About Our Lady of Lourdes Church

Dear Friends,

Just prior to my departure from Our Lady of Lourdes in 2000 to engage in Norbertine Vocation ministry on a full-time basis, I made a bold prediction, stating, “I will return in twenty years to become your pastor.”  Since then, I had often stated privately and publicly that, “I left my heart at Our Lady of Lourdes!”  Responding to the “call” to return home to the people who taught me how to navigate ministry in such a life-giving and fulfilling way has been one of the greatest joys of an already-blessed priesthood; for that, I give gratitude and praise to God, and I am most appreciative of the Faithful of Lourdes for such an incredible welcome home.  

As you navigate “LOURDESDEPERE,” you will be exposed to our incredibly vibrant parish that comprises the young and the old, the rich and the poor:  The People of God in extraordinary variety!  While the pages of this website give you an indication of who we are and how we animate the mission of the Catholic Church on the west side of DePere, it is best that you come and join us to discover for yourself, and in a personal way, the genuine goodness of the folks who make up our congregation.  

If any of our dedicated staff members, our generous lay ministers, or I can help you become better acquainted with life at Lourdes, please know that we are most willing to extend our radical hospitality to you: a charism modeled by the Norbertine Community of Saint Norbert Abbey, who are blessed to be the spiritual sponsors of this parish from its very beginning.  

Father James Thomas Baraniak, O. Praem.
Pastor