Ground broken for St. Kateri Catholic Church

Following a ground breaking for the planned 140 foot tall church which will replace the St. Joseph Catholic Church building that was destroyed in the 2012 tornado, the parishioners of St. Kateri Parish in Ridgway celebrated with first rate Cajun foods and Mardi Gras games Saturday evening.

The parish is named after the first Native American saint, St. Kateri. The 10,500 square foot building will replace the structure built in 1890 that was destroyed by the 2012 Leap Day Tornado.

The Rev. Steven Beatty said during the ground breaking service that the "Church" is not the building, but the people.

"This group has done an amazing job of raising an incredible amount of money," said Fundraising Committee Representative Tony Cox.

"We are the church., said Building Committee Representative Mark York.

Cox added, "Fr. Steven Beatty inspired the Catholic Community to build a spire that could be seen from miles away."

Monsignor Josph Lawler, born in Inman, was pastor of the church from 1977 to 1983. He was given the honor of turning the first shovelful of dirt and then was assisted by many parishioners in turning additional shovelsful.

Mass at 5 p.m. was followed by a Cajun meal and then Mardi Gras games were played into the evening.