Out of ashes and dust springs life

A local church destroyed in 2012 reopened its doors this weekend to once again conduct Mass.

The 2012 tornado rocked St. Kateri Catholic Church, formally St. Joseph of Ridgway. The members of that church spent the last 3-1/2 years picking up the pieces. The final work is breathtaking and parishioners invited the community and visitors to help celebrate their reopening.

"It will be good to see this place full of happy praying people once again," said Father Steven Beatty. "To see it as it was intend, a house of worship."

Father Beatty has served the church now for eight years and was acting priest when the tornado hit. He is excited to get things back in full swing.

The church hosted its open house on Saturday, with prayer services that evening for its first public liturgy. A Dedication Mass, led by Bishop Edward Braxton, was held Sunday.

The new building, which is impossible to miss as when turning off the highway, is capable of hosting about 438 people and is now the tallest building in the greater part of Gallatin County.

"On a subconscious level, having the tallest building in town be a church, has to sink in at some point," Father Beatty said.

The members of the congregation and local artists volunteered their time to help finish the project and a lot of the grunt work went into installing the mosaic in the baptismal font, painting the marble sculptures that adorn the walls, pew installation and more.

Beatty said, "We have not in any way stopped any of our outreach in spite of this project."

With the huge cost of a new building some may question the necessity of the lavishness, but Father Beatty seems encouraged and almost excited to see new faces drawn by curiosity.

"This church is a new church for all of Gallatin County and we want to make sure that everyone feels welcome," Father Beatty said.

Some enhancements had to be cut from the budget to help save money. Those projects are still an interest, though, and the church is planning on completing them down the road as funds or donations become available. Touches such as adding stained glass to the large windows on the north and south sides of the building, covered walkways in the courtyard and overhangs for the doors around building are still on the to-do list.

"This is a spiritual home for all of Southern Illinois and anyone who wants to make the trip is welcome," Beatty said.