After 116 years of providing faith, love, sacraments, companionship, and community, Immaculate Conception Parish celebrated its last Eucharist Celebration on Saturday, Nov. 12, 2022. The first celebrations in 1906 were held in parishioners’ homes. Three years later, a wood frame structure was constructed. The Ursuline Sisters of Prelate came to Quinton in 1927, and one year later, the basement for a permanent church began. Due to the economic conditions at the time, funds were unavailable, so a flat roof was put on the basement. The church was fondly called the “Basement Church.” By 1952 the economics of the province had changed, and the current church was built.
The discernment journey for the parishioners of Immaculate Conception Parish was a two-year process. The people discussed the decreasing number of parishioners, which resulted in a lack of economic resources to maintain the physical building. The decline in parishioners for the parish reflected the decline in population of the town of Quinton. The decision was made with regret and sorrow, but parishioners maintained a sense of optimism for the future.
Parishioners are now invited to attend Sacred Heart Parish in Raymore, which is only 12.5 kilometers or 10 minutes from Quinton. Joining together to make a larger community will continue to provide the sense of community that was greatly enjoyed at Immaculate Conception.
The Most Rev. Donald Bolen, Archbishop of the Archdiocese of Regina, along with Very Rev. Rick Krofchek, pastor of Immaculate Conception, and assisted by Rev. Mr. Norbert Gaudet, and Rev. Christian Lindenbach, celebrated the Mass of Decommissioning.
The Eucharist celebration concluded with a special ceremony that acknowledged the celebrations and ceremonies held at the Baptismal Font, Reconciliation Room, Stations of the Cross, the Ambo, and the altar. Prior to the altar stone being removed from the altar, parishioners were offered the opportunity to offer a special goodbye at the altar individually.
It was a beautiful celebration with tears of sadness, joy, and hopefulness shared. Parishioners were able to celebrate together at a reception after the service.
