Catholic church to be dedicated this weekend

The first Catholic Church named for the late Pope John Paul II will be formally dedicated on Sunday, Aug. 21. The Most Reverend George Leo Thomas, Bishop of Helena, will preside over the Mass of Dedication at 10:30 a.m. Immediately following the Mass, parishioners will celebrate with a parish picnic. At 2 p.m., there will be the formal blessing and dedication of the Walker Digital Organ and Yamaha Piano followed by a joint recital by guest artists Mark C. Jones and Jeffri Bantz.

In demand as a keyboard artist, vocal instructor and conductor, Jeffri Bantz has performed with numerous orchestras and choral groups. He also serves as Organist and Music Director for the First Presbyterian Church in Pompano Beach, overseeing a program of multiple choirs and a concert series. Mark Jones frequently performs as a soloist, accompanist or adjudicator or composer. His organ preludes have been widely performed across the country and in Europe.

The dedication of this new parish church combines the churches of St. Ann in Somers and St. Catherine in Bigfork. Following almost 10 years of discussion and research, ground was broken for the new facility in May 2004. Built of cedar and Montana quarried stone trimmed with copper, the new church will seat almost 500. It incorporates features of the two churches including the historic bell from St. Ann and the altar crucifix and tabernacle from St. Catherine. The wooden pews from St. Ann were taken apart and refinished to create the reredos for the sanctuary.

Whitefish artist Myni Ferguson created two stained glass windows for the church along with an etched glass background for the baptismal font. Montana sculptor Terry Mimnaugh is creating a bronze bust of Pope John Paul II that will be placed in the vestibule of the church.

Pope John Paul II Catholic Church is located just off Highway 35 at 195 Coverdell Road.