St mary of the assumption catholic church

Our parish church has been designated a Basilica!

For our Patronress’ feast day, Bishop Fernandes celebrated the Mass for the Assumption of the B.V.M. and  after the Penitential Act, he shared this good news to the people of Saint Mary: “… the Vatican decreed that St. Mary of the Assumption in Lancaster, Ohio has been granted the title of, “Minor Basilica.”

The letter, signed by Archbishop Arthur Roche, the Prefect for the Dicastery for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments, and Archbishop Victor Francis Viola, O.F.M., Secretary of the Dicastery, sent on July 7, 2022, decreed the status of minor basilica to this “important church… intensifying the bond with the Church of Rome and with the Holy Father, also promotes it as an exemplar of liturgical and pastoral action within the Diocese.”

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THE LORD’S DAY

Saturday: 5.30 PM (Rosary at 5 pm)
Sunday: 8.45 AM and 11.15 AM

WEEKDAY MASS SCHEDULE
Monday – Thursday: 7:00 am
Tuesday – Friday: 9:00 am

We welcome to Saint Mary of the Assumption those who are new to the Lancaster area and would like to join our parish church; those who are looking to return to an active practice of the Catholic faith and participation in the sacramental life; or those adults or families interested in becoming Catholic through our parish R.C.I.A. Process.

Join us in the celebration of the sacred liturgy at Mass or in the Sacraments, through which we worship God and are touched by the Lord in His Paschal Mystery to grow fully alive in our human nature, to be nourished and built up together as the Body of Christ, and to be sent out into the world to continue that worship in our lives to His glory.

Catholicism in Lancaster goes back to the early settlers in 1800. The people of our parish are grateful for the gift of the catholic faith given us by the Apostles and our local ancestors, we strive to continue to live so that our actions may inspire to holiness of life the generations to follow until the Lord’s return.

PSR continues to enroll students for K, Grades 1-8, and high school for the coming 22-23 spiritual year. Parent/Child Orientation was held on Sunday, 28 Aug. am in the school gymnasium. PSR Sessions are on Sundays from 10-11 am. Please submit registration forms before attending. Mrs. Debbie Clark is coordinating PSR this year, contact her with any questions.

St. Mary SchoolHoliday Happening

Holiday Happening ticket sales are live (click here) – do move quickly as there are a limited number available!

Holiday Happening 2022 is back in person this year on November 12th!!
There will be a live auction, silent auction, Catholic comedian Rob Wahl, and live music from String Therapy!

Delicious food (view menu) and drinks are included with each ticket.

What is a Basilica?
While somewhat familiar to Catholics, the term Basilica originally referred to a specific function and style of building in use during the time of the Roman Empire. A Basilica was a public building used by the Emperor or Judges for major events of noble import or significance.  The structure was usually distinguished by columns, a long center aisle, and an apse within the building. It was into the apse that the Emperor or Judge would be seated. As Christianity became the official religion of the Roman Empire, Basilicas were converted into churches, with the Altar and Tabernacle of Our Lord, Jesus Christ substantially present in the apse, the place once occupied by the emperor.  The Basilica thus became the “Royal House” where Christians gathered to celebrate the Eucharist and proclaim that Jesus Christ is Lord.

Two Types of Basilicas
There are two types of Basilicas: Major Basilicas and Minor Basilicas. All the Major Basilicas are found in the city of Rome. First among them is the Lateran Basilica of Saint John, which is the Pontifical Cathedral of the Holy Father as the Bishop of Rome.The other three are the Vatican Basilica of Saint Peter, the Basilica of Saint Mary Major, and the Basilica of Saint Paul-Outside-the-Walls. Minor Basilicas are those churches throughout Christendom that have been given a special designation by the Holy Father.  Reasons for bestowing this designation may be granted for architectural beauty, historical significance, liturgical renown, or for any combination of these attributes.  A Minor Basilica shares a special relationship with the See of Rome and with the Holy Father.

Special Privileges and Obligations
The faithful who devoutly visit the basilica and within it participate in any sacred rite or at least recite the Lord’s Prayer and the profession of faith may obtain a plenary indulgence under the usual conditions (sacramental confession, Eucharistic Communion, and prayer for the intention of the Supreme Pontiff):

• • on the anniversary of the dedication of the same basilica;
  • on the day of the liturgical celebration of the title – 15 August;
  • on the Solemnity of Saints Peter and Paul, Apostles – 29 June;
  • on the anniversary of the granting of the title of basilica;
  • once a year on a day to be determined by the local Ordinary.
  • once a year on a day freely chosen by each of the faithful.

From the Catholic Times: “Three years ago, Bishop Robert Brennan made his first visit to Lancaster St. Mary of the Assumption Church to open its bicentennial year on the solemnity of its patroness. The beauty of the parish’s sanctuary, which had just undergone extensive renovation, left a lasting impression on him. So much so that a year later when he returned in 2020 to close out the bicentennial year, he asked the church’s pastor, Father Craig Eilerman, whether he’d ever considered pursuing a special designation for the historic church. That conversation and future discussions set the wheels in motion for a process that culminated in the diocese’s second-oldest church receiving the special designation of a minor basilica from the Vatican.” (Catholic Times Credit and Link)

“It is the home of a thriving Catholic community and is already a destination for pilgrims and visitors who seek to experience the holiness of this place, and to admire the beauty of this sacred edifice.”

Previous Bishop of Coumbus

In September of 2021, the Holy Father announced that he appointed Bishop Brennan to serve as the bishop of the Church of Brooklyn. In April of 2022, he named Father Earl K. Fernandes, a priest of Cincinnati, as the next bishop of Columbus. Bishop-elect Fernandes was consecrated and installed as bishop of Columbus on 31 May 2022.

It’s a beautiful and historical church, which has been restored and enhanced. In Lancaster, people of faith have gathered to worship God for more than two centuries. Here they have celebrated sacred moments in their lives. The designation also shows the ongoing loyalty of the Diocese of Columbus and its people to the Holy Father. The designation is a testimony to the faith that was brought here by missionaries and a reminder to continue to be missionaries, bringing Good News to others!”

The Most Reverend Earl K. Fernandes

Bishop of Columbus

“I am thrilled that our church has been granted the title of a Minor Basilica. It’s an affirmation of the strong Catholic faith that has existed for over 200 years in Lancaster and of the outstanding beauty of St. Mary of the Assumption Church.”

Rev. Fr. Craig R. Eilerman

Rector, Basilica of St. Mary of the Assumption

Visit our Basilica Church

Our parish is at the heart of the Catholic faith in downtown Lancaster. Holy Mass, central to everything we do, is celebrated seven days a week and the Sacrament of Reconciliation is easily accessible. We welcome your visit!