1946 – 2026 Watching Steinbach Grow: Catholic church gets warm welcome

JUNE 1, 1988—The Steinbach Catholic Church received a warm welcome to Steinbach Sunday during ceremonies marking the official opening of the new building for the young parish.

An overflow crowd of parishioners and guests sat through sweltering temperatures for the official opening, led by a ribbon-cutting and guest address by Archbishop Antoine Hacault of the Diocese of St Boniface.

The archbishop expressed his pleasure at the ready acceptance the fledgling congregation gained in Steinbach, a community he felt some years ago might be reluctant to see the first Catholic congregation established in its midst.

He said it is important churches work together as spiritual leaders in their communities, noting Christ is the unifying factor bringing Christians together. The archbishop suggested these are indications the Christian church worldwide may eventually come together as one body.

The new church, officially named Christ Our Saviour Catholic Church, is now completed, except for exterior finishing and landscaping. It was built at a cost of $350,000 and has a membership of 135 families.

Parish priest Father Gideon Trudeau told the audience he has been impressed by the spiritual influence in the Steinbach area. People here look after the spiritual needs of their neighbours, he said, adding he has also found them to be good builders and farmers.

Provencher MP Jake Epp, introduced as the minister of health and “life,” a reference to his anti-abortion position, said the power of the state has not reduced man’s need to communicate with God.

Epp said the Catholic church has shown a consistency of doctrine and teaching throughout its history in Canada, noting France’s colonization in this country was marked by a parallel effort in spreading the teachings of the church.

Epp stated the church must tell modern man he is more than just the material world. He challenged the seven-year-old Catholic parish in Steinbach to become a beacon of spiritual hope and faith.

Steinbach Mayor Ernie Friesen thanked the Catholic parish for locating in Steinbach and for their work in the community.

The Steinbach mayor said the opening of the community’s first Catholic church is significant and “the town is better for it.”

Rev. Bob Menzies, pastor of Steinbach United Church, presented a brass processional cross to the church as a symbol of his congregation’s appreciation for being able to host the emerging Catholic congregation in their building over the past seven years.

A special apostolic blessing from Pope John Paul was presented to the parish by Father Hervé Gendron, former parish priest now posted in Rome.

Musical entertainment was provided by the United Church choir, Harvest Time Quartet and St Boniface Diocesan Choir. An open house followed the opening ceremony.