Six Le Mars area parishes to unite into one parish

By RENEE WEBB, Globe editor
Nov. 16, 2006

For several years the six parishes in the Le Mars Area Catholic Cluster have been investigating how to continue to serve the needs of parishioners as fewer priests are available to minister there.

Priests of the Le Mars Area Catholic Cluster read a letter from Bishop R. Walker Nickless at all Masses Nov. 11 and 12 that answered questions about the future direction of the parishes. The letter announced the bishop's decision to form one new parish corporation that will have a new name.

The announcement came in response to the corporate resolutions of January 2006, which proposed the formation of a single parish. The 2006 resolutions evolved from the long range strategic plan that was developed in October of 2004 by members of the Le Mars area parish finance and cluster councils. The six parishes in the cluster are Our Lady of Assumption, Merrill; St. Joseph Parishes in Ellendale, Le Mars, Neptune and Struble; and St. James in Le Mars.

According to Father Jim Tigges, pastor at St. James, reaction to the announcement was overall positive, but he is aware that concern was expressed by people in regards to what will happen to their local church.

"They are happy to be getting off-center and moving forward with some decisions," said Father Tigges.

He acknowledged that change is always difficult and the closing of anything - particularly something that has been such a significant part of people's lives - may evoke similar emotions to that of a death.

"That needs to be considered, faced and worked through," said Father Tigges. "Overall, as a priest I think the church is people, it's not a building even though we are connected to buildings at times."

He added, "It's a good opportunity for us to build a faith community in the years prior to coming together as one church for the six parishes."

Father Kevin Richter, pastor of St. Joseph Parish in LeMars, pointed out that throughout their history, the six parishes have naturally engaged in joint efforts to build stronger, more vibrant opportunities for growth in their faith through a unified Catholic School, Religious Education program, and sacramental preparations and celebrations.

"In these days, we must remember, first and foremost, that we are already one in and through our Catholic faith. I pray that we let this unity naturally draw these parishes together as one. May God give to us an abundance of grace and wisdom as we embark on this new journey in our Catholic faith," he said.

Father Dan Greving, pastor of St. Joseph Parishes in Ellendale and Struble, mentioned that he has witnessed a broad range of emotions from people in the pews.

He agreed with Father Tigges in that the loss of a parish is similar to losing a spouse. Father Greving said they were aware for quite some time that the one parish concept was on the table, but now they are faced with the finality of the decision.

"It will be a process that faces them," said Father Greving. "The journey in this consolidation process may be rocky at times but the people of these parishes have a deep faith and no matter what the outcome, that will remain."

Father Roger Linnan of Our Lady of Assumption in Merrill and St. Joseph in Neptune mentioned that most people realize the need for action due to the shortage of priests.

"The bishop had to make a courageous decision for the long-term good of this area," he said.

Bishop Nickless approved the hiring of the architectural firm BCDM Architects of Omaha as proposed by the Building/Site Committee. This firm is known for creating inviting Catholic worship centers through architecture, landscaping and interior design.

In the letter, he also gave permission to begin a capital campaign by hiring a campaign manager who will conduct a feasibility study for the new parish and who will manage the campaign for the new church. The campaign would also address any remaining indebtedness from each of the six parishes.

While the exact location of the new parish has not been determined, the bishop concurred with the cluster councils' recommendation that the new facility be part of the Catholic campus located near Gehlen Catholic School in Le Mars.

"Once architectural plans for the new church are reviewed and 50 percent of the necessary funds are obtained, construction of the new church may begin," wrote the bishop. "St. Joseph worship center in Le Mars will be closed and the church razed (torn down)." During construction of the new church, St. James and St. Joseph communities will work together in organizing worship services.

All of the other worship sites will remain in use until the new church is open. If all families opt to become a part of the unified parish, its membership could be about 1,800 families however, based on past information gathered in an early feasibility study, it is anticipated that some families will opt to go to other area Catholic churches.

"With the help of God's grace and special blessings, I pray for a successful conclusion to a process that will bring all of us to a greater unity in faith and fruitful pastoral service for the Le Mars area," wrote the bishop.