About Our Parish

Our parish was established in 1970 by Bishop Blanchette who appointed Rev. Gleeson as the first pastor. After purchasing the land from the Carmelites, the Bishop agreed to allow the Carmelites to staff the new parish. The name, Our Lady of Mt Carmel, was chosen by Bishop Blanchette and honored the patroness of all Carmelites.

On September 25, 1970, Our Lady of Mt Carmel Parish held its first Mass in a gymnasium rented from Cass School Dist 63. Over the next five years, the founding families worshipped and formed a special community, celebrating Mass at various locations while waiting for a permanent home. The groundbreaking ceremony took place on August 15, 1975, and the new building was formally dedicated on September 26, 1976. 

Our Lady of Mt Carmel's first pastor was dedicated to the theological concept of stewardship, the sharing of time, talents, and treasures. Specifically, "if everyone is giving enough...you don't need bingo or other fundraisers," a founding philosophy that has prevailed over the 50 years.

Our Lady of Mt Carmel is steeped in service and tradition and believes that everything is possible with the help of God. Our mission statement, "We are the Church, alive with Christ, a diverse community rooted in faith, celebrating a liturgy of life. We are prayerfully responsive to the Spirit of the living Gospel, freely ministering to all."