Rich Lake

In March 2022, the bishop held the deconsecration service at St. Mary the Virgin, Rich Lake.  Since then the building has been left empty.  Recently the building has been vandalized, the windows broken and inhabited by pigeons.  On Saturday, February 7, 2026 the bishop and his wife showed up to the building with tools and wood to join former parishioners to close up the windows and protect the building.  There were stories told and shared and the work got done in just under two hours with help from the community.  

Three of the people helping were sisters; Louise Onciul, Elsie Hagen, and Judy Kapyshyn.  Louise told of how both sets of her grandparents were married at the church, their parents and herself.  Her children were both baptised and confirmed in St. Mary's as well.  The building may be closed down but the memories live on.  

After the work was done all were invited to Judy's home for a wonderful lunch where more stories were told and shared.  

Special thanks to the following people.

• Judy Karpyshyn and Ron Stevens for measuring the windows ahead of time so the wood was cut the proper size.
• Elwood Kumpula for clearing all the snow so we could work around the building.
• Michael Piche for brining his flatbed truck and making sure the bishop's ladder was held steady.
• Judy Karpyshyn for keeping an eye on the property and preparing a wonderful lunch.