By Patricia Schiissler
A beautiful little church is resting in a treed alcove surrounded by a large yard of lush, green grass. The site is 40 acres and is heavily wooded. The yard space also includes a cemetery, the Mercy grotto, a peaceful shrine and walking trail constructed in 2007, and Wissenberg School, built in 1900 as Saskatchewan’s first Catholic public separate school. The school was relocated onto the church property for preservation. The fieldstone building named after St. Michael the Archangel remains an active functioning Catholic church. St. Michael’s Roman Catholic Church has been at this particular spot in Lemberg, Saskatchewan, since 1901 – 125 years!
On Sunday, July 26th, 2026 Archbishop Don Bolen presided over a celebratory Mass. The church was full of people, and not one person complained about the hot, humid conditions. People attended from near and far, with many travelling lengthy distances. It was mentioned that past parishioners who had been part of the community had relocated over the years. They hadn’t been into the little church for a long time but returned for this special occasion.
Archbishop Don mentioned that the faith in that community has been multi-generational, which is why it has existed as long as it has. Delving into the parish’s early history, Archbishop Don’s homily began inspiring us to think about the early pioneers who arrived on this open prairie land. Each stone had to be sized and carried to the site. It was very heavy work, and every labourer would have their own story to tell. The workers had prioritized the church and school as very significant because they already had their own farm labour to deal with each and every day. They believed that the church was a place for the community to gather, pray, receive the sacraments and generally be near to God and their faith. It was vital for their social, mental, and spiritual survival.
After the church was completed, the families used it for weddings, funerals, and especially Sunday worship. Each generation would have their own special memories of the events that transpired. It was mentioned that immaculate care has been given to the church and grounds until this very day. Present generations of parishioners are still showing the love and care that began those many years ago to keep this parish so beautiful.
My heart was extremely proud because even though I don’t live in Lemberg and attend Mass here regularly, the church warms my heart since my great-grandfather, who was a stone mason, was one of the original builders. I can feel my own family connection and was happily joined by my whole immediate family for this special celebration. I knew that God called us all to be there, and the turnout of people could only be arranged by God Himself.
Thank you my Lord and God; thank you Archbishop Don Bolen for making this Mass and anniversary very special because that is the warmth you bring to all your people; thank you to Father Joseph for your devotion to the Catholic parishioners of Lemberg and making everyone feel welcome; thank you to the St. Michael’s planning committee who spent many hours organizing and planning; thank you to all the workers who arranged the Mass parts, sang/read for us, and prepared pictures of the St. Michael church history; and thank you for the workers who provided an amazing turkey supper; finally, special thanks to all the families who journeyed to make the 125th anniversary celebration such a wonderful success!
Patricia Schiissler, B.Ed., (nee Hanowski) as a lifelong Roman Catholic, was born, baptized, and received her sacraments at St. Henry’s parish in Melville, Saskatchewan. She began her education in a country, one room school (Wymer) from grades one to four. Education then began at St. Henry’s elementary school, grades five to eight and grades nine to twelve in St. Henry’s high school. Pat worked in the University of Regina library and meanwhile married Terry Schiissler in 1973 (BA, Notre Dame, Wilcox). They have 2 children. She retired from teaching at Regina Catholic Schools after 28 years. Pat studied the Understanding Our Faith series from 1997 to 2002. She then took the Lay Formation Program and was commissioned in 2018. Faith interests and accomplishments include Eucharistic ministry, Proclaimer, RCIA sponsor, Bible study facilitator, Chair, Spiritual Education, Lay Liturgy presider, Synod representative, etc. Pat became an author after retiring from teaching. She wrote and self-published, “God in my Life: How God speaks to me”. For the following two and a half years, she promoted the book while speaking to large numbers of people. There were over 25 evangelizing events across Western Canada. The experience was so meaningful that Pat decided to write and publish her second book,” God for all People: Some Fact, Some Fiction”. It is based on her faith journey relating to stories mainly strangers shared with her. Pat’s website is www.patriciaschiissler.com.
