Our Lady of the Mountains at P.O. Box 727-1093 East College Ave., Stanton, KY 40380-2354 US - Home

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On May 21, 1989 Bishop J. Kendrick Williams dedicated Our Lady of the Mountains, the first church constructed specifically for the new Diocese of Lexington. Stanton, county seat of Powell County, is located in the scenic “knobs” of the Appalachians, the western rim of the east Kentucky mountains that ties them with the Bluegrass region of the state. Breathtaking “Pilot Knob”, near Clay City, is reputed to be the site where Daniel Boone first saw the expanse of bluegrass meadows and herds of wildlife which drew the pioneers to the west.

We are only a 45 minute drive from Lexington and, hence, any city in America. Beautiful Powell County is also home to Natural Bridge State Resort Park and the Red River Gorge Geological Area, both within the Daniel Boone National Forest. This forest is one of the most heavily used in the South, with over 5 million visitors annually. People come here to backpack, camp, picnic, rock climb, boat, hunt, fish, ride and relax. Abundant wildlife, lush vegetation, magnificent scenery and recreation opportunities offer visitors, and residents, much to enjoy. The mixed northern and southern forests permit a unique habitiat with unrivaled diversity of birds and plants. With modern transportation and communications all comforts are avialable here. And we are blessed by God to still see billions of stars at night, listen to a wide variety of birds by day and smell sweet grasses, blossums and wildflowers.

Many residents of Stanton and Clay City work in Lexington while enjoying the rural and small town society. All year long, Kentucky is alive with more than 700 festivals, several world-class sporting championships, and major concerts and lots more. Kentucky is also blessed with many lakes and scenic rivers. And craft fairs seem to be in every burg and holler. The fun you can have here is nearby and only limited by your imagination. It is all an easy drive from Cincinnati, OH (2 hours), Louisville, KY (2 hours), Charleston, WV (3 hours) and Knoxville, TN (3.5 hours).

We are a diverse pilgrim people, energized by the Word, the Sacraments and the Spirit and growing in number and filled with hope. We are dedicated to our mission of sharing Jesus, our Catholic faith and our resources. We reach out to all, especially to those pilgrims who wish actively to share their talents and build a community serving as Christ taught. For we know that only by giving of ourselves do we receive his grace. We strive to respect the land, to live in harmony with all people, and to bring about the reign of God. The pastoral letters “This Land is Home to Me” and “At Home in the Web of Life”, written by the Catholic Bishops of Appalachia, guide us in this mission.

We encourage and warmly welcome all visitors to our area. We believe it is a wonderful area to live, work, raise families, retire and recreate. We hope you enjoy your visits and return often. Please bookmark this page and add it to your favorites folder for easy future reference. And contact us if you have any questions about our parish or the friendly area where we live and serve. You may even feel inspired to join our virtual parish.

Our faith is centered on the celebration of Christ's resurrection. Join us in this celebration and you, too, may feel reborn in the peace and beauty of the Appalachians and this community. And, perhaps, you will be inspired to contribute and experience spiritual and communal growth as your talents allow. Opportunities abound here. We have much to do, and much help needed for our mission. Again, we welcome all!