Embedded Files
Mass Times at St. Mary's
Our present building complex (Phase One) was completed and ready for use in 2007. At the time (and to this day) Mass is celebrated in our Parish Hall until sufficient funds are raised to complete the main Sanctuary space (Phase Two).
This page illustrates some unique aspects of our present architecture and layout.
The Bells of St. Mary's
The Bells of St. Mary's, all three, arrived in Cochrane from faraway geographic locations where they were each fashioned from bronze in the early 1900's. Needless to say they were quite corroded. The photo (above) shows Marta Stocker busy polishing one of the historical bells. Today all three hang proudly in the tall bell tower attached to St. Mary's Parish Centre.
The construction of the bell tower was a masterful endeavour on its own. And when it was finally ready, the three bells were carefully hoisted aloft into that tower to await their sacred duty: chiming out the joyful call to all the Faithful, "Come join us in Holy Worship here at St. Mary's."
To read more about the Bells of St. Mary's and their history, click HERE.
See also a rather recent article in Cochrane Today (online) entitled, "The bells at St. Mary's will ring again," by journalist, Cathi Arola (November, 2019).
The Grounds
Generous brick walkways link the various features on the grounds of St. Mary's leading from the large parking lot to the church proper. Beautiful rock-gardens embellish the main entrance and surround the office complex. On the west side of the building is the peaceful and serene Sacred Garden, its circular labyrinth, and the pathways leading to three large crosses. The garden is glorious in its colours and plant arrays in the spring, summer, and fall. Of course, the grounds require some maintenance. But thanks to many willing and capable volunteers, the weeding and plant-care during the growing seasons, and the snow removal for the parking lot and sidewalks in the winter is managed admirably! Should you like to participate in our grounds maintenance, click HERE.
Generous brick walkways link the various features on the grounds of St. Mary's leading from the large parking lot to the church proper. Beautiful rock-gardens embellish the main entrance and surround the office complex. On the west side of the building is the peaceful and serene Sacred Garden, its circular labyrinth, and the pathways leading to three large crosses. The garden is glorious in its colours and plant arrays in the spring, summer, and fall. Of course, the grounds require some maintenance. But thanks to many willing and capable volunteers, the weeding and plant-care during the growing seasons, and the snow removal for the parking lot and sidewalks in the winter is managed admirably! Should you like to participate in our grounds maintenance, click HERE.
The Sacred Garden
The Church Rectory
St. Mary's Parish owns a rectory adjacent to the church complex (on its east side) , a condominium at 137 River Heights View, in the tiny neighbourhood surrounding the church complex. Since our current pastor, Fr. Dennis Vavrek, lives at Mount Saint Francis to the north of Cochrane with his Franciscan brothers, the rectory is being rented and therefore provides income for the parish.
St. Mary's Outdoor Crèche (on display during the Advent-Christmas Season)
During Advent of 2019, St. Mary's welcomed the appearance of a NEW OUTDOOR CHRISTMAS CRÈCHE. It was placed on display just outside the main doors. The crèche began with just three figures – Mary, Joseph and the infant Jesus in the crib. Following these figures, more—sheep, shepherds, wise men, donkey, ox—were promised for following years.
The project began to take shape in 2017. A number of people are to be thanked for their invaluable contribution in this adventure to this point in time.
Maria Cecilia (“Ceci”) Arango and Cindy MacKenzie for the art and design;
Justin Atkins and Pam Hogg, at "Below the Bark” in Cochrane, for creating the figures (www.belowthebarkwd.com);
Barb Primeau and the board of directors at "Home Treasures," for a generous grant to help pay for the crèche; and
Mike Simpson for offering to create a stable structure for the crèche.
Two new additions had joined St. Mary's Crèche by Advent 2020, —the donkey and the ox. The donkey has been given the name Kamu, an East Indian name which means mediator, peacemaker or helper of the world. The ox has been named Ira, which in Hebrew means watchful guardian.
Our appreciation and gratitude go out to two very generous people (they wish to remain anonymous) who donated these two pieces to our Christmas crèche. As well, a special thank you to Mike Simpson for completing the construction of the manger, and to Justin Atkins at "Below the Bark Designs" for creating the Nativity figures.
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