United in transformation

Rita Sweere, a parishioner since 1953 and a dedicated volunteer at Sacred Heart Church in Strathmore, AB, has seen the community through its ups and downs. Arriving from Holland, her family found a home in the parish, and she raised her children within the church's embrace. "One of the things that makes me smile is the young families that come to Mass," she said. "It reminds me of raising my own children." For Rita, a place of worship is not just a building; it's a support system that brings everyone together.
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Fr. Cristino Bouvette, currently the administrator of the parish, spoke highly of the energy and spirit of the community. He said, "There is an undeniable energy in this community for getting things done." This energy is part and parcel of the small-town, predominantly agricultural community spirit. 
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"The lack of a constantly accessible place to gather and conduct normal parish activities has not slowed down my parishioners' efforts to keep the community spirit alive," he added.

Anne and Tony Heuver, who have been parishioners for over 60 years, are another couple that have served as pillars of the parish. They've played a vital role in supporting the parish through their volunteer work and financial contributions. As local business owners, they believe that having a Catholic Church in Strathmore is essential to the community, offering a complete social network for those moving into the area.

The Open House event held last week was not just a tour of the construction progress. It was a celebration of community rejuvenation, with over 300 people marking the start of Lent while over 200 others dropped by for a tour, hot chocolate, and cookies.

Nettie Hendricks, chair of the parish fundraising committee, noted: "The vastness of the space was very noticeable from the inside. The positioning of the altar, pews, music, chapel, hall, and office areas provided parishioners with a visual representation of what the completed church will look like."

For some parishioners who have been waiting for 15 years to celebrate in a church again, walking through the building was an emotional journey. With the community's support and the committee's unwavering commitment, the renovated church promises to be more than just a building; it will stand as a testament to faith, resilience, and the power of unity.

From initial demolition work to fundraising efforts, the project has seen an outpouring of support from parishioners who have contributed thousands of hours to make this vision a reality.
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"Our pre-construction phase involved the dedication of volunteer parishioners who demolished the interior of the old IGA so that the new work could be done," shares Nettie. "The Building Committee has been headed up by a volunteer Engineer and a Spec Writer/Draftsperson that have committed thousands of hours over the past several years and are still involved today as we near completion."

It's not just the physical labour that parishioners have contributed. The Pledge Drive and Fundraising Committees began their work in 2017, and through their efforts, over $3 million has been collected. Currently, the parish is in the process of kicking off its 7th Annual Golf Tournament and running a 50/50 fundraiser, both aimed at bridging the $2.2 million capital shortfall needed to meet the budget.

Looking back on the journey so far, Nettie emphasizes the importance of communication in all aspects of the project. Keeping the parishioners engaged and updated about the progress has been crucial. But it hasn't always been easy. "There were times over the past 15-year journey that it was difficult to remain upbeat," admits Nettie. However, the dedication of volunteers, combined with prayer and hope, kept the project moving forward.

But the renovation has done more than just transform a building; it has brought the parish community closer together. "Committee work has brought members together, and fundraising events have brought forward parishioners who might not otherwise have been engaged in volunteer work," shares Nettie. She also notes a significant increase in Mass attendance and more children receiving Sacraments than ever before. 

​Fr. Cristino expressed his amazement at the turnout for their last community building event on Shrove Tuesday last month, which was attended by over 300 people. "The Knights of Columbus provided delicious homecooked pancakes and sausages," he said. "We had piñatas for the kids, and the high school gymnasium was filled with a diverse crowd. Many were guests of our active churchgoers who, for a variety of reasons, may not regularly attend church or have never done so."

He added, "The capacity to bring that group of people together in the spirit of Renewal in our parish was a promising sign of what is to come when we move into our new home."
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The story of Sacred Heart Church is not merely about bricks and mortar, but about a community coming together, united in transformation of their worship space. It's a story of renewal, of hope, and of a parish reborn.

Photos credit: Lynn Dumont, Sacred Heart Parish, Strathmore

To support Sacred Heart Church's renovation project, visit the fundraising activities below: