Our Lady of Good Counsel Catholic Church

About

Our Lady of Good Counsel (Vår Frue av Gode Råd) in Porsgrunn is the parish church for the Catholic congregation in Telemark, serving over 3,200 Catholic Christians across the region. The church offers a warm, welcoming environment, and visitors of all faiths are invited to attend Mass and services.

History & The German-Austrian Industrial Legacy

The roots of the Catholic parish in Porsgrunn are deeply tied to Telemark’s industrial history:

• Porsgrunds Porselænsfabrik (1887): When the famous porcelain factory opened in 1887, many specialized craftsmen immigrated to Porsgrunn from Austria and Germany. As practicing Catholics, they laid the foundation for the local parish.
• Liturgical Renovation (1984): Following the Second Vatican Council's liturgical reforms in 1964, the church interior underwent a major redesign to adapt to modern worship, with renovations completed in 1984.

Mass Schedule in Porsgrunn & Surrounding Areas

The parish maintains an active worship schedule both at the main church in Porsgrunn and at several outreach locations across Telemark.

Mass Times in Porsgrunn (Main Church)

Sunday:
09:30 AM – Low Mass (Fromesse)
11:00 AM – High Mass (Norwegian & Latin)

Weekdays:
Mass celebrated Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday.

Regional Masses Across Telemark

To serve Catholics throughout the county, regular services are also held in:

• Notodden & Rjukan
• Drangedal, Tokke & Kragerø