St. Mary
Weekly Mass schedule
Confession times
- Saturday: 3:00 PM – 4:00 PM
- Or by appointment (call the parish office)
Adoration times
- Perpetual Exposition of the Most Blessed Sacrament in the Adoration Chapel (registered adorers receive the entrance code; contact the office at 409-883-2883)
Our Story: 144 Years in Orange, Texas
Saint Mary Catholic Church has a long and distinguished history of 144 years in Orange, Texas. The first Catholic Church in the area, Saint Vital, was built in 1880; it was destroyed by a great storm in 1886 and rebuilt the following year on Sixth Street. After another storm in 1898 displaced the structure, the church was eventually relocated to Ninth and Cherry Streets under Father Frei. A 1911 fire destroyed Saint Vital entirely, and in 1912 the present Saint Mary Catholic Church was dedicated to Mary, Mother of Jesus, where the community continues to worship today.
- 1880 – First Saint Vital Church built (Pine and Sixth Streets)
- 1886 – Storm destroys Saint Vital; rebuilt in 1887 on Sixth Street
- 1896 – Father Z. J. M. Moran becomes Orange's first resident priest
- 1908 – Father Robert Frei moves the church to Ninth and Cherry Streets
- 1911 – Saint Vital destroyed by fire
- 1912 – New church dedicated as Saint Mary Catholic Church
Religious Education and Sacraments for Children
St. Mary's catechetical program begins in August and meets on Wednesdays. Children in Pre-K through 8th grade attend class from 5:30 to 6:30 PM at St. Mary School, beginning with a short gathering for prayer and announcements. First Communion preparation is a two-year program, and parents are strongly encouraged to attend adult faith-formation sessions alongside their children. Confirmation preparation (Confirmation I & II) is held from 6:30 to 7:30 PM at the St. Mary Youth Center and is coordinated with the Youth Ministry.
- Pre-K – 8th Grade: Wednesdays 5:30–6:30 PM at St. Mary School
- Confirmation I & II: Wednesdays 6:30–7:30 PM at St. Mary Youth Center
- First Communion: two-year preparation
- Contact: Director of Religious Education, Jackie Spears (409-886-0841)
RCIA – Becoming Catholic
The Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults is the parish's communal process of welcoming new members into the Catholic Church. RCIA is open to unbaptized adults seeking Baptism, Eucharist and Confirmation, as well as to already-baptized Christians seeking full communion with Rome. The journey proceeds through the Period of Inquiry, Catechumenate, Rite of Election, and Mystagogy, culminating at the Easter Vigil.
- For seekers, inquirers, and baptized Christians preparing for full communion
- Sacraments received at the Easter Vigil
- Contact: Parish Office, 409-883-2883
Youth and Adult Faith Formation
The parish's Youth Group meets on the second and fourth Sundays of each month after the 10:00 AM Mass and is led by Youth Director Patricia Daleo. Adults gather on Mondays from 6:00 to 7:00 PM at the St. Mary Youth Center for Bible Study, where they read and discuss Sacred Scripture together. The parish also maintains a Prayer Line ministry so members can pray for one another's intentions.
- Youth Group: 2nd & 4th Sundays after 10:00 AM Mass
- Adult Bible Study: Mondays 6:00–7:00 PM, St. Mary Youth Center
- Prayer Line ministry
St. Mary Catholic School
St. Mary Catholic School continues to play a significant role in the educational community of Orange. The school teaches students Pre-K 3 through 5th grade in a faith-filled environment with personalized instruction, daily Religion class, weekly Art, Music, and P.E., clubs and service projects, and high expectations in both academics and personal character.
- Pre-K 3 through 5th grade
- Daily Religion class; weekly Art, Music, P.E.
- Student clubs and service projects
- High academic and character expectations
Music Ministry
Music Ministry supports the liturgy at weekend and holy day Masses, led by parish music staff including Sandy LeBlanc.
- Director: Sandy LeBlanc
St. Mary Cemetery
The parish operates a Catholic cemetery, with oversight provided by Director of St. Mary Cemetery Jackie Spears. Families may contact the parish office for information regarding burial arrangements.
- Director: Jackie Spears
- Contact: Parish Office, 409-883-2883
Our Staff and Clergy
St. Mary is led by Pastor Fr. Antony Paulose, CMI, supported by four deacons, a parish secretary, youth director, bookkeeper, director of religious education, director of the cemetery, and a music ministry team.
- Pastor: Fr. Antony Paulose, CMI — ext. 1
- Deacons: Melvin Payne (ext. 2), David Bonneaux, C. J. LeBlanc, Juan Cantu (ext. 4)
- Parish Secretary: Patricia Daleo
- Youth Director: Patricia Daleo — ext. 5 / 409-656-9259
- Parish Bookkeeper: Debra Bass
- Director of Religious Education: Jackie Spears — 409-886-0841
- Director of Cemetery: Jackie Spears
- Music Ministry: Sandy LeBlanc (and team)
- Facilities
Visiting and Joining the Parish
Visitors and newcomers are welcomed at any of the weekend Masses. Those interested in becoming Catholic, registering in the parish, scheduling a baptism or wedding, or signing up as an adorer are encouraged to call the parish office at (409) 883-2883.
- Address: 912 West Cherry Avenue, Orange, TX 77630
- Phone: (409) 883-2883
- Website: http://www.stmaryorange.org/
Pastors & rectors through the years
- Father Z. J. M. Moran1896 – c. 1906
First resident priest of Orange; served for ten years; oversaw restoration after the 1898 storm that added a steeple, pews, and a larger hand-powered organ.
- Reverend Robert Frei1908 – c. 1920
Second pastor; served for twelve years; moved the church to the Ninth and Cherry Streets site; oversaw restoration after interior fire.
- Father Otto Bauer
Successor to Father Frei; served for nine years.
- Rev. George Berberich
Later pastor.
- Msgr. Joseph Berberich
Later pastor.
- Rev. Charles Sacco
Later pastor.
- Rev. William Manger
Later pastor.
- Msgr. Marvin Enderle
Later pastor.
- Rev. Joseph P. Daleo
Preceding pastor.
- Fr. Antony Paulose, CMI
Current pastor, member of the Carmelites of Mary Immaculate.