The St. Isidore Catholic Parish in Vita is getting ready for a big celebration this Sunday, marking one year since reopening its doors to the community.
After being closed for some time, the church was revived thanks to the efforts of dedicated individuals who wanted to bring Catholic worship back to Vita.
Edwin Sonsona, with Missionary Families of Christ Canada, recalls how it all started with a simple question.
"To the Bishop, if we have a Catholic Church in Vita. And he said ‘Yes, but it's closed’. So that's the word. And then follow-up question, ‘Can we open it?’ That's a year ago. And then no words, and then all of a sudden, yes, it happens. And now it's coming a year next week."
Since then, the church has become a hub for worship and fellowship, bringing the community closer together. While the population is around 400, Sonsona says not everyone attends, but there is a steady group of people who are eager to keep the church alive.
To celebrate the milestone, the parish will hold a special event on Sunday, February 16th, starting with a 5:00 PM Mass led by Father Paul. After the service, everyone is invited to a gathering at the Vita Friendship Centre for fellowship and a discussion on the future of the church.
"We rented it out," Sonsona says. "Right after the Mass, we go there for fellowship and plans. What to do next step for the church."
Over the past year, volunteers and donors have played a huge role in restoring the church. From repainting benches to repairing the roof, the work has been ongoing. Sonsona is grateful for all the generosity and support that has come from near and far.
A group of young men, Opus Dei missionaries from across Canada and Spain even came to help with this project.
"We have so many expansions. They changed the roof just in one day, the fans, you know. There is something big going on in that area, I can feel it."
With the church growing and more people joining in, changes have been made to accommodate the community. Mass, which used to be held on Saturdays, has now moved to Sundays at 5:00 PM to better fit people's schedules.
Sonsona says that everybody is welcome.
“It’s a nice, nice community. It’s every Sunday and a good thing there, every time they have Mass, the people will potluck after the Mass and fellowship. Some bring coffee and cookies and then chat for a while.”
Looking ahead, there are even bigger plans for St Isidore Parish. Discussions are underway to build a new church on the same property, one that is usable year-round.
"A very affordable one, not very big church. Just enough for people to gather together, having a washroom, proper washroom, and especially safe for everyone."
The existing church building will remain as a reminder of how the parish was revived.
"The Holy Spirit will be guiding us, the team, the volunteers in that area. I really appreciate the people, they’re working hard. Going there and looking after the church."
Sonsona says the hope is to turn the new church into a shrine.
“Something people can do as a pilgrimage. Go there and meditate for a few hours in a quiet place. That’s wonderful, that’s a dream for Vita.”
For now, the focus is on celebrating this first year, and everyone is welcome to join the special Mass and gathering this Sunday. It's a time to reflect on the journey, give thanks, and look forward to what’s ahead.
With files from Adi Loewen