A place to belong in Christ
We are a community of faith, trusting in God's love, open to the gifts of the Holy Spirit working within each member. We aim to model ourselves after Christ and answer the call to serve Him in others.
Welcome to St. Mary's
in Cochrane!
"A place to belong in Christ"
St. Mary's is a parish in the town of Cochrane, Alberta, and part of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Calgary.
For over 125 years, our church has strived to be a welcoming place where people’s lives can be transformed by the love of God encountered in Scripture, in the sacraments, and in fellowship with one another.
Whether you’re a practicing Catholic or someone who’s been away from the Church for awhile, we welcome you here to our parish community, invite you to encounter Christ, and join us in the work of building his Kingdom.
SOME of our NEWS HEADLINES: for complete news see our Weekly Bulletin
Registrations for FIRST COMMUNION and CONFIRMATION close on Mar. 1st. Click HERE for more information.
See new message from Fr. Dennis, "Do We Need Parish Churches Anymore?" Check "Featured" below.
The CASH RAFFLE and 50/50 sponsored by Calgary Catholic Education Foundation (CCEF) can support YOUR child's school! Runs Jan.1 – Feb. 28. See "Featured."
Next FAMILY FUN NIGHT is Feb. 4th after Saturday Mass. Please RSVP Nick.
Please help, if you can, with the ALPHA program. See "Featured."
Anointing of the Sick will take place at Masses on Feb. 11/12 for those who wish to receive this sacrament. See the Bulletin.
Please bring your old palm branches blessed last year to the collection baskets placed at the doors of the church. These palms will be burned for the ashes used on Ash Wednesday, Feb. 22.
Fr. Dennis Vavrek, ofm, Pastor
Fr. Dennis is available for Confessions or just to talk. Please call 403-932-2944 to make an appointment, or EMAIL: dennis.vavrek@franciscanfriars.ca
FOR EMERGENCIES: call Mount St. Francis Retreat at: 403-932-2012 OR call Fr. Dennis' cell at 780-668-0145
Fr. Joe Glaab, ofm
part-time Associate Pastor
Deacon Ron Fortier
Fr. Joe is a Franciscan Friar, a member of the same community as Fr. Dennis. He joined us at St. Mary's in October 2022. Ordained to the Presbyterate in 2017, Fr. Joe comes from St. Joseph the Worker Parish in Richmond, BC where he served for four years. His ministry here in Cochrane is divided between St. Mary’s Parish and Mount St. Francis Retreat Centre. To reach Fr. Joe call the Parish Office, 403-932-2944 or EMAIL: jofglaab@hotmail.com
Deacon Ron is available by appointment for anyone who would like to talk with him. To set up a time, call the parish office at 403-932-2944 or EMAIL him directly: ron.fortier@calgarydiocese.ca
What does it mean to belong at St. Mary's?
*Click on any image above to discover more!
If you need help, just ask. We're here for you . . .
St. Mary's parish has a group available to help the vulnerable and those stranded due to the impact of Covid-19 or other illness. If help is needed, this team can help run errands, do your grocery shopping, and/or pick up prescription drugs.
Lean On Us — LeanOnUs2020@gmail.com