Expansions underway at Our Lady of Grace in Minot

MINOT, N.D. (KMOT) - More Catholics are filling the pews at a Minot church, and that growth is leading to a major expansion.

Our Lady of Grace in Minot started in the early 60s with 225 families registered with the parish.

“And by the year of 2023, we’ve grown to 1,325 families,” said volunteer parishioner Sharon Johnson.

Over the years, the Faith Formation classes have ballooned to 330 students across three sections.

“Seems like we have steadily been growing, which is a beautiful thing to see and be a part of,” said Father Adam Maus.

Currently, church staff and students share spaces.

But, Fr. Maus said, the ongoing expansion will create seven classrooms with five separate offices.

“We knew how constrained we were with classrooms and meeting spaces for all kinds of different things that groups and people wanted to do, but we didn’t have room to do,” said Fr. Maus.

KMOT Reporter Kyona Rivera: “Father, what are some of the things that churchgoers have shared about their excitement about the new expansions?”

Fr. Maus: “One of the biggest things is the new bathrooms. Opening them up, there seemed to be a tremendous amount of excitement around here, which is understandable.”

He said the bathrooms may seem like a small addition, but those who attend the church have had to use portable restrooms for months.

And it doesn’t stop there. The church’s food pantry will soon have its own building, after decades tucked in the basement.

“The food pantry will be about 4,800 square feet,” said Fr. Maus.

“So much faithful parishioners, and not from just our parish, but others as well, who dedicate so much time to seeing the service of the needs,” said Johnson.

The meaning of this project for the church goes far beyond brick and mortar.

“It means a great deal as a pastor to have that much involvement and excitement about a project,” said Fr. Maus.

The pantry should be completed by late January, while classrooms and office spaces should be ready by spring.

“We’re very much looking forward to this space,” said Fr. Maus.

Fr. Maus said the project costs roughly $5 million.

It’s funded through the church’s capital campaign, seed money and community grants.

Fr. Maus said they’re still looking to apply for more grants and raise more dollars for the project.