Parish History
A Brief History of Notre Dame de Lourdes Parish Community
(taken from work compiled for the Seventy-fifth Anniversary of the Parish)
Notre Dame de Lourdes Parish was founded in 1908 in order to minister to the Franco-American Catholic who had settled in the South Common (lower Highlands) area of the city of Lowell. Our first church building was located on Branch Street in what was formerly the Branch Street Baptist Church (Tabernacle Baptist Church). Since our foundation our parish has been staffed by the members of the Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate of the Northern Province (St. Jean-Baptiste Province.) Our first house of worship was blessed on August 6, 1908, the feast of the Transfiguration. At the time of our foundation there were about five hundred families in the parish, and our first pastor was Rev. Michel Dubreuil, O.M.I. (continued...)
90th Anniversary
Notre
Dame de Lourdes Parish celebrated its 90th Anniversary with events planned
throughout 1998. The original church was located on Middlesex Street. The blessing of the parish church was held on August 8,
1908. The Church opened for Mass exactly one month later.
The kick-off celebration started with the 4:00 p.m. Mass on Saturday, Feb. 7, 1998 followed by a potluck supper in the Parish Hall.
Other events held for the 90th Anniversary celebration included:
- Ham & Turkey Raffle - March 29th
- Country Store & Spaghetti Supper - April 26th
- Concert - May 16th
- Gala Banquet to be held at the Lowell Lodge of Elks, June 13th, 6:00 p.m. cocktails & hors d' oeuvres, 7:00 p.m. dinner.
- Rededication Mass - August 7, 1998.
Sacraments
Reconcilliation (Confession)
"God is rich in mercy, and St. Paul reminds us there is no sin so great, there is no evil so shameful that cannot be overcome by the mercy of God revealed in the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
The Sacrament of Penance is an invitation to us to pray with renewed conviction as Jesus taught us: "Forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us."
Cardinal Law
Saturday 3:15pm or anytime by appointment
Sacrament of Baptism
"Those who are newly baptized ... remind us that the Kingdom of God is rooted in human hearts. One by one, in our lives of faith, in our acts of reconciling love, in the hope which shines through the difficulties of our lives, we bring the light and life of Christ to the world. The power of sin and death is daunting. Christ, however, is Risen. He has overcome both sin and death, and His victory is ours through Baptism and a life of grace."
Cardinal Law
Call the Rectory to Register.
Expectant Parents are encouraged to register as soon as possible.
Why Baptize Your Baby? In asking the Church to baptize your child, you have asked that your child share in the life of our local parish community and the wider world wide Church. At Baptism, you are saying "yes" for your child to God's invitation to belong to a Christian Community.
We, as members of that family, also say "yes" to the acceptance of a new member. Together we accept the responsibility for that new life. We accept to walk together with our newest members on a journey of faith.
Three preparatory sessions for parents which includes one session for godparents.
Sacrament of Matrimony
Marriage is a Sacrament--Just as you took time to prepare to receive First Communion and other sacraments, marriage requires a preparation of at least six months and preferably a year. The priest or deacon who is witnessing your wedding will discuss Church teaching on marriage with you.
You Administer the Sacrament of Marriage--not the priest or deacon. This makes it important for you both to have an understanding of church teaching on marriage and sacraments so that you're not just "going through the motions", but making a truly honest commitment.
Follow this link to the Notre Dame de Lourdes Marriage Preparation Information page. It includes all the information you need if you are starting to plan for a wedding at Notre Dame de Lourdes Church.
A Marriage Preparation Course is mandatory.