Who we are
Parish Prayer
Father,
Open our hearts to your Hold Spirt
so that fired by your love, we may be transformed
and so let your light shine through us. May your living word be so much part of our homes and parish community
that others are drawn to you by the strength of our commitment
and the way we reach out to one another. Jesus, Mary, Joseph
be our constant inspiration
as the father sends us out to see the world alight
with Christian joy and hope.
Father,
Open our hearts to your Hold Spirt
so that fired by your love, we may be transformed
and so let your light shine through us. May your living word be so much part of our homes and parish community
that others are drawn to you by the strength of our commitment
and the way we reach out to one another. Jesus, Mary, Joseph
be our constant inspiration
as the father sends us out to see the world alight
Church Website
Our Lady of Mercy Church on Social Media
Leadership
Leader Name:
Fr Gerard McMahon
Leader Position:
Pastor
Phone:
Leader Email:
Click here to contact Fr Gerard McMahon
Administration
Admin Name:
Trish Stanley
Admin Position:
Secretary
Admin Email:
Click here to contact Trish Stanley
Our Lady of Mercy Church Mass Times
Sunday Mass Times
Saturday – 5:00pm
Sunday – 10:00am
With Children’s Liturgy
Daily Mass Times
As Announced
Check Bulletin
It's been more than 3 years since the last mass times update. Please make sure to contact the church to confirm mass times.
Please contact the church to confirm Mass Times or SUBSCRIBE to updates below
Saturday – 5:00pm
Sunday – 10:00am
With Children’s Liturgy
Daily Mass Times
As Announced
Check Bulletin
It's been more than 3 years since the last mass times update. Please make sure to contact the church to confirm mass times.
Please contact the church to confirm Mass Times or SUBSCRIBE to updates below
Other information
Our Lady of Mercy Church History
In 1825, nine years before the town was incorporated, Father Timlin established the first Roman Catholic parish in Port Hope and the people built a small wooden structure as their first place of worship. When more settlers arrived, the original building was replaced by a larger structure in 1833 under the guidance of Father Dempsey. However, the influx of immigrants from overseas did not only add more parishioners, it also brought religious prejudices and the church was burnt to the ground in 1851. Despite that setback, the congregation attended Mass the following Sunday at a local warehouse, but it too was destroyed by fire.
Two years later, when Father Bryan O'Keefe was pastor, the people decided to rebuild their church once again, but this time it would be fireproof. So, in October 1855 a new brick church was dedicated by Bishop Phelan of the Kingston Diocese and he placed the parish under the protection of "Mary, Star of the Sea".
Monsignor Joseph Browne enhanced the church in 1869 with the addition of the sanctuary, the choir loft and two spires. A generous parishioner, Miss Foran, donated two stained glass windows at that time. Father Francis O'Sullivan took over as pastor of the church in 1907 and installed a bell in the steeple; the first Angelus was rung out on June 27, 1910. Some forty years later, in1951 a steam heating system was installed, to provide heat and hot water to both the church and the rectory.
The parish saw tremendous growth during the 1950's when Father Leo Cleary was pastor. He served the parish, which by now was known as “Our Lady of Mercy” for 24 years. One of his major achievements was the establishment of the Catholic school system in the area. It was also during this time that, in the spirit of the 2nd Vatican Council, a new altar was placed in the sanctuary. Also carved Stations of the Cross were installed and adjoining property was purchased to allow for more parking. Later, in 1971, the church was expanded with two wings on each side, giving it the shape of a cross. The west wing houses a small chapel and the east wing serves as a meeting room and provides additional seating when needed.
During Father Garry Leahy’s tenure (1982 -1989) the pipe organ was completely refurbished and plans were made to paint the interior of the church and replace the floor covering. However, Father Leahy will be best remembered for initiating regular bible study classes. Father Michael Heffernan executed the renovation initiative and for a few months the congregation gathered on Sunday mornings in the adjacent school gym. It was a special time as the parishioners got together in a more close-knit environment and while there were no stained-glass windows, the Spirit was very much present among them.
In the early 90s it became clear that the church needed major repairs. Under the leadership of Father John Albao this work was completed. The roof was replaced, brickwork restored and a fresh coat of paint would once again cover the signs of time on the interior walls.
Recently, under the direction of Father Randy Foster (present pastor) the parish office was moved and modernized, rectory renovated, an electronic keyboard replaces two old pianos and a small electric organ, hardwood floor was replaced in sanctuary and the parish records are recorded in a database.
In 2010, our parish celebrating with spiritual and social events our 185th anniversary as a faith community here in Port Hope which we are thankfully able to do because of the dedication of our parishioners, religious beliefs and priests.
From: http://www.porthopeknights.ca/our_lady_of_mercy.htm
Two years later, when Father Bryan O'Keefe was pastor, the people decided to rebuild their church once again, but this time it would be fireproof. So, in October 1855 a new brick church was dedicated by Bishop Phelan of the Kingston Diocese and he placed the parish under the protection of "Mary, Star of the Sea".
Monsignor Joseph Browne enhanced the church in 1869 with the addition of the sanctuary, the choir loft and two spires. A generous parishioner, Miss Foran, donated two stained glass windows at that time. Father Francis O'Sullivan took over as pastor of the church in 1907 and installed a bell in the steeple; the first Angelus was rung out on June 27, 1910. Some forty years later, in1951 a steam heating system was installed, to provide heat and hot water to both the church and the rectory.
During Father Garry Leahy’s tenure (1982 -1989) the pipe organ was completely refurbished and plans were made to paint the interior of the church and replace the floor covering. However, Father Leahy will be best remembered for initiating regular bible study classes. Father Michael Heffernan executed the renovation initiative and for a few months the congregation gathered on Sunday mornings in the adjacent school gym. It was a special time as the parishioners got together in a more close-knit environment and while there were no stained-glass windows, the Spirit was very much present among them.
In 2010, our parish celebrating with spiritual and social events our 185th anniversary as a faith community here in Port Hope which we are thankfully able to do because of the dedication of our parishioners, religious beliefs and priests.
From: http://www.porthopeknights.ca/our_lady_of_mercy.htm
With us night and morning
By gracious powers so wonderfully sheltered, and confidently waiting come what may, we know that God is with us night and morning, and never fails to greet us each new day. Yet is this heart by its old foe tormented, still evil days bring burdens hard to bear; Oh, give our frightened souls the sure salvation for which, O Lord, You taught us to prepare. And when this cup You give is filled to brimming with bitter suffering, hard to understand, we take it thankfully and without trembling, out of so good and so beloved a hand. Yet when again in this same world You give us the joy we had, the brightness of Your Sun, we shall remember all the days we lived through, and our whole life shall then be Yours alone.
By gracious powers so wonderfully sheltered, and confidently waiting come what may, we know that God is with us night and morning, and never fails to greet us each new day. Yet is this heart by its old foe tormented, still evil days bring burdens hard to bear; Oh, give our frightened souls the sure salvation for which, O Lord, You taught us to prepare. And when this cup You give is filled to brimming with bitter suffering, hard to understand, we take it thankfully and without trembling, out of so good and so beloved a hand. Yet when again in this same world You give us the joy we had, the brightness of Your Sun, we shall remember all the days we lived through, and our whole life shall then be Yours alone.
Our Lady of Mercy Church listing was last updated on the 1st of November, 2020