After much consultation, and in the spirit of synodality, the community of Corran Ban have requested the decommissioning of St. Michael’s Church. The decommissioning Mass was recently held on July 8, 2024, being celebrated by Bishop Joseph and concelebrated by Fr. Gerard and Fr. Chris.
The present-day church was built in 1932, and it was truly a lovely space for the small parish of families that lived in the area. However, in recent years the parish was experiencing a decline in attendance that resulted with the inability to fund ministry or evangelization programs as most of its funds were being spent on maintaining buildings that were no longer used. After the initial closing of the parish during the COVID-19 pandemic, it never reopened. Around the same time, the Catholic Women’s League ceased their chapter in the parish.
The decommissioning Mass was well attended and allowed those present to be able to remember the blessings and graces received within the walls of the simple space that was once a spiritual home to many parishioners during its 88 years. It was a time to give thanks for the Word of God proclaimed over the years, the many prayers prayed, the songs sung, the Sacraments celebrated, the laughter, tears, and love shared – neighbour to neighbour.
The Mass allowed many parishioners to pause and reflect on their time at St. Michael’s Church and the beautiful heritage and spiritual legacy the sacred space offered.
While we acknowledge, with gratitude, all who served and were served in this space, many families now attend and serve in the other local parishes of St. Bonaventure, St. Eugene’s, and St. Pius X that offer faith formation programs, organized evangelization ministries, and ministries that aid those experiencing hardship in the wider community.
