Sanctuary restoration at St. Mary’s in Grand Forks completed

The people of St. Mary’s Church in Grand Forks have finished the restoration of their sanctuary. The project was a long time coming. Father Dan Mrnarevic, a beloved former pastor, arranged for a consultant to provide a rudimentary plan nearly ten years ago. However, a recent project installing a new elevator and church entrance had reduced our available funds, and the project had to wait. The most recent renovation took place in the mid-1960s, incorporating a post-modern design that departed from the building’s architectural themes and had not aged well. 

Earlier this decade, when Bishop Folda announced the Diocesan capital campaign, which would benefit both the Diocese and local parishes, our parish decided to use this opportunity to take on this project. In late 2022, we formed an ad hoc subcommittee of parishioners. Paige Stransky, a liturgical consultant involved with several other church renovations in our diocese, guided the process. 

Earlier this fall, a crew of workers from Houston, Texas came to St. Mary’s to remove the existing flooring and appointments and do the new installation. Masses were held in our social hall during construction. Our former altar will be set up in Calvary Catholic Cemetery in Jamestown, and the Diocese is holding the remaining appointments in storage.  

The new flooring is a light beige stone with white marble steps. A parishioner refurbished our tabernacle, now returned to the center of the apse. One highlight of the new altar is a remnant from the original high altar of the Last Supper now placed inside it. An artist originally from Grand Forks, William Rerick, painted and repaired the piece. 

Many families gave sacrificial gifts to make our sanctuary restoration project a reality, and we are blessed to have a beautifully restored worship space for God’s greater glory and honor. Bishop Folda will join us to consecrate the new altar Feb. 7, 2026.