Helena bishop dedicates new church named for late Pope John Paul II

Published: 2005-09-08

BIGFORK, Mont. (CNS) -- Bishop George L. Thomas of Helena dedicated the new Pope John Paul II Catholic Church in Bigfork during an Aug. 21 Mass. The new parish church is believed to be among the first Catholic churches named for the late pope, who died April 2. It combines two parish communities, St. Catherine in Bigfork and St. Ann Mission in Somers, both located on Flathead Lake, a popular tourist area just south of Glacier National Park in northwestern Montana. The decision to build a new church was prompted by the growth of the Flathead Lake parishes. The new facility, which will seat nearly 500 people, is within easy reach of both communities. Construction on the new church, made of cedar and Montana-quarried stone trimmed with copper, was begun in May 2004. Incorporated in the new structure are the altar crucifix and tabernacle from St. Catherine's and the historic bell from St. Ann's. St. Ann's wooden pews also were used to create an ornamental screen for the new sanctuary.

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