Our Mission is an official organisation in the Swiss canton (state) of Vaud, a broad geographic area including Lausanne and many other communities.  Its main scope is to provide church life and church services – including catechism – for people of all nationalities who can speak English.  Our community is very diversified, with many countries of origin, all social levels, a richness of cultural and work backgrounds and a large number of young families with children.

In Switzerland, the churches are regulated and governed by a solid legal framework under the responsibility of each canton.  Our Mission belongs to the Federation of Catholic Parishes of the canton of Vaud and thus participates in the life of the Catholic Church and in decisions about the local church governance.  The Mission is managed by the Association of Our Lady of Faith and specifically by its Council, elected yearly by the entire community.

The creation of the Mission dates back to the 1960s and to the action of Father Frank Culhane. The first site for the (then) small English-speaking Catholic community was the chapel at 54 Avenue de Béthusy in Lausanne, which is owned by the Association. Although Saturday evening Mass is still celebrated in the chapel, it is far too small for a community which has expanded greatly over the years.  Thanks to the wonderful generosity of Champittet Collège in Lausanne, we are able to celebrate Sunday morning Mass in its impressive chapel and to teach catechism in its classrooms.  Thanks, also, to the generosity of the Catholic church of Renens, we are also able to offer a Sunday evening Mass in St Clare's, St Sulpice.

Members of our community include permanent residents, people living here for several years as well as those who come for a short stay or who simply travel through the region for leisure, business or family reasons. They are all very welcome and add to the wonderful spirit of the Mission.

We rely on the generosity of our members for financial support and voluntary work.  The Sunday collection, our Annual Subscription appeal and special donations are an essential part of our budget (covering 1/3 to 1/2 of our expenditure), complementary to the cantonal support.  The Council and the legal supervision of the Federation of Catholic Parishes and of the cantonal authorities guarantee the effective, prudent and transparent use of the Mission's resources.

Voluntary work (see "Participate/Volunteer" and "Groups" pages), essential to the running of the Mission, covers a variety of areas including teaching or assisting in catechism classes, reading at Mass, preparing the altar flowers, etc.  The varied personal situations and commitments of those in our Community still allow many members contribute in this way: in return, they can meet new friends including long-term and permanent residents, which can help their integration into the community and the region, making their stay more enjoyable and enriching.

So, no matter your background and the intensity of your Catholic practice, we are pleased to welcome you, your family and your children.  Do not hesitate to contact us for any special need you might have!

Mass Schedule

• Saturdays: Avenue de Béthusy 54, 1012 Lausanne, 17:30 hours
• Sundays: College de Champittet, Chemin de Champittet, 1009 Pully, 10:30 hours
• Sundays: St Clare's, Chemin du Bochet 37, 1025 St Sulpice, 18:00 hours

 More information on our various locations, including road maps, can be found on the "Locate Us" page.  If you have any questions, please use the "Contact Us" page to get in touch.  We're happy to hear from you.

New Arrivals

If you are new to the Mission, and expect to be staying here for more than 3 months, please complete a Mission Registration Form, available in the sacristy after Mass or by sending an email to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Catechism Programme

The Programme for children aged 5 and upwards runs from September to June each year.  See "Catechism" page for more detailed information.  Catechism registration forms available from: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Reconciliation

Fr Steve welcomes those who make appointments to celebrate this Sacrament of Christ's love.

Baptism / Marriage

Written or email enquiries are requested for these two Sacraments.   Pope John XXIII Centre in Geneva and the English Speaking Mission in Zurich schedule marriage preparation weekends each year.  Email us at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it for more information.